Funny family definitions

Words that many would commonly use for one meaning, but have a completely different meaning to parents in a family...

AMNESIA: condition that enables a woman who has gone through labor to have sex again.

BOTTLE FEEDING: an opportunity for Daddy to get up at 2 AM too.

DEFENSE: what you'd better have around the yard if you're going to let the children play outside.

DROOLING: how teething babies wash their chins.

DUMB WAITER: one who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.

FAMILY PLANNING: the art of spacing your children the proper distance apart to keep you from falling into financial disaster.

FEEDBACK: the inevitable result when a baby doesn't appreciate the strained carrots.

FULL NAME: what you call your child when you're mad at him.

GRANDPARENTS: the people who think your children are wonderful even though they're sure you're not raising them right.

HEARSAY: what toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.

IMPREGNABLE: a woman whose memory of labor is still vivid.

INDEPENDENT: how we want our children to be as long as they do everything we say.

LOOK OUT!: what it's too late for your child to do by the time you scream it.

OWWW: the first word spoken by children with older siblings.

PRENATAL: when your life was still somewhat your own.

PREPARED CHILDBIRTH: a contradiction in terms.

PUDDLE: a small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes.

SHOW OFF: a child who is more talented than yours.

STERILIZE: what you do to your first baby's pacifier by boiling it and to your last baby's pacifier by blowing on it.

STOREROOM: the distance required between the supermarket aisles so that children in shopping carts can't quite reach anything.

TEMPER TANTRUMS: what you should keep to a minimum so as to not upset the children.

THUNDERSTORM: a chance to see how many family members can fit into one bed.

TOP BUNK: where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.

TWO-MINUTE WARNING: when the baby's face turns red and she begins to make those familiar grunting noises.

VERBAL: able to whine in words.

WEAKER SEX: the kind you have after the kids have worn you out.

WHODUNIT: none of the kids that live in your house.

WHOOPS: an exclamation that translates roughly into "get a towel".


These are funny...yet so true!

Team Casey

On Oct.1, 1999, in a small little courthouse in Elizabethtown*, KY a young couple of 18yrs old, got married. We were young & naive, but in love.

Ten years later, I love that man more than I could have ever imagined. He is my hero, the man of my dreams, the incredible provider for our family, the daddy to our little girls, & the only one for me.

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!

When we met it was pretty romantic in my opinion. So much so, that no elaborate wedding could've topped it. If you haven't heard the story, I can try to find the words to describe it, just ask. =) Since then, we have lived overseas, moved across the US & back, lost loved ones, had a few kids & watched them grow into little replicas of us, but more fascinating!

“I don’t pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.” - Unknown

*Yes, like one in the Orlando Bloom movie of the same name.

Did I laugh before I had kids?

I can't remember. These little guys girls are the funniest, meanest, sweetest creatures God ever made. I love them!

For example, I have a cute story.

Today, I took the three girls Hannah (7), Josie (4), & Alivia (2) to the Pediatricians office. Every time we saw someone Liv would say "No shot!" (She & Josie got shots in the same office 2mths ago.) Well, the Dr comes in & Liv looks at him & says "No shot me! No shot me!" I laugh, he laughs, then he says "No, I won't shot you." It was funny! Then she says "You sit here" showing the Dr. that he can sit right up on the table next to her. He says okay & hops up there. She climbs in his lap (I am shocked at this point!) and he just casually checks her out. She was all "check my mouth now, check my ears, I breathe." ADORABLE!!! So, she has Strep throat, but she was so good & has her medicine now. (Which, after the first dose, she claimed was very ickky.)


Some of the funny things said around here:

Josie: "Mom, can i have some Ginger-Roo to drink too?"

Hannah: "Mom, would you let me go out w/ a vampire. Or go play baseball with one?"

Josie: "Mom, I like reading too, I am never going to play again!"

Alivia: "Come on Momma, I need tot-tart!"

Alivia: "SuperGirl to the rescue! dun-dun-duh"
Josie: "I'm SweatyGirl!" later "I'm LavaGirl!"

Josie (singing): "Creepy is my middle name!"

Me: "It's not the end of the world, just the end of your sucker."

Josie: "Mom, I wish I was normal."

Hannah: "Mom, can u fix your hair before you walk me down to the bus stop?"

Josie: "Mom, get the computer away from your head!"



With that last one in mind, I will close. Hope you enjoyed!

PS. I did get these off my Twitter acct. Before Twitter, I forgot all the good stuff.

It was six months ago...

I can still hear the voice of the nurse practioner telling me I would have to go to the ER, because there was nothing she could do. I can still hear the nurse telling me I would need a CT scan & being scared to death of what the results would be. I can still hear the ER doctor say he was bringing in a surgeon. I can still remember the surgeon giving me a 50% chance to survive. I can still remember my husband leaving my side to go care for our three daughters & the fear of never getting to see them again. I remember the nurse telling me that I will & the feeling of helplessness as I was wheeled into the OR. I can remember so much, so much it haunts me, like a bad dream.

I can also remember the love of my family, friends, & church; taking care of my husband & children, the cards, gifts, flowers, emails, food, words of encouragement, visits, & prayers. I can remember clinging to my Bible & Ipod, keeping them close, but having God closer.

For all the bad memories, I have many more good ones. Somedays, it is hard to remember them in the shadows of the dark thoughts, but I am doing my best. I know that I am blessed.


Not a day goes by that I do not reflect on all that stuff that went on. It just feels like forever & yesterday, all at once. I can't really describe it. I am doing really good, as are the kids. They make growing up look easy. I do have pics to share, but Hannah is getting home from school ay minute & I want to hear all about her day!

