Saturday, August 1, 2009

You should try this!

You need to take a look at this great blog! She always has such great things to share with us! She is now adding a wonderful give away. Even if you don't have children of your own, or if they are already grown, you still should enter to win! Good luck!

http://shane-natalie.blogspot.com/

Friday, February 27, 2009

I've got a fat kid.

Today was Porter's 6 month check-up. I went alone this time..no need for Andy or mom's help I thought. I was right. He did great!


He weighs a whoppin 20 lbs 6 oz! He's in the 90% for his weight. I have a fat kid! Haha. He's 281/4 inches, and is in the 95% for height. So, I have a tall kid! I pretty much knew I did though... considering he's been wearing size 12 months since he was 5 months old! Goodness!


Then they did the dreaded shots! And Porter cried...no, screamed! He was good up until that part...haha. He screamed soooo loud and high pitched. It was really sad. As soon as he got into the truck, he was out. Traumatized. Poor thing!


Here's some recent pictures of my fat/tall kid!





See his rolls? Not sure what that expression is all about???



Ridin dirty




Sitting pretty! Nice red hair too!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

More catching up....

OK..time to do some catch ups! Here's what's been up since I blogged last.

1st off, I've taken 2 more shots since then. The one last Monday was awful! It was much worse then the 1st one. I got everything all out and set up...thinking it was gonna be easy that time. Then I sat down, alcoholed the spot on my leg, opened the shot up, pressed it to my leg, and couldn't do it! Andy was all smiles, and ready to do it for me. So...I let him. I guess I was too tense, because it hurt like HELL! I cried. Yes, like a baby! I don't know if any of you have every had a shot that ached in your bones? Where you could feel the medicine going through you and it ached and hurt down to the bone? Well, this was like that....but 10 times worse! So, then I was NOT looking forward to my shot this Monday. I got all set up again, and planned the process with Andy. This time I pinched my leg fat...very attractive, I know....and Andy was going to give it to me again. I was a very good girl this time. It didn't take me but a minute to get up enough courage to tell Andy to do it. It did hurt, but this time I could just squeeze my leg really hard and it took over the pain!!! It was soooo much better then the 1st time when I did it myself, and the second time when it hurt like HELL!!! So, I'm not too worried about next week! Woo hoo hoo!!

Also new these days...my little man is 6 months old!!! Goodness, where has the time gone? He is sitting pretty these days. He loves to sit and play with toys, sit in high chairs when we eat out, and sit up in the carts when we shop! He thinks he's hot stuff...and he is! He has two bottom teeth shining pretty too! He loves running over your toes in his walker...so watch out if you're ever at my house! I just can't get enough of my little man...but I won't bore you further with my details!

Besides that, I've been watching my nephews once a week to give my mom a break...and so Porter can get used to lots of action and noise! I didn't want him to be all shy and scared around kids, since he's always home alone with me. In return for mom's day off, she takes Porter on most Fridays so I can run some errands, or just have a day off to play!!! It's been going great! He loves seeing his cousins and he isn't jumpy when they're up in his face or yelling..haha! It also gives his Mama some good quality time with him.

The only other new thing, is we're trying to plan our summer vacation. I wanted to go to Florida, but Andy says we should go there next year when Porter's older and can enjoy it more. FINE! So now we're pretty sure we're going to the Wilderness Lodge in Lesterville, MO. Andy went there when he was little, and said he loved it! We'll get a little cabin or cottage all to ourselves, with a screened in porch. How cute! At the lodge they have a dining room where you get all your breakfasts and suppers. They also have a pool and hot tub! Then of course, they have the black river to swim in. We're going in late July, and staying 4 days and 3 nights. Before that, in June, we'll take Porter to St. Louis and stay a night or two so we can take him to the Zoo and Grant's farm. We'll also stay at Sam A Baker sometime too..for another night or two...when my family goes. I love the idea of 3 smaller vacations instead of 1 long one. It'll be nice for a change, and better for Porter I'm sure! I can't wait!

Well, that's about all really. I live a pretty simple life. I love everything about it though, and wouldn't change a thing!!! Thanks for listening!!!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

The shots have started!!




Last night, I started my Enbrel shots. You should have been there to see how big of a wuss I was! I don't mind needles usually. Don't get me wrong, I do not ENJOY them, but they don't make me skittish or anything. These aren't even as bad as regular needles. It's a "single-use prefilled auto injector". Which means, it looks like a pen, and you just press the button and the needle pops out and you're done! Well, let me tell you...it's MUCH harder when you have to give one to yourself! I just couldn't handle being the one behind the wheel..so to speak! Andy said that he would gladly do it, but I wasn't too sure that would be any better! Haha!! So picture this....me, sitting in the living room, with Andy hovering over the top of me. Me holding a huge needle to my leg, whining that I just can't do it! Andy laughing and trying to press the top of the needle himself. Me, freaking out and trying to take it away from him. Then, after about 20 minutes of us laughing and fighting over who's going to inflect the pain on me, I finally do it! It wasn't that bad of course. It did sting, kinda like when you got your finger pricked as a kid, and then it ached and hurt a bit as the medicine went in. I have to do this every Monday night, so hopefully it won't be so hard to make myself do next time! Just another great thing about Monday's I guess!!






