Katie update

Katie's spine surgery went really well. I think we are all in shock with how well she seems to be doing.
She has been in the hospital for over a week now, and it looks like it will be a couple more days still.
The operation she had was:
Posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation T2-pelvis, multiple posterior osteotomies, allograft, bone graft-local & iliac/rib.
Sounds fun huh?
She doesn't seem to be in much pain, but she developed a rash over most of her back, neck, and face. They think it is from an adhesive that they use to put the drapes on during surgery. She really seems to get itchy, but luckily Benedryl helps and usually puts her to sleep.
We have all been rotating staying at the hospital with her, but we had hoped she would be home by now. So unfortunately Abby(Katie's mom) has had to stay most of this week. Jim is working and Reese is sick so I can't take her anywhere. I feel awful not being able to help out more, but what can I do? Hang in there Abby!!!
We are waiting on one last drain to be removed. The doctor needs the output to be 40ml or less for an entire 8 shift, to get taken out.
It is going down but it is still over 80 at the last report I got.
Once that comes out she can be casted for the brace that she will need to wear for the next 3 months. Then it usually takes a day to have that delivered, then she can go home!
I took a couple of pictures the other day when I was there. I wanted to get a picture of her incision when the dr removed her bandage, but he needed me to help him with it, so I was unable to get one, darn it!

Just a couple of pumps and monitors

Still don't get the salad but ok. It's her antibiotic.

Taking a little snooze with Manny the monkey

That darn drain that we need OUT!!

Love these little piggies

Looking good

The set up

Apparently she doesn't like the idea of being a visitor! Haha

Jim's graduation

Jim finally graduated from Paramedic School!
I couldn't be more proud of him. It has been a tough year and a half but he made it.
Just a recap of what happened during his school.
The FIRST day of class I went into labor and deilvered Reese. I was desperately trying to get ahold of him when my water broke, and I was afraid I was going to have to leave for the hospital without him. But luckily he got my messages!
Katie had 2 major operations.
We moved.
and I could go on and on. But hey it made the time fly by right??
Now he just has to wrap up a little more time at the hospital, then take the National Registry test. YIKES!

The graduating class

Jim getting his certificate

My favorite pizza

My friend Veronica gave me this recipe. I'm pretty sure it is a Pampered Chef recipe, but not positive...
It is AMAZING!! It is so easy to make and is so fresh compared to traditional pizza.
I hope you make this soon, I promise you will LOVE it!
Start with store bought ready pizza dough. I use the fresh and easy or Trader Joes one.
Sprinkle shredded mozzerella cheese on dough

Mix together 1/2 cup of mayonaise, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzerella cheese, and a bunch of fresh basil chopped up.

Pour yourself a nice big glass of wine:)

Slice tomatoes and layer over cheese

Cover the tomatoes with the mayo mixture

Top with some more cheese

then bake at 350 for about 15 minutes. Just cook until dough is done.
ENJOY!!
Even Caleb likes this pizza, try it

Belt testing

Caleb tested for his Purple advance belt last week.
He did great as always!!
Here are some pictures of the testing.

Furniture projects

So I have decided to dive into re-doing furniture for our house. My amazing friend Cheryl has custom made me THREE great pieces for our house, and I LOVE them. They are so unique and not just another piece from Target. Don't get me wrong I love Target, but I want my house to be different. I like things that are cozy and clean, but also feel old and casual.
We had purchased a new dining table and chairs to fit our old dining room. But in our new house it was way too small. Seriously everyone that came into the kitchen commented on how small it looked.
I found a great table on craigslist. But it was just unfinished light wood from IKEA. So I painted it black, and I am going to distress it so it looks more antiqued and rustic. The paint has to dry for a couple of days, then I will get to the distressing:)
I will post pictures when it is all done!

Thanksgiving

As you may know, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year! This year Jim worked on Thanksgiving(as usual) so I made dinner on Tuesday for us and a few family members. I don't have any pictures because that was the day that Reese screamed literally all afternoon and night. She had broken out in her rash that day as well. So between cooking, hosting 8 people for dinner, and comforting my screaming child, I didn't take any pictures.
On Thursday Reese and I went to my Aunt and Uncle's house in Stockton. My Grandparents and brother were there too.
My Dad and Step mom came into town on Friday.
We ate, drank, shopped, ate some more, slept, ate, went for walks, and ate again. It was wonderful!
I had bought this adorable headband for Reese but getting her to leave it on was quite the task. I just wanted one good picture, but she wasn't working with me....

Reese and her Great Grandparents

She left the headband alone if I gave her a coaster to play with.

She played with my brothers old toy ambulance, Wonder why? :)

My little ham

Reese made sure to taste test all of the food, to make sure it was just right. Please don't look at me in this picture with no make up and un-brushed hair...

Turkey tastes good to me!

Yep it's good to go!

My perfectly prepared plate. I must confess I had seconds, then sandwiches later that night. YUMMMMMY

Scientopia play date

Some of the members of the Mom's group I'm a part of, took our kiddos to Scientopia. The kids loved it! It has stuff for all ages and is all indoors, so perfect for cold or rainy days.
Emy and Reese checking the place out.

Reese riding the rollercoaster. She LOVED it!

Emy

Reese giving Emy a push back up the ramp

Eva, Emy, and Reese hanging in the ball pit

Eva and Reese digging!

Eva is very focused:)