I have put together a fundraising webpage to help with the cost of my stem cell surgery. Please email the link to anyone you think might be interested in donating. I cannot tell you how much this surgery would mean to me and how much I appreciate any financial support. Thank you in advance.
http://www.giveforward.com/helpbrittanywalkagain
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Stem Cell Surgery
Yesterday Jeff and I drove to Kingman, AZ to meet with a renowned spinal surgeon to discuss the details of having my own stem cells injected into my spinal cord. Let me first explain how we came to here about this surgery and meet Dr. Smith.
Jeff was attending his annual Chiropractic Biophysics Convention at which various speakers discuss the latest research and techniques concerning the spine. One of their featured speakers was Dr. William Smith, a leading spinal surgeon based out of Las Vegas. He spoke for a couple hours on the growing use of stem cells for healing purposes, particularly for those people with spinal injuries. Jeff was absolutely blown away by the lecture and called me to tell me the details. We both felt that it was more than just a coincidence that this doctor just happened to be speaking at a chiropractic convention that Jeff was attending. It honestly felt heaven-sent.
Since then we've been trying to coordinate a time to meet with Dr. Smith to discuss the actual procedure. Well, yesterday we got our chance. Here's the breakdown. Basically Jeff and I would fly to Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean, where there is a state-of-the-art hospital and research facility. Upon arriving I would get settled into a beautiful hotel and prepare for surgery. The 3 hour surgery would then follow, which would involve harvesting stem cells from my bone marrow. The cells would then be separated and prepared for re-injection. Dr. Smith would then make a 3" incision in my back and carefully make his way to my spinal cord. Once there he would identify the injured portion, clean away any scar tissue, and inject the stem cells above and below the injury site. He would then close me back up and send me to recovery.
The surgery is mildly invasive and the recovery should be minor (nothing compared to my first surgery). Results would then follow in the next weeks and months. Dr. Smith was very clear that my results are not guaranteed, and that 20% of patients have no results. I think the most important thing to note, though, is that no one has had any adverse effects due to the procedure.
Jeff and I have discussed this very expensive and basically experimental procedure a lot and feel that it is something we're meant to do. I believe the Lord had a hand in the circumstances that put Jeff in touch with Dr. Smith. I am an excellent candidate for the surgery because I'm only 7 months post-injury, and the procedure is definitely more successful in newly injured spinal cord patients. I'm also in excellent health and am already seeing function return to different parts of my body. I firmly believe that this surgery will make a dramatic difference in my recovery.
With that said, the biggest hurdle to overcome will be coming up with the money to pay for the procedure. We have not received an actual quote for the procedure, but Dr. Smith believes it will be somewhere between 30-45K which includes all of our accommodations, food, and travel around Cyprus. The only thing not included in that cost is the air fair, which I'm sure will be few thousand dollars for the both of us. Since Jeff and I basically have no money, and are even still paying my previous medical bills, we will be fund-raising to acquire the funds. Jeff is setting up a non-profit organization where people can make a tax-deductible donation. In the meantime, if you have any great ideas or would like to help in any way we would appreciate it. We are looking to have the surgery done sometime in January. Yikes! I know that we can raise this money, it's just going to take a lot of people getting the word out, so start racking your brain.
I am so excited that this opportunity basically fell into my lap. I know that the Lord's hand is in it. Please pray for us as we prepare for this next big journey in our life.
By the way, you can go to the link below and learn more about the procedure and check out some pictures of the facility. Thanks so much for your support! Love, Brittany
http://www.aimisspine.com/
Here's a map if your unsure of Cyprus' location because I was.
Jeff was attending his annual Chiropractic Biophysics Convention at which various speakers discuss the latest research and techniques concerning the spine. One of their featured speakers was Dr. William Smith, a leading spinal surgeon based out of Las Vegas. He spoke for a couple hours on the growing use of stem cells for healing purposes, particularly for those people with spinal injuries. Jeff was absolutely blown away by the lecture and called me to tell me the details. We both felt that it was more than just a coincidence that this doctor just happened to be speaking at a chiropractic convention that Jeff was attending. It honestly felt heaven-sent.
