Peek a Boo! I see you! Or as Eleanor says, "Me Mew"! I just love her little language! And I love her big eyes! And I love her laugh - I can hear it now...and I just love her!
31 Easy, Funny DIY Halloween Costumes
5 years ago
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
I know you want details...
Today was Nic's first MRI since last winter when everything went to hell. As much as I told everyone I didn't care about this MRI, I was still worried sick about it. I have been horrible this week. Can't concentrate, can't sleep, crying. I didn't care about it because I didn't need an MRI to show me that Nic was doing great. I knew that just from seeing him. However, when Dr. Robins came in this morning and said, "This is great, come see" I thought I was going to die. I was like a kid at Christmas time. I kind of started bouncing and we all chased after Ian into the back room to look at Nic's images.
MRI Images are a little like Ultrasounds: even as someone explains them to you, they are hella confusing! However, there was no mistake that in January there were several areas of dark white (tumor) and now there was one larger area of greyish color. Ian said that color will always be there, it's swelling, it's dead cells, it's whatever. The cavity (what cavity, I didn't see a cavity?!) will always be there too, that's where Nic had surgery 3 times!!!!!! Dr. Robins said it's as perfect as an MRI can look. It's remission. Remission. Remission. Let's just keep saying it over and over again. Remission. Last night Nic and I talked about him dying. We both came to the simple conclusion that it is going to suck. Today we are talking about remission. Remission wasn't an option this past winter. Nic's tumor was winning. How stupid am I?! Nic's tumor can't win. How stupid am I?!? Did I really think Nic was going to lose? Nic is a fighter and he just proved it.
Dr. Robins said he doesn't know how long this remission will last. Nic just got socked with a very cutting edge treatment - retreat radiation and Avastin. There isn't a lot out there that confirms this is successful for the long haul. But one this is for certain. Yesterday, we were talking about dying, today we are talking about being stable. Nic and I know our fate. We know his tumor is a volatile little beast; however, we also know that right now it's sleeping. Rather than fighting an uphill battle, we are back to treating a stable condition.
It hasn't hit me. Not one bit. I'm numb to the fact that I was just given an incredible gift. I don't know what is going to happen. And in reality, none of us know. However, I do know that I'm going to ride this wave as long as I can.
I can't thank our family and friends enough. You shared the sorrow that winter brought us, but now celebrate the news that summer brought us. You helped get us to this point. Everyone asks what we are doing to celebrate. Well, I'm blogging and Nic is mowing the lawn! But seriously, this weekend, we are taking both girls camping. We are turning off cell phones and we are enjoying our beautiful family. You should celebrate too.
We ask for your continued thoughts and prayers. It's a beast of a battle and we will never stop fighting. But it's your support that got us to where we are today. And when this hits me. When I realize what just happened...wow. Wow.
MRI Images are a little like Ultrasounds: even as someone explains them to you, they are hella confusing! However, there was no mistake that in January there were several areas of dark white (tumor) and now there was one larger area of greyish color. Ian said that color will always be there, it's swelling, it's dead cells, it's whatever. The cavity (what cavity, I didn't see a cavity?!) will always be there too, that's where Nic had surgery 3 times!!!!!! Dr. Robins said it's as perfect as an MRI can look. It's remission. Remission. Remission. Let's just keep saying it over and over again. Remission. Last night Nic and I talked about him dying. We both came to the simple conclusion that it is going to suck. Today we are talking about remission. Remission wasn't an option this past winter. Nic's tumor was winning. How stupid am I?! Nic's tumor can't win. How stupid am I?!? Did I really think Nic was going to lose? Nic is a fighter and he just proved it.
Dr. Robins said he doesn't know how long this remission will last. Nic just got socked with a very cutting edge treatment - retreat radiation and Avastin. There isn't a lot out there that confirms this is successful for the long haul. But one this is for certain. Yesterday, we were talking about dying, today we are talking about being stable. Nic and I know our fate. We know his tumor is a volatile little beast; however, we also know that right now it's sleeping. Rather than fighting an uphill battle, we are back to treating a stable condition.
It hasn't hit me. Not one bit. I'm numb to the fact that I was just given an incredible gift. I don't know what is going to happen. And in reality, none of us know. However, I do know that I'm going to ride this wave as long as I can.
I can't thank our family and friends enough. You shared the sorrow that winter brought us, but now celebrate the news that summer brought us. You helped get us to this point. Everyone asks what we are doing to celebrate. Well, I'm blogging and Nic is mowing the lawn! But seriously, this weekend, we are taking both girls camping. We are turning off cell phones and we are enjoying our beautiful family. You should celebrate too.
We ask for your continued thoughts and prayers. It's a beast of a battle and we will never stop fighting. But it's your support that got us to where we are today. And when this hits me. When I realize what just happened...wow. Wow.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Baby Wearing
Did you know...I love baby wearing! I thought being pregnant was the greatest thing ever!
Even at 36 weeks pregnant, 45 pounds heavier and walking like I rode a horse for a month...I loved carrying Baby T around with me. I was excited to actually meet her, but I knew I would miss having her all to myself.
