The journey that never ends

We found out the results from the MRI on Thursday, and they were not good. I needed a couple days to process it, and to get myself together before posting about it on here. I'm just going to make this short and sweet, because I just don't feel like talking about it to be quite honest. But, I know that everyone is wanting an update, so I will just give the basics.

The scar tissue that we knew was in the joint space is pretty thick, and is pushing on the hip causing it to move up and to the left. Dr. Brock wants to schedule an arthroscopic surgery to clean out the joint, and then he wants to put Dane back in a cast for another 4 1/2 months.

We have an appointment scheduled Tuesday, November 17th with another orthopedic surgeon who specializes in children to get a 2nd opinion and see if there are any other options. We are not making any decisions until we talk to someone else.

On the outside/ the exterior I am fine. I am able to pull myself together, force smiles, force conversations, force laughter, pretend that although I am upset I am fine.

On the inside I am deeply saddened for my little man, I just want to be left alone, feel depression setting in, angry, have feelings of guilt along with feeling hopeless about Dane's situation...on the inside things are not fine.

So, the end of this journey is not near...not even close

Waiting is the Hardest Part

Yesterday Dane had his MRI at Herman Hospital. Kevin wasn't able to get off work, so my mom came in the night before and reserved a hotel room close to the medical center. Dane and I slept down there since we had to be at the hospital at 5:30 in the morning. 4:45 came really early Tuesday morning when our alarm went off. We arrived, did some paper work for about 15 minutes and then waited until close to 8:00before they were ready for Dane. It always makes me annoyed when you have to get to a place so early, and then sit and wait for hours. Anyway, we finally headed over to where they put Dane asleep, and I had to watch them do it this time. Not a fun experience. Dane could sense something was going to happen the minute that we walked into the room, and his whole demeanor changed. It was hard to watch them putting him to sleep, but it only lasted a couple minutes and then he was out.

The MRI took a couple hours, and from what they told us it went ok. We got to go into the recovery room pretty soon after they were done with the exam, and Dane was still sleeping. The anesthesia didn't settle well this time around. Not sure if it was a different type or what. But, Dane ended up throwing up on the way home all over in the back seat of Kevin's truck. Then he threw up 3 other times yesterday once we got home. Poor little guy. He seems to be feeling better today though. We don't know yet the results of the exam. I'm hoping that we will here something today or tomorrow. I'm just hoping that the results show his hip looks good besides the scar tissue that we already know about. So, we wait...

21 months

I'm having a hard time coming up with what to say for Dane's 21 month post. I have writers block this evening. So I'll just leave pictures of the little man, and come up with his latest tidbits once my brain rest a bit! :)

Stop Drop & Roll

Did someone say Fire???

Have no fear Dane the Fire Chief is here!

Ok, so how many people guessed correctly?? Anyone?





Well, we are 0 for 2 with Halloween plans. We had wanted to go to Orange and do the festival there and go trick or treating. But, Dane had other plans. On Thursday he started getting sick with a runny nose and he has a nasty cough. Dane was sick last year at Halloween also, and so he was cooped up then also. Dane's MRI is on Tuesday, and if he is too sick they will not put him to sleep to do the study. So, we decided to stay in town, and try to get him better. Please Pray that they will still do the MRI on Tues!! Dane isn't running any fever, and doesn't act like he feels bad. We have had him cooped up all weekend, so we will see.

Anyway, since we didn't get to do our original plans, I went ahead and still dressed Dane up Saturday to take pictures of him in his costume before it had gotten cold outside. He totally loved wearing the fireman outfit! He was so stinking cute. He wore it for a long time Saturday, and got upset when we tried to take it off of him. Today he has been putting on his hat and wearing it all around. Since we were going to be in town I had to go get candy for the trick or treaters. We had so many this year. Dane didn't get it at first, and thought every time that we opened the front door that he was going to get to go outside. But, then after a couple times he would get so excited when the doorbell would ring. He would open his mouth real wide, then take off running towards the door, and clap and giggle. then he would tell the trick or treaters hi and then bye. It was so cute. We actually enjoyed passing out candy, since Dane was having so much fun with it. We did have to close down shop and turn off all our lights around 8:45 because we ran out of candy. We had a good time at Halloween despite the fact that Dane couldn't really participate. Hopefully, next year Dane will start a new trend and be healthy during Halloween!

Set.Spike.Serve

I found out that we have some real talent and athletic ability in our family this weekend, and I got to learn all about how to play volleyball as well. My baby cousin, Haley plays volleyball and her team made it to the Regional playoffs this weekend. Ok, well she isn't a baby...she is 15 and is a sophomore, which makes me feel really old. But, anyway Haley's team played here in Tomball for the regional playoff game, so I got to go and watch. I got to see my aunt Darla, cousin Lindsay, my mom also came and brought my niece and nephew, so we all sat together to cheer on the Lions. First of all let me just tell you that I have never been so stressed out watching a sporting event in my life. It is very fast paced, and keeps you on edge the whole time. I felt like I needed to take some blood pressure medicine while watching it, and would catch myself not breathing at times while the ball was in play. To win this round of the playoffs you had to win 3 games. Each round was very close, and the girls really played well. We ended up having to play all 5 games because it was tied 2-2. They weren't able to pull out on top on the last game, but Haley and her team should be so proud of themselves. They did an awesome job, worked really hard all season, and made it all the way to the Regionals round. Congrats Haley for doing so well this season!!! I'm so glad that I got to watch you do your thing!

