Writer's Cramp???

I think I had a bout of writer's cramp. I'd start to write, then I'd say to myself, "Self, what are you writing that shit for?". I'd delete it all and go do something else. I feel like writing today. It might still be shit but, I have to start again somewhere.

It's been hectic for us, that hasn't changed.

Jacob decided to out grow every item of clothing overnight. Jeremy had dressed him one morning and when I looked at Jacob, his sleeves were too short and I could see the outline of his belly button through the shirt. I informed Daddy, when shirts look like that, they're too small. I went out and bought a bunch of new shirts and pants last week - 4T. Luckily, I did manage to find a few great deals (like waffle weave henley shirts and dress pants for $2.50!) to restock him through Spring. I had to get some new summer stuff too and exchange some I had just bought. I thought my 3T bottoms would take me through summer and I was wrong. I did take a giant tote of clothing to the consignment store and I have another tote full and ready to go again! I did score a bunch of 5T jammies for $3.50 a pair while I was dropping off. Of course, I stocked up! Can someone please explain to me why kid's pajamas are so FREAKING expensive!?!

Jacob and I both went to the dentist this month. His first trip! He did pretty well. One of the Doctors has an affection for trains. There is a train that runs up toward the ceiling, around the waiting room, through a tunnel into the exam area, around and back again. They also have a fish tank with all the fish from Finding Nemo - Nemo, Dory, Jacques, Peach, and Gurgle. Like I said, he did pretty well, until he had to get in the chair for the Dr. to look at his teeth. He screamed. Like the Dr. said - If he's screaming, his mouth is open and he can't bite me. Good point. Jacob's teeth are good, we're brushing well and keeping them clean. See you next year. Actually, there is a little concern over an overbite, believed to be caused by the cleft palate but, he said we'd wait to see what happens with the permanent teeth. My appointment was uneventful - "perfect teeth, as always". I had cinnamon polish and they gave me a red toothbrush - as if you really cared.

I also managed to get our taxes done earlier this year. There's a certain sense of accomplishment having finished them in mid-February. We're eagerly anticipating our refund, actually I think Jacob is more than Jeremy or I. You see, we need a new vacuum. Mine broke. The dumb little thing on the bottom that adjusts for the height of the surface to be vacuumed, it broke off (not to mention this damn vacuum has like 5 filters and they need to be cleaned every 5 minutes to get any decent sort of suction). Every time I get out the vacuum, Jacob says, "Vacuum boken. Need a new one. A red vacuum." and he says this with a Sullivan nod. Yes, my speech delayed child does say 'vacuum'. So, by Jacob's special request, we are getting a new red vacuum. Try to contain your excitement, please.

Jacob's speech and OT are both going very well. Both therapists are very happy with the progress he is making though they would both like for him to talk more during the visits - funny he won't ever be quiet at home. We have handouts with practice words to work with at home and we're doing just that.

Jacob's SPD is still in full swing. The tags in shirts don't cause as much of a wig as they used to. He'll point out that a shirt has a tag before we put it on him. We always say "it's okay, Mommy/Daddy will fix it, promise" and that's enough for him. He doesn't like to wear jeans or khakis. He prefers "sweats" - don't we all? He still checks his toes every night for fuzz - and he has to check each foot 3 times before he's satisfied. We've had a new battle though. I REFUSE to take his socks off. He's 3! If he wants his socks off, he can do it his own self but, he cries "mommy do it!". Did I say that I refuse to take his socks off for him? He's now resorted to throwing himself on the floor while screaming and crying because I won't take his socks off. It's a great show! I'm still not touching those socks! He is eating new foods and is somewhat willing to try new things - he ate tuna casserole for the babysitter! Did I ever tell you, I HATE cooked tuna fish? We're recognizing more and more often what is SPD and what isn't while trying to stay sane!

