July 22, 2012

Oscar, Atlanta, and Me

Oscar~ A very quick update. The trial was set for July 12th. The Browns' lawyer informed us a week before that they have a material witness (vet) who was unable to testify. A little of this, a little of that, the trial is now set for October 11th. We are hoping that mediation/arbitration will occur before hand. We shall see!

Atlanta~ We all needed to get away. We went for a very quick trip to Atlanta. We visited the zoo, a children's museum, and the aquarium. I will say the children's museum was the biggest hit. Madeline was able to appreciate each place and started associating her stroller with fun. She had absolutely no problem hopping up and getting in even when it was time to go to bed. I tried to narrow down the pics to my favorites, but it was just too hard.

She loved the petting zoo.
She loved this animal...
and this one....
oh and this one too!
Trying to get Madeline to look at the camera is quite the challenge.
Children's Museum
Her face says it all!
I don't think she's suppose to embrace the train table like this.
Keeping focus 
At dinner, Madeline was able to chit chat with a friend.
Has this ever happened to you?
Yummy spaghetti
Day 2 started out with some vanilla milk at Starbucks
She kept chasing the fish back and forth
One of her favorite parts of the aquarium 
Is it just me? Doesn't this frog remind you of Jabba?
Enough said

And as for me, I am overwhelmed by the flowers, care packages, sweet emails, texts. I feel very loved. Thank you to everyone! I am doing tons better. I am truly embracing Will and Madeline and continue to smile everyday. I do know that everything happens for a reason. I may not ever know why this happened, but I do know that there are too many good things happening in my life to lament over this unfortunate situation. 

This Saturday we are embarking on a new adventure: Madeline's first trip to Disney!!! Many many pictures to come!

July 8, 2012

Time to Divulge

 Will and I are very polar opposite in the way that Will walks into a room and loves having all the attention where as I would find the nearest corner, park my hiney, and observe. I keep many many things private. However, I feel like I want to share what has been happening with my family over the past three weeks. Steven, my nephew, came to stay with us for about three weeks. It really was a Godsend that he was here. I became rapidly ill. In one weekend, I couldn't hold water down and ended up losing 5 pounds. I was at a point where I couldn't even take care of my sweet Madeline. A very heart-breaking point. Steven had been helping as much as an 18 year old can, but I couldn't imagine doing it alone when Will went back to work on Monday. With a quick phone call, Wendi was here within 24 hours to help take care of me and Madeline. That Monday, I was in the hospital receiving two bags of liquid because I was obviously dehydrated. I was feeling better and received an amazing amount of anti-nausea medication. On Thursday, I had another doctor's appointment. This was an appointment that was the most surreal moment I've had. My baby was no longer moving nor had a heartbeat. Yes, I was pregnant. Will and I were waiting to tell people after the first trimester, similar to Madeline, but because of the uncertainty of how far along I was, we were in limbo. I was roughly 8 1/2 weeks along. The constant vomiting was due to the large amount of cysts on my ovaries. The doctors were amazed I wasn't on fertility medication when I got pregnant. Needless, to say there is a lot to be thankful for. First and foremost, we have the most beautiful daughter that we could have ever imagined. Second, I'm thankful for Steven for being here at the right time and Wendi, who without hesitation, flew down to help pick up pieces I was unable to. I'm also thankful for my neighbor friend, Emma who has been Madeline's guardian angel. She has, without question, watched Madeline when Will and I had to go to the ER or to a doctor's appointment. I cannot begin to tell you how incredible Will has been through this process. He is still able to get a smile out of me daily which is something I don't take for granted.

Most of you who read my blog, have been contacted privately through Will or I and again, thank you for your words of encouragement, prayers, and positive thoughts. We appreciate you! I also am well aware that there is a handful of you who have gone through this same thing I have. I sympathize deeply with you.   

I still have my logic that is outweighing my emotions, for now. I keep telling myself how lucky I am and keep trying to be positive. Tomorrow I go through the D&C so I can start my road to recovery. I will be focused on nothing but my beautiful family for the months to come. Will's deployment will be here before you know it and there's many memories to be made before then.

Please know that I'm sharing this private moment of my life not to get sad eyes or be the center of attention. I'm sharing this with you to know that even through the roughest of obstacles there are many many things I am thankful for. 

Wendi's first attempt at doing Madeline's hair.
Each cluster looked like its own little firework explosion.