Introducing #9 HALEY BRACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

why is Haley the only one in yellow? Well, let me tell you... apparntly there is 1 person on every team who doesn't serve, and only plays defense. The umpire has to know which one she is, so there is no confusion... just a little something I learned about volleyball

getting ready for the ball...

High Fives after winning 2 games!!!

Action shot! Haley did awesome!!!

Night Out

Kevin and I got to have a night by ourselves without the little man last night. My friends Khristina and Laura offered to watch Dane so we could do something for his birthday. It was actually the easiest baby sitting job ever because Dane was asleep when they got here, and they never heard a peep out of him. While we were out we heard from the Gonzalez's and they happened to have a babysitter also, both of us with a babysitter at the same time never happens, so we got to hang out with them for a while as well at Baker Street. Once it was time for us to come home Gabe and Christy decided that they weren't ready to call it a night, so they headed back to our house to hang out for a while. Let me just say we had lots of laughter! Good Times! It was a great evening, and we had a blast celebrating Kevin's birthday. Thanks Khristina and Laura for watching Dane, and thanks Kevin for having another birthday!! :)

They say it's your Birthday

Today is my big man's birthday!! Kevin is 34 today. It feels like it was just last year that I was throwing him a surprise party for his 30th. Where has the time gone? He has really just grown up on me. :)

Kevin's latest tidbits:
-almost done with his masters program
-is in his 5th year of teaching
-still sleeping through the night
-is not a picky eater (crawfish is his favorite)
-gets cranky when he is hungry
-loves anything that involves being outdoors (the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree)
-in the 50 percentile for height and weight
-still has all his hair and is not wearing dentures quite yet
-vocabulary list is getting bigger everyday
-loves fast cars, sports and anything to do with history
-not a morning person
-still just as cute as he can be
-has a huge heart
-very sarcastic, but very playful

Happy Birthday My Love! I'm glad that I get to celebrate another year with you! Tonight we are getting a date night to celebrate his birthday! Looking forward to it!

30th

31st (confession- this is from his birthday weekend when we went to the Renaissance Festival...I have looked everywhere and can not find one of his actual birthday...bad wife I know)

32nd

33rd

34th

Right Back

Right Back.

That's what we have been hearing a lot of the last few days from the little man. He puts his finger in the air and says right back, and then usually "tries" to go do something that he isn't suppose to do. Kevin and I both say it to him several times a day. It is usually when he is in his play room, and we need to run downstairs for a second, and we don't want him to get upset that we are leaving. It totally cracks us up when out of no where he will say a phrase that we use all the time. I just can't believe how big his vocabulary has gotten recently. He has become very chatty lately!

I need more magnets

I am so that mom...the one that is so proud....the one that has her fridge covered in drawings made by her kid.

My little man came home from his day care with 3 works of art! Obviously, lots of help was given to make these, but I thought they were so cute. This is my first fridge art!! AHHH!!! I love it! Nothing says mom more than cut out pumpkins and feet prints covering every inch of your house.

Used his feet to make ghosts

the teachers put glue on the pumpkin and let Dane put the paper on it to decorate it.

His hand as a turkey

WARNING

This post is not going to be a warm and fuzzy, cute and cuddly or happy and fun post.

I'm not a happy camper today. So, if you don't want to hear me complain, gripe or vent out all my frustrations then you need to exit right away.

Ok so you have been fair warned.

Today has not been a good day. Friday wasn't good either which is when my "drama" started.
So, this coming Wednesday was SUPPOSED to be the day that Dane was to have his MRI done. Notice I said Supposed to. We have been waiting on this appointment since the last week of August when Dane had his 2nd arthrogram procedure. The MRI schedule was completely booked, and we were told that we could be squeezed into the schedule the very next day as an emergency case. Well, it just wasn't possible for Kevin nor I to take off 2 days in a row on such short notice after we had already arranged our schedules for the arthrogram. Dr. Brock assured us that this was not an emergency, and if we had to wait a couple months it was no big deal. So, we took the next available appointment which was not until Oct 28. We were told that we would be put on an urgent list, and if anyone canceled we could be put in their spot. So the last 2 months have been a waiting game. Waiting on the next step for Dane's hip.

So, Friday I called Dr. Brock's office to figure out exactly what we needed to do, where the MRI was going to take place etc. I talked to his nurse, and immediately I got the impression that she was confused about Dane's situation, and I got a gut feeling that Dane was not on the MRI schedule. I'll just call her A. So, when I called A said "oh we were wondering what happened to you guys, we haven't heard anything from you in several months". We weren't told we needed to see Dr Brock or talk to him in between us waiting for the MRI. She told me that she had no idea about the MRI, had no idea if Dr. Brock wanted Dane to have the MRI, had no idea about anything. She said that she didn't have Dane's chart, didn't know when she would get it etc. See why I'm frustrated.
She told me that she was going to get all the confusion figured out, she was going to talk with Dr. Brock, and was going to talk with the MRI department at Herman, and then would call me on Monday. So, I hung up and pretty much stressed about it all weekend. I just had a feeling that she had dropped the ball.

