Where the heart is

All three Witt's are home again.
Kate and Scott spent the night playing blocks, PBSkids.org, sharing cupcakes and enjoying dinner together. Listening to them talk and share in Scott's room reinforced my decision to bring Scott home.
In the end, we left against medical advice but with no hard feelings. The doctors acknowledged our need to not spend 4 more days in the hospital and wished us well.
My grandma (you all know her as Grams) has a dear friend that is an infection disease specialist. He was at Baylor Medical Center for years prior to starting his own medical school in Botswana. I was able to speak with him this morning. He graciously took time off from his coffee and crosswords over looking the ocean to speak with me. After giving me the straight talk on what is really going on, he agreed with all of my thoughts and encouraged me to follow my heart and do the right thing for my family. Having Scott in the hospital for a problem that we cannot cure, just doesn't make sense. I'm feeling confident in the decisions made and yet I can't get the ball of jumbled emotions to leave me. It all seems to be balled up in my throat.


Tomorrow night, as we move into a new year, I'm going to snuggle up and hold hands with the future. I'm going to leave the past behind and embrace all that is ahead.
Tonight, I'm going to wallow a little bit longer.

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AMA

AMA - against medical advice

Scott waited all day yesterday to get an MRI. An MRI that was ordered about an hour after he was admitted on Tuesday. It was supposed to be 3pm then 9pm then 930pm and finally last night at 1130 we heard "not going to happen."
I wasn't there at 1130pm to hear what stupid, no-reason, lame excuse he was given. But I know he went to bed frustrated, tired and angry.

The only reason I agreed to Scott's admittance was because we were assured that it would provide us the fast track to getting answers. So far no fast track, no answers and all it's done is take Scott away from his family, create more stress than necessary, open Scott up to other potential infections and generate more fees to a hospital that has already been paid over 3.2million dollars on Scott's behalf.

As you can read, I'm beyond frustrated. For the first time ever in dealing with Rush I'm going to go downtown today and either get a MRI, answers and a treatment plan or bring Scott home, against medical advice.
I like all the doctors involved. I don't think anyone of them is neglectful in anyway. I think there have been layoffs and understaffing and it's creating major problems. At this point I could have gotten all these tests done outpatient faster and Scott would be home.
Everyone (hospital staff) is missing the fact that they can't fix Scott. He's living on borrowed time and has been for years. Each and every day he has is a gift. A gift that should not needlessly be squandered laying in the hospital. A gift that should be spent doing what he wants to do, spending time with his daughter, sleeping in his own home, eating as many Christmas cookies as he wants and snuggling with Becky the cat.

I'm searching for the patience I'm going to need to get through this. The insight to be sure I'm making the right choice and some strength to push through.
When he needs to be there, I'm the biggest supporter. But this time... I'm not so sure.



** disclaimer - please don't read this as anti Rush post. I'm not anti Rush. Scott has some terrific doctors and nurses there. My objectives are different from theirs and I always have to do what I feel is the right thing for my family in every given moment. I still pink puffy heart Rush and we'll continue to make that our go-to hospital for Scott's vascular issues.**

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1000 Words

A frustrating day of getting nowhere is better remembered and celebrated with memories of our wonderful visitors. BigDan, Missy, Lorraine, Christian, Mom, Dad, and our most perfectly delightful, well mannered, precocious daughter.








I'm even still enjoying the Au Bon Pain.

I wish I had met all of our hospital family in other places, doing other things, in better times, but I sure do love them all even if they are friendship born from troubling times.

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Confirmation

We got the results back today and I've read them myself. In radiology mumbo-jumbo they say basically what I already knew. Scott has osteomylitis. It's in his left fibula, his left femur, his left knee join and his pelvis.
Yep, pretty much fucking sucks. There are times I wish I didn't know as much as I do. This is one of those times.
We consult with Dr. Jacobs (vascular surgeon extraordinaire) on Tuesday. I don't know what he's going to say, there are no answers.