A friend introduced me to the Moby Wrap. I carried Eleanor around as much as possible for as long as I could. During my maternity leave, I would just wrap her up close to me. I just had to put the Moby away, as Eleanor is just too big for it. But, I was concerned about some upcoming camping trips...hiking...with a 19 month old didn't sound easy. I did a lot of research and I found
the ERGO Baby Carrier and baby E and I are together again! The ERGO is so much easier than the Moby at this point because I can easily take E in and out of it. While E could still fit in the Moby, I'd have to wrap and unwrap the fabric each time she wanted to get out (which is frequently!). I do believe she enjoyed the ERGO. I could take her up and down some pretty steep inclines that we would not have been able to do carrying her or having her walk. Now, if baby E were still a baby...I could wear the wrap forward facing, so there were more control. But the reality is, my baby is not a baby and is a very active toddler. And she wants to walk and run more than being carried! But...she'll always be MY baby...
Even at 36 weeks pregnant, 45 pounds heavier and walking like I rode a horse for a month...I loved carrying Baby T around with me. I was excited to actually meet her, but I knew I would miss having her all to myself.
A friend introduced me to the Moby Wrap. I carried Eleanor around as much as possible for as long as I could. During my maternity leave, I would just wrap her up close to me. I just had to put the Moby away, as Eleanor is just too big for it. But, I was concerned about some upcoming camping trips...hiking...with a 19 month old didn't sound easy. I did a lot of research and I found
the ERGO Baby Carrier and baby E and I are together again! The ERGO is so much easier than the Moby at this point because I can easily take E in and out of it. While E could still fit in the Moby, I'd have to wrap and unwrap the fabric each time she wanted to get out (which is frequently!). I do believe she enjoyed the ERGO. I could take her up and down some pretty steep inclines that we would not have been able to do carrying her or having her walk. Now, if baby E were still a baby...I could wear the wrap forward facing, so there were more control. But the reality is, my baby is not a baby and is a very active toddler. And she wants to walk and run more than being carried! But...she'll always be MY baby...Friday, July 9, 2010
DONE!
Last night was the much anticipated 5K at Bastille Days. I'm not going to lie...I feel incredibly hungover today. I had 1 glass of wine - that's it. It's just that is how my body feels.
I can't say that I am overly proud of how I did. I finished and I had my record time, but it was a struggle all the way! I started the race with our friends Dave and Kristen. Both of whom have run several (several, several) marathons in their life. My little 5K was a walk in the park for them. We weaved our way closer to the start and I had that feeling you get right before you go on a new (or your first) rollercoaster. The adrenaline was intense and I wanted, very badly, to either not run or to sprint and get it over with. Hundreds of people filling the streets! Finally the countdown started...5....4...3...2...1...I wanted to take off, but no one was moving. Finally, hundreds of little heads started bobbing up and down in front of me. We were moving. It was more like a walk than anything. I was giving strict instructions to not "over exert" myself. Ha! I was barely moving. Then the crowd broke up and we were on our way. I kept in pace with Dave and Kristen for awhile. For too long. I shouldn't have done that and ran way to fast in the beginning. Once I was no longer directly behind them, I put on my iPod and tried to get refocused. It was hard to keep track of Dave, too many guys in green shirts...but Kristen had on white and a long ponytail that I could keep sight of. I'm not entirely sure how long that lasted, but right as we rounded the corner to MSOE, I lost them! I scanned the runners. How could they just disappear?! Oh darn, now I had to set my own pace. And I was feeling good.
As we started to run into the 3rd ward, I got a little crabby. I had NO idea how far I was from the finish line. I just knew I kept running away from Cathedral Square. Not what I wanted. The water tables were empty already and the air was HOT, HUMID and HEAVY! I slowed to a brisk walk for about 1/2 a block. I regained some energy as we rounded a corner and headed north. I knew the end had to be in sight! For the next lag I ran, walked across the intersection, ran, walked across the intersection, ran and walked across the intersection. Conveniently up a hill. Then I heard it..."GO DANA!!" I saw Nic on the side, he had a big smile on his face and was waiving at me like a goof! Although I run for me, he is my inspiration. And I just took off toward the finish line.
The end of the race is even crazier than the beginning. Too many people in way to small of a space. I had only one thing on my mind...water! Nic and I shuffled through the masses until I came across a water table.
It's funny. After I finished I really felt like crying. It was kind of emotional for me. A 5K might not be much to some of you out there, but to me, it was the world. I goal I set for myself and finished. Running.
Things I learned from my first 5K:
*Don't run with the big dogs. Even if they are your friends. OR start ahead of them. It would have been nice to know they were behind me. I think that could have kept me going. Or to have them pass me and cheer me on a little.
*Learn the course before you go. I hated not knowing where I was going or when I would get there. It was incredibly challenging. AND if I knew the course, we could have placed Nic around the 2.5 mile marker to really cheer me on. With water.
*Wear a bright mismatched outfit so your husband can see you. Half of Nic's excitement when he saw me was that he actually saw me. He said every girl was wearing a white shirt...Next time I'll wear something more distinguishing!