I had mentioned a while ago about talking to and meeting Jacob's birth father's parents but I don't think I said that we had. The three of us took a trip over and spent a few hours with them. Have you ever met someone and just know that you were supposed to meet them? We were supposed to meet them! Grandma and I just clicked. I think, I could talk to that woman for hours on end and enjoy every minute - oh wait, I have! Jacob really enjoyed them too. He's been asking for "Bramma and Brampa Fif". I can't tell you how happy I am (or how happy they are) to have them in our lives. I truly look forward to seeing where this relationship takes us. They were so good with Jacob, so patient in letting him warm up. Boy, did Jacob reward them! He had hugs and kisses when we left, and all down the driveway "Bye Brampa, Bye Bramma!". We need to see them again soon. Maybe once both of our houses are done having colds...

Work is going better for me. I have a lot more direction. I've mastered some of my new tasks. I'm still a little unsure of expectations and my internet time is rather limited, I am to a point where I can function rather than just stew in confusion. I have been very busy learning and doing. I've had to dig out a few old hats I had buried in my closet that I haven't worn in a while and I'm relearning what each hat does. The main thing is that I'm doing it and I'm feeling better about it. I still hurt for those who have been forced to move on and it's hard to be the one left behind too.

Speaking of being the one left behind - I guess that's part of why I haven't felt like talking. When you're left behind, the things you once talked to these people about, the things you shared so freely, now are guarded as they're not here everyday anymore. Those people, though you still like them as much as before, they're not part of this atmosphere anymore. You're afraid to disclose too much or to be misunderstood. It's safer to close up. You always just hope they understand while you let them grieve. Hopefully, when their grieving is over, they come back.

I hope you enjoyed, maybe enjoyed isn't the right selection here, my word vomit. I have a few Jacob-isms to post and I'll get back to writing some time soon, real soon. I think I'm going to ease back in, ramp up - so I don't hurt myself.

It went just fine

We're home.

All went just fine. No complications. No excitement. Though the relaxant they gave Jeremy before they took him to surgery made him loopy and goofy. Provided for a little entertainment.

Jeremy has the next week to take it easy. I'll be looking forward to returning to work.

Thanks for your prayers and well wishes!

Under the knife

We're hanging out with Bammie (grandma) this morning waiting to leave for the hospital.

Jeremy has to register at 9:30 AM. They tell us we'll be there for 4 to 6 hours. I have a bag of books and some crochet to keep me occupied. Jacob got a new 5 pack of "woo-woos" (firetrucks) to play with. And poor Jeremy can't even have a cup of coffee.

I asked Jeremy this morning if he wanted me to take a picture of him sitting on Jacob's little couch while we waited to post for y'all. Then a bird flew through my living room. Guess his answer was no.

I'll post again when we're back home.

Out of character

I know it's not like me to go so long without a post. I'm here to tell you, it's probably gonna be a little while before the next and I'm also gonna give you my whole list of excuses.

• I am so busy at work right now. I swear, I am running in circles around my circles.
• I am immersed in a project though I know I'll get an empty 'thanks' and never see the results or any true appreciation of my efforts, I'm truly loving every minute of it and the people I have met along the way!
• We're spending every spare moment at home getting ready for Jeremy's surgery. He won't be able to lift for awhile and this hits us at the worst time. Storm windows need to go up, toys need to come in, lawn furniture needs to come in, plastic needs to go up, the air conditioner needs to go in the attic, the new back door needs to get put in. All that fun old house stuff.
• I'm super stressed over our lack of money. But - we did sell our Michigan tickets! And the price of gas is going down.
• My friend Jeannie (Harper's Aunt), her mom is in the hospital (3 days in ICU) and Jeannie's pretty worn out. I'm worried about her.
• Jeremy applied for a General Manager position - again. And didn't get it - again. So he's been putting in some extra efforts at work getting his new boss acclimated.
• I blew out my knee again and I HATE the Dr. I went to before and need to find a new one. Every time I wince - Jeremy says "Call the Dr." I try not to let him see. So sitting at the computer more than I absolutely have to is not an option.
• I saw a mouse! In our back porch (it's enclosed but not finished space) this morning. Moving the boxes of jeans from the porch to the garage is another project on the list before Jeremy is incapacitated. I was proud of myself though- I didn't wig!