Since then we've been trying to coordinate a time to meet with Dr. Smith to discuss the actual procedure. Well, yesterday we got our chance. Here's the breakdown. Basically Jeff and I would fly to Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean, where there is a state-of-the-art hospital and research facility. Upon arriving I would get settled into a beautiful hotel and prepare for surgery. The 3 hour surgery would then follow, which would involve harvesting stem cells from my bone marrow. The cells would then be separated and prepared for re-injection. Dr. Smith would then make a 3" incision in my back and carefully make his way to my spinal cord. Once there he would identify the injured portion, clean away any scar tissue, and inject the stem cells above and below the injury site. He would then close me back up and send me to recovery.
The surgery is mildly invasive and the recovery should be minor (nothing compared to my first surgery). Results would then follow in the next weeks and months. Dr. Smith was very clear that my results are not guaranteed, and that 20% of patients have no results. I think the most important thing to note, though, is that no one has had any adverse effects due to the procedure.
Jeff and I have discussed this very expensive and basically experimental procedure a lot and feel that it is something we're meant to do. I believe the Lord had a hand in the circumstances that put Jeff in touch with Dr. Smith. I am an excellent candidate for the surgery because I'm only 7 months post-injury, and the procedure is definitely more successful in newly injured spinal cord patients. I'm also in excellent health and am already seeing function return to different parts of my body. I firmly believe that this surgery will make a dramatic difference in my recovery.
With that said, the biggest hurdle to overcome will be coming up with the money to pay for the procedure. We have not received an actual quote for the procedure, but Dr. Smith believes it will be somewhere between 30-45K which includes all of our accommodations, food, and travel around Cyprus. The only thing not included in that cost is the air fair, which I'm sure will be few thousand dollars for the both of us. Since Jeff and I basically have no money, and are even still paying my previous medical bills, we will be fund-raising to acquire the funds. Jeff is setting up a non-profit organization where people can make a tax-deductible donation. In the meantime, if you have any great ideas or would like to help in any way we would appreciate it. We are looking to have the surgery done sometime in January. Yikes! I know that we can raise this money, it's just going to take a lot of people getting the word out, so start racking your brain.
I am so excited that this opportunity basically fell into my lap. I know that the Lord's hand is in it. Please pray for us as we prepare for this next big journey in our life.
By the way, you can go to the link below and learn more about the procedure and check out some pictures of the facility. Thanks so much for your support! Love, Brittany
http://www.aimisspine.com/
Here's a map if your unsure of Cyprus' location because I was.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
My Fun Weekend
I want to preface this post by saying that my blogging about my daily life since my accident will not always by happy or cheery. I suffer daily with challenges, and don't think it helps me or anyone else to try to hide that or paint a pretty picture over it. I also don't think it's positive to dwell on the negative. So, with that said, I am going to try to find a healthy balance between complaining and being overly positive. Let's just say that I'm going to be honest. Here goes.
This weekend was a tough one for me. It seems like I'm in a cycle where I experience several good days followed by about 2 bad days. Friday and Saturday were basically my bad days. I was overly tired from lack of sleep and my body just seemed to ache everywhere. On top of that, I had major bladder control issues and experienced lots of Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD). If you're not familiar with AD, it's basically a warning system that people with spinal cord injuries develop. For example, if I had an ingrown toenail I would be unable to sense any pain, so my body finds other ways to tell my brain that there's trouble down south. These signals manifest as high blood pressure, headaches, muscle spasms, among others. My body unfortunately is very sensitive to my bladder. If my bladder is full of more than about 200 mL (2.7 ounces) of fluid (less than half its capacity) I start experiencing AD. My blood pressure jumps to about 165/90, and I experience horrible chest pains. The problem is usually resolved if I empty my bladder. So this whole weekend, I basically felt like I was going to have a heart attack. Fun, fun!
Another fun thing I deal with is uncontrolled muscle spasms. This is another joy that people with spinal cord injuries deal with. Basically, the parts of my body I can't feel, i.e. my legs and abdomen, contract and spasms randomly or in response to discomfort. Fortunately my spasms aren't too bad and don't cause too many problems except at night. When I'm trying to sleep, my legs will start jerking and spasming at random. The problem can only be resolved if I change positions (not an easy task). This makes trying to get comfortable and sleep very difficult.
The last thing that has been driving me crazy this weekend is my shoulders. My my rotator cuffs are extremely inflamed and irritated from overuse. I use my shoulders excessively every day to push my wheelchair and transfer around. This has caused them to be very sore. The solution to the problem is to strengthen my shoulder muscles, but I can't do that until they heal from where they're at which is taking FOREVER!
