Long time no see (or read)

WOW! It's been a long time since I've blogged. My apologies. The remainder of 2008 was so busy...not to mention stressful!

In August, both Chris and I celebrated our birthdays...he 39...me 38.

September was pretty much uneventful...except for the birthday of my best friend Lisa...HAPPY 38th Birthday...'bout time you caught up with me (again).

October was by far the worst month of my life. On October 20, 2008, my dad had a massive heart attack. He had to have a quadruple bypass and a mitral valve replacement. If you know me well, you know I'm a daddy's girl, so I took this really hard...obviously.

When daddy made it through his heart surgery...his battle for life really began. He suffered from organ shock. In a nutshell, this means his internal organs did not fair well with the length of time he was under anesthesia during surgery. His liver and kidneys stopped functioning. He stayed on his ventilator much longer than an average heart surgery patient. He remained in the Cardiac Surgical Recovery (CSR) unit for a couple of weeks. When he finally was able to be removed from the ventilator, he was immediately placed on dialysis. His prognosis didn't seem too good at the time. The doctor's could not make any promises as to whether or not his organs would return to normal function or not.

When he was finally able to, they moved him to IICU (double ICU). He was able to walk...with assistance. However, the kidneys were not waking up. His liver functions were beginning to return to normal. Finally, he got moved to the 6th floor which is the Cardiac Recovery floor. Most patients have surgery. Stay in CSR for up to 24 hours. Then they are moved to the 6th floor. I guess daddy just wanted to tour the hospital. He stayed in the hospital for several weeks. He was finally released and home before Thanksgiving...but was still required to have dialysis 3 times a week.

Through all of this, he never lost his spirit for life. He knew what he needed to do to survive. He knew he had to take his medications. He knew he had to go to dialysis. He knew he needed to take inventory of his life and get his priorities straight. Daddy got a late Christmas present. On December 26, 2008...he had his last dialysis treatment.

In the midst of all of this...Christopher turned 5 years old! He is growing like a weed!

In March 2009, Daddy started pursuing getting disability. If anyone has ever tried or has known someone who has tried to get disability...I sympathize with ya! This was the most drawn out...cumbersome...nerve racking thing I have ever had to help my dad do. I went with him to his interview. Needless to say...he got "Ms. Congeniality". This woman had the personality of a turnip! My dad is light hearted and makes jokes to help cope. She had "zero" humor in her life.

The good news...daddy was approved on his first try for disability. Most are turned down 3 or 4 times before being approved. He (we) are thankful that he didn't have to go through all of that. So...starting in July...daddy will be officially DISABLED! Who would have thought being classified as disabled would make someone so happy. Daddy has worked hard his entire life. It's now time for him to live his life and not focus on how to make ends meet. He is in the prime of his life. He needs to enjoy life more.

OK...so, May 2009...Mary Catherine turned 2. Where has the time gone??? Also in May, Christopher graduated from Gateway Academy. He looked so cool in his cap & gown. I will post pictures later once I scan them. Also, Mary Catherine started daycare full time. She is excelling so fast. She can count to 10 (really 15 but 12 and 13 get lost somewhere in translation). She mimics the alphabet. She tells me everyday I pick her up..."mommy, guess what...I played today!". She is so happy. Christopher is also going to daycare full time this summer. The daycare has great summer program. His class goes on 2 field trips a week. Not to mention...every Friday is Ice Cream day! What kid wouldn't love going to school on a Friday!

Chris and Mary Catherine were involved in a car accident that totaled Chris' car. Mary Catherine kept telling everyone daddy's car was broke. On June 2nd, we bought a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan. It finally happened...I'm a soccer mom that drives a minivan. How does that happen. When I was a teenager, I swore I was going to drive a Porsche 924...black with black and red interior...20 plus years later...a mini van with stow and go seating...UUUGGGHHH...I can't even believe I am using the appropriate terminology to describe it. And...you better believe I did my research to make sure it had all the safety features so I would feel better carting my kids around in it. In all honesty...I love it. It is the most practical vehicle we've ever owned.

Chris was chosen as a Star Employee at his part time job. He was invited to Stone Mountain, Georgia for an employee appreciation picnic. Apparently, they are going to have a prize drawing. All employees are guaranteed a prize...anything from gift cards up to a trip to Disney World and a Car (I think). We're excited.

And...to top off things...Mary Catherine woke up this morning with what can only be described as PINK EYE! Gotta love daycare and all the little snotty noses that are running around. We're on our way to the doctor.

I promise...I'll keep you posted!

OK...so...I guess now you understand why I haven't blogged in so long.