Me and the Girls

We had a fabulous day today. Of course it was a busy one and I'm exhausted again but tomorrow is Sunday and a day of rest for the McGeachy's. We have no plans!

We started today with a fun playdate this morning with some good friends the Kerkers. They have twin girls that are Lila's age. Both the girls love playing with the Hailey and Taryn...Eva's usually just a couple steps behind the big girls. This afternoon we went to a housewarming party at the Arellano's. Allison, Tony and Elena moved to Camas two months ago and we're so very lucky to have them within close proximity to us.

The girls and I relaxing in between activities. 

The Beach!

We went to the beach right here in Vancouver. On Friday Scott, the girls and I went to play in the sand on the Columbia River. It was a perfect day. Perfect weather, warm but not too hot, sunny but not too bright and just a slight breeze. The girls had a fabulous time playing in the sand with their sand toys. It was actually really hard to get a photo of them because they were so focused on playing. Below is my attempt at catching them in action. 

 

These wiggly girls had a hard time sitting still for even one photo. "But Mo-ooooom we want to play in the sand." Who could blame them?

Lila and I had our toes in the warm sand and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to catch our painted toes on film. Lila had her toes painted last week while Nana was in town.

The photo below of Scott with the girls makes me laugh. I love that Eva is leaning on him like she's listening to him intently regarding how to add water to the sand in your bucket.

 

Yummy this sand is sure good. As you can imagine we came home with a little bit of sand in our clothes, some of our crew even enjoyed eating some sand.

Big Sister to the Rescue

Last night we were making dinner and Eva was really upset. She really, really wants to come home from school and have dinner ready for her at 5pm. While we try very hard to make this happen sometimes we have to do just a few more things to get it on the table. Last night we had to cut up the carne asada and pineapple for the tacos. Eva was having none of this and immediately started crying, going between Scott and my legs saying loudly, "Uppie" and demanding to be held. And who can blame her? But holding Eva wasn't going to get dinner on the table any faster and the fact is that I can't actually hold her yet.

Lila said, "I can hold Eva, I can get her uppie" and started trying to pick Eva up by her head (why do kids do that?). Then we came up with a solution...Lila could sit on the floor cross legged and Eva could sit in her lap. Ahhhhh it was just the snuggly quiet solution that we all needed. I couldn't grab the camera fast enough (and keep up with my kitchen duties) but trust me it was so cute and they were both extremely happy about the arrangement.

Getting Out of the House

We are getting out of the house more and more. My mom was here this week and with each day I was able to do more and more. By Friday we met two of my friends Anne and Kim and their kids at Esther Short Park so that the kids could play in the water feature. The outing was a total of 2 hours and whew (!) I was exhausted.

Eva has completely figured out that she can walk away from me and I can't do anything about it because of my lifting restriction. At Esther Short Park she walked away and just kept on walking. Thank god my mom was there and could run after her. That little stinker!

Lila, Ryan and Brody

Eva and Nana

Lila

On Saturday we went to the Clark County Fair in the morning. I was just along for the ride since my mom and Scott were both there. We saw all of the fun farm animals, baby piggies and the Dock Dog competition which is one of our favorites. Last night we went to Portland for a 40th birthday party for our neighbor Shawna. We left the party by 7pm but regardless today I am absolutely exhausted. I've pretty much been sitting on the couch all day watching trashy TV and sleeping.

Tomorrow the girls are going to school, Scott is going to work and I'm going to be home recovering by myself. My incisions must be healing because today every once in a while I get a zinging feeling either at the main point of incision or the laparoscopic points. Hoping this goes away quickly! All in all I'm feeling much better with each passing day provided I make time to rest.

Incentive Spirometer

One of the post-surgery, post-lung collapse things that I get to do is this "Incentive Spirometer". It helps my lung expand and the more I use it the better I feel. That being said, it's kind of lame to hall around and I forget to use it.

Lila has decided to become the Incentive Spirometer police and every time she sees me she picks it up, brings it to me and asks if I will do 'this'. It's really a nice reminder although I think that Scott must being paying her!

Eva has found the Incentive Spirometer to be funny too. I've caught her multiple times trying to use it herself. Too funny!

Presents!

The girls have been spoiled with some exciting new books, colors, etc. All I can say is THANK GOD they are washable crayons and markers! Thanks to everyone for thinking of our kids during this time.