Happy Birthday Sweetie Peetie!

I cannot believe my "Baby Cake" is two!! Yeah, sure she acts 2, terrible, terrible two, but still! This girl is smarter than a whip & boy does she give me a run for my money. If she isn't busy, or if you can't hear her, then you are in for some trouble, b/c she is making it.

Here is a look at her, just two years ago. Born May 15th, 2007 at 4:07p.m. She weighed 6lbs 11oz. & was 18.5inches long.



So tiny, but so sweet!



Happy Birthday Alivia!!!

Parables & Ponies

I need to do more photo taking (& learning), editing, & posting, but I am busy packing for our 1st Louisiana trip of the year. My brother Drew is going to graduate High School on Mother's Day.

I do have just a few pics to share...

Hannah's most recent musical production called "ParableLooza."




Josie got to ride some ponies this past weekend during a Kentucky Derby party at my uncle's. I asked her if she was a Princess or a Cowgirl, & her reply was Princess, always!





I have more I am playing with, but no time this time! =)

Livvy-isms

From the mouth of my beautiful 1 (nearly 2) year old.

*

Cup Now! translates into.. If you don't make me something to drink in the next 60 seconds, I will empty your dishwasher & bring you as many dirty cups as I can, until I get you to understand me. (Then, I may or may not spit the contents out of my new cup, all over a piece of furniture, for fun.)

Excuse Me! means.. You are in my way. Move out of whatever comfortable position you are in, or out of whatever path you are taking because I own you.

Sorry! is also known as.. Ooh you got hurt? I wasn't expecting that.

Pretty! (while I am putting on my makeup) can also be translated.. When you are not looking, I am going to take your mascara & brush it on the tv, eat loads of toothpaste, & dip your blush brush in the toilet...but you look great!

My all-time fave:

It's peeing out there! means.. Look at the rain!

That's all I can think of for now. I'll be sure to do this again!

*If you have ever watched the show Lie To Me, can you guess the "look" she is giving me in this picture.

I get the crust, they get the sandwich.

LOL, that is how our dinners go nowadays. I don't know how I did it pre-infection. I seriously cannot get half the kids clean, half the house clean, or half my to-do list done by midnight. Then I wake up before 7am & try again, to no avail. I know having a clean house is not the most important thing in my life, but it is so relaxing to sit in a clean room & just relax. Just to sit down & get on the computer for 15mins would get so much done in terms of my to-do list, but in the mean time I have kids scattering paint throughout the house, or all over themselves. Don't even get me started!

Honestly, I think the worst thing I have ended up with (cuz I could care less about an ugly scar, really!) is my lack of brain function! I cannot multi-task anymore for the life of me. I guess when Casey became the Mom, I became the Dad? Now he gets to go back to work with life-changing skills & I am left a useless heap. *Please read: I am NOT trying to be down on myself (nor am I calling my husband useless), I have HAD to be pretty self-focused, but I want my Supermommy cape back!

Did I mention I completed my Hyperbaric treatments today? YEAH!! I only had to do 24 treatments, or 42hrs & 24mins, or 2544 minutes, or 152640 seconds, not that I was counting. (LOL, or that my math is right!?!) Yes, I am a free woman, no more early morning rush-hour traffic, babysitters, or watching movies in a tank full of oxygen. Ok, I did sleep some of the time. It was cool, it helped me heal, & now may I live forever! Haha, joking (unless I turn into a hot vampire, also kidding again. )

Okay, okay, I found a super-awesome blog just now, I cannot wait to start reading all about it, when I take my next break & all. =)
..,To Love, Honor, and Vacuum

I'm antibiotic-free!

I'm still getting it all out of my system, but this is the 1st day in 7wks, that I haven't HAD to take anything? I am feeling pretty okay. My ID Dr. thinks that all the bacteria is gone & my wound is pretty much healed on the outside. I still have a little area that needs to close completely, but it certainly looks much better. There is still a slight chance that I could get sick again, but nothing to worry about.

Did I mention I was allergic to the last (newest) antibiotic I was on? Yea, now I am allergic to 7 meds. Three of them treat MRSA, so that could really limit the amount of meds that could work for me if I get a repeat infection, but also two other antibiotics for other infections, & then two pain meds. Those are just my allergies, not my sensitivities, geez. To think I used to love hospitals, & now I would be happy to not go back, ever. Okay, I lie, I would LOVE one more kiddo, but I definitely have a lot more patience there.

I have about 6 more Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) treatments, then an appt. with my surgeon in 2wks, & God-willing I will be free! I am so grateful that I am alive & doing so well. There are so many others that don't get better, but I did. Thank God!

I am also feeling pretty good pain-wise, just uncomfortable sometimes. It is gonna take about 18mths to heal all through & through, but it IS healing. I am working on getting my energy back, but I can't seem to find it, yet. I think the kids have it. I can't keep up!

I am hoping to have some new pics soon, my camera is definitely being neglected. =)

Things are definitely looking up.

Could it be b/c I am looking up? Well, technically down...on my knees that is. It's not just me, I am so thankful for all my prayer warriors out there. I just want everyone to know that I am immensely blessed by each one of you.

As of today, I only have a couple more days & I can get my IV out. Oh did I mention I am infection-free? Yep, so says my last cultures. I am officially off the meds that have made me so nauseous & sick lately, & the new one so far hasn't done any damage to my appetite. Yes, I can eat! I love it! I missed it!

I have an appt. with my surgeon tomorrow, but I know it is gonna be a good one. I am probably looking at 16 more O2 treatments, but that's what I get for being a big-time movie watcher, lots of boring time to watch movies.