Well, I was right. So this morning I waited until 11:00, and just couldn't wait anymore. I needed to know if Dane's MRI was going to happen or not Wednesday. I called A, and asked her calmly if she had an update for me about Dane's situation. She got extremely defensive and rude with me and began to tell me that SHE DID NOT HAVE DANE"S CHART, AND SHE TOLD ME ON FRIDAY THAT SHE WOULD CALL ME WHEN SHE GOT IT" So I asked if she knew if Dane was on the schedule, and once again she got snarly and said I TOLD YOU I WOULD CALL YOU WHEN I KNEW SOMETHING. She pretty much made it clear that she wasn't in any hurry to get Dane's chart. So, the frustration started kicking in. Well, we hung up. And not even 20 minutes later she called me back to tell me that she had talked to the MRI tech, and Dane was on the schedule for Nov 13th. Um what?? No...that is not what it is suppose to be. Well, then she straight up lied to me and told me that Jennifer the MRI tech had said that she had talked to Kevin and Kevin asked for the appointment to be moved. Funny. Kevin didn't mention that to me. On every calendar I have in the house I have MRI written real big on Oct 28. When I asked for Jennifer's number so I could talk to her directly, A made a remark to me that really made me upset. She said you getting angry about this isn't going to help this situation, you need to calm down, it is only 2 weeks difference in when the appointment was made originally. This is a big deal. I'm sorry but this involves my son and his hip. We have been waiting for 2 months for this appointment, and you are going to tell me that its not a big deal, that he isn't scheduled for when he is suppose to be? Then A slipped up and said that the MRI girl could squeeze Dane in on the 13. What squeeze?? But, I thought you said that he was scheduled for that day. I know that A didn't schedule it. I know for a fact. And I would respect you a whole lot more if you just said look I screwed up, I'm sorry that I forgot to schedule it instead of trying to act like someone else messed up or that my husband told them to reschedule Dane.

Well, I talked to Jennifer and she told me that Dane was never scheduled. She could not squeeze him in this coming Wed because the anesthesiologist schedule is completely booked. But, she is able to get him in Nov 3 first thing in the morning. I'm just ticked to be quite honest. I'm tired of having this hip thing hang over our heads. I'm ready for his hip to be completely healed, and for him to be able to run as normal as other toddlers do. I'm just tired of dealing with this. My little man has been through a lot, and I just want it to be done.

And if one more person gives me the "well at least your child doesn't have cancer, or at least you have a child" I will scream. Yes, I am grateful that Dane is healthy and alive, and I know that there are so many parents that are dealing with things that are much worse, but saying things like that does not make the situation better. Dane has been put to sleep 3 times, and will be 2 or 3 more times before this is said and done, has had major surgery, was in 2 different body casts for 12 weeks, wore a brace for 8 weeks which we ended up finding out was hurting the hip rather than helping, has been poked and proded over and over, spent a week in a hospital, has had to learn to do everything twice, and will probably have hip issues his whole life. He has gone through more than I or Kevin have put together our whole lives. I know pity party for us. Well for Dane. But, I need to vent, so venting is what I am doing. We found out about Dane's hip when he was 13 months old, and he will be 21 months this week. It has been a long journey, and I am ready to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

sorry for this long crazy post. I feel better all ready! :)

Almost Halloween!!!

Hot Air Balloon Festival

Saturday we went to Clear Lake for the hot air balloon festival. Neither Kevin nor I had ever been, but heard it was fun and we wanted to check it out since it was something different to do. I had found out that my cousins Alisha, Blake and Baylie were going to be there, so we hoped that we would run into them. It was pretty chilly when we left to go, so Dane was dressed in the cutest little sweater. He looked adorable in his outfit. It warmed up pretty quick though, so luckily I had packed Dane a t-shirt and had to end up changing him because it was pretty hot in the sun.



We arrived around 10:30, and immediately saw my cousins before we had even left the parking lot. So, we hung out with them for a while. It was great to see them. It had been a long time since we had seen each other. Baylie is 8, and Dane really liked playing with her. She was all about entertaining him, and he thought she was just the funniest.




At the festival there were several service men who had their trucks there and were letting the kids tour and play in their vehicles. That was right up Dane's alley. He got to play in an ambulance, several fire trucks, even some old timey fire trucks and police cars. Dane had a blast, of course, and then threw tantrums when we would take him out. He didn't quite understand why he couldn't stay in them longer. He just loves to be in trucks which is why we may have to tell Santa he needs a truck for christmas.



We found a shaded area to eat lunch, and just sit and relax for a little bit. There was an older couple sitting next to us, and for some reason or another Dane just thought the lady was a hoot. He kept going up to her chair, and she would talk to him, and he would laugh and laugh. Well, we ended up finding out her whole life story. We thought she was nice, but it was a little weird. She would tell us stories about her family and call them by name like we knew who she was talking about. For instance she would say yeah Carl did this and Ted went here. Maybe Dane could tell she was loopy, and thats why he was laughing at her. Several hours later we ended up running into her again, and she got even more weird. Kevin and I think maybe she had one too many adult beverages. She had these bunny ears and she was persistently trying to get Dane to wear them. She begged and pleaded with him, put them on Kevin, had me put them on, and Dane wanted no part of it. But, she wouldn't stop. I think she asked him to put on the bunny ears about 100 times. Kevin kept telling her that he doesn't want to, he is tired, he is getting cranky but nothing seemed to work. It was weird. Then all of a sudden she said she wanted a picture with her wearing the ears, but with Dane in the picture. So I said ok, and then she said ok take the picture.... she asked me to take a picture with my camera. Does anybody else find that strange? What a Hoot!