OK, it's late, and I've complained plenty. Consider this post an insight into the world of a paraplegic. Good times. I will try to focus my next post on the wonderful things in my life because there are plenty. Good night.
This weekend was a tough one for me. It seems like I'm in a cycle where I experience several good days followed by about 2 bad days. Friday and Saturday were basically my bad days. I was overly tired from lack of sleep and my body just seemed to ache everywhere. On top of that, I had major bladder control issues and experienced lots of Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD). If you're not familiar with AD, it's basically a warning system that people with spinal cord injuries develop. For example, if I had an ingrown toenail I would be unable to sense any pain, so my body finds other ways to tell my brain that there's trouble down south. These signals manifest as high blood pressure, headaches, muscle spasms, among others. My body unfortunately is very sensitive to my bladder. If my bladder is full of more than about 200 mL (2.7 ounces) of fluid (less than half its capacity) I start experiencing AD. My blood pressure jumps to about 165/90, and I experience horrible chest pains. The problem is usually resolved if I empty my bladder. So this whole weekend, I basically felt like I was going to have a heart attack. Fun, fun!
Another fun thing I deal with is uncontrolled muscle spasms. This is another joy that people with spinal cord injuries deal with. Basically, the parts of my body I can't feel, i.e. my legs and abdomen, contract and spasms randomly or in response to discomfort. Fortunately my spasms aren't too bad and don't cause too many problems except at night. When I'm trying to sleep, my legs will start jerking and spasming at random. The problem can only be resolved if I change positions (not an easy task). This makes trying to get comfortable and sleep very difficult.
The last thing that has been driving me crazy this weekend is my shoulders. My my rotator cuffs are extremely inflamed and irritated from overuse. I use my shoulders excessively every day to push my wheelchair and transfer around. This has caused them to be very sore. The solution to the problem is to strengthen my shoulder muscles, but I can't do that until they heal from where they're at which is taking FOREVER!
OK, it's late, and I've complained plenty. Consider this post an insight into the world of a paraplegic. Good times. I will try to focus my next post on the wonderful things in my life because there are plenty. Good night.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Halloween 2012
Halloween this year was particularly fun. The neighborhood we live in is known for its Halloween block party, so we were excited to get involved this year. We pulled our barbecue out front and cooked hot dogs while the kids ran around in their costumes playing with friends. We have such a wonderful neighborhood. Alexis was a vampire princess. She was practically unrecognizable with the black hair and makeup. I think she actually scared herself. She told Jeff that next year she wants to be something a little less scary like a policeman. Jackson was a lion. I was worried I wouldn't be able to convince him to put his costume on, but after he saw Alexis dressed and ready to go, he complied. I even got him to sit still long enough to paint a nose and whiskers on his face. All-in-all, it was a great Halloween. Now on to Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
A Family Forever Changed
As many of you know, several weeks ago my life changed forever. On April 7th, I was mountain biking with my husband when I hit a rock, flew over my handlebars, and landed on my head. After 7 hours of surgery to repair 4 broken bones in my spine, I emerged paralyzed from the chest down. I am now in rehab learning to live my life as a paraplegic. I am optimistic that I will re-gain feeling in my legs and will make a full recovery. But, until then I've got to learn how to live with my current condition. I have been trying to update my progress on Facebook, but I've decided I'd rather chronicle my journey on my blog. I am working on compiling the happenings of the past 4 and half weeks and will add that in when I get it done. So, here it goes. Stay tuned.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Jerilyn's Grave
Jeff and I went to Vegas a couple weeks ago, and while we there visited Jerilyn's grave. It was the first time I've been there since the funeral. It was pretty emotional and difficult, but I'm glad I finally went. Her gravestone is beautiful.
Amazing Jakes
We visited Amazing Jake's in Mesa this weekend. It's basically Chucky Cheese on steroids. There were games, rides, miniature golf, bowling, and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Lexi was in heaven!
This was the first time the kids have golfed. Lexi was a natural! Jackson just liked swinging his club around.
Jack's face on the teacups says it all.
This was the first time the kids have golfed. Lexi was a natural! Jackson just liked swinging his club around.