Guess, I can go back to being a lazy blogger, nah! Well, maybe. I sure hope I don't have anything interesting to report, not anything scary or dire anyways. I do have a testimony I have been working on though, that God has been working on. I cannot wait to share!

Another Fri. (2wks post-hospital)

Yesterday was my worst day in a little while, & I am praying that it is never repeated. I "think" I may actually keep something down today. Still waiting for my cultures to come back on Monday, so maybe I can get off these meds. Also, I am doing some research on Betadine/Iodine sensitivity or chemical burns, which is my newest theory regarding my newest ailment. I stopped using the Betadine, just in case, so my nurse gave me the Dakins recipe (bleach/water) to try. They used this in the hospital the most, so I know I can handle it, plus I only have to put it where my wound is open.

I am just very very nauseous, tired, & missing my kiddos. Hyperbaric O2 therapy is going well. I get so bored being in there & it is such a pain to go downtown each day for 2hrs. When I get home I am pooped & want to sleep all day. I'm sure you can guess where the puns are intended. :P All in all, I am surviving & sorta healing. The wound is healing on the outside more than the inside, but it's just gonna take some more time & a lot more patience. I could use some prayers for all these side effects of the medicine for sure. I will definitely update when I get results on Monday, or Tues. after my Dr. appt at the latest.


So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded, YOU NEED TO PERSEVERE so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV

I'm stitch-less!

Too bad, I am not completely itch-less, but oh well!

The swelling was worse this morning & definitely red, so before heading to the ER I called my Drs. My ID doc sent me for a stat CT scan, & my surgeon wanted to see me in his office. The last CT scan I had was the day I went to the ER & had my 1st surgery. As fas as the orignal infection goes, the CT scan showed that the site was remarkably better. They didn't say anything about anything new. I will have to take it a bit easier for a little while, b/c my surgeon took out my stitches & took a few deep swabs to send in for cultures. So, I just wait & watch. The test results should be in by Mon. & my hyperbaric treatment begin tomorrow. Any new swelling, a fever, or anything of concern & I will go straight to the ER.

Thanks for the extra lifting up! <><

Edited to add: My surgeon says it is normal for a wound site as serious as mine to take some time to heal, & take steps back sometimes. So that is reassuring. Also, I do have to pack my wound a little (w/gauze & betadine) since it is slighty open, but I have all confidence in my healing.

But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 NIV

Not so great, not too bad (Appt. update)

Last night, I noticed some swelling near/around some of my stitches, but no fever, redness, or anything to cause panic. I saw my Infectious Disease Dr. today at my weekly appt. & he thinks there might be a secondary infection, even though the rest of the stitches look very good. I am now on 2 more antibiotics, but these are in pill form. He thinks that broader coverage, as far as meds go, will be beneficial, seeing as they don't know for sure what is going on. Both meds are appetite suppresants which given my intake lately, are not too good for me. Most people report a metallic taste from one of the meds & nausea w/ both, surely not fun. Ahh the wonders of modern medicine, I must feel worse to get better.

So far the hot flashes are back, along w/ a little nausea, but no allergic reactions, which I have to be careful of b/c my med allergy count is at 6. I am keeping a close eye on the area & also taking my temperature. Still no cause for alarm, or an ER trip, but I think I have everything in order just in case. So please say a prayer for some newer quicker healing, very little side effects, & everything else you can muster.

I do feel like I have been rocked a little by all this new stuff going on, but my faith is strong & I am very optimistic. I joke & say I am in the "humor stage" of grief. Nothing like a little laughter to lighten the situation. =)

Love, T

Sometimes they sugarcoat it...

Sometimes they just have to tell you like it is. It's scary, I am not "out of the woods." The woods may come back at any time & kill me. It's just not something I wanted to hear. I have been knocked to my knees often these last couple days. I know the Lord won't give me more than I can handle, but I find myself crying out "Please Lord, no more!"

My surgeon was not as pleasant as I was hoping for yesterday. I know he has a less-than-perfect bedside manner, but I have been told 20x over, that he is the best. He has had so much experience with these kind of wounds/infections. The face that 50% of his patients with necrotizing faciitis do not survive, has rocked me. If they (all of my Drs) are not aggressive enough, I may die. Usually it is the reoccurence of the infection that leaves them w/out any options, or hope. I have hope, lots of it, but I think I have put more trust in the Drs, than the Great Physician. I can honestly say, I am scared & I am leaning on Him more now than ever.

I want to see my kids grow up, see them all accept Jesus, grow old w/ my husband, love my family & my Jesus till the end of my days. I just don't want for those days to come so soon. Sorry for such a somber message, I don't like to make people cry, but I wanted to share a little bit of the grief that finds me a little depressed today. The fact that I am in bed, away from the girls, on only ibuprofen, just adds to it.

Don't worry, I'm not defeated, just a little distressed. Satan has been at my door, but I am not letting him in, not ever. Please don't think I am giving up or giving in, I am holding on to my hope, my faith, I will be healed. I am just learning an all new level of patience. Praise the Lord!

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 NIV

If you want to read more about MRSA or NF, here is a good link to articles, including the one linked above. Here is an article talking about how common MRSA infections are & how rare it is that it turns into NF.

Update from home

I love my husband! He has not only taken on the role of Daddy, Mommy, UPS Manager, Housekeeper, etc. (really I could go on all day), he is now my wonderful Nurse. He takes such good care of me (even if I make him take 100 trips around the house), makes me eat (which I have to do tons of), & he gives me my IV meds (like a medical professional.) Words cannot express how much I love this man & how proud I am.