Then it was time for the balloon launch. We were really close to them, and it was amazing how big and colorful they were. Dane was very intrigued, and would point and say boon (balloon). It was really cool to have them fly right over your heads. We really enjoyed watching them. We weren't able to stay for the night part. Apparantly, once it got dark they were going to light up all the balloons. But, it was getting late, and we didn't think Dane would have been a good sport for much longer. He really enjoyed the day, loved playing outside and had fun looking at all the balloons. Good Times!

Another Hint

Here is another hint to Dane's Halloween costume. This one will more than likely give it away. :) This is from Saturday when we went to the hot air balloon festival (more on that next). Dane's Halloween secret will be out next Saturday! We have a busy weekend ahead...Kevin's birthday, my niece's birthday party, Halloween festival, Dane turns 21 months, a trip to Orange, and a date night for Kevin and I. Lots of blog posts coming up!

Grace is Here!

She has arrived and she is beautiful!!

Remember my friend Anna, who I took maternity pictures of? Well, Anna is now a mommy. Grace arrived a week ago, and is just the cutest little thing that you have ever seen. I got the privilege of taking some pictures of her yesterday. She was so precious, and tiny. It is really hard to remember Dane being that little. This was my first newborn shoot, so this was really good practice for me. I think it went fairly well...still need some more practice, but I am getting there. Grace was very alert and a true cuddle bug. For a split second I thought oh I want another baby...spilt second! ha Then came back to reality as Dane was running around, getting into every thing and telling Anna's mom NO NO. :)

I had so much fun taking pictures of Grace, and getting to see Anna as a mom. She is going to be a great mom, very nurturing and caring! So, here are several pictures of the sweet and adorable little Miss.

Sneak Peak

It is getting close to Halloween. Last year I had Dane's costume in September, because I was so excited for his first Halloween. Well, this year I have totally procrastinated and just now got Dane's costume. And by this time last year I had already bought all of Dane's christmas presents also. Not this year...haven't even started. It is different the 2nd year of your baby's life, I suppose.

Nothing is going to compare to last year's costume. You can click here to revisit the pictures from Dane's first Halloween. Dane was a lobster and it was so funny! He was hilarious, and so so cute!!

Here is a sneak peak of what Dane is going to be this year. I think he is going to be the cutest ------ ever. It probably isn't as funny as last year...I had to think about what he would actually keep on. Last year he just let me put him in whatever, but this year well you know...he has his own agenda with a very strong will.

I will give you a hint...it is not a bird...thats what this picture reminds me of.

Slide Slide Slippidy Slide

It is a good thing that we played outside a lot yesterday, because the weather is back to rainy, muggy, dark, and humid today and will probably be like this again tomorrow. BOOH! I guess our fall season was short lived.

I have to say that I really think my little man is by far the cutest toddler there is! Not biased at all.... but he just melts my heart!

Some more pictures from our day outside yesterday...

GOOD TIMES

LAUGHTER


IS


GOOD


FOR


THE


SOUL

Beautiful Day Again

Today was filled with cleaning and playing outside. Dane and I started the morning out by going to the park. Once again the weather was too good to not take advantage of it. We played at the park for about an hour. Dane mostly just wants to walk around. Occasionally, he will climb onto the play set, but he really just wants to explore around and looking at everything. He came across pine cones for the 1st time that I know of, and would put them in his pocket of his hoodie jacket. Then once I wasn't paying attention he would hurl them at me, or at a tree or whatever got in his way. He really isn't in to swinging too much these days. He says swing, but then when you put him in the swing he immediately acts like he wants out. He says down down down over and over till you get him out. I guess he thinks he is going to miss seeing something if he swings for too long. Once we got home Dane let me clean while he watch Sesame Street, and also took a 2 hour nap which really helped me to get stuff done. He was dying to go back outside once he woke up, so we had lunch on the back patio and literally stayed outside for 2 hours! It was gorgeous outside, and there was a nice breeze. I think I enjoyed being outside just as much as he did! it was a nice day off for me. I really enjoyed having this relaxing but productive day!

looking all innocent...but is about o chunk the pine cone!

he was chatting to a little girl...think he was telling her to slide first because he was scared

playing tic tac toe

look at that sweet face

because I like comparisons! he is getting so BIG!

doing his oooooohhh face

waving goodbye..then he would take off running

get me outta of this swing!!

Big Boy Table

Dane has gone to his new school for 7 days now. This week he goes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. He has really adjusted pretty well. Today he didn't cry when Kevin dropped him off, which is major progress. And, his teacher Miss Tammi said that the past 3 times he has been they haven't given Dane his paci during nap time, and he hasn't seemed to miss it while he is sleeping there. They did this without us even asking them to try it. (for those confused...yes he still uses his paci while he sleeps...our project paci didn't go too well), so now that he is doing nap times without it we may be closer to saying goodbye to it for good.

