A snapshot

This is what we have been doing a lot of for the last twenty four hours. Sleeping for short periods of time in awkward positions. Quinn is getting the most sleep, while Dalan and I are in a distant (far distant) tie for last place.

Quinn is doing remarkably well, and went the entire night without even needing Tylenol. (She has needed some today as she has been more active, and we had to change the dressing on her wound. It is still so tender and sore.)

Word on the street is we will be going home sometime this evening. Quinn needs to show she can tolerate getting food continuously pumped into her belly up to a certain milliliter. We are on hour three and half of ten, I think. So, far so good. Let's hope the next 2/3's go as smoothly.

Surgery

Quinn's surgery went well. She was wild and crazy up until the minute they took her into surgery. She crawled on the crinkly paper, and was happy and playful. Her hospital jammies were the smallest size, but comically large. And I put the shirt on backward.


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The actual surgery was only 20 minutes long, and she was only away from us for an hour. We will be up here for about a day. She will be on IV fluids through today, and start oral feeding/g-tube feedings tomorrow. She is grumpy, uncomfortable, and tired, but overall doing well. Her tube in her belly looks ok, and the stick arm has returned! She has played with her new balloon, and also played pat-a-cake. We have a shared room. We had roommates when we got here. They were scary, and mean. But they moved them to a private room. I hope we stay solo for the next twenty four hours!


I have two videos, but I can't get them to upload. That will have to be another post.

Thanks for all the kind email, calls, and texts. We'll keep you up to date! LOVES!

Our weekend

Our weekend included some sitting, playing, snuggling, sleeping, playing, cuddling, wearing the latest fashions, you know, the usual....





And some serious rolling and attempts at crawling....



Quinn also spent about a half an hour "singing" this afternoon. I will have to get that on video. Her favorite song to sing along to? Rehab by Amy Winehouse.

Facts and Opinions

FACT: Quinn is scheduled to have surgery next Friday to have a g tube placed in her belly. Her oral feeding and weight gain is still lacking, so we need a more long term solution. It is considered an outpatient surgery with an overnight stay.

OPINION: My feelings are mixed. Everything I have read and heard that are after an NG tube (her feeding tube in her nose), a g tube is a walk in the park. However, I am not convinced yet. Also, I have some PTSD type issues about admitting Quinn into the hospital, and getting "stuck." Now, that we have Quinn home, I want to keep her here, and not risk it for anything. Also, the surgery "should" help with her feeding, and "should" help with her weight gain, but not guarantees. I would feel better if I knew for sure this was a going to make things better. The whole thing stresses me out.

FACT: Dalan is still feeling yucky. He had an ultrasound two weeks ago, and they did not see gallstones, however, his doctor is not ruling a problem with his gallbladder out yet, and he goes in for more testing at the end of the month.

OPINION: I feel bad for him. Who wants to feel sick all the time? The thought of Quinn having surgery, and then Dalan having surgery is a bit overwhelming.

FACT: I have not really done anything fun or left the house for anything other than the hospital, errands, and work in over ten months, with a handful of exceptions. (Two plays and a few family get togethers.)

OPINION: It sucks. I have gone stir crazy. I can't wait for the end of the cold and flu season, and getting to rejoin the living again. I am grateful Quinn has stayed so healthy although, so it does make it worth it. I am just ready for it to end.

FACT: My house is a disgusting mess.

OPINION: I am tired all the time. I get off work, eat dinner, play with Quinn, put Quinn to bed, wash bottles and dishes, get bottles ready for the next day, straighten up, shower, and I am done. I have no energy to keep up with anything beyond very basic housecleaning. My house is now driving me crazy, and adding to my feelings of being overwhelmed.

Photo catch up

Quinn is super smiley x2.
Quinn's hair is long enough for a little Pebbles' ponytail on top!
Quinn loves her kitchen, especially the faucet.
Quinn is wild.

Bath Time!

We gave Quinn a bath in her inflatable duck. It went so well. Much better than the sink. She can sit up, splash, and play without slipping around . She had a blast.

The huz: a tribute

Seven years ago, I met some friends downtown for some drinks to celebrate a friend's birthday. My roommate was dating/had been dating this boy, and it was his roommate's birthday. The four of us had hung out before, and always had a good time. This friend had just gotten done with a birthday dinner with his family. He told a story about his sister jokingly deciding to start doing meth as weight loss method. He then explained that his sister worked at a drug and alcohol treatment center, so she was telling the story as a total joke. I asked what treatment center. He said I wouldn't know it. It was way out west. I smiled, and said I just might. He named it. It was the same one that I was working at, and I totally knew his sister. We laughed about it being a small world. It was a fun and memorable night.

Six years ago, I met some friends downtown for some drinks to celebrate a friend's birthday. There was a bigger crowd, including this friend's sister, and some of my other co-workers. It was fun, but awkward and exciting. This friend and I were having a quiet and semi-secret romance. I patiently waited out all the other people attending this event, even though it included going to another bar, and waiting for his roommate (his ride) to go home, so we could have some time alone. (That is the problem with secret romances. You have to get rid of everyone else to be alone with your lover.)

Five years ago, this boy and I had a housewarming/birthday party at our new place. Lots of friends came to celebrate the newly formed Carsellers household. It was fun. After everyone left, we laid in the hall and talked and talked and talked. I knew I wanted to marry him.

Four years ago, we went out to celebrate his birthday for drinks with friends. Piper had her first seizure that weekend, and we were nervous to leave her. We took her to my mom's house to be watched, and came home early. He was just as worried about Piper as I was, and I saw another example of his kind heart.

Three years ago, we were six days engaged on his birthday. We were floating in the clouds, and I was so excited to plan our wedding.

Two years ago, we celebrated his 30th birthday twice. First with our families, and then with our friends. We had a pirate theme, and it was a blast. It was our first married birthday.

One year ago, his birthday came and passed quietly. I was pregnant and tired, and he said he did not want to do make a big deal about it, so we didn't.

Today, he turns 32! We had a quiet, but fun weekend. We got pizza on Friday night. On Saturday night, we ran to a spaghetti dinner hosted by the Boy Scout's as a fundraiser for a kid in my class while my parents watched Quinn. We went to Target together too. It was fun.

More importantly, on this birthday, he is my husband, and Quinn's dad. He is amazing. We have had a crazy year, and I could not have asked for a better partner. He has been there for me all the times I felt like I was drowning. And he has been there to celebrate all the exciting and happy times we have had with our beautiful little girl. He makes me giggle. He dries my tears. He makes me smile. He eases my worried mind. He makes me feel pretty. He listens to me. He loves our dog. He loves me. He loves our baby. He is the best!

Who would ever thought that boy sitting across from at that dark and smoky bar seven years ago would one day be my huz? But I am so glad that he is!

Happy Birthday, Dearest Dalan! I love you! I hope you have the best day ever.