Me, I am doing well. I have been lounging around as much as I can, but sometimes I am naughty & scrub a wall or dish here & there. I totally cannot help it, it's just part of my nature. I did have a Dr appt. today. My IV site looks good, once again thanks to Casey. I am keeping my wound site clean, no pink/red or swelling, which is good. There is just one area of concern where my skin is hard/tough. So, instead of switching to antibiotic pills soon, I am going to remain getting them through my IV for a little while longer. I really thought I was out of the fighting stage & into just the healing, which is a bummer, but I am trying not to feel down. Just means more praying. =) I see my surgeon tomorrow at the Wound Care Center, so hopefully I will get a little more insight into how I am healing & talk pain meds before I run out. There will probably be nothing to report, but if there is, y'all will know.

I know I have said this so many times, but thank you, thank you, thank you, for all the prayers, food, gifts, flowers, child care, & everything else. I am so grateful for all the help, it has certainly lifted me.

Fri. 3/6 ~ The Finale

What started as a tiny bump, turned into emergency surgery 4 days later, 2 more surgeries & 17 days later, here & I am going to be discharged! (Did I mention the isolation? I nearly went insane!)

I got the pain control figured out. A whopping 15mg of Percocet every 4hrs, keeps me happy. I will be getting antibiotics through my IV line each night. Thank God for insurance, b/c each tiny bag is $300. My stitches look good, kinda like a baseball. I have to take it really easy, it was not a 3-layer closure, so I am fragile & I absolutely do not want to bust anything! But, I feel good & I am so darn happy to be alive & getting well. I did come in here w/ 3 medicinal allergies, but now I have 6, & my arm itches like crazy all the time b/c of all the tape that keeps my IV are clean. We have tried every tape here, for this & that, but I am sensitive to it all. It's nothing a little benadryl & a nap won't help.

My diet is high protein & lots of calories to regrow the tissue between the stitches. (I usually would say wound, rather than incision b/c literally, there was a huge gap there.) So, don't be surprised if I have gained 50lbs by the time you see me. Not that I mind, it will just mean more of me to love! I have learned to drink a ton of water, which is a good habit for me, I just liked it better when I was on the catheter.

Oh yea, when you see me walking, the shuffle will probably be my normal gait for a while, b/c he had to sew my leg in a little & it is weird to walk. Like if I wanted to sit on the floor indian style (or yoga pose) my left leg wouldn't (& shouldn't yet) lay flat against the floor. It's gonna take lots of healing, then a while of stretching, but I am up to the challenge.

This hospital has been super awesome, the Drs, the nurses (all besides one), all the way down the to housekeeping & food service employees. I love them all! I can't thank you all enough, as well, for all of the support, food, visits, flowers, calls, gifts, prayers, you name it! I am going to be writing up a testimony in the coming weeks & by God's grace I want to share it with you all.

Okay, I am going to stop my rambling now, I see I have been all over the place, but I am just so excited...& my coffee is not here yet. Lots of love & prayers of thanksgiving! ~T

Tues. 3/3 ~ Week3

Sorry for the lack of updates, I had a really rough day yesterday. My surgery was early in the morning, took a good bit of anesthesia to get me under, but I did great. My wound was closed (not too tight so it could still drain) & my Dr said it looked really healthy, w/ only a little bit of debriding done. In recovery though, the pain was awful. The nurses gave me everything they could & I was still clinging to the side of the bed crying. They called anesthesia back to okay some more pain meds & something to calm me down. I felt better enough to be moved back to my room. I had ice bags & pillows everywhere, but still had a hard time getting comfortable. Just when I had my pain meds on a fairly good rotation Demerol, then 2hrs later Morphine, the night nurse was late half an hour on delivering them. So the next meds didn't work as good as long, then he let me sleep too long & I was another hour late for my demerol. Well, then the medicine didn't touch the pain by then, but I needed to eat breakfast before I had more, so I didn't get sick. Needless to say I am typing this too you on Morphine, Demerol, Zofran (for the nausea), 2 ice bags, & about 6 pillows. Hopefully, the Wound Care nurse will be in soon for the "big reveal", when I get to see my new stitches. I did get an update from my Hyperbaric Dr. & it looks like I won't have to go downstairs anymore for treatment, as my wound looked pretty healthy of bacteria (in surgery) & it was healing just right. The latest tissue culture should be back by the end of the week & I will know if the Staph is still present. My surgeon has Friday set as my tentative release date, which should give me enough time to start walking, lose the Cath, & get down to just the Percocet for pain meds.

(BTW: I still <3 my nurses, pain meds or not, they have been super-awesome!)

Off to rest! Love, Tara

Small Surgery Update

I'll write the full update later when I can sit up longer, but I made it through surgery, my wound is loosely closed, & I am on bedrest for the day. The pain is considerably more than I have ever felt, but the Lord is definitely supplying me with strength & the nurses are supplying me w/ lots of Morphine & Demerol. My surgeon would like me to stay until Friday, which I am totally fine with, but the GP who sees me thinks I will be ready to go home sooner. I will contest that if need be. Just wanted to let you all know that I am alive, but I have turned my room phone off, since it is so loud. You can call me or text my cell if you want, but it may take a bit to answer or call back, depending on if ppl are in the room, how far my phone is, & whatnot. I appreciate all the well wishes & words of encouragement & I can never thank you all enough for the prayers!

Sun. 3/1

I am never as thirsty as I am when I can't have something to drink. Same goes for being hungry. At midnight I am NPO (nothing by mouth) & that includes my Percocet. So, I am might just be waking up every 2hrs for some Demerol. I have no idea when I am going under the knife, just that it will be sometime in the morning. I can't even tell you what time I went in last time, I seem to lose most of my memory from surgery days.