Now that I've told you all, I'm done with it for the holiday. You won't hear be talk about it again until Tuesday unless something goes awry. Scott is feeling fine and we are going to crazy this Christmas. Lots and lots of family time. Plenty of board games, card games, good food, photos and a huge helping of love.

Merry Christmas Eve Eve.

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Bone scans are cool... mmmkay

Scott's scan went relatively well, all things considered. He didn't puke, only hit his head once and didn't put himself into a drug induced coma. A successful day around these parts.


Yes, I took pictures. What of if? The tech only looked at me strangely for a moment before telling me to go right ahead.

The machine is totally open, makes no noise and the images are immediately transferred to the screen.

Unfortunately, it didn't take a rocket scientist (or trained radiologist) to tell that there were definite areas of concerns. We will get a full report tomorrow from the doctors but I left there convinced that Scott does indeed have osteomyelitis.


The scan process is pretty cool. You go in for the first run where they inject the nuclear dye and image the "areas of concerns". That takes about 30 minutes. Then you're free to roam the world, basking in your nuclear glow. Returning in two hours for the second scan. The second scan takes about an hour. They go over the "areas of concern" and they do a whole body scan.
Watching Scott slowly slide through the machine and having every bone in his body slowly build on screen until he's a perfect skeleton... hella cool!

Scott and I left the hospital with our two hour window, we get enough time in hospitals. We went around some of the neighboring towns playing Santa and delivering treats to doorsteps of some dear friends. It was a nice way to spend some holiday time. No dwelling on the possibilities for us. There is only time to embrace life and give to those that give so much to us. I wish we could have driven to the home of every person we know, leaving yummy cookies in our wake, spreading the holiday cheer.

Outside the hospital today, I took the photo I posted on the other blog
In an otherwise cloudy, gloomy day the bright sun came out to greet us as we left. We may have gotten more crappy (unconfirmed) news but the world is still a beautiful place.

Lots and lots of presents to wrap still. If you don't see me by Tuesday send help.

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In the know

We know people. We know good people that will answer their phones at 4pm on a Friday, drive an hour from the city on a Saturday, in between a birthday party and symphony tickets, to give us their wisdom, experience, guidance, love and banana bread. We couldn't be any luckier.

Scott's GP (general physician), Dr. K, called late Friday afternoon. It turns out that one of the tests she did for Scott last week came back with some alarming results. Dr. K and I discussed things, she armed me with information and said, "let me know what you want to do."
I did the only thing I knew to do on a Friday evening (seriously why does this crap happen late on a Friday every time.) I called BigDan and Kathy. This problem is their area of expertise. They came running.
What amazing, wonderful people. We can't thank them enough. The two loafs of Kathy's famous banana bread were just the icing on the cake.

As for Scott, we're feeling pretty confident he has a bone infection, osteomyelitis. For right now Scott will stay on his oral antibiotic (it seems to keep the symptoms at bay even if it probably isn't helping the infection) and we'll be taking him in for a bone scan so we can decide what to do next.

Osteomyelitis, has always been something on my watch list. It's fairly common in people like Scott, heck even Christopher Reeves had it. This is a difficult setback but I'm fairly confident that I'll get my wish to get through Christmas. That's all I ask, I just want my Christmas morning then, well... bring it on if you must, I'll kick your ass after the holiday.

Scott is feeling pretty well and we'll keep doing what we're doing. BigDan and Kathy assured me that I'm doing a terrific job at taking care of the wounds so I feel confident that we can manage at home for now.

BigDan and Kathy, thank you. Thank you for loving us, taking care of us and always answering your phone. We're so blessed to have you both in our lives.

Headed to Best Buy with my best girl to pick up the last few gifts. Then tonight, a trip to Mark and Jay'me's for some gingerbread decorating for the kids. It's 6 days away people, let's rally.

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Hello spring?

My body is confused and well, so is my brain, but that's nothing new.