In his classroom there are small tables and chairs that the kids get to sit at to eat. This is great, but has caused Dane to not want to sit in his high chair anymore. I didn't figure it out right away, but he kept wanting to sit at our big table to eat, and would throw some major tantrums when we would put him in the high chair. I kept thinking what is the deal little man. My mom is the one that brought it to my attention that maybe since he sits at a table at school, he wants to sit at a table at home too. Good job Granny. So, I brought down his little aggie table from his room, and he has been eating there since last week. He loves sitting there to eat. I have to watch him though, because he will sneak off with food in his hands. I found spaghetti sauce on our bathroom cabinets... I usually still put him in the high chair when he is eating something messy so I don't have food all over my house. But, I have to say he looks so stinking cute sitting at his big boy table, and it makes me a bit sad to see how much he is growing up.

I've been watching you...

Just yesterday Kevin and I were in his truck and a song came on the radio about a little boy watching his dad. Kevin mentioned how he really liked this song, and how it made him think of him and Dane. We talked about the lyrics to the song, and had a few giggles, and went on our way.

Well, to back up a little bit Dane really enjoys playing in our closet. He loves to pull off ALL of my shoes off the racks, and he also likes to pull down Kevin's ties from the tie rack. So, really I can blame my messy unorganized closet on the little man right??

So, today Kevin was in the kitchen using the laptop. The little man came into the kitchen and got right next to Kevin wanting him to look at him. Kevin wasn't paying much attention, and then saw something dragging on the floor..looked over to find Dane and immediately started to laugh. I came in right at that moment and cracked up, and of course ran to get the camera. Dane had one of Kevin's ties hung around his neck. Dane loves to watch his daddy and imitate everything that he does. And he was so proud of himself that he had his tie on.

It is just like this song by Rodney Atkins, Watching You...check it out!

Here are the lyrics from the chorus:
"‘Cause I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?
I’m your buckaroo, I want to be like you.
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.
By then I’ll be strong as superman
We’ll be just alike, hey, won’t we dad
When I can do everything you do.
‘cause I’ve been watchin’ you."

Take 2

Saturday was just an awesome day. The weather was wonderful, just chilly enough for a long sleeve shirt, but warm enough for no jacket. There was no way that Kevin nor I wanted to be cooped up indoors with how great it was outside. So, we ventured off to attempt to go to the pumpkin patch again. This time we went to a place that was really close to where we live. It's called Oil Ranch, and they have stuff to do there all year round. It is an actual ranch on several acres of land. There are a lot of activities that can be done including pony rides, hay rides, playing among Indian teepee's, train rides, petting zoos, milking real cows, bouncy houses enjoying great food etc etc. They have a pumpkin patch during October, and you can visit Santa during December along with other Christmas activities. Dane had a blast this time around, and so did we. He had so much fun just running around the open land, enjoyed trying to throw the pumpkins like balls, and of course he was all about the train ride and playing with a tractor's steering wheel. After touring the whole property, we ate lunch then took lots of pumpkin pictures then headed out. We still weren't ready to go inside, so we drove down to Houston to look around and shop, and start getting Christmas gift ideas for the little man. We ate some good ol fashion Mexican food for dinner on way back home, came home and put the little man to bed. Then Kevin and I sat on our back patio for hours listening to music, and enjoying each other's company, and loving the weather. Kind of sounds like we are an old married couple already! ha But, it was fun! We had no where to go, nothing that just had to be done, and it felt great outside. Very relaxing! I hope that it stays like this for a long time! I love when we get fall weather!!! We had a fantastic weekend!!

"Picnik Show"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

500th!!!!!!!

******firecrackers popping, confetti falling, people screaming, cymbals crashing, air horns blowing*******

First of all I would like to thank my blogging fans, and my family for their support. Oh, wait I just got interrupted by Kanye... :)

This is my 500th blog post. Wow! When I first started this blog it was meant as a way for our families to keep up with the latest on Dane. I had no idea how often or for how long I would do this but, it has become something I really enjoy. This is a great way to document Dane's milestones and the memories that we have created. I can not believe that I have been able to keep up with this for as long as I have. Didn't think I actually had that much to say, but obviously that is not the case.

In honor of 500 posts I would like to say Hats Off to Dane...

Oh Happy Day

Think Pink

Just like we need to nip these tantrums in the bud...



We need to nip breast cancer in the bud!!!

October is breast cancer awareness month. Cancer is dear to my heart obviously since I am a radiation therapist and treat cancer patients. Breast cancer is very treatable if caught early.

The American Cancer Society recommends the following early detection program:
o Annual mammograms beginning at age 40.
o Annual clinical breast exams (CBEs) for women 40 and over, or every three years for
women in their 20s and 30s.
o Optional monthly breast self-exams (BSEs) for women starting in their 20s.

Several factors increase the chances of developing breast cancer:
o Gender. Being a woman is the greatest risk factor for breast cancer.
o Age. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. The 2005-2006 Breast
Cancer Facts & Figures reports that 95 percent of new cases and 97 percent of cancer
deaths occurred in women aged 40 and over.
o Family history. Women with a family history of breast cancer especially a first-degree
relative (mother, sister, or daughter) have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
The risk is higher if more than one first-degree relative has developed breast cancer.
o Never giving birth or giving birth after age 30.
o Recent use of combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which combines estrogen
and progestin. Higher risk is associated with longer use.
o Having a long menstrual history (periods starting before age 12 and ending after age 55).
o Use of alcohol, especially two or more drinks daily.
o Obesity, especially excessive weight gain after menopause.
o Physical inactivity.