Things going well:

• Jacob had his test with the speech therapist. He did GREAT! Alex said Jacob's comprehension level is really high. Alex saw the fear in my face over some of the tasks Jacob couldn't perform and said "That's okay - those are ABOVE his age level". We'll have the full results of the test next week.
• Miss Carrie - our development therapist came yesterday and said that after talking to Alex, it looks like Jacob will just have to do 'drop-in' therapy once he turns 3. As he's made so much progress!
• A friend of Jeremy's from high school is going to come up and help us out getting things done before Jeremy's surgery and he's also going to come entertain Jeremy during his recovery. I love that guy!
• My knee is feeling better - sometimes - I'm still slow, I still limp and have trouble with stairs. Ugh! Carrying Jacob is still a nightmare.
• I made a new friend, her name is Lisa. I met her through my project. She's a great woman and I look forward to spending more time with her.
• My other project is turning out far better than I anticipated. There are truly some wonderful and generous people in this world.
• We bought our new doors for the house and the garage. Thankfully, The garage door can wait.
• My brother is doing great in his new job. I talk to him a lot more.
• We're planning a mini-trip up home for the end of the month. I'm very excited.
• I bought a new pattern book and have found that I can crochet a dishcloth in one evening.
• After what seemed like forever, the pool is down and put away.

I'm also going to start giving you some Jacob-isms - as we call 'em.

A few nights ago we were talking with Jacob.

"Do you like Mommy? Is she nice?"

"nn-yeah"

"Do you like Daddy? Is he nice?"

"nnn-No, he bite"

Check-Up

Jacob had his 6 month check-up with the ENT (for his tubes) this morning. Doc said they looked pretty good. He had to dig out some wax in both ears. The right ear was worse than the left and Doc was concerned about the wax plugging the tube. Doc ended up making the ear bleed a little bit while cleaning it out. Jacob was a little squirmy. We have to do drops again for a few days until it heals up.

Doc is also having us come back every four months for a recheck rather than every six months to prevent the excessive build-up. We also have to do drops for a few days before the next appointment to moisten the ear to make cleaning easier.

The Doc asked us if we thought Jacob was hearing any better. I'm certain he is for the fact that he's such a little repeater. He's added more words since I last posted. Grandpa, over, clue, red, green, a drink, light, on, off, onies (macaroni), not hot, and I'm sure there's more. It's so great to see the progress!

Posting Fool

Maybe - maybe not, that's what I feel like anyway. There's sooooo much going on with us these days and writing it down seems to be the help the most. I've become almost used to the fact that if anything is going to happen, it's always going to happen to me. I'm not looking for sympathy, solutions, support (though always appreciated), I just need to brain dump.

I don't think I posted this but, Jeremy has a hernia. We've known about it for awhile. It's not the first one he's had (one in high school) and it's not serious. He has the procedure to fix it on Oct. 28. He had his consult with the surgeon this morning. I haven't been involved much in the process or gone to the appointments. He and I usually take care of our individual things on our own. I have no idea why but, I've been having a really hard time with this surgery. I don't take the word 'surgery' lightly. I hear it and I get instantly terrified - not that I've ever had a surgery before. I guess, it's always been Jeremy on this side, taking care of me. He's always been my support, my leaning post. This is the first time it's been him who's broken. He's my best friend, my partner, my...everything and it scares me to no end to think of a moment without him. I have to be his leaning post and not that I don't want to, not that I can't - it's...I don't know what it is. Scared to see him incapacitated? A little. Scared something will go horribly wrong? Definitely. Scared to be left alone with a small child to raise? Yes but, I can do it. Scared to be without him? Absolutely! But none of those things are really IT.

I feel like a big dope. I can't talk to Jeremy without bawling. I know that's not helping him. I know it's not going to help him. I know it's not going to help me. I haven't much talked to him about the details, recovery, restrictions, etc. - I can't hold myself together long enough. Yet, I can't continue to pretend it's not out there and I can't continue to pretend I'm not scared. I just am.

Pyogenic granulomas

Don't even ask how to say it! It's what was on Jacob's cheek.

Dr. said it's nothing to worry about. If it comes back, bring Jacob in, he'll look at it and probably refer us to a dermatologist. He did say pyogenic granulomas will "bleed like the dickens". From the link, the close up picture (without facial features) that looks like a red blister, looks the most like his did.

