Brewing

Something big is brewing....I'm hoping to have a good announcement soon!

Birthdays

I need to give a big shout out to my kidlets as they BOTH celebrated birthdays this month!!! 

Promise Walk for Preeclampsia

So, you may have noticed that lovely little box in the upper right corner of my blog?  No, well, here's the plug for it.  I will be hosting the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia again this year and, as always, am asking for your support.  I'd love it if you all could attend, but I know that's not possible.  (But how cool would that be?)  It's looking like a great deal of fun and we've got some AWEsome raffle items for those that could make it.

Here is the short version about why this is important to me:  I developed severe preeclampsia (HELLP Syndrome) with my first pregnancy and delivered just over 5 weeks early.  Our little guppy Aweighed 4lbs and spent just over two weeks in the hospital.  Fast forward 3 years and P was born at 37 weeks after I managed gestational hypertension for 5 weeks, he weighed 5lbs 6oz and came home with us.  Here is a quick highlight of our family's moments.

You read here, you know that preeclampsia changed my life.  I've shared stories of families who were not as fortunate as us and who lost loved ones.  Many of my preeclampsia sisters are fellow bloggers and there is a bond there that is different from any other.  We each know what it's like to face down that ugly preeclampsia monster.

So in honor of my babies and all the other preeclampsia babies out there, including those angel babies, please consider donating today by visiting the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia.  You can donate to our team or make a general donation.  Even $5 helps make a difference.

Love to you all,
Denise

Sometimes words fail me

My dearest A,

You are such a bright shining star in our lives.  We have been through so much with you in your 7 years, and I can only imagine what's in store in the upcoming years.

You are special, unique, and amazing.  And there are times that words fail me when I want to describe the very essence of you.  Because you truly are that special.

We have "official" news on you.  Something that we already pretty much knew, but it helped to have someone with that PhD behind their name confirm it.  And much to my relief, no diagnosis of bipolar or related disorder.  The doctor told us yesterday these words, "You have a highly intelligent little girl.  Who happens to be a perfectionist.  And has anxiety."

Like I said, we already knew that.  But this gives us direction.  Direction on what to do to help you, how to help us while we help you.  My major goal as a parent is to assist you and your brother be the best "you" you can be.  Quirks and all.  Dr. M made the comment that you are too smart for your own good, and that is so true.  You are very curious and that sometimes leads you to gain knowledge of something that you fail to fully comprehend and then you become anxious.  And it's okay.  We're here to help you.  You have anxiety.  You are often fearful and worried and many times it's about things that we do not understand.  I promise to do better when helping you, to listen fully, to console you when you need it, and to encourage you to make mistakes and celebrate your quirks.

I love you, worries and all.

Love mom

Letters to Juliet

I went to see this film this evening with a friend.  It's a complete chick flick (totally predictable of course), but a decent movie nonetheless.  It made me think about what I would write to Juliet, and ultimately of romance and love.  Yes, chick flicks may be corny and sappy.  But I think they also give that *romance* that one craves.  Yes, I said craves.  I am not an overly sappy person, but viewing this film made me realize how much I want, need, and like to be romanced.  I want the door held open for me, notes of appreciation or love left for discovery, to have that hand rest upon my back or neck.  Small surprises that demonstrate you are thinking of the one you love. 

Being in love is an adventure.  I think it wanes and grows as it moves along.   You have to nourish it, cherish it, and celebrate it.  When life is chaotic and crazy, or let's be honest...if you have children, romance may fail to flourish continuously.  At times, you may have to find your way back to one another or measure if that love is actually worth fighting for. 

I wish you all love.  A love that caresses you and embraces you.  A love that manages to traverse the bumpy road of life and when the ride slows down, that love is still there and strong.


Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.  ~Lao Tzu

More items I'd love to have

Here are a few more drooltastic items that I'd love to have....

Zero balances on our credit cards.   Oh boy, this one is getting CLOSE though!

Someday, I'll have my mini-SUV....I'm loving the Toyota Rav 4

And someday, when I get all lean and no sign of baby birthing on my body.....I'd love a side tat like this one.

Quick update

Ari had her endoscopy w/ biopsy on Friday. It went well, and she did amazingly awesome (meaning, no major anxiety issues in the hours prior and especially at the hospital). There was some redness & irritation in her esophagus as well as a part of her stomach along with a bit in the duodenum. But Dr. said nothing so strongly indicative that day that would say to immediately start her on a gluten free diet. He took some samples and she is being tested for H-pylori, lactose intolerance and something else or two. Now it's just waiting for the results.

choices

A song struck me today as I was driving home, Breakeven by Script.....

When I'm all choked up and you're okay
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces

These were the words that spoke to me. And so I have made some difficult decisions tonight, but have chosen to give up several things that were important to me. All in the name of keeping my family together.

closing in

We are closing in on the possible celiac issue. We saw the pediatric GI doc today, same one she saw as an infant/toddler for her reflux, and with what her labs looks like she will be undergoing an endoscopy on Friday for him to obtain a biopsy. He's going to do a few more labs apparently then as well. We haven't discussed it with her yet, I don't want her anxiety to build over the next two days.

Any good thoughts you can send her way for Friday would be appreciated.