The good news is my wound is really healing, has great blood supply, & the necrotic (dead) tissue area has not gotten bigger. I am excited for a semi-closed wound w/ no more dressing changes that include packing it w/ bleach water & gauze. I have no idea what to expect as far as how it will look or scar, but I expect it will be rather itchy if they tape it up really good (my skin reacts to tape), but also kind of painful, at least for a few more days. Then it should heal even faster & I can eventually wean myself off the pain meds. I know that it won't be an overnight thing, but I have definitely learned to have a lot more patience than I used to have.

I have to tell you, I have made such good friends out of my nurses. One in particular, Brenda, has really brightened my days w/ her cheerfulness & kindness. I know I have probably had at least 20 in my last 12 days here, but I remember each one so fondly. Some are faster than others, some more assertive, some just plain old sweet as could be.

Saw the girls today, that was fun. Sorry if you missed them at church, everything is fine, just wanted to keep them germ-freer (haha made that word up) so that I wouldn't chance getting sick when I saw them. You'd think I was the snack lady though, all the food they consumed in my room. My MIL, Sue, made me a large posterboard w/ lots of family pics on it. I really love it! Makes me smile every time I look over there.

Anyways, I will try to update tomorrow as soon as I am feeling up to it, or I can send a text maybe, but I probably won't be up to talking on the phone much. Especially if my head finds the garbage can as it did last time. Please pray for my Drs, my nurses, my surgery, & especially my nerves. I have peace that it will all be alright, it is just all the uncertainties that have me up late. Well, that & my last gulp of water at 11:59. =)

Fri. 2/27

There's not much to update on really. I just found out I'm probably having an allergic reaction to one of my antibiotics, so for now they have been suspended. Boy, was I having an itchy day! I do get to enjoy a 3-day weekend off from my HBO treatments, but that just means more naptime, & a more relaxed med schedule. Surgery is still on for Monday, unless labs come back abnormal. Not sure if I will have to wait 3-4 days after my surgery for culture results before I get discharged, or if I may get to leave w/in a day or two. Either way, I pray I am ready. I have lots of faith in my doctors & once again, I must mention the wonderful people here at Audubon who have shown me lots of love & given me tons of hope.

I haven't asked about when I can return into the public, mainly church. It is all up to the Dr. whether it is safe for you all & me too. Just to reiterate, I am not contagious in an airborne sort of way. It would have to be direct contact to my wound & body fluid to an open sore or cut. We all live w/ Staph on our bodies. I am still fighting the infection though, so for me to get sick (even w/ a cold) would lessen my efforts, by giving my body another battle. So we'll see, no rush.

Off to get some medical stuff done & take some pain meds, then hopefully see my husband. I just have to brag that he gave up concert tickets tonight to be w/ me. His mom is also flying into town any minute & he will go pick her up w/ the girls. I think they are going to be happy to be back to normal (sort-of) at home. It's just hard to imagine I won't be there with them for nearly another week.

Thurs. 2/26

Nothing much to report today. I just watched some TV, ate some pretty good hospital food, worked out a great pain med schedule, weaned myself off a little Demerol, got a good report on my wound site, & started hearing the word discharge thrown around. Did I mention I got to see Alivia? Hannah too! I had not seen Livvy in 8 days!!! It was so good to see her & cuddle w/ her. She has not forgot me! Not that I thought she would have, but it was nice to see her reaction. She also brought me a cute balloon & a beautiful little bracelet (Thanks Amanda!) I am so glad I got a chance to see her before my surgery, b/c I probably won't be able to hold her in my lap for a few weeks.

Hannah sure is loving being able to come up & eat the dessert of my dinner tray. =) She said she almost cries on the school bus b/c she misses me. =( She also said to me today "Mom, I wish this wasn't bad, like maybe you were just here having a baby, a baby boy." It was so sweet! She is definitely getting spoiled by Casey though, so a few things might have to change when we get home.

I am so sorry I missed some wonderful visitors today. I go downstairs for my treatment at 1:30p.m. until 4p.m. Thank you so much for coming to see me! Casey's mom is coming into town tomorrow. It is so nice to have her "be me." She is going to be taking care of Casey & the kids, just as I would like to do. He deserves it for sure! This has been a hard 9 days for us all, but especially challenging for him, seeing as he has taken on both of our jobs.

Well, I am having a hard time falling asleep, so I am going to get back to some more tv watching/ eating/ healing. Please pray for the lady who is resting across the hall from me, her name is Helen, she is quite old, & her family never leaves her side. I have reason to believe God will be calling her home soon. I wish I could go comfort the family & pray w/ them all, but I can't have contact w/ other patients.

Y'all have a great Friday!
Mine promises to be another Adventure at Audubon.=P

Wed. 2/25

A yummy breakfast, a yummy lumch, & a yummy dinner makes a girl happy. I did another HBO treatment today, which is much better when I get to watch TV w/ sound. Now, I'm just waiting on some Demerol & a dressing change for my wound. I saw a few Drs. today, all wanting me to get better & get home. Nice guys.

The plans are another surgery on Monday to debride/clean the wound & partially close it up. Then I could possibly come home a few days later. I would still have to take weekday trips up here to the hospital for outpatient wound care in the HBO chamber, pick up my antibiotics (done thru my IV at home) at one of my Drs. office once a week, & then a home nurse once a day. This on top of my own personal wound care, pain meds, oral antibiotics, etc etc. But, I would get to be home.