Jacob's 1st trip to the Emergency Room

I just came back from lunch and my phone was ringing. I recognized the number and knew immediately something had happened to Jacob. He scratched off that mole or whatever it is on his face and it wouldn't quit bleeding. I flew to day-care and it was still bleeding. My plan was to go to our pediatrician but with the amount of blood, I knew I couldn't drive that far by myself and Jeremy was over 45 minutes away. Jacob and I drove to the local ER. While there, he soaked 3 gauze pads, 2 hand towels and my shirt with blood and showed no signs of stopping. Finally, about 2:30 PM the Dr. came in with two nurses, they put JJ's arms in a pillowcase behind his back and strapped him down to the pediatric backboard and they tried to cauterize it with the stick, that didn't work. They ended up using something called Gelfoam with a strip of tape to hold it in place. The Dr. said it was arterial which is what caused it to bleed so much. If the Gelfoam doesn't work, we have to bring JJ back and they'll give him a stitch to keep it closed. As you can see, it seems to be working just fine.

ADD and Me

OK... So we are talking about ADD. First let me give out the list of characteristics that define ADHD-I or ADHD predominantly inattentive.

1. easily distracted.
2. has difficulty sustaining attention span for most tasks in play, school, or work
3. has trouble listening when others are talking
4. has difficulty following through (procrastination) on task or instructions
5. has difficulty keeping an organized area (room, desk, book bag, filing cabinet, locker, etc.)
6. has trouble with time, for example, is frequently late or hurried, tasks take longer than expected, projects or homework are "last-minute" or turned in late
7. has a tendency to lose things
8. makes careless mistakes, poor attention to detail
9. is forgetful
10. daydreams excessively
11. complains of being bored
12. appears apathetic or unmotivated
13. is tired, sluggish, or slow moving
14. is spacey or seems preoccupied

For those of you who know me very well, you can see alot of that in me. And now that I know about it, so can I.

I first went to the Psychologist because I was having some trouble understanding why I was doing (or not doing certain things). After talking for a while he asked me if it had ever been suggested that I had ADD. I told him no , then he handed me the same list that I just typed out. And... Holy Crap!! Did I see myself. After a few sessions of testing he informed me that I was extremely intelligent (of course, who didn't know that) and if it weren't for the ADD he would be surprised that I didn't have a Masters Degree (boy, I can feel my hat getting tighter). But where my ADD lies is in my organizational and logistical areas. This comes as no surprise to some. After my initial diagnosis I was only instructed to start working on my organizational skills, the biggest example is making lists. Then following up on them. I can focus on something like this for about a week, then I just stop. The next time I went in he said he wanted to try me on meds. He has currently suggested four for my Family Physician to chose from; Vyvanse, Adderall, Concerta, and Focalin.

The question now is my doctor. Apparently a lot of doctors, especially older ones, see ADD as a myth or a crutch. Where others see it as a true disorder. Which way will my doctor see it? Only time will tell.

I could write on and on about this and what is going through my head, or sometimes the blankness in my mind. If anyone has any questions please leave it in the comments and I will answer them to the best of my ability.

Jeremy is ADHD-I

I haven't been very informed since/with Jeremy's ADD diagnosis. It's not that I don't care what is happening or what's going on with him. I've simply taken a step back to let him explore this on his own and figure out where he wants to go and how he wants to handle it. We have exchanged some information in passing but we haven't taken the time together to sit down and really talk about details other than the symptoms.

I was hoping Jeremy would post and inform us all. Maybe he forgot (ha! ADD joke)! The ADD he has is actually ADHD predominately inattentive or ADHD-I. With ADHD-I, the I cancels out the H - which is the hyperactivity. The above link is quite good at explaining and Jeremy has more information from the psychologist he can share (maybe tonight, he says). The psychologist calls it Adult ADD with an emphasis on inattentive. Every search I have done on Adult ADD inattentive, takes me to ADHD-I. The papers Jeremy has brought home also reference ADHD.