Yes, there will be a next time. I do enjoy running and feel like now I can just spend some time getting comfortable with 3 miles. I probably ran it in about 28 minutes, but it was a challenge. I'd like that to be a little easier.
Next up - 10K.
I can't say that I am overly proud of how I did. I finished and I had my record time, but it was a struggle all the way! I started the race with our friends Dave and Kristen. Both of whom have run several (several, several) marathons in their life. My little 5K was a walk in the park for them. We weaved our way closer to the start and I had that feeling you get right before you go on a new (or your first) rollercoaster. The adrenaline was intense and I wanted, very badly, to either not run or to sprint and get it over with. Hundreds of people filling the streets! Finally the countdown started...5....4...3...2...1...I wanted to take off, but no one was moving. Finally, hundreds of little heads started bobbing up and down in front of me. We were moving. It was more like a walk than anything. I was giving strict instructions to not "over exert" myself. Ha! I was barely moving. Then the crowd broke up and we were on our way. I kept in pace with Dave and Kristen for awhile. For too long. I shouldn't have done that and ran way to fast in the beginning. Once I was no longer directly behind them, I put on my iPod and tried to get refocused. It was hard to keep track of Dave, too many guys in green shirts...but Kristen had on white and a long ponytail that I could keep sight of. I'm not entirely sure how long that lasted, but right as we rounded the corner to MSOE, I lost them! I scanned the runners. How could they just disappear?! Oh darn, now I had to set my own pace. And I was feeling good.
As we started to run into the 3rd ward, I got a little crabby. I had NO idea how far I was from the finish line. I just knew I kept running away from Cathedral Square. Not what I wanted. The water tables were empty already and the air was HOT, HUMID and HEAVY! I slowed to a brisk walk for about 1/2 a block. I regained some energy as we rounded a corner and headed north. I knew the end had to be in sight! For the next lag I ran, walked across the intersection, ran, walked across the intersection, ran and walked across the intersection. Conveniently up a hill. Then I heard it..."GO DANA!!" I saw Nic on the side, he had a big smile on his face and was waiving at me like a goof! Although I run for me, he is my inspiration. And I just took off toward the finish line.
The end of the race is even crazier than the beginning. Too many people in way to small of a space. I had only one thing on my mind...water! Nic and I shuffled through the masses until I came across a water table.
It's funny. After I finished I really felt like crying. It was kind of emotional for me. A 5K might not be much to some of you out there, but to me, it was the world. I goal I set for myself and finished. Running.
Things I learned from my first 5K:
*Don't run with the big dogs. Even if they are your friends. OR start ahead of them. It would have been nice to know they were behind me. I think that could have kept me going. Or to have them pass me and cheer me on a little.
*Learn the course before you go. I hated not knowing where I was going or when I would get there. It was incredibly challenging. AND if I knew the course, we could have placed Nic around the 2.5 mile marker to really cheer me on. With water.
*Wear a bright mismatched outfit so your husband can see you. Half of Nic's excitement when he saw me was that he actually saw me. He said every girl was wearing a white shirt...Next time I'll wear something more distinguishing!
Yes, there will be a next time. I do enjoy running and feel like now I can just spend some time getting comfortable with 3 miles. I probably ran it in about 28 minutes, but it was a challenge. I'd like that to be a little easier.
Next up - 10K.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Long Overdue...
It's the long awaited family vacation blog update.
Shadow Lawn - Our home away from home...it was beautiful...and sadly, not haunted...not even a little bit!
Don't take a family picture when Eleanor is sleeping...or her mama will photoshop her in...large and in charge! 
One of my favorite family photos from the trip!
Eleanor does not like sand!
She does, however, like rock beaches!
Ok, so I went a little nuts with matching outfits for the girls!
Most of you know that we have been planning a Terrones family vacation for many months. And most of you know that the long awaited vacation happened last week. I've turned a little paranoid with a public blog and didn't feel like publishing that my family was going to be out of town, so I've kept a lot of the vacation details under wraps for a long time.
Well most of you also know that I had a few concerns about this vacation. 1 week, away from home, with BOTH girls, and 13 other family members under one roof...then factor in Wisconsin weather...who wouldn't be scared.
I am oh so happy to report that vacation was better than I ever ever could have imagined it. I relaxed, relaxed and relaxed some more. I had so much fun with my immediate family and 17 people under one roof isn't so bad when your house is the size of your neighborhood back home! The kids all got along great...and so did the adults ;)
Going to work was so hard today. Harder, I think then, when I returned after maternity leave. Eleanor is just SO much fun. I can't even begin to explain how much fun! She cracks me up all the time...except when she bit me...which is an entirely different story! :)
And so...if a picture speaks a thousand words....here is a couple thousand words for you!
Shadow Lawn - Our home away from home...it was beautiful...and sadly, not haunted...not even a little bit!Eleanor does not like sand!She does, however, like rock beaches! Ok, so I went a little nuts with matching outfits for the girls!When can we do it again?!
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