Quick Visit

Nana and Grandpa DeLaughter visited my parents for a few weeks this month and were able to stop by on their way home. I'd like to think that they came to see me, but I know better! We were excited that they could come by, but sad they couldn't stay longer.

Rachel sitting on a new toy delivered by Nana

What a face!

Rachel was in a really good mood for most of the night while they were here.

Grandma Roberts

Dustin's Great-Grandmother turned 90 last week. She had a great birthday party that we were able to go to. It was fun to visit her and her friends as well as see some family, even if it was just for the day.

Dustin's mom made a fun cake to help celebrate.

Great-Grandma with Aunt Jeanette and Mom McCollum

Nannie and Papa McCollum with Rachel. They were all thirsty!

Great-Great Grandma with Rachel

Mom McCollum took a little time away from entertaining at the party to get some time in with Rachel.

Beach Weekend!

This was a long weekend off of school, so we went to Chesapeake to visit the Nieter's. It was a fun weekend and was packed with all sorts of activities. My personal favorite was getting to take Rachel to the beach for the first time. It was a gorgeous day and she loved looking at the waves.

Oops, no pictures of Daddy on our camera... I'll have to bum a picture of him from Mom, Dad or Kim!

"What is this weird stuff between my toes, Mommy?"

Cousin Blake loves the beach too!
My mom and I took the little ones out for a closer look at the waves. Not too close though, the water was in the 40's!

Such a happy little girl!

Mommy and Rachel enjoying the sun

Brent and I with the kids... I think Blake could pass for mine and Rachel could pass for his!

Not Again (part 2 & 3)

Well, this has not been the best week in history for me. After last weeks aspiration procedure, I had a follow-up appointment on Monday afternoon. I was still in pain and I figured the doctor was going to have to do something again. I was right, unfortunately. This time it hurt a little more. He got 10 more cc's of junk out with hopes that I would be cleared. We set up another follow up appointment for Thursday afternoon. So, I went to my appointment knowing that I still had some infection. He gave me three choices on how to go about taking care of it. 1- try aspirating one more time. 2- lancing right then in the office with a local numbing agent (yeah, those hadn't worked so well in the past) or 3- schedule a surgery for the next day where I would be completely knocked out. I chose door number 3. I was tired of hearing the dr. talk about how big the cavity was and how sorry he was for hurting me. He also explained to me each time how the infected tissue didn't really numb that well... something I could have told him!
So this morning, I went in. Everything was fine, except for the fact that I couldn't eat or drink anything and I didn't actually get put out until about noon. They did have some trouble getting the IV in. They found the vein in my left hand, but it didn't take very well and I ended up having a huge bulge of fluid by my wrist. Take two on my right arm. That actually worked out a lot better, but is still a little sore. I am so glad I was put out this time. I woke up about an hour after they took me back into surgery and I immediately felt a lot of pain. We finally got home at 2:30 when I was able to eat a little and take some pain medication.
I'm still pretty sore and I can't pick Rachel up yet, but am confident that this will be the end! I have about a foot of packing in me right now that I can take out on Sunday. The Dr. said that if it's too painful for me to take out, he can do it at the follow up on Monday. I think I'll load up on pain meds and do it myself, slowly, thanks! The good news is, Dustin doesn't have to re-pack this time around!
In case you were wondering (like I am), the doctors don't know why this has been such an issue with me. For some reason that doesn't comfort me!
Also, Rachel was at the babysitters today during all of this. I am so thankful we have a friend watch her, because she offered to bring her home for us so Dustin didn't have to leave me to go and get her. (Thanks, Kathy!)

New "toys"

Rachel has been very busy discovering new things recently. She has almost figured out how to roll over from her back to her front, but keeps getting stuck on her shoulder! I know, soon I will be wishing for her to be still!
Her favorite take-along toys are her feet! Very cute, but makes it a little harder to change the diaper!

Rachel and I went along with Dustin today as he took some senior pictures. We snuck in one picture during the shoot! She enjoyed being in the sun and fresh air.

Not Again...

If you don't like personal information, go ahead and stop reading now! Rachel has been on just formula for about 3 weeks now. I was a little disappointed, but was not able to keep up with her since my infection before Christmas. So everything has been going fine, no problems. The transition was fine and I did not have any problems either. That is until late last week. I started getting a little sore so I took some Ibuprofen to help with swelling hoping that would help. Then of course the weekend came and I started getting a little inflamed. So, Monday morning I called my doctor and was able to get in that afternoon. (Thankfully without having to take time off of work) Because of my history of infections, she decided to send me to the surgeon again. Of course the surgeon that I saw before is out of the country for 3 weeks, so I had to go to a new one. This doctor was great too, but I was disappointed that I couldn't see the one who knows my history. I'm relieved that this time I didn't have to be lanced and packed! I did have to be "numbed" and he aspirated the infected areas. I'm on a few antibiotics and strong pain meds. Of course those knock me out, so I can't take them during the day. I'm still in a lot of pain now, but hopefully once all the medications get in me and start working I'll be feeling better. I have another appointment on Monday afternoon, hopefully just to make sure everything is fine.