First, this weekend we had daylight savings time. I'm gaining an hour but my early rising child doesn't realize that 7am is the new 6am.
Second, it's gorgeous here. Like seriously. 70 degrees, soft breeze, clear skies, going to have to force me to go inside, kind of beautiful.
Just when I'm thinking it's spring, I see this sign.

Now I'm really messed up.

How is it possible that this late in November I am able to take my child (in short sleeves none the less) and my husband that requires 72degree temps at all times out to the park?

A welcomed respite. Certainly helping to ease the funk that's been lurking around the corners.

Manging to get Scott's flu shot and haircut taking care of before hand was a small miracle.
It's not often that Scott can handle this much activity. This glorious weather provided the perfect setting to make it all possible.
It's almost like the universe knew I needed it. Like this day was just for me. A day to remind me of what I'm fighting for everyday. A reason to keep going and embrace what ever life throws at me.

A beautiful gift, much like my beautiful girl. Something so perfect, so overwhelmingly wonderful that you're almost afraid to believe it's true.

She is smart, funny, empathetic and she's healthy. She's also sassy, stubborn and independent but I won't ruin this love fest with those thoughts.
It's ok for me to take a break, kick back and just enjoy the moment.

Letting life move forward without me pushing it.

It's so easy to get bogged down. When everything is such a struggle, when my body is bruised from carrying Scott, when my soul is battered by the reality of the future. It's easy to slink into a hole and stay there.
I've been reminded that my bruises will heal, my heart will continue to love and I can move on.

Enjoying the journey for what it is. Because of it, I am who I am.

And I'm someone that hates this stupid garbage can for ruining my photo.

That's life.

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And I'm out.

I'm sorry to report kids, all my creative juices got sucked out of me. I left them over at the other blog. I didn't mean to let you down. I know you came here to hear the big announcement, see the big unveiling. It will have to wait another day. It's that important to me.

I will tell you all about our trip to Rush. Saw Dr. Jacobs and PA Jen, and PA Nicole and Dr. Ben. Oh and we met a second year med student that asked me questions like I was the surgeon. Silly kid, I'm just a stay at home mom that can explain AVMs, AV fistulas and talk you through the proper way to dress a wound like Scott's.
I love med students. They are so much fun to mess with.
It was like one big family reunion. It was lovely.

Scott had a wonderful check up. We don't have to go back for three months, assuming Scott doesn't do anything creative between now and then. It was nice to leave there and really see how far Scott's come.
Scott still has his issues. His fatigue, weight loss, general overall well being is a lot worse than before. There is no doubt he's sick. He can't fake it for even a minute anymore.
But for the first time in ten months I don't feel like when the next aneurysm blows it will be fatal. I feel like the healing in his leg and the very recent increased appetite (thank you marinol) has given him a head start. It's given him a little bit of fight.

We'll take it and we'll make the most of it.

Never squandering the sunshine, never saying no to a few minutes of baseball, never forgetting to embrace life.

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News Flash

Scott has hearing loss.
Break out the band, call the press and sing it from the rooftops.
The hearing loss, apparently, is just some random fluke. There is seemingly no rhyme or reason for Scott's loss but after an extensive hearing test, it's been confirmed that there is a definite loss.
The only potential treatment would be a steroid injection directly into the inner ear through the ear canal. Sounds lovely doesn't it?
For right now were holding off on doing the injection. We'll give it a little bit of time to stabilize on it's own before shoving needles into Scott's ear drum.

S12 and his family came over for dinner and some much needed catching up. Kristin and I actually got to sit down and enjoy a meal together. Usually it's so chaotic with all the kids running that we don't get a chance to talk, this was such a welcomed departure.
I've spent more hours than I can count recently bogged down with the insurance drama from the accident. I'm hoping that today was the worst of it and now I can get back to some level of normal.
Much more to accomplish before my head hits my pillow....