Eva with WASHABLE crayons and markers

Lila and Nana

Poppy and Ama's Visit

We are so lucky to have Irv and Michele (Poppy and Ama) come to our house and care for our kids while we are on vacation or in this situation in case of emergency. They were able to stay at our house for 12 days, take care of our kids and keep them in the most normal daily routine as possible. Below are some photos from their visit.

Poppy and Eva picking blueberries.

Poppy, Ama and Lila picked blackberries just off the trail in our neighborhood and then Lila and Ama made blackberry freezer jam. Our freezer is stocked!

The girls both got new purses from Poppy and Ama. Lila has money in her purse and asks anyone and everyone for money for her purse. I'm afraid she's a saver like her dad! Eva loves her new purse. She throws it over her shoulder and says "bye-bye"!

Quick Update

It's really amazing how much better I feel with each passing day. Today I was 'up' most of the day and was even able to help with the kids a bit.

My mom arrived today which is so nice. Scott got some relief and was able to sneak in a few hours of work this afternoon and even a bike ride tonight.

This morning we thought we had a setback in that my lung was feeling pretty weak. After a trip to the hospital for x-rays and then to the doctor for a quick visit it all turned out to be fine. Just part of the healing process I guess. A long, uncertain road ahead I guess? I feel better knowing for sure that my lung is clear.

Updates

Well, I've been home for 4 days, finally off the narcotics and able to sleep. The drugs had the opposite effect on me than most apparently and put me into this weird state of 'awake'. I was constantly awake. Even more then 48 hours after getting off the meds I was still awake. Last night I finally slept with a fairly normal sleep pattern.

My biggest complaint right now is my hair. If I shower I'm too tired to shower AND wash my hair (cursing it's length right now). So, I have to do a two step process which tends to be an every 2-3 day process. Yesterday my friend Kim washed my hair...ahh it felt so good to be clean. Though after sleeping, being in a pony, all I want to do is get my hair washed again.

The girls are adjusting to me being home. Lila understands to only give me gentle hugs but daily asks if she can give me a big "squishy" hug. I can't wait for that! Eva is pretty much mad at me. She has wonderful people to care for her, feed her, change her, bath her and since I'm just 'sitting around' she's decided that she's mad at me. Last night she came close to me so I grabbed her and sat her close to snuggle a bit and she wiggled her rump right into my lap. It felt comfy...Scott about had a heart attack. Hoping more snuggle time ahead for my kids and more energy to do things with them. On Friday I got dressed (out of Juicy comfy clothes) and Lila said, "Mama are you not sick anymore?" Its amazing what they pick up on.

This weeks agenda;

Irv and Michele go home on Monday. They have been taking care of the girls and deserve a much needed break after nearly two weeks.

My mom arrives on Tuesday, for me there's nothing like having mom around.

Hoping to be a little more physically active and by the end of the week make it for a loop around the block. It's crazy that 3 months ago I ran a marathon and this week I'm hoping to make the loop around the block. Ugh.

Drugs and Blogging

One side note is that important to mention...until further notice all blog posts are with drugs on board (and recent posts). Please disregard the grammar, spelling and blurred thoughts.

Catch-Up Post: Our Weekend In Bend

Note: I had a few groups of photos that was going to post last week before this health episode rudely interrupted my schedule. :) So, insomnia has me catching up on a few pre-health episode events.

We had such a fabulous weekend in Bend the weekend of the 23rd-25th. Our friends Jon and Mary live in Bend with their three kids Sara, Drew and Holly. It was remarkable how successful (no crying episodes) our weekend with 5 kids 3 and under. I attribute it to the fact that our kids have nearly identical schedules and well... their perfect right?

Mary and I were also able to get in a run each morning which was nearly record breaking for me. Usually Scott runs one morning on the weekend and I run the other. Oh but this weekend the mommy's got up early each day for a long run. Ahhh...felt great!

The McGeachy Family

I just love that the girls are getting to be such buddies. The first photo I can think of where they put their arms around each other like this. Awe.

The Dittman Family

Aren't they cute? What an amazing family. Scott and I were in awe all weekend at how polite the Dittman kiddos were. We're working to add a few more please and thank yous to our family's vocabulary too.

Eva went to bed early, as usual, which explains why we have a family photo without her cute little self. Bend is such a beautiful place.

I'm Going Home...

I'm going home today! The past week has been a complete whirlwind for me but through it all we've been trying to document the progress that I've made. Our journey in photos...

The first time the girls were able to see me after I got out of the ICU. We were all thrilled to be together although both girls had a hard time with it for their own reasons. I can't pick Eva up or even let her sit in my lap which is incredibly hard for both of us. Lila was really sweet understanding that she needed to give me a 'gentle' hug. I quietly cried during and after their visit because these limitations are excruciating. Still can't wait to be able to play and roughhouse with my babies.