Every woman is at risk for breast cancer and her risk increases with age. The best protection
is to detect it as early as possible and treat it promptly.

Tantrum Patch

Today Dane's eyes are looking a lot better. I think the eye drops are working, and it has gotten a tiny bit easier putting them in. We figured out how to hold him down while squirting the eye drops in his eye. He still hates it just as much!

I looked outside around noon, and the weather seemed great. So, I talked Kevin into going to the pumpkin patch today instead of waiting till the weekend. Dane was in a great mood when we left, I had visions of taking cute photos with him in the pumpkins, and having a fun day. Um...not so much.

We arrived and it started getting pretty over cast. It was extremely humid...almost unbearable. Not sure what happened to Dane's great mood...it went out the window pretty much as soon as we stepped onto the property. He began to throw tantrums, and more tantrums and more tantrums. There were a couple moments where he was laying on the wet muddy ground because he wasn't getting his way. Is this really my sweet lil man??

I was only able to get a handful of pictures...none of which he looks happy in. Dane spotted a choo choo train almost immediately, and wanted nothing to do with the pumpkins. We put him in the middle of a big hill of pumpkins, and he was so not happy. Hilarious. Sort of. Ha! He wanted to go to the train. Which was fine, but he only wanted to sit in the drivers seat and play with the steering wheel (Those dang steering wheels), which he got to do for a little bit until it was time for the train ride. Then oh lord when we took him off the seat and actually got on the train part so we could ride... major meltdown. I mean major. I'm looking at Kevin like why is this happening. This is ruining my "perfect day" that I had in my head. I laugh as I type this because I should be used to things not going as planned, but I was just disappointed and annoyed with how Dane was acting. He was being a tantrum throwing terror. As the train is starting to go it begins to rain. So this wonderful day got even better. We left as soon as the ride was over...without many pictures and without a pumpkin. We are going to try to go back this weekend to fulfill my pumpkin patch dreams. :) We are wanting to carve a pumpkin this year, so hopefully this weekend we can have a better experience at the pumpkin patch!

the eyes have it

My poor little man has some sort of an eye infection. His eyes are watering like crazy, swollen, puffy, bloodshot, and secreting a whole lot of yellow gunk. Yuck I know. I have talked to his doctor over the phone, and he has prescribed some eye drops to be given 4 times a day for the next 7 days. If it doesn't look somewhat better by tomorrow I will have to bring him in to see the doctor.

Can we say who ever invented eye drops for toddlers must never have had kids. You would think that they could have invented some sort of oral meds to be given instead. The all time hardest thing to do is to hold down a screaming child who is kicking and hitting and to hold their eye open while some how managing to aim the eye dropper just over the exact spot of the eye. Yeah...not an easy task. So, that's what Kevin and I are having to do. I just pray that we can get the medicine in the eye so it can heal quickly. Dane doesn't seem bothered by the infection at all. He is such a trooper. But that was proven when he was in the cast. :) I'm hoping that this will clear up pretty quickly. His eyes just look pitiful, but obviously it hurts us more than it does him.

look at those poor precious eyes...

nothing keeps him from smiling

just like his shirt says... tough as nails :)

making his daddy so proud...reading one of Kevin's history books

Rain Forest Cafe

We were suppose to go to the pumpkin patch today, but the weather did not cooperate. Hopefully, we can go next weekend. So, we went to the Katy Mills Mall instead and had lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe. This restaurant is a neat place for kids because it has rain forest animals all over the place that move around and make sounds. They even make it sound like it is raining in the place. There was lots for Dane to look at, point at and imitate. He loves monkeys, and kept doing the monkey sound over and over. He really liked when the animals would start shaking and making the loud noises. After lunch we walked around the mall looking for some more fall clothes for Dane, which surprisingly I didn't buy anything. I wasn't really in the shopping mood, just wanted to get out of the house and spend time together. Dane enjoyed when we would let him walk instead of being pushed in the stroller. He is getting so independent, and such a big boy now a days. Once you take him out of the stroller, then you can kiss him going back in goodbye! He loves to walk, and have that freedom. And, he just looks to darn cute with his little jeans on! I hope this cooler weather stays around a while longer! ANd I really hope that the weather is nice next weekend, so we can go get us a pumpkin!

Hanging out with a monkey

Pointing at the monkeys

doing the monkey dance!

stealing Daddy's hat


cutie

being a ham

monkey that Dane liked the best

mr independent

A Brother from another Mother

Our trip to Orange was a bit more interesting this time around than it normally is. Granny and Poppy have a new addition to their family...a sweet cute puppy! Callie and Max, the cats that have previously ruled the house are not too fond of their new brother from a different mother, and want nothing to do with him. My mom is having a hard time committing to a name for the puppy. When we arrived the dog's name was Jake, which was ironic because Kevin and I have always said WHEN we get a dog we were going to name it Jake. We put the first 2 letters of each of our name to make Jake. It quickly changed to Mister, then back to Jake. Then my mom felt guilty for taking our dog's name. Every time she would call the dog she would call it a different name. She went through several with Duke, Newman, Jaxs being on the list. We stayed up late mentioning every name we could possible think of. As of when we left the dog's name was Duke...but I won't be surprised if she changes it again. I don't think my mom realized how much puppies chew on things. She thought he would just chew on shoes, but not so much the case. Everything in sight! But, he is just as cute as he can be.