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Version 10.0

I've started about 10 different posts today and I can get any of them to say the things I want to say. I've decided that I'm just going to report the news for today. My thoughts are to scrambled and my heart is to twisted to say anything that might be partially constructive.

After many phone calls and much doin', Scott has his MRI-MRA of his brain scheduled for Wednesday. We'll be doing the test out in the 'burbs to keep the transport to a minimum. It's also because if there is something wrong with Scott's brain (other than the obvious- heehee) Scott will be referred to a neurosurgeon. Anything above the jawline is basically out of the realm for Dr. Jacobs. Dr. Jacobs will, of course, be consulting on everything if needed and any neurosurgeon we would see would be down at Rush.
I'm just hoping nothing is needed. Scott is an odd dude and strange things like this happen.

I guess we'll know more on Wednesday or Thursday. More waiting. I'm so good at it... or not.

I'm going to go look at the prairie grass pictures I had post today. I actually took them Friday and had them scheduled to post at noon today to act as a pick me up for what I thought would probably be a trying Monday. Prairie grass and blue skies make me happy.

What makes you happy?

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Huh... What....

Sigh... another day, another cluster fuck. Looking forward to having the weekend to re-group somewhat.
Had Scott at the doctor today. She found no obvious signs for what could be causing Scott's hearing problems. His ears look clear, no signs of sinus issues, everything appears to be normal.
For this weekend we're going to treat him for middle ear congestion. He's got a nose spray and some Sudafed. If things aren't starting to improve by Monday we'll go to Rush and have an MRI-MRA done to rule out an aneurysm and a few other really yucky things.
I'm hoping things start to improve but honestly, I'm prepared to take him to Rush this weekend. Being prepared to handle the worst case scenario at any given moment is the only way I can get through from one day to the next.

For right now though Scott is happily hanging with some of his boys. Playing cards, drinking beer and whiskey*, eating sub sandwiches and the homemade apple pie I prepared for them.

I had Friday Faces over on the other blog. Wait until you see some of the outtakes. I'll be sharing them tomorrow. For now, I'm going to take advantage of having other able bodied people in the house while K is sleep. I'm off to take a few nighttime pictures while I still have some decent weather. I'll be staying close by, Kate has still been waking up with leg cramps so I need to be close just in case.


*Scott is not drinking. The beer and whiskey are for others.

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Cluster

I am a giant cluster fuck tonight.
Yes, I cursed. No, I don't care. There are just sometimes in life that the f-word is needed.
I spent the day doing work stuff, K spent some needed quality time with her grandparents and Scott hung out with Uncle LaVerne and Aunt Lynn for the afternoon.

I managed to keep myself together for the work stuff but it's like my brain turned off about the rest of my life. I forgot to get Scott's new meds picked up which also means I forgot to pick up the medically supplies that we are completely out of. I could have gotten it done too. I had the help and I had the few extra minutes, I just didn't get my act together and get it done.
*Head, wall*

No harm came from my stupidity. Fortunately. It just made for a harder dressing change for me. I guess that's what I deserve for forgetting.

I've held off saying this for a few days but I have some medical news to report on Scott.
I'm debating in my head if I lead off with the good news or possibly bad news. Hmmmm...

Good news wins - Scott's thigh incision that has been open from the 4th thigh surgery has finally closed. January 18th until just a few days ago. Hallelujah it's a miracle. His lower leg is still a hot mess but I'll take one fewer complex dressing change a day.

The not so good news - Scott's been having some hearing troubles the last 4 days. He's got no signs of a cold and this was a quick on-set. He's also had more vertigo than usual (which is a lot). Getting it checked out tomorrow. Hoping it's something simple, preparing for the worst.

My aunt and uncle stopped by for a visit on their way home from Tennessee. Enjoyed a great dinner with them and my parents. Scott got lots of visiting time which he loved.

Here are a few other photos from our visit with Nefarious.








We're already planning our next horsey adventure.

I'm sure there is stuff I'm forgetting but this cluster fuck is done for the day.