Jeremy did see his psychologist yesterday. The plan has changed, as has the diagnosis. He told Jeremy he wanted to explore medication with him (I don't have the names or side effects) as a 1st treatment option and some minor behavior modifications, such as writing lists or instructions. Jeremy now has to go back to our family physician, with the recommendations from the psychologist to get a prescription. I didn't know this but, a psychologist can't write prescriptions, a psychiatrist can. We also found out that Jeremy's doctor and our psychologist have (ahem) run into each other before. We may be looking for a new doctor for Jeremy!

As always, don't be shy with any questions. We're learning too!

Post-Op Checkup

Jacob had his post-op check up last Thursday.

He passed his hearing test. His ears are clean. No fluid. No earplugs needed for swimming unless he goes 6 feet under. Here's a prescription for more drops - just in case. We'll see you in six months for a recheck.

We also added some new words to our vocabulary! Maggie (my friend's dog) and Ow!

Back and ornerier than ever

Well, we are back. Everything went well. We got to the hospital right at 8, then they took us straight into our little room. Then the parade of people started. First the nurse to explain things and take vitals. Then the substitute anaesthesiologist (the one that was assigned to us was doing a c-section) came in to explain the procedure. Then another nurse. Then our anaesthesiologist, and finally, the doctor. Somewhere in the meantime they let mom give Jacob a syringe of Tylenol and a relaxant. Pretty soon Jacob was pretty loopy and dopey. It was quite funny. He had that look that we've all had after a few too many drinks. The grin was priceless.

Then they came and took him away. He didn't want to stay in his bed so the nurse carried him. He started out crying, then a nurse came back to assure us that he had already stopped crying and was just checking things out. What seemed like just a couple of minutes later, someone came to take his little baby gurney to the recovery room so he could come back to be with us.

We heard him coming, he wasn't happy. Well, he pretty much wasn't...Jacob. His eyes were pretty glazed and he was very confused. We don't think he even recognized us. He was mean and nasty. He hit mom in the throat a few times. He smacked me on the head several times, once knocking my glasses onto the floor. It took us about 45 minutes to get him calm enough to be able to come home.

On and off throughout the trip home Jacob was good then upset. As soon as we pulled into our driveway we got the "I want to go for a ride" whine. We had just been riding for 40 minutes. Anyway it goes, we are home and Jacob is almost back to normal. He is still a little out of it, his balance is off, and he is still not quite sure of what he wants (like I said, back to normal).

Looks like we are going to try lunch, and maybe a nap for everyone.

No worries Mate

Well, we are just about ready to leave. As you can tell, Mom and Dad are more worried than Jacob. We'll let you know more when we get back.

Oh, that's early...

Updates below...the hospital called again and changed the time.

We are NOW scheduled for 9AM tomorrow morning. We have to be at the hospital by 8AM...meaning we have to leave our house before 7:30 AM and poor Daddy has to work tonight. He's gonna be sleepy.

I'll try to post again before we leave tomorrow but surely when we get home.

Wish us luck!

Gathering Information...

If you don't know this about me, I'm an information gatherer. I need details. I need to read all I can so I can understand exactly what to expect, what is supposed to happen, and what can happen. When it's about my Jacob...I need to know even more.

I'm a little nervous about his tubes coming on Friday. I know it's nothing serious but, sometimes I get a little scared. It took us soooo long to get where we are now. To have a child. Almost 3 years of trying, 1 miscarriage, all the tests, and then the adoption. Sometimes, my faith slips a little and I think "God, you gave me this wonderful child, please don't take him from me!" It's always a battle for me, to let my child go experience things and get hurt, or shield him from everything to keep him safe under my wing. Somehow - if I'm there, if I'm holding him, he can't get hurt. I know it's not true and it's something I will continue to go through as long as he's my son. I'm not being silly, I'm being a mom. I know it's just tubes - I know it's not serious - I really do. It's just something that's always in the back of my mind. I hate the thought of him being in the hospital - even if it's only for a 15 minute procedure, when I can't be there with him and hold his soft, little hand, maybe more for me than for him...I guess, I don't know how to explain it...other than I just love my kid.