Meet Dane's newest cousin...

Dane liked the puppy when he was laying down, but when "Duke" would jump on him then Dane would freak out. He would say no no dog. Or sometimes he would say stop to the puppy. But when the puppy was sleeping or just laying down Dane would go up to him and say puppy and try to pet him or stick his finger up the dog's nose.

Adjustments

Dane had to go to his new school 3 days in a row this week, which won't be the case every week. But, he did pretty good, and I think he is adjusting quite well. He is still crying pretty hard when Kevin first drops him off, but his teacher told me that he is only crying for a little while, and then is fine the rest of the day. Nap times have been what has totally shocked me the most. I'm able to view Dane online, and he just lays down on the mat, and goes to sleep. He has been sleeping for about an hour and a half, which I think is great. I can't believe that he doesn't put up a fight, and the fact that he actually lays there and doesn't try to get up is what is mind blowing to me. My sweet lil man! Dane has been pretty good about eating breakfast, but lunch time he doesn't eat much. surprise surprise. I'm hoping that this will change eventually! He just has no desire to eat.
He has gotten pretty attached to his morning teacher, and usually gets upset when her shift is done, and a new teacher comes in. But, one thing that I have noticed is that when they do a group activity he doesn't really participate. If all the kids are around a table with the teacher Dane is off doing his own thing, and just playing by himself. The teacher said that it usually takes a few weeks before the new kids adjust to what is going on, and feel comfortable enough to do group activities. I'm hoping that this is because he isn't used to playing with other kids, and that he always plays by himself, so he doesn't understand what is going on yet. Tammi, his teacher said that the class is making some kind of project together that involves all the children coloring, and then I guess they put it as a collage for their class. Dane had no interest in coloring...just wanted to play with the balls and animals. ha
But, anyway Dane seems to be doing well other than that. I'm hoping that he doesn't forget everything by the time he goes back. Next week he will go Wed-Fri, so he has a full week before going back.

These pictures don't really go with this post, but thought they were cute. Dane was trying to open up the garage. Kevin said that he was pushing and pushing trying to get the door to open. He loves to open and close the garage! just another reason why I think he is going to be mechanical!

It's Cool to be in School

Today was a bit different for the little man. He no longer will have his grandparents watching him 3 days a week while I am away at work, because Jackie and Barry are now in New York. So, Dane will be attending Kids R Kids 3 days a week. Kids R Kids is a daycare/pre-pre school. One perk of this place is that they have cameras and I will be able to watch him online while he is there. Also, this facility teaches them things instead of just watching them.

So this is a big transition for Dane. He is having to get up pretty early to go. Kevin dropped him off this morning, and he immediately found some balls to play with. When Kevin was leaving he did cry for a little bit, but I talked to his sweet teacher shortly after and she said that he was only upset for just a bit, and then forgot and started to play. For nap time the children sleep on floor mats. I thought there was no way that Dane would sleep on one, but he impressed me! The teacher said that they are so busy that morning that when it was nap time he just laid down and went to sleep. He slept for an hour and a half. I'm so proud of him. Also, I'm hoping that this will help him with his lack of eating by seeing the other kids eat things other than mac & cheese. He did eat fairly good today, even ate a little bit of a hamburger!! WHAT?? Can't believe it. During the day they do learning activities. This morning they played with flash cards that taught them the letters A B and C and a couple shapes, and I think the color red. When Kevin picked Dane up he was holding him, and Dane saw the flash cards sitting out, and he pointed and said A. And it was the A card. Not sure if it was a coincidence or not, but Kevin said that he for sure said A! Smart Boy! So, I think this is going to be good for Dane in a lot of ways. I hope this teaches him how to play with other children. I was a nervous wreck this morning, but it seems like Dane did really good today, and it doesn't seem like it is going to be too hard to get him in a routine.

this is the best shot I could get this morning. He was a little grumpy when he first woke up and wanted no part of his back pack or taking pictures! I don't blame him. But his little back pack is so cute!! And he loves to say back pack!! I got him this just because I thought it was cute, and I needed something small to carry his diapers and school stuff in.

Dane's cubby...I have trained my hubby well...he took this without me asking...he just knew that I would want to see it

The report that we got from the teacher. it says what he ate, when he slept, diaper changes etc.

Kevin let him play in the truck once they got home today...because he was such a good trooper today!

60th!!!!

Today is a special day! It is Jackie's 60th birthday today!!!!
And to celebrate such a special day Kevin, Barry and I threw Jackie a surprise party and invited lots of her friends to help us enjoy the moment. Since she is a wine lover we had her party at the Tasting Room in Uptown park. I got there early to greet the guests, while Kevin and Barry rode with Jackie and would text me where they were from time to time. We had told Jackie that we (meaning us 4) were going to take her to a nice dinner without Dane. I had some "errands" I needed to run and that is why I wasn't going to ride with them. She had no idea that all her friends were going to be there. So, we all screamed surprise when she walked through the door. She was shocked!!! Everyone enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and different types of wine along with some yummy red velvet cake. Jackie got to catch up with all her friends before she left for New York. I think she had a good time, and was truly surprised!!