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Dodged a Bullet

Did you know that once upon a time, in a far away land called Iowa, my dad had a bullet bounce off his chest?

True story.

If I recall the story correctly (please correct me if I don't, Dad) my dad was working as an electrician. He was taking his lunch outside in his car in an alley. While sitting there enjoying his break, he heard a noise and suddenly the windshield was broken and he felt something hit his chest. Looking down, he realized it was a bullet. My dad wasn't hurt in anyway. I'm pretty sure he went back to work when his break was over.
My dad, Superman.

Scott and I are feeling a little like we dodged a bullet today. Not a literal bullet, like my dad's but a figurative one.
I took Scott to see his primary care doctor yesterday for some issues. She took one look at him, listened to his symptoms and told us we could wait for blood work to come back but she expected to admit him to the hospital for possible renal failure.
We left her office yesterday late morning and Scott began forcing fluids as much as possible, in attempts to re-start his system. I started cleaning, making sure all the bills and laundry were caught up and we both wanted to spend lots of time with Kate.
A family dinner was in order (delicious Kathy pesto - thanks Kath). Some play time and extra snuggles.

Got the call this morning that the blood work looked much better than expected. There isn't a simple answer to Scott's symptoms. But, for right now, he gets to stay home and be with his KatieBell. I'm watching him very closely. Much closer than even he realizes. I'm ready for anything he can throw at me but of course I'm hoping its a simple case of prolonged dehydration and protein deficiency.

We know that all his symptoms could be from an aneurysm. It's the white elephant in the room. We don't talk about it directly, but we're both thinking about the similarities to his previous arterial ruptures.

A little glitch in the road, a speed bump really. Didn't slow us down. Once we got word he was going to stay home, life returned to normal.
Kate and I made these. Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls. You MUST make them now! Do not delay. They are amazing. They have gotten rave reviews from most of the important men in my life.

We'll be pumping the weekend full of life.
Thanks for the reminder world. I heard you, loud and clear.

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Two Months

Eight weeks
61 days
1,608 hours

That's how long we've got until we have to go back to Rush for a vascular visit.
We finally graduated to every two months between visits.
Now the trick will be actually making that happen. If all of you could send Scott a strongly worded message encouraging him to follow directions that would be great.

Obviously, things with Dr. Jacobs went well. He removed yet another internal suture in Scott's thigh. Took a look at Scott's leg and declared it happily ugly. We discussed a few other things but in general, Dr. Jacobs is happy. He would love to see Scott put on about 20 pounds but wouldn't we all.

Kathy tried to help with the 20 pounds and got us some Hot Dougs. Delicious as always. I cannot get over that brat. So fantastic.

It was great to see a few of our friends while we were there. Wish we would have gotten a chance to see everyone but Scott just can't travel as well as he used to. By the time we left he was having trouble breathing and we needed to just get him home and resting.

Sorry guys, we still love you all.

I'm saying a couple extra prayers and sending lots of love to "Grandma" Alice tonight. She's not doing really well and was hospitalized today. I'm hoping she find some peace soon.

Onward with faith, hope and love.

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A Trip to the Dentist

Way back when Scott was at Rush you may remember that he broke a tooth. We finally got around to taking him into the dentist today. It only took 4 rescheduled appointments to make it happen.

I've introduced you all to our dentist before. He's the one digging up dinosaur bones in this photo.

He was also the winner of the "Name Scott's Tendon" Contest. To which he finally got his winnings today.

Yes, that contest was months ago but beef jerky and a t-shirt don't ever go bad.

So anyways, back to Scott's trip.
Things went well.
Except, for the part where Scott got nasty vertigo and almost threw up all over everything. Oh and the part where they couldn't get Scott's mouth numb no matter how much "fun stuff" they gave him.
In the end Scott had to do a little white knuckling it to get through.

Kevin and Jen worked as fast as they could.

They stepped over Kate while she colored and they supplied her with Princess Ariel toothbrushes after a through search for Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) had been declared a failure.

