Tea Time (aka Coffee Date) ~ 1/18/13

Won't you come meet Alissa , me and the girls for a coffee date,

or in my case, hot chocolate with whipped cream or maybe a chai tea?

Hello, everyone!  I hope you're having a good week.

~I honestly don't know if I'd have been able to meet up today if it wasn't virtual.  That sick kid that I had home last Friday passed along her flu germs and I have been sick, sick, sick!  Today, I'm drinking hot tea with honey.  I think I'm over the worst of it but still feel soooo draiiiinnnneeeddd...............  I feel like I have limp noodles for limbs.  it hasn't been the best of weeks :(

~My BCF (Best Cousin Forever), Steph, turned 25 on Wednesday!  She says she feels old now.  Ha!  She's still a young whipper snapper.  Although being a mom to a 9 month old does take it out of a girl.  She is such a great mom and is doing a great job with Dex!

~I can't believe I'm going to be 35 years old in 2 months!  The good thing about having a husband who is 10 years older than me is that I always feel young.  Yes, I'm going to 35, but he's going to be 45!  Now, THAT is old!  Just kidding!

~I recently found out that one of my best friends from school who I've been blessed to still be in touch with (we go to the same Church) is expecting a surprise blessing in July!  This is baby #4 for her and came as somewhat of a shock to her and her hubby.  Her youngest started Kindergarten this year and I think they were getting settled in and now will have to start all over.  I'm very excited for her but at the same time I can't help but think "better her than me!"

~Next Saturday is what I'm calling the "Big Reveal"!  My cousin, Eric, and his wife, Michele, are finally going to tell us what sex(es) the twins are!  I can't wait to find out!  It has been killing me to not know!  I can't wait to start crocheting for my newest honorary nieces, nephews, or one of each.  The suspense is almost too much to bear!

~I find that since I've had my hysterectomy and know that I no longer have to worry about going through pregnancy again, that I'm more excited than EVER about new babies.  Before I would think about all the struggles I went through while pregnant and PPD.  Now I just look forward to BABIES!  Holding them, kissing them, snuggling them and giving them back when they get too fussy.  I am loving be an Auntie!

~I'm planning on a quiet, healing weekend.  Some reading, crocheting and maybe a movie or two with the family.  BTW, we watched "Ice Age, Continental Drift" last Friday for Family Movie Night and it was hilarious.  We all loved it!

So, how was your week?  Any big plans for the weekend?

TAH ~ 1 Week Post-Op

Good afternoon, dearies.

I am now (well, as of yesterday) 1 week post-op from my Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH).  It has been a crazy mixture of time going very slowly and yet very fast that may be due to the very limited amount of activities I can do.

Let's see.  I can sit.  But not for too long!  I can lay down.  But only on my back and again not for too long!  I can walk gently through my house.  But no steps!  I can carry a few dishes to the sink.  But not load the dishwasher! 

So what have I been doing to occupy my time?  I've been reading a bit.  Surprise, surprise.  I've been watching TV and movies.  I've crocheted a bit.  I've napped.  I've stared aimlessly at my bedroom ceiling and walls.  I've dreamed of being able to drive the girls to school and pick them up.  Speaking of dreams, I've had some CRAZY ones!

Actually, it really hasn't been too bad overall.  At least once my bodily functions started functioning once again.  The first couple days were the worst.  I was prepared for that after surviving 2 c-sections.

After the soreness started to abate, the irritation of the staples at my incision started to increase.  Thankfully, I had a follow-up with my GYNO this morning and he removed the staples.  It feels so much better now.  And I should be able to sleep on my side now that the staples won't be pulling!  Yay!

As for my emotions, they've been a bit of a roller coaster.  It mostly depends on my pain level, exhaustion and boredom/loneliness.  My family has been a great support and a great distraction.  Only on rare occasions have they added to the stress.  (We won't discuss this morning getting ready for school.)

So, week one is on the charts.  1 more week until I can start walking more.  2 more weeks until my next incision check.  3 more weeks until I can drive.  5 more weeks until I can exercise, lift objects heavier than 10 pounds, be "intimate" with the hubby, sweep and mop the floor etc.

I was pleasantly surprised that my doctor had already received my pathology reports.  Everything was clear!  What a relief!

Now, I can just let myself heal, recuperate, gain strength and look forward to a full recovery.

Uterlessly yours,
Colletta

P.S.  I wanted to let everyone know about a wonderful site that I've been using as a resource and for support on this journey.  www.hystersisters.com  Check it out :)

I'm Home :) 3 days Post-op

Hello everyone,

I came home from the hospital yesterday afternoon.

The surgery went well.  Now comes the long drawn-out process of healing.

I have to remind myself that I will get back to normal.  I make a much better care giver than receiver and always feel the need to be productive.

Many thanks so all of you who have been praying for me.  Please continue to do so.

Love,
Colletta

Goodbye, Dear Uterus!

Dear Uterus,

I first "met" you when I was eleven years old.  I vividly remember the night you sent your first message to me.  I was too embarrassed to tell my Mom until the next morning.

For the next 10 years I didn't really appreciate you.  You were a nuisance.  But then, God used you to protect, warm and grow by first baby girl.  Sorry, we had to cut her out of you.  But you bounced back pretty quickly.

For the next 5 years, I awaited your messages with held breaths and careful watching of the days.  If your message was late, I would panic and run to the store to make sure there weren't two pink lines.

Then I started praying for those two pink lines to appear.  After six months of praying, wishing, hoping and sending you happy thoughts, you were once again used to grow another baby girl.  Sorry about having to cut her out of you, too.  You bounced back even quicker that time.  I guess you knew what to expect.

But, it seems like since then, you have been mad at me.  You ignore me for months on-end and then out-stay your welcome.  You cause me endless mess, pain, stress, depression and sleepless nights.  Not to mention the money you have cost me lately.

I am so thankful for the cozy, little home you created for my girls for 18 months.  I will never forget that and will be forever grateful.

But, the time has come to end our acquaintance.  As of 8am tomorrow morning, we will go our separate ways.  It has been a wild ride!

Farewell.

Me

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Dear Precious Readers,

Please keep me in your prayers.

Love,

Colletta