Jack's face on the teacups says it all.Monday, October 10, 2011
The Petting Zoo
My return to blogging
I'm trying to make a blogging comeback. I finally have the background updated, now let's see if I can get some pictures posted. Stay tuned...
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Hilarious!!!
I just got this email from my sister-in-law, and it's so funny that I almost pee'd my pants (not hard to do after having 2 kids). It is a list of 31 adult truths. I can honestly say that I relate to every single one. Here's the list (I added a few comments of my own):
1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet? - I've resorted to just rolling them up.
6. Was learning cursive really necessary? - I don't remember the last time I wrote in cursive. I can barely even read it anymore.
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died. - So true.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired. - I thought that was just me.
10. Bad decisions make good stories. - My husband can vouch for this one. He tells the BEST stories. Love you babe!
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day. - That's why Solitaire was invented.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again. - I just finished transferring all my VHS tapes to DVDs.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this - ever. - I don't purchase items that say that on the label.
15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello?), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?
16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste. - That is why I never get ready anymore! My husband works late, so the only people I see all day are my kids, and they could care less if I'm still in my PJs.
17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call. - I also assign them the most obnoxious ring tone to make doubly sure I don't answer it.
18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well. - I agree. Try finding ice cream at 2 AM.
19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
20. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.
22. I would rather try to carry 10 over-loaded plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text. - And why is it that when you're trying to finish a text you only hit green lights?
24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
25. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?
26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?
29. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate bicyclists.
30. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
31. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my yewt everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet? - I've resorted to just rolling them up.
6. Was learning cursive really necessary? - I don't remember the last time I wrote in cursive. I can barely even read it anymore.
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died. - So true.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired. - I thought that was just me.
10. Bad decisions make good stories. - My husband can vouch for this one. He tells the BEST stories. Love you babe!
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day. - That's why Solitaire was invented.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again. - I just finished transferring all my VHS tapes to DVDs.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this - ever. - I don't purchase items that say that on the label.
15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello?), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?
16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste. - That is why I never get ready anymore! My husband works late, so the only people I see all day are my kids, and they could care less if I'm still in my PJs.
17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call. - I also assign them the most obnoxious ring tone to make doubly sure I don't answer it.
18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well. - I agree. Try finding ice cream at 2 AM.
19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
20. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.
22. I would rather try to carry 10 over-loaded plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text. - And why is it that when you're trying to finish a text you only hit green lights?
24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
25. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?
26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?
29. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate bicyclists.
30. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
31. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my yewt everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Happy Halloween
I know it's been a while, but I finally have some pictures to post. This year for Halloween Lexi and Jack were pumpkins. As usual I forced Jeff into a costume that coincided with mine. He was a particularly good sport this year because I forced him to wear a beard and wig. He was Zeus and I was Athena. I thought it was pretty creative especially since I already had all the required clothing items.
Lexi had a parade and trunk-or-treat at her preschool. There was a small performance where the children say Halloween songs, but Lexi had another bout of stage-fright and came crying off the stage. I guess she doesn't have a future in theater.
Tonight was the ward trunk-or-treat that we all got dressed up for. It was fun, but I'm glad to have the stress of Halloween over.
Lexi had a parade and trunk-or-treat at her preschool. There was a small performance where the children say Halloween songs, but Lexi had another bout of stage-fright and came crying off the stage. I guess she doesn't have a future in theater.
Tonight was the ward trunk-or-treat that we all got dressed up for. It was fun, but I'm glad to have the stress of Halloween over.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Back to School
Lexi started preschool this week. I can't believe she'll be going to Kindergarten in a couple years. I wish there was a drug that you could give kids to keep them from growing up so fast. Maybe I should put my chemistry degree to good use and start working on something for that. Somehow I think the FDA wouldn't approve it though. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to savor every moment of these adorable years.
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Ultimate Death Match
If you've ever wondered who would win in a fight, a scorpion or a spider, read on to find the answer. First, a little background...
We've been living in Arizona for a few months now and absolutely love everything about it. We love the weather, the landscape, and the people. The only thing we HATE about living here are the scorpions. Because of the copious amounts of rain this summer, we have found multiple scorpions inside the home (one was climbing up my arm). Yesterday we found yet another scorpion in the house, but instead of our usual response (a swift smash with a shoe) Jeff decided to catch it and then feed it a bug. In my quest to find a yummy meal for our new pet, I found a LARGE spider. So, being the immature and curious adults we are, Jeff and I decided to put the two together and see which disgusting insect would win in a battle to the death.