They kept us laughing during our two hour visit and hopefully Scott came home with a fixed tooth.
Most importantly it wasn't me sitting in the dentist chair. I find I like Kevin and Jen much more when I'm not the one with the drill shoved in her mouth.

I'm going to go brush my teeth for a full 3 minutes right after I floss.

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This Ain't Barbie's Dream House

I came across a blog out there in the world wide web today that was beautiful. Completely and totally stunning.
This blogger had all these magical pictures of her life. Depicting perfectly dimpled cheeks, children's clothes that would make the Pitt-Jolie kids drool, gorgeous surroundings - completely idyllic.

I fell in love.

In this particular post that I was reading the author was talking about enjoying the small things. You know all the little details that we miss everyday. It got me thinking, that I need a little dose of "small things therapy".

Then I got thinking a little more (yes, I over think everything, what of it?). I thought about how I needed perfect pictures of all my small things. I needed flawless words and precise grammar.

Then I thought a little more and decided that this world I live in "Ain't Barbie's Dream House". Hell, the closest I could come to Barbie's Dream House is the Barbie Corvette up on blocks in the front drive way.

You know what, I'm glad. I don't want Barbie's life, I want my life. For all it's heartache, stress, worry, and frustration this life is mine and I wouldn't change it. Changing it might mean I would miss my "little things".


Kate and Scott playing "cups" this morning. Scott would tell her a color and Kate would take a cup from the stack and put it around her in a "circle that looks like an O".


I would miss playing birdies with Kate and Scott. Kate insisting that our wiffle ball is a bird feeder.


I would miss seeing the look on my doctors face when during a conversation about my continued weight loss I say "I don't mind a little extra cushion I just don't want it on my butt".

I would miss the hopeful feeling that comes with once again meeting my dear friend Mr. Lex-A-Pro.

I would miss the way Kate sneaks into Scott's bedroom in the morning and says "boo" to wake him up.

I would miss hearing Scott make Kate laugh so hard that she starts to choke.

I would miss how Kate "reads" me stories that always end with Princess Katie telling Queen Mommy "I love you" and gives her a kiss.

I would miss loving, honest, heartfelt conversations with friends that have to happen over email and text because while our lives may be to busy to see each other it's still that important that we stay connected.

I would miss this.


For all the crappy lighting, bad cell phone pictures and lack of awe inspiring words, this is my version of the Barbie Dream House so what if it's really a broken down mobile home. Embrace your Barbie Dream House.

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Another Day, Another Trip to Rush

All is well with Scotty. Dr. Jacobs had nothing but good things to say. We removed a piece of suture that was slowing down the healing of his thigh incision and some necrotic tissue on the back of the calf. Good times! Back again in five weeks, we're just hoping he makes it that long.
We also got the all clear for Scott to travel. Dr. Jacobs recommended stopping every 45 minutes to reposition Scott's leg. I started having seizures thinking about the six hour trip to Iowa stopping every 45 minutes with a drama queen three year old. Mmmm... not so much fun.
We think with the assistance of my parents fully loaded, very comfy mini-van we'll be able to prop Scott up in the backseat with a movie on the DVD and only stop every 2-3 hours. We're hoping to take the maiden voyage next weekend to celebrate my cousin Jason's marriage to Chelsea. As with anything in the WWW I'll plan, prepare and make myself neurotic trying to decide if we should go right up until the last second.
Kate had a fantastic day at Grandma's. She covered Papa in stickers, 11 of them to be exact. Got to spend some time playing a unicorn game with Auntie Blue and Uncle Justin. She's been missing Uncle Justin terribly since he returned to work. Uncle Matty has been working on her guitar lessons and reports that my child can already play three cords. That's exactly three more cords than her mother will every play. She's only three and has already surpassed me. Sigh... it will only get worse from here.
The highlight of my day... the bratwurst from Hot Dougs that Kathy brought for us. Seriously, I know I've said it 100 times but, it's the best brat ever!
I must sleep now so I can dream of eating another brat. Farewell....

