Pics

I added pics to the Note from Grammy post :).

Thankful

I want to be sure this blog is something Caden can look back on and have wonderful memories and know how much he is loved.  I want it to be about him.  Having said that, I wanted to post a little bit of an update on what's going on with Caden's mama's health (me).  I don't need to go into all the hairy details, I don't want it to be anything he ever has to worry about.  Rather, I want him to look back and know that he is always and will always be a priority for his Daddy and I, and our decisions will be made based on what is best for CW(i.e. keeping Mommy healthy and able to chase him, care for him, dance with him, hold him, and be there for him no matter what).


Okay, so here it is......last week we found out my darn brain has 6 new lesions in the last 3 months.  A person with MS should have no more than 0 or 1 when on treatment for the disease.  I switched medicines in January after 5 new lesions were discovered on my last MRI (of which it had been a year since I'd had one).  It was then determined that the treatment I was on wasn't working, and thus the new medicine.  They are keeping me on this treatment 3 more months to see if it starts taking effect, and then we will have to decide the next step.  This is of course not the news we wanted, and while it is confusing, frustrating, and scary, we are determined to stay thankful and optimistic.

So, here are the ways I will be thankful in the midst of this storm.......

I have a wonderful husband who is here for me and has stood by me through this crazy ride.

That we had Caden when we did, without having to worry about my now very 'active' MS at the time, and being able to go off medications to have him.

That Caden was born healthy and thriving.

That I didn't have any clinical relapses during or post partum carrying Caden.

That I haven't had any clinical relapses even with all the new lesions (the doctor says I've been very 'lucky' in that so far).

That I discovered the disease when I did (4 years and 7 months ago).
I have wonderful friends and family who would do anything to help in any way they can.

That there are MRI's and medications to hopefully stay on top of the progression of the disease.

That I have learned info on a diet and plan that may be helpful as well.

That I have a Savior who's plan is perfect, regardless of my plans, and I can trust in Him that He will not give me more than I can bear.

That's that......I'm gonna go eat a cookie :).

Note from Grammy

My mom had Caden all day the other day.  She said it was the best day ever!!  Here's the email she sent me with all that they did, all before noon that day :).  She is such a wonderful Grammy.  CW adores her and I know he is always well taken care of, loved, and spoiled rotten there!  So blessed that she is willing to juggle her schedule and take care of Caden sometimes while I'm at work!!  I'll add pics once she sends them from her phone....

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011
· Cuddled and watched Nick Jr.
· Outside by 8:30 – Mowing the yard for Grandpa
· Dug in the dirt and helped Grammy plant flowers
· Swept the patio and then we went in so he could get his vacuum to finish the job
· Had Grammy sit by the pond to look at fish, then took off and came back with the net so we could try and catch some.
· Kept saying “Grandpa” when he looked at the fence and pond because he didn’t understand why part of the fence was down and why the fish that spits water into the pond wasn’t working. I tried to explain it to him and he kept turning his little hands up and saying “Grandpa?” If only Grammy could have understood that Grandpa would know what happened.
· Went inside and got his hammer to work on the fence after I told him it was broke and Grandpa needed to fix it. Thank goodness he got that thing in place before it fell!
· Watered Grammy’s flowers· Put his mouth over the hose and said “bubble, bubble, bubble”
· Kept adjusting the faucet by the patio because it wasn’t tight and was spraying water --- so he would make it spray him and then run, squealing with delight.
· Used the pressure sprayer to spray high into the trees, the fence and Grammy --- giggling the whole time.
· Walked to pond to see the ducks.
· Spit off the bridge on the way.· Took a stroller ride.
· Had croutons for a snack and visited with Grandpa D when he stopped
· Washed dishes for Grammy· Played with magnets on the refrigerator
· Played with blocks in his room
· Played in the cardboard box and fixed it with several tools

Accomplished all of this in the morning, and then took a three hour nap from 12:15 – 3:15. Anyone would be pooped after such a morning!
He brought three binkies from home and Grammy had three --- so took all six to nappy. Put everyone of them away when he got up though.
Such a good boy! Woke up from nap laughing and happy and ready to go back outside.

Grammy’s most perfect day.

I love my little Nugget!!!! xxoo

Here are the pics mom sent me from their day together :).  Love it.

95 Years

That's how many years are between Caden and his Great-Great-Great Aunt Alice.  We went and visited her last week (Wednesday).  She still lives in a house by herself and is a complete joy.  Caden thought so, too.

She has always been like my Great-Grandma to me, since none of mine were around for me to get to know.  I'd say she's my mom's very favorite person.  As mom said, she's been her unconditional love her whole life.  Aunt Alice has always been there, always loved her, always been proud of her.  No matter what. 

We love her to pieces and treasure these pictures.  They are 95 years apart.......is that unreal or what?  Did I mention that?  Love it.

Playing cards.

Laughs and hugs.  Delightful :).

Action.

Priceless.

Monday. Allie to Boston. Us to Omaha. And Annie.

My sis went to Boston Monday morning to see the Abbott's.  Caden and I brought her up to the airport.  I was glad we borrowed my mom's DVD player for the car.....had to get CW out of bed early to get Allie up there, so the movie was a great distraction for him while he ate breakfast in the car :).

Us with Auntie in the airport...yep, son's in PJ's in public
again.  It was an early morning for him!!

And since we were in Omaha, we went to visit Annie, too!  We hadn't seen her in way, way too long!  It's always wonderful to see her!  We went to the park, shopped a bit, and ate lunch in the car (bless you for being flexible, Annie :)).  Then Caden and  I headed home.  And Caden's 30 minutes of nap while Annie & I ate in the car was apparently all he felt he needed.  Despite all my crazy efforts when we got home, almost 2 hours later I realized this battle would in fact not be won by me.  No nap for Caden.  Oh well, we had a great day!!

Ice cream. I scream. (not really, but aren't I funny??)

We went to Dairy Queen for some treats Saturday night.  I announced last week we won't be doing restaurants with my son for a while.  Just doesn't work these days.  Mom's, you understand.....I hope......or maybe I have the only out-of-control in restaurants child.  Anyhoo, we went for icecream.  Seemed casual.  Seemed safe.  And then the sugar hit CW at record speed........



Eating icecream (in his PJ's....we're classy like that)




Of course, mine looked better than his, so
it was time to share.....boo......haha.




Mess.




More sugar.




And he started climbing me....




Mmmmm.




Was convinced he was going to climb on my shoulders.
And about choked me in the mean time.  I was laughing
so hard I couldn't breathe.  I'm sure that really helped, ha.



Naked boy in water. Dressed boy at the zoo.

We are already having a busy and fun summer.  If this mom can survive the heat, Caden will keep us going all summer long.......outside........and in the water.  He is chattering more and more.  This week he started repeating more of what we say.  The new word that is cracking me up is "shoes....(sooce)".  He's a hoot!

A diaper....and "sooce"...always insists on "sooce" outside.

And we can give Milo drinks of water!

And have a drink ourselves!

And make a little pond in the back.

....For a dog to get all muddy in.

And take our diaper off to mow.

And cuddle with Barley to rest.

Clothes on.  Zoo time.  Jared wanted to go to the zoo Saturday
because we usually go during the week without him.  So we did!

"Let's sit on here Caden for a pic...." Just kidding.

First time on the spider web.  What a champ at it.

Showing daddy how to feed the "gokes"

Train rides are serious business.  Don't touch
me and don't make me sit on your lap, please.