Now, before I continue, I feel like I must explain something. I absolutely hate spiders. They're creepy and crawly and they freak me out. The only things I hate worse than spiders are scorpions. So, call me masochistic, but I have no qualms about putting a spider and scorpion together for a death match.
So, place your bets. Scorpion or Spider?
Our 2 contestants. An average sized scorpion and a large spider (probably a wolf spider)
At first, I was convinced that the scorpion had the upper hand. He was very aggressive and had the spider's legs in his pincers several times, while the spider seemed only concerned with escape. But, in the end the scorpion couldn't compete with the spider's large fangs and lost the battle. After about 6 hours together all that remained was a few bits and pieces of scorpion carcass and a very happy (and full) spider.
Here's what's left of the scorpion. Poor guy never had a chance.
Now, after the battle was over we were left with the conundrum of what to do with our winner. To me, the only good spider is a dead spider, but we decided that our spider friend was the lesser of 2 evils, and that if he could help decrease the number of scorpions in the yard he was worth something. So, we let the spider go free with the hopes that he'll devour any scorpion that crosses his path.
We've been living in Arizona for a few months now and absolutely love everything about it. We love the weather, the landscape, and the people. The only thing we HATE about living here are the scorpions. Because of the copious amounts of rain this summer, we have found multiple scorpions inside the home (one was climbing up my arm). Yesterday we found yet another scorpion in the house, but instead of our usual response (a swift smash with a shoe) Jeff decided to catch it and then feed it a bug. In my quest to find a yummy meal for our new pet, I found a LARGE spider. So, being the immature and curious adults we are, Jeff and I decided to put the two together and see which disgusting insect would win in a battle to the death.
Now, before I continue, I feel like I must explain something. I absolutely hate spiders. They're creepy and crawly and they freak me out. The only things I hate worse than spiders are scorpions. So, call me masochistic, but I have no qualms about putting a spider and scorpion together for a death match.
So, place your bets. Scorpion or Spider?
Our 2 contestants. An average sized scorpion and a large spider (probably a wolf spider)
At first, I was convinced that the scorpion had the upper hand. He was very aggressive and had the spider's legs in his pincers several times, while the spider seemed only concerned with escape. But, in the end the scorpion couldn't compete with the spider's large fangs and lost the battle. After about 6 hours together all that remained was a few bits and pieces of scorpion carcass and a very happy (and full) spider.
Here's what's left of the scorpion. Poor guy never had a chance.
Now, after the battle was over we were left with the conundrum of what to do with our winner. To me, the only good spider is a dead spider, but we decided that our spider friend was the lesser of 2 evils, and that if he could help decrease the number of scorpions in the yard he was worth something. So, we let the spider go free with the hopes that he'll devour any scorpion that crosses his path.The End (at least for the scorpion).
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
PRIVATE
Just to let you know, I am making my blog private this week. Hopefully I got everyone on the list. I hope you all continue to view my blog and check up on my family.
Yum Yum!
Jackson had his first taste of baby food this past Sunday. We decided to start with squash in the hopes that he will become a vegi-lover like his sister. He did pretty good for his first time, although the bulk of the food ended up on his bib and up his nose. He's getting better every day and his diapers are getting stinkier. It's fun to start feeding your baby solids, but man does it make the dirty diapers worse! Oh well, whatcha gonna do?
Andrew came to visit and he and Lexi decided to swap clothes. I'll spare you the picture of Andrew wearing Lexi's clothes, but I'm sure you can imagine a 16-year-old wearing a 3-year-old's clothes. Luckily he wore his boxers underneath.
As many babies do, Jack started sporting a mullet as his baby hair began to fall out. I have a strict no-mullet policy and so had to pull out the clippers and take care of the problem immediately.
Here are some random pics of the kids that I've been meaning to post...
Andrew came to visit and he and Lexi decided to swap clothes. I'll spare you the picture of Andrew wearing Lexi's clothes, but I'm sure you can imagine a 16-year-old wearing a 3-year-old's clothes. Luckily he wore his boxers underneath.
Getting ice cream as a family. What's up with kids always wanting sprinkles? Seriously yuck! We were actually surprised because on this trip she went for mini m&m's. Maybe her tastes are maturing.