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This Just In

Here's the late breaking scoop-

Scott continues to work miracles as only Scott can do. These are not my words but the words of a truly amazing vascular surgeon.
Everything on the CT looked good. Scott being Scott still has his "issues" but they are exactly where they were this time last year.

So if you would all join me in a the loudest "Hell Yeah!" this town has heard!

1,2,3....

HELL YEAH!


*all usual disclaimers apply- Scott can change in an instant (we've seen it happen)*

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Dear Waiting,

I'm sorry Waiting but you and I just don't see eye to eye anymore. I used to find you refreshing every once in awhile.
Like on my 12th birthday, waiting for my little gaggle of girlfriends to come over and roller skate with me in my parents basement, that was fun.
Or before Kate was born. Waiting, you really out did yourself then. We had parties and games. I got to do tons of shopping (my favorite source of therapy) and make lots of plans. That was phenomenal. I think that was when our relationship hit it's peak.

But now Waiting, we're just not in sync. It's not you, it's me. I'm busy, I'm passionate, I'm a little high-strung. Having to be passive just doesn't work for me anymore.

So, I'm sorry Waiting but you and I simply have to break-up. It's going to be tough getting over you but I'll manage somehow. Please don't hate me.

Sincerely,
Impatient Brandi

*******************************
Scott's MRI which turned out to be a CT-scan went off without a hitch but we don't have the result as of yet.
Dr. Jacobs was stuck at a neighboring hospital for an emergency and canceled his days appointments at Rush. Rather than sit around the hospital waiting for his return like the deranged stalkers that we are, we opted to come home and wait for his call like normal people.

We're beginning to feel like we won't hear anything until morning. Which, honestly, has Scott and I both a little on edge. We're both sure that things are fine but we get so ramped up to hear the news immediately that to now go overnight without the reassurance we crave is a little unsettling.

You'll hear from me again, when I know something. Thanks again for the calls, texts, emails, and comments with well wishes. We love them and can't get enough of them. Send more, send more.

********************************

Why in the world do I always forget the second "n" in beginning? Every freaking time. I know how to spell it and say it correctly in my head while I'm typing but for some strange reason I have a freaky aversion to typing it correctly.

Beginning, beginning, beginning, beginning, beginning....

Please tell me I'm not the only one with a quirk like this?
Anyone... Bueller? Bueller?

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What's Goin' On?

Sit back and relax kids, I'm going to take you on another journey through the last few days in the WWW. I hope you enjoy the ride.

When last you left the WWW, Scott and Scott 12 were watching the Blackhawks game together. Well, I think we all know how that turned out.


Thursday brought more chaos. Kate and I spent the morning enjoying the beautiful weather at one of our many local parks.

Kate enjoyed the swing. She loves sitting in the baby swings so I can push her higher and faster. Be warned though, don't try to push Kate before she's ready. If it's not her idea to go high and fast you better be prepared for a meltdown of epic proportions. Girlie doesn't like it unless it's on her terms. I don't know where she gets this stuff.

She quickly bored of her high flying adventures and sought out other means of stimulation.

Over and....

over again....

More times than I can count. So pure and so raw were those giggles. She simply couldn't get enough.
Got home with barely enough time to get Scott ready for therapy. Scott went and put in his 2 grueling hours only to be rewarded with a trip to Dr. Livingston's office when he returned home.

Dr. Livingston is our local ENT that Scott has been seeing since September of 2008 for maintenance on his trach. In general things look good. Dr. Livingston was concerned about the shifting that Scott's trach is doing. He was quite glad to hear that Scott is having an MRI on Tuesday. The MRI will rule out an aortic aneurysm which could be causing the trach shift.
Aside from that, Dr. L was very pleased and we are on a "only call me if you need me" basis. YIPPPEEEE! It feels almost like graduation day.