Please pray for God's hand to be on my surgeon's during this surgery, & the timing to be just right for me to go home. There will be more risk w/ my discharge, but the guys think it is almost time. Hopefully, I won't need to be babysat too much.

I think I have the pain med situation figured out better, which is good & I can eat, which is certainly an answered prayer. Okay, gotta get rdy for some not so much fun. I do wish I was at church tonight w/ Casey & the girls.

Updating

I realized I haven't been posting my updates here for those w/out Facebook so below are my entries since being admitted into the hospital.

As fas as today, Tuesday, I AM doing better overall, out of the woods, so to speak, but there is still the danger of contamination of other bacteria, as well as an overgrowth of Staph. So far we are winning the war & the Staph is down to at least one-millionth of the original amount. The redness & swelling have subsided & though my incision is larger after surgery on Fri. the Staph has not advanced. I do have some black tissue in my wound, but it raises no alarms as far as my Drs are concerned, just normal tissue death, probably b/c it dried out some.

I can tell you today is painful & exciting. Painful b/c we are adjusting my pain meds to get me off morphine & on to pain pills (Lor-tab.) So far the pills aren't cutting it, but the doses of Demerol in between are keeping me sane. I have asked God to help me through this pain, which I know is temporary, but I jusy know I can't do this all myself. I used to think I could, but I have been so humbled & my eyes really opened in that way.

Anyways, the exciting part of my day has got to be the HBO (Hyperbaric Oxygen) Chamber I went into earlier. It sounds so helpful, I am really looking forward to this new healing tool. Starting tomorrow I will go down to the Wound Center at 130p.m. & "dive" at 2p.m. The whole process looks so Sci-fi. I lie in there for 1hr46mins. It takes the 1st 10mins to descend (I'm really not going anywhere but the pressure is) then I am at bottom on high-concentrated oxygen, then I come back up. I feel a little light-headed afterwards, but nothing strange good or bad. The HBO treatments should really do wonders for my wound healing & beating the Staph.

Other than that I take a few naps, get my wound dressings changed, eat, type, & every now & then I get to excercise or walk. I tried a few stretches today & a nurse (not my own) came in & made me sit down b/c my heartrate was up. Haha, I was only following Dr. orders anyways. My nurses are a little more lenient & take such good care of me, once again a huge blessing from God.

Just had to add: One of my Drs came in & has decided to switch me to Percocet & increase the dose. This could be the answered-prayer I was hoping for. =) Oh, and Josie has a sinus cold, she is on antibiotics, so no visits from her for a while. Liv has been running a fever today, so some extra prayers for the both of them would be lovely. Thanks! ~T

Mon. 2/23

Well, no such luck on the wound vac. I kind of expected, due to the lack of skin available & how much is needed to tape it before suction. It's still bumming that I have to deal w/ wound dressings & such, but my pain is much more controlled. I am currently on just Demerol every 4hrs, since I nixed the Morphine during this morning's nausea episode. I am hoping to make the transition to pain pills soon. Today has been a really good food day. I have eaten lots more protein & calories & I feel so much better for it. I did have a bathroom incident today that scared me, but God is good.

My cultures came back as no new bacteria, but I'm guessing some of the staph is still present?!? The surgeon said he would not close me until he was sure there wasn't anything in the wound to reinfect/attack me. So my next treatment is the Hyperbaric Oxgen Treatment. It looks so spacy, but I am told it will help so much. As far as I have read, the oxygen lvls (way more than we breathe in) will help the wound heal, the bad bacteria not to multiply easily, & the antibiotics to do their work. I am on a few antibiotics, which will continue for weeks, possibly months, but whatever it takes.

Ok, so I am like the youngest person on this floor, but it is just now 7pm & I want to crash. *yawn* I am so sleepy! I have to wait for all the shift-change stuff first. Off to listen to a little worship music. Glory in the Highest!"

Sun. 2/22

Yesterday was a pretty good day. I overcame a few battles, one my lack of appetite, & the other made my Dr & nurses happy, but I won't say. While I did feel better since I could eat & drink, I was in more pain b/c I took some less meds. Oh & the fact I guessed my wound was 4in long but was told it was actually 9-12in. Big difference. The dressing changes are frequent & sore, but the pain meds are effective. I think I might've broken a world record for most antibiotics pumped into a single person. They are thinking tomorrow (Mon.) I will have a wound vacuum placed over my wound to clean it out for a few days. This means no more packing & covering, yay! I sure hope they can do it. Just learning a little more each day about MRSA staph & how to care of myself once home. I certainly do not want to get it again. Well, my nausea has been acting up this morning, even though I have this huge plate of bacon in front of me. How I want to eat & get well. Sure do wish I was at church though, sounds so nice, so normal. I will take my Lord where I can get Him though, & I know He never leaves my side. If I need reminding of His mercy, I think of how much worse it could be. When I think about His love, I think about my husband who has taken such good care of my affairs while I've been here, & my kids whom I miss more than words, but I know are doing great at the hands of others. Thanks be to God & all my dear friends.