Jackson and his cousin Olivia. It is so nice living close to family so we can get together and hang out.
As many babies do, Jack started sporting a mullet as his baby hair began to fall out. I have a strict no-mullet policy and so had to pull out the clippers and take care of the problem immediately.WITH MULLET
WITHOUT MULLET
WITHOUT MULLETMuch better!!!
Lexi is always happy to pose for the camera. She's defintely our little actress.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
My Last Will and Testament
In my attempt to lose the last 30 pounds of post-pregnancy weight I've decided to do the P90X workout program. It's basically 90 days of sheer torture. I started yesterday and am already sore to the max. So, if I die from a heart attack or my body is rendered useless from the pain, please tell my family that I love them. On the other hand, if I make it through the 90 days I should be one buff chick!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Mission Beach
I am recommitting to blogging and since I am so behind with my posts, my next several entries are going to be a little out of order.
First of all, I should give an update on how our family is doing here in Arizona. We are still living with my parents and will probably for a while. Jeff got a job at a local chiropractor's office that he hasn't been too enthusiastic about, but again our family has been blessed and he got an offer to work in a clinic that focuses specifically on his field of chiropractics. This new job will provide him with amazing opportunities to learn and grow before we open our own clinic. He starts working there next week and is ecstatic.
So, on to the actual topic of this post. Last week my parents rented a beach house at Mission Beach in San Diego for a Nielsen family reunion. The house was literally right on the beach about 75 yards from the ocean. The entire family was there including my sister Jerilyn's 3 boys. It was great to get everyone together and exciting to take Lexi to the beach for the first time. She loved playing in the sand and had no fear of the ocean.
On the second day Lexi woke up with a sore ankle and refused to walk at all. Instead, she spent the whole day crawling everywhere. It was pretty funny. The next morning she was fine. Weird. Maybe she just wanted the attention.
London was our little sand princess. She spent more time on the beach than anyone else. She never wanted to come in. She was happy to play in the sand all day.
Matthew smiling (or growling) for the camera
My dad is the king of sand castles and this is the one he created this year (will the help of the grandkids of course).
Lexi was one of the few kids (or adults) who actually got in the water. She's a fishy like her mommy.
Lexi and London really enjoyed playing together. They are only a couple months apart in age so it was great to get them together to bond.
First of all, I should give an update on how our family is doing here in Arizona. We are still living with my parents and will probably for a while. Jeff got a job at a local chiropractor's office that he hasn't been too enthusiastic about, but again our family has been blessed and he got an offer to work in a clinic that focuses specifically on his field of chiropractics. This new job will provide him with amazing opportunities to learn and grow before we open our own clinic. He starts working there next week and is ecstatic.
So, on to the actual topic of this post. Last week my parents rented a beach house at Mission Beach in San Diego for a Nielsen family reunion. The house was literally right on the beach about 75 yards from the ocean. The entire family was there including my sister Jerilyn's 3 boys. It was great to get everyone together and exciting to take Lexi to the beach for the first time. She loved playing in the sand and had no fear of the ocean.
This is a picture of us on the trip down. We had the car packed so full we were busting at the seams. It was a little crazy for the first few days because both Jeff and my brother Eric had to work and so didn't come until later in the week. It was definitely rough being a single parent for those 5 days. (Notice Jackson and Savannah in the very back seat).
Jack loved hanging out in his pop-up tent. He even napped in it. Of course the second I would get him to sleep, Lexi would decide that she wanted to go back to the house. 
Lexi flying the very popular $3.00 Spongebob kite.
On the second day Lexi woke up with a sore ankle and refused to walk at all. Instead, she spent the whole day crawling everywhere. It was pretty funny. The next morning she was fine. Weird. Maybe she just wanted the attention. London was our little sand princess. She spent more time on the beach than anyone else. She never wanted to come in. She was happy to play in the sand all day. Matthew smiling (or growling) for the cameraMy dad is the king of sand castles and this is the one he created this year (will the help of the grandkids of course).Lexi was one of the few kids (or adults) who actually got in the water. She's a fishy like her mommy.Lexi and London really enjoyed playing together. They are only a couple months apart in age so it was great to get them together to bond. At the aquarium. Notice that I'm missing from the picture. That's because I stayed home and slept all morning.
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