After the graduation we invited the Laudick's (Scott 12's) family over for a celebratory dinner. BigDan and Kathy gave us some super, ultra, nothing yummier smoked chicken and baked beans on Wednesday. So The Witt's and the Laudick's dined on a most scrumptious feast that I didn't have to prepare or procure. Pretty freaking BADASS!

Friday, more fun and games. Kate had school in the morning, I went flying and Scott had therapy again.
Kate and I went to another park after nap time. This is more of a discovery center than a park but I guarantee it is, by far, the most amazing "park" ever.
The entire area is soft, rubberized material to prevent, skinned knees and broken bones. It is also completely wheelchair accessible. Scott wasn't with us this time, but he'll be joining us in the future for sure.
We ended up running into Scott 12 with his boys and our friend/dentist Kevin with his oldest daughter.

So you're wanting to know what makes this the most badass park ever.
Let me show you.
I'll start with the railroad crossing. You press the button and the lights flash and the signals sound. It's so authentic it scares you.

There is also a giant sandbox. Hidden in that sand box are dinosaur bones for the "kids" (I use that term loosely) to find.




There are plenty of things for even the young ones like Brandon to get their hands on.


They have an entire area of musical instruments to try out.

The best part is within this area are these musical notes on the ground. When stepped on, they make noises. Sometimes, it's a little melody, other times a gong, and a few of them even make their correct note.

They even have what I refer to as the "LazyBoy" swings.

Seriously, what happened to swings being a work out for the kid and the parent.

They also had this thing. It's a voice recorder. You spin the handle 6 times and say something. It then distorts your voice and says it back to you in all these different accents.

A climbing wall to get you to the top of equipment.

A roller slide that according to Kate "makes my cheeks jiggle".




I could go on and on but I fear that I have 1)bored you all into stunned silence and 2)broken Blogger forever.

I wish I could share the photos of the police station, the fire truck, the sailboat that really rocks like a boat, the barber shop, the drive-in.....
Rest assured family, we'll be spending lots of time there.

Ok, so that brings us up to Friday evening. Alli and I had a girl night as you already know. I'm so lucky to have such amazing girlfriends that allow me to peek into their lives. I get so sick of looking at mine. It's nice to see how a more "traditional" family works.

Saturday, a monsoon, a trip to Target (in the monsoon, of course), a showing of Shrek 3 in 3D (great guessing), a dinner out at Pablo's (great little mexican joint) and some Uno to the Death after Kate's bedtime with my parents, Justin and Kara.
Kate loved the movie and was pretty well behaved. All the adults thought the movie was terrific. I haven't laughed that hard in ages.

Finally, we've arrived at today. Spent the day low key for the most part. And because I can't sit still for a second, I decided to take the plunge and finally get Kate in her "big girl bed".

Goodbye crib.

She went down like a champ and I haven't heard a peep out of her yet. Pray for me that she doesn't wake up at 4am.

You all are going to notice some big changes here soon (if you haven't already). Hang in with me while we work out the kinks and get things running smoothly.

Another busy week ahead.... summer is off to a real bang already.

EDIT - The park is called Deicke Park - it's in Huntley off Route 47 just south of downtown, near the water park. You'll turn into the park and stay to your left for the "discovery center".

BigDan if Kath, allows you to go, call us we'll meet you there anytime. You better start eating your vegetables young man.

Jill- would love to meet up with you and Justyn. We'll be there lots so I'm sure we can coordinate something. Email me.

Sere- I did take the boots photo. I took it during this photo set. I knew even back then, I wanted this header. That's how freaking long I've been working on this update. Thanks for the compliment.
You should absolutely start a blog. Your talent for words far exceeds mine and the entire process is really, really simple to get started. Go for it Girl!

Thanks for the other compliments sent via email and in the comments. The "new look" is still a work in progress. I owe a ton of thanks to Lena from Simply Fabulous Blogger. She's a genius.

And so ends the edit....

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