During this first visit Lila looked at me straight faced and said, "Mama, are you gonna have a baby"? I guess that's a good question from a 3 year old based on what she knows* but I assured her that NO we were not having any more babies. {*me being in the hospital, wearing a gown, REALLY swollen due to severe water retention from so many blood transfusions}

My number one fan after several sleepless days and nights. We were so thrilled to be out of the ICU. Below is one VERY tired hubby!

My number one fan again...one day later. Still looking pretty sleepy!

I couldn't be more grateful for all of my friends, family and neighbors. My dearest friends Allison, Anne and Kim I am truly thankful. They kept calling, texting and visiting (and still do!). They have all been so supportive, helpful with everything from bringing me personal items, brushing/braiding my hair, bringing me Starbucks and basic care giving tasks. Plus showing Scott with the same care (Starbucks, cookies, company, etc.).

Below Allison, Elena and I at the hospital.

Kim and I

Anne and I

During this whole ordeal the girls stayed in their regular routine and Scott's parents were able step in and take over. Can you imagine being retired and then suddenly being thrown into parenting a 1 and 3 year old for over a week? Thankfully Irv and Michele regularly watch the girls anytime we go on vacation so they know their routine, likes, dislikes and they just step right in at our house. We are SO lucky to have parents/grandparents who are willing and able to do this.

My mom spent countless hours sitting at the hospital with me while I was in surgery, while I slept, while had insomnia. One night she started counting up the hours of sleep that we got and it was looking to be somewhere between 3-4 hours TOTAL not consecutive. I had to tell her Scott and I kind of have a rule not to discuss how much sleep we are NOT getting. Almost every night I would go to sleep and then wake up at 1am and have insomnia. Most mornings, including today, I got up at 4am. Today mom and I walked down to the cafeteria to get tea and coffee and just sat and visited. The nurses must have thought we were crazy!

My dad was at the hospital with my mom and Scott until I got into a more stable condition. He was great about sneaking me extra when I was begging for more ice chips and water. I was STARVING but not able to for several days so my family could sooth my thirst by giving me sips of water via a small sponge type thing. My dad would sneak me ice chips too! Ahhh they tasted soooo good!

Me and my number one fan again! We're both feeling better. We were able to go on a short walk outside the hospital and sit by the most beautiful, relaxing fountain. Ahh...it was so wonderful and relaxing.

Surgery

Okay, here is the quick and simple update. This is so not a quick and simple subject so it's going to be a challenge to get this to a concise and easy to read format.

I've been having liver testing on going for 3 years and it culminated with a Liver Biopsy last week. On Wednesday I had a follow-up appt with my doctor where I learned that everything was normal. Normal liver levels, normal everything. Later that morning I after working at Starbucks (laptop, tea = work...not literally working there). I got what felt like a pinched nerve. I was suppose to meet a friend for lunch so I got up, headed out to the car and got re-situated in the car. Decided that I did not feel well at all and called Scott to come and take me to the hospital. He came right away and by 11:30am I was in the ER at St. Vincents. They did an ultra sound to discover a Liver Hematoma (blood blister in the liver). They also thought I was under considerable stress which was causing indigestion and sent me home with prescriptions for both. On our drive home Scott and I talked about it and decided that we didn't think stress was a factor. Our ride home was torturous! I immediately sat on the couch and Scott suggested that I call my doctor...of course it's after hours at this point. I really felt horrible, bad abdominal pain coming from seemingly now where at all. I called my doctor, passed out on the phone while talking with him and he suggested that I call 911 right away. Scott called 911 and they slowly made their way to our house (it took forever). Getting out of the house was a challenge being that I was on the 2nd floor and passed out several times along the way. Once in the front yard on the stretcher I passed out again. Arriving at the hospital and 2 surgeries later, 8 pints of blood later we've come to the conclusion that I have a Liver Hematoma which amounted to a large amount of internal bleeding. As an added bonus yesterday I had a partial collapse of my right lung. I nearly died and that's not a joke. This is very rare. I'm in the hospital for several more days but my guess is that I will get to go home on Thursday or Friday.

Whew. Sorry for the delay in getting this information to everyone. I'm in really good hands and have the help of my parents and in-laws and of course Scott so we're hanging in there. More information to come later and feel free to reply if you have any questions.

Love to you all! Give Scott a big hug if you see him he's been a trooper in all of this.

Amy