Fri. 2/20

I had some debridement surgery this afternoon, & the Dr. says my wound is looking so much better.(For anyone curious about my wound, I'm guessing is it about 4in. long, in the bend of my left leg. It's as deep as the fascia.) I am not sure when or if he will close it, or how closed it has to be to go home, but the antibiotics are doing their job! It is officially MRSA, but we all have confidence & reassurance in Him that I will be coming home. The anesthesia did take a toll on me today, and I did have my head in a toilet for a while,then some medicine knocked me out for a good nap. Now I am up & eating (something I haven't done right in a couple days) & then going back to sleep (something I am also lacking.) I "should" be up to visitors tomorrow, but feel free to call if you aren't sure. Do not feel bad if you want to stay away b/c of the infection risk (we have precautions in place) you will not hurt my feelings. Also, if you would like to help out & can't think of a way to do so, please pray for me a healthy appetite & fast healing. Eventually, when my family gets back together, some meals would be nice, but I'm in no way a beggar. Child care is working out on a daily basis & my husband & I should have some time together soon. Thank you thank you thank you! I am praying for all the blessings in my life. God has certainly been so good & merciful to me. I thank Him for this affliction & to see all the beautiful friendships in my life. Love you all, Tara

Thurs. 2/19

The Bad News:
I was praying for Staph, if I was to pick of the two. Well, the cultures are back & it is Staph (MRSA), but a newer (less than 10yrs old) strain that behaves like Strep. The proteins this strain makes (has, creates, something) attacks my white blood cells. So, when we thought my # going down was good, it could b/c my "soldiers" where dying. Just to reiterate, it is more resistant to antibiotics, but it is also more aggressive. I do have to warn anyone that it is not advised to visit it me w/ kids or if you are sick, just as much a precaution for me, as it is for you. Also,

The Good News:
Obviously, not "The Greatest News (see John 3:16)" but definitely awesome. God is good! I am young & healthy so this is rare, but I know I will be healed! I have some pretty skilled Drs. (did I mention The Great Physician?) and some wonderfully caring nurses. I have HOPE & I have Jesus!

I WILL praise HIM in this storm!

I appreciate all your prayers, they are most definitely heard & felt. This all started w/ a shaving nick (probably) that turned into a large abscess. It has taken over the left side of my pelvis, buttock region, & down my inner thigh. I have been opened up, cleaned out, packed, you name it. This is all extremely painful, but I know I will make it through. I am looking at at least one more surgery, hopefully on Friday, but the redness is creeping up again, so it may be tomorrow. It is correct we do not know the specific bacteria, but test results will be back tomorrow (Thurs.) at the earliest. The dr. thinks b/c of how aggressive this infection is, that it is probably the result of Staph or Strep. Strep (aka flesh-eating)is the worst-case scenario, with a 50% fatality rate. I am praying for a miracle. Staph (MRSA) is better, I guess, but since I am allergic to a few antibiotics, it narrows my attack. Who knows what Our Creator can do though? I am very hopeful & very prayer-ful. I can already see God's good work during my time of trial. I will hope to give more updates soon, since my husband so graciously let me touch borrow his computer while I am holed up here. Again, your prayer mean the world (and Heaven!) to me! I love you all & God Bless!

Some prayers please....

***UPDATE***
Always ask for a prescription of pain meds!!! 4 Ibuprofen don't to the trick. It does keep the fever at bay though. When I got there it was 101. I won't know culture results till Wed or Thurs., but I have a follow-up visit tomorrow (Tues.) I will ask for something for the pain then. Unfortunately, the doctor said it would get worse before better, & it has. It has spread past the line marked (as he said it would) but it should also recede after a cpl days of antibiotics. He had to go way down the list to find one I could take (b/c of my allergies) & if it doesn't work (the lab tests it on their sample) I get a new one. So far I haven't noticed any change for the better, but I'm still praying.


***A tad TMI***

Taking a little trip to Urgent Care for an abscess that has gotten out of control. It has swollen significantly lately...let's just say larger than golf ball, smaller than a baseball. Could be staph, don't know. I know it hurts like heck & I think having the chills scares me more. Not really much of a fever though, my temp stays between 99.5 & 99.9. Anyways, better safe than sorry. I never go to the Dr. so this is a big thing for me.

Thanks for the prayers, I will update as soon as I can. Hopefully, on some form of pain meds & antibiotics.

Less-Words Wednesday

No denying this one!



and...


Oh, the jokes I could make, but I won't!

What does he know?

Ummm.. Stephen King, let's talk about your writing! You kill kids in your books & yet you say she can't write? I have lost more respect for you than the young lady you were dissing. I did like one of your books, but one of your movies scared scarred me for years.

Hannah the Baptist

brain malFUNction

Not to bump down my glorious news, but I have a funny tidbit to share. Casey & I were online shopping for a new couch* the other night. I just can't seem to find THE ONE. Anways, I was on yahoo & typed in the name of a store I frequently like to online window shop at...only this is what I type..

POTTY BARN

LOL! Before I even noticed, I hit enter. Casey was all like "I don't think I want to buy a couch from THAT kind of place!" Oops!

I meant Pottery Barn, but of course all this potty training is turning my brain to mush. Even more evident by the fact I was trying to justify their couch prices! Ever notice the "ouch" in couch?!

*It's a sectional I am looking for, so if anyone has any ideas, lemme know!

Sharing the Good News!!!

Short version:

Hannah is a Christian!!!

Long (very long) version:

We are members of a Baptist Church here in Louisville. When Hannah gets out of Sunday school she meets me for Worship service. Almost every other week she has Children's Church during Worship, the other Sundays she stays for the sermon and draws/writes notes. About 2mths ago, we were sitting in church & our pastor was talking about the Book of Life. Hannah leans over & whispers "Is my name in there? In that book?" I was taken aback by the question, b/c I never think she is paying attention. I explain to her very briefly what the book is & why my name is in there. My non-educated answer suited her just fine.