Happy Birthday Jackie!!!

a couple giggles

This has been a very long and busy week. Kevin had open house one night this week, he has a paper from his masters program due tonight, we had hundreds of errands, rehearsal dinner, wedding, birthday parties, Dane hasn't slept good all week etc etc. Needless to say I am exhausted today, and have another long week ahead as well. So the little man hasn't gotten a whole lot of attention from Kevin and I, because well, we just haven't been home, and he hasn't gotten to attend any of the festivities. But he did get lots of attention from his grandma and grandpa this week, since they have been staying with us before heading to New York.

But, with all this going on Dane never seems to stop making us laugh. He is one funny little guy. While we were at the rehearsal dinner, Jackie and Barry were watching Dane. Jackie told us that while he was eating dinner she tried to sneak a few peas on his plate to see if he would "accidently" eat them. Well, like I have mentioned before Dane thinks every circle is a ball. So he immediately saw the peas and started pointing and saying ball, ball, ball ball. Well, I guess they look like tiny little balls. Needless to say he did not eat the peas... but this story made for a great laugh when we got home. I think it is fair to say that he is obsessed with balls!

Then Saturday we had a surprise 60th b-day party for Jackie. (blog about that coming soon) Before I took Dane to Christy's house so she could watch him we headed to Kroger to pick up balloons. This was suppose to be a quick in and out stop, which meant I was planning on just carrying Dane into the store. Well, as I am pulling into the parking spot Dane starts to get excited, is pointing and begins to clap. I had no idea what he was excited about, until I got him out of the car. He saw a grocery cart that had a little car in front of it, and it wasn't even close to us, so I have no idea how he saw it. He was so excited, and I think he thought that car was there just for him. Ok, so I decided that even though I didn't need a basket I would let him ride in the car. He kept saying honk honk when he would see someone, and then would tell them hi. See what I mean when I say he finds a steering wheel no matter where we are! He loves riding in cars! Maybe he will be a race car driver when he grows up!!

Mr & Mrs Beebe

I got to be a part of a beautiful wedding on Friday for my good friends Leigh Ann and Todd. They have been waiting on this day for a long time, and it had finally arrived. We had the rehearsal dinner on Thursday, and then the wedding on Friday. It was a very fancy and elegant day. Like a fairy tale for sure. Leigh Ann was gorgeous in her mermaid gown, and every detail was thought of. Her wedding day was perfect, and everything went as she had hoped it to go. Todd and Leigh Ann are an amazing couple and I wish them all the happiness in the world! Congrats Mr & Mrs Beebe!!!!!

20 months

Are we really only 4 months away from Dane's 2nd birthday????? There is no way that is possible. For some reason the clicker on the side of my page says Dane still has 5 days till he turns 20 months. Weird. Since today is the last day of the month. Anyway the lil man is just a growing. He blows my mind away with how much he is learning everyday. He copies everything that we do, and tries to say so much.
Dane learns new words everyday now. It is hard to keep up with it. Some of the words that are on the top of my head at the moment, besides all the ones I previously posted, are baby (anyone that is his size or smaller he calls a baby) (when he looks in the mirror he calls himself a baby...cracks me up), says Dane (says his name when you ask him what his name is) backpack (new today), where is it and there it is (these words kind of getting smashed together to sound like one word), juice, milk, hi (says it all the time), uh oh (usually says it as he throws something that he isn't suppose to throw), vrmm, honk, clock, sock (obviously loves ck sound ex duck, truck, yuck etc), bowl, swing, spoon. I know I'm missing a lot of his new words.

Dane is really into balls. I mean REALLY. He is constantly pointing and saying ball ball. Even if he sees a circle he immediately says ball. We can;t go into a store now without him finding balls, and wanting to hold them while shopping. It is golf ball, football, baseball etc etc. Also Dane is really into cars and steering wheels. He always wants to play in Kevin's truck. If he is fussy we just ask him if he wants to go play in the truck, and he immediately starts clapping and heading that way! He is all boy for sure, and even starting to smell like a little boy! More like a wet dog in fact. How is it possible to have a baby that is so cute that can smell so bad! :) He is still a horrible eater, and seems to eat the same thing over and over. Chicken nuggets and mac and cheese are his favorites. But he makes up for being such a bad eater by being a great sleeper. Still goes to bed around 6:30 and wakes up from 6-7:30. I love it! Dane has a major sweet tooth for sure. Loves cookies of any kind. Dane has started saying momma momma when he is crying. This is something that I hate. It breaks my heart when he does that. Sesame Street is still his favorite show, and Elmo is his favorite. Dane copies everything that we do, throws the best tantrums, and is still sweet lil thing, who is laid back and goes with the flow. He is growing up so fast, and becoming such a little boy.

This week Kevin's parents are staying with us before they move to New York. So Dane has gotten lots of attention from them, and getting to spend time with their dog Taffy. He loves to say dog dog, and where is he when Taffy goes to another room. Dane likes Taffy if she is sitting down, but doesn't like when Taffy is walking near him. He will pet Taffy after he warms up to her for a while. One day we will get Dane a dog...yes I just said that! Yes I'm still scared of big dogs, but if we got one like Taffy then it would be good. Taffy is a very calm dog who obeys all the commands. I was nervous around her when Kevin and I were dating, but now am pretty used to her.

Anyway... Happy 20 month big boy!! We love you!