I've done a lot of searching on the procedure, post-op, and expectations with Jacob's tubes. I did find an advertisement - kind of...but it has a picture and the same explanation as the medical-type sites. Anyway, you can see what the procedure involves, what we're looking at while we're at the hospital, how long it will take, and what it'll be like at home for Jacob after.

We still don't have a time yet. I'll post again when we do.

Sleep, elusive sleep...

The hospital called today and asked all kinds of questions about Jacob. What procedure is he having, and why, allergies, etc. We still don't have a time though. They did say he could bring one item of comfort with him as long as it's clean. I guess, Pooh and the Cardinals blanket will be making a trip into the washing machine and Jacob can decide which he wants to take before we go in.

Jacob hasn't been sleeping well for a few months now and I can't sleep if I know he's awake. Last night, for instance, he went to bed at 8:00 (was up at 5AM, and no nap either), he fell asleep rather quickly, but woke up about 11:30 and was just unconsolable. After rocking in his room, lying on the floor by his bed, and many times of walking out with him crying even louder, we finally brought him into our bed after midnight. He calmed down and lay still without a peep for about 30 minutes, then Daddy took him back to his bed and he went back to sleep, again without a peep. I heard him about 1:00 AM, playing and jabbering to himself, I heard him again at 4, once more at 5, and he was awake at 7, and in a pretty good mood. I don't know if there is pressure in his ears that makes him uncomfortable through the night, if he has dreams or what but, we repeat this sequence about every 3 days. He'll do this for 2 nights, sleep through the next night, some days he's an angel, some he's a bear. I have no idea how to make him sleep through, I'm hoping the tubes will provide the answer.

Things you learn in the dentist's chair...

I went to the dentist this morning for my six month check-up. I sat in the chair and the hygenist starts making small talk like they do. She asked about Jacob and I told her he was doing well, getting ready to have tubes put in his ears. (The denstist said my teeth were perfect - by the way!)

The hygenist says (I shit you not), "my daughter had tubes done but, not for infections, she had a speech delay."

I said, "Oh, us too".

Then, she says (I'm really not shitting you here), she really said this, "My daughter has a submucous cleft palate with a bifid uvula."

I almost pooped. Right there. In the chair!

The ENT told us that Jacob would be fine, that this wasn't serious, that it wouldn't cause problems for him in the future, and I trust the Dr. but, as a mom, you're always concerned when your child has an abnormality. I have to help him through it if other kids are cruel. The Dr. doesn't. I'll be the one to deal with him being teased for a speech impediment. I'm the one who'll dry his tears, tell him that diferent isn't bad, just more special and that no matter how different he is, I'll always love him. That's the part I worry about.

Of course, I asked the hygenist as many questions as I could think of every time she took her teeth pickers out of my mouth. It was good to talk to another mom who's been there already. I do feel better though. She eased most all of my concerns. The Lord sure works in mysterious ways!

We did find a little flashlight and Jacob and I have a new game. He looks in my mouth, then I look in his and we say "AHHHHH". I did get to see exactly what's in there - we tried to show Daddy but, he was kinda sleepy and you have to be quick to see it. The cleft looks exactly like the 1st picture in the second link of my previous post. The uvula looks almost normal except it looks as if there is a bubble on the end of it that's shaped like a puffy/ballooned "M".

We're adjusting to the news. We're getting used to it and one day soon, it'll be mostly forgotten. We're learning more about it and it's sinking in. It'll all be okay. I know it will.

Tubes - they're coming...

February 29th the tubes go in. I don't know the time yet.

Jacob had his appointment with the ENT today. The ENT said the fluid would never go away on it's own and will continue to build into adolesense. This likely won't be his only set of tubes either as the cause is genetic - which we weren't quite prepared for...

Jacob has a submucous cleft palate with a bifid uvula. The cleft palate isn't serious, Jacob will always have it and there isn't anything they can do to correct it. He will always have a small speech impediment - with the letters, s,t, and k , maybe more. The ENT did say that the cleft would cause complications if Jacob needed to have tonsils or adnoids removed. He said if they weren't removed correctly, it would likely create a cleft palate that would need to be repaired.