Fast forward a few Sundays & Hannah is in church with me again. She seems to be paying attention again & during the invitation I explain to her about the time I asked Jesus into my heart, in more exact detail. So we head home from church & on the way Hannah blurts from the back "Mom, I think I'm ready." I ask what for, she says "To give my life, my heart to Jesus." Way to make a momma cry!!! For real, it took me a few moments to answer her. I told her what a big decision/commitment this was to make, but that she would never regret it, etc etc. I told her when we got into the driveway (hungry, tired kids & all) we would pray. And so we did. We prayed (& I cried) all about Hannah's heart, Jesus, changing her attitudes, her life. After closing prayer, I told her that we needed to tell someone at church & they would be able to talk to her more. (This momma was not prepared for the convo!)

We go to church the following Wed. night for another yummy dinner & as soon as she sees the pastor she runs to him "I'm ready to accept Jesus!" (Maybe not the exact words, but it left an impression still!)So we schedule to have a sit-down talk during our next Sunday school class, since she has never had his "stick-man" interpretation of the Gospel. It was undescribable and great, and he said whenever she was ready she could come forward during the Invitation at church. She walks out & says to me "Momma, I am ready!" After we finish our classes we go to church together. She doesn't budge during the Invitation! I was confused. We get out to the van & she says "Momma, which song was I supposed to go up during?" I about fell out of the vehicle! I didn't tell her b/c I thought she knew when to go & if I nudged her she would feel pressured & go b/c of me, not of her own free will. I assured her I would tell her which song the following Sunday.

Another fast forward...We go to early service b/c I have Nursery Duty during our 11a.m. Worship. I let Hannah know which songs we are singing first & last. She is excited to hear that we will be singing "The Narnia Song" as it is called in our family, a.k.a "Old Rugged Cross." I tell her IF she is ready then that is her cue to go forward. Again, we start singing & she doesn't budge. Then it hits her! "Momma, I'm ready, but you gotta go with me." I grab her hand & try to walk, but she isn't moving. I stop, otherwise I would be dragging her & that was not my intent. When I look over she says "Wait...wait...okay now!" and we take off! I was & am so proud of her. She prayed, was received by the church, & made me cry again! It was wonderful! I told her I was crying b/c I was so happy & that angels in Heaven were singing right now.

So she is going to be baptized (or is it baptised?) this Sunday the 1st!! So if you are in-town you are most invited to join us! Isn't God great!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

I have a sleeping problem. Maybe a lot of people do? Women? Or could it be a mom thing? My ears are so sensitive I can hear nearly every move the kids, my husband, & even the cat makes in the middle of the night. I must be the last person asleep, or I just can't settle. If I wake up for anything, I have to go through a long waiting period for my brain to go back to sleep. Seems like I have been waking up more now than ever, even when the kids are sound asleep & it takes me longer & longer. I just toss & toss. This makes for a very cranky mommy & wife. Not who I want to be, of course.

So while I am laying there, you wouldn't believe the blog posts I come up with! Or the emails, funny stories, poems, songs, grocery lists, to-do lists, prayers, you name it, my brain will think of it! I am a genius after midnight!!! =)

Then I wake up to the crankiness that is my kids. Liv is usually pretty funny & happy, Hannah justs wants some breakfast, & Josie, well even if she wakes up on her own, she usually isn't too happy. That girl is my nite-owl. If I gave her a tiny 5min. nap during the day she would stay up past midnight. That is why she doesn't get naps, but also why I have to deal with even more crankiness come 5pm. Not so cool w/ a grumpy mom on top of it. I am trying though, hot chocolate before bed (to warm me up), a little snack (I can't sleep if I'm hungry), & some exercise during the day (unfortunately I'm too tired to do it more than every 2 days.)

The winter blahs have hit, the snow storm secluding us doesn't help, & I am always seeming to get sick now, so I am no bag of joy to be around. But!!! I do have good news which I am late posting about! So, I won't be too tired to type it up again (remember the lost post? yes I'm still peeved) & share it w/ everyone!!!

It is amazing how this woman gets ME...

Randomness

Boy, did Chef Boyardee taste better as a kid! Same for boxes of macaroni & cheese, McDonalds, american cheese, hot dogs, you name it. I guess my tastes weren't as sophiscated as they are now, & I don't even eat gourmet!

I think I am going to start making a list of all the things I look up on Wikipedia each week. Today alone I have looked up Salmonellosis, Blackberries, & Book of Life.

I could really go for some peanut butter crackes right now!

#1 and #3 liked to play in their #2. LOL, you get it?

My left-click mouse button is only working 25% of the time, grrr.

I have quite a few other more interesting (to me) things to post, but I lost a huge post, b/c I didn't save. Why did I do it on notepad? Needless to say, I'm mad. I will try to make myself rewrite it & share. =) In the meantime, enjoy..

Marshmallows: the other white meat.


Cousins - Alivia (19mths) & Sheridan (4.5yrs)

Today...

I think I will just lay around & nurse my poor calves.

Oh, I am not referring to the kiddos, I mean my own personal lower leg muscles. Who knew you had to stretch before running??? LOL, I'll survive, I am just surprised I haven't hurt myself more. I am loving my new workout regime (ahem, Wii Fit) so much that I am sad I don't have enough narcotics in me to do it some more. =( Casey says it needs to heal, I would rather work out the kinks. Guess it's a good thing I'm submissive & will allow myself a break. =)

**I will add that working out & getting into shape isn't like some new resolution for me, I always have the desire, just not the energy, determination, patience, & discipline. =)

I hope you have enjoyed my nonsense, it's about all I will probably get done today. =P I am working on some Biblical Resolutions (if you can call them that) for this New Year. I hope to share them soon. (I say hope, b/c I resolved not to resolve to stop procrastinating. I always fail that one!) Well, my house is a toddler too quite, so I think I will play a little game of Hobble & Seek!

God Bless!