This link has pictures showing the differences in degree of cleft palate. The top picture would be an example of Jacob's case.

I can't find a picture of the bifid uvula that I can post here. If you do a search, Yahoo! or Google...you can find pictures. Now, I don't know if those pictures are what Jacob's looks like, I haven't seen his.

According to what I have read on the subject, it's not typically detected until the toddler years when a speech delay occurs. It is genetic. Amber carries it. Her daughter Hannah, had surgery to repair her cleft last fall. Hannah and Jacob have different fathers. As I said earlier, it's not serious - just something he'll always have. We're just thankful that's all it is.

and they're off!

Early On called yesterday and they only have like 30 days to open and complete a case and since we were opened before Christmas, we have to be closed by January 24. It's gonna be crazy for a couple of weeks but here goes:

January 14 - Early On comes to do Jacob's intake and the chimney guy comes

January 15 - The plumber comes to re-route our water main.

January 18 - Early On comes to do Jacob's evaluation.

January 22 - We meet with the pediatrician for Jacob's recheck

January 23 - Early On comes back with their final report.

I'll try to post as we go along so everyone is updated at once.

What a Monday!

It was a great day! Uh, no, not really...

For those of you who don't know, I have about a 30 minute commute to work. I also have a company laptop to allow me to work from home. I have a HUGE, multi-million dollar, project that I've been working on for a few months now and had a vacation day on Friday. Well, vacation days for me, aren't really a vacation. I have to still be accessible by phone or email - at least until this project is over and a new one starts. Well, I brought my computer home last Thursday, where it sat until this morning, when I called Jeremy to meet me somewhere between work and home to bring me my computer. I got to my desk, looked at the riser that holds my laptop, and the laptop wasn't there, nor was the bag, and I remembered - it's at home. I had tried to go in early as I didn't turn in my time when I left on Thursday. Double crap!

I was on my way to meet Jeremy and Jacob and realized I still had a truck full of garage sale stuff that didn't sell to return to a guy from work. By the time he and I changed it all over, Jeremy and Jacob were pulling into the parking lot. Jacob clamped on to me and wouldn't let go. I sent Jeremy to the bank to deposit all of my garage sale monies, and Jacob went to work with Momma for a little while. Of course, he had the run of the joint. With one smile, he pulled one of our chief finance guys out of his meeting to come say hello. My manager gave Jacob some cars to play with and the squeals brought many others over to say "I can't believe how big he's getting! Is that Jacob? Oh, is he cute!"

My corporate credit card numbers were stolen last week. Luckily, they were only able to get about $600 before I caught it. Thankfully, as it has a monthly limit of $50K. I had to call and report that last week, and while I had Jacob in my office, they delivered my new card. Of course, the "I need"s were in full force. And if that wasn't enough...

I've been having some issues with my knee again. I've had problems with it since Jr. high school, on and off. I had serious trouble with it again about the time I met Jeremy. The specialist ordered an MRI and though he found many, tiny tears in both the cartilage and the tendons, there wasn't enough damage to warrant surgery. I did physical therapy for a few months and was measured for arch supports and the pain eventually eased. I had a small, fatty tumor at the time as well, and we agreed to watch it, and see what happens. Well, it grew and I had that tumor - found to be a cyst after removal, removed in early June. Although I'm glad to have the cyst gone, it had nothing to do with the pain I have...again. I, of all things, fell asleep on our love seat about a month ago and it hasn't been right since. I went to a new Doctor (thanks to our new insurance), who prescribed an anti-inflammatory that didn't agree with me. So, I waited about a month, hoping and praying the pain would go away and it hasn't. I went back to the Dr. today. The Doctor ordered an MRI (@ 7AM and an hour drive to the hospital) for next month, as he says to "rule out a tear in the cartilage but, I do think it is torn". So, we have a new plan, we get the MRI, we find out how badly it's torn, then it's back to the specialist I saw five years ago, and possibly arthroscopic surgery to repair the tear(s). I've never had a surgery before - not that this is major, by any means but, I'm still a little scared nonetheless.

Tuesdays are better, right?