Monday, February 9, 2009

My Interview!!!

Mika has sent me 5 questions for my interview. After I answer them, I will explain the game and pass it on!


1. What is your most embarrassing moment of your life?

Goodness. My most embarrassing moment would probably have been when I was in 3rd grade and got my plastic ruler stuck between my bottom teeth. I had to go in front of the entire class (of like 10 people maybe..haha) and have the teacher get it out! I was humiliated!

2. If you could change one thing about yourself, or one event in your life, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about myself, I would never stop....perfect body, better complexion, perfect teeth, more patients, less high strung, more laid back...... As for changing an event in my life, I wouldn't. I believe that every wrong and right decision that I have made along the way, has molded me into the person that I am today.

3. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do with the money?

Wow! First of all, I would pass out a good share to my family!!! Then I would begin building my dream house...without having to help! I would get a new family vehicle, hire someone to find me lots of perfect clothes that would fit and look awesome on me, I would pay off all our bills, get a summer beach house in Florida, do some major shopping, hire a maid to clean my house whenever I wanted her to and that would get groceries for me at any given time....ok, I will stop at that one! Great..now I'm all excited and it's not even real!

4. Who is your favorite person in Hollywood and why?

Ok, actually I'm not into all the "Hollywood" business..sorry to those of you who are. I love to watch movies, but I don't get into any of their personal lives. You never know whats real and what isn't. But I have always been a Brad Pitt fan. He's from around here, is very intensely hot, is a good actor, has a big family, and seems to be a great daddy!

5. What is your worst bad habit?

My worst bad habit? I guess that would have to be how high strung I tend to be. I like to have everything all planned, and don't take kindly to things that don't work out like scheduled! I have lists upon lists of things that need to be done and by when! If they don't get done, or something else comes up, I can get pretty crabby and uptight!

If you would like to play along here are the directions:

1. Leave me a comment & your e-mail address saying, "Interview me." If you dare.
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the questions and answers.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions. The first five 'askers' get the interview!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

25 Things about me.....

I read this on facebook, and thought I'd give it a try. After I write my 25, I will tag some people. If you are tagged, you have to write back to me and then tag more people! It should be fun!

1. I have a small case of OCD. Just to name a view examples...the volume on the T.V. has to be on an even number, and everything in my house has to be in perfect order at all times (sometimes, even as you're USING something, I'm trying to but it back in it's "home'!!)

2. I am in LOVE with Edward Cullen and the entire "Twilight Saga"!!!

3. My husband and my son are my two favorite men in the entire world!

4. My family is extremely close, and would do anything for each other at any time!

5. I used to have a home day care, but quit when I had my son.

6. I will continue watching kids again when Porter is one.

7. I have never had my ears pierced...only my belly button on senior trip.

8. I was a tom boy when I was younger, and even had a spike in kindergarten!

9. I used to do stupid things in grade school. Such as...getting my coat stuck over my head and getting a ruler stuck in between my two bottom teeth...oh yeah, and getting suspended for drinking beer at recess!

10. My favorite pet EVER, was a black and white tom cat, named Oscar. He let me dress him in baby clothes, push him in a stroller, and he even drank milk from a bottle!

11. Me and my family have always gone to Florida and Montana on vacations since I was little.

12. I hate when people lie..for whatever reason!

13. Because I've been lied to in the past, I have a hard to trusting people and even believing the smallest things that they tell me.

14. I'm quiet when I first meet people, but if you get to know me, you'll know I'm ANYTHING but quiet!

15. My husband is an electrician, and works in or around St. Louis. He drives there everyday, so he has to get up around 4:00am and gets home around 6:00pm.

16. I dated Andy from the moment I turned 16. We dated 8 years before we married, so we've been together for 10 years now!

17. I had 9 bridesmaids in my wedding!

18. My baby weighed a whoppin 9 lbs when he was born, and now he's 5 months old and probably weighs 20!!!

19. I have 4 best girl friends! Becca I met when we were babies, and we've been close ever since. Jenny since grade school. Carrie since 5th grade band. And Kara...well, we hated each other in junior high, but we've been best friends since the first day of high school!

20. I used to love rides at six flags..or anywhere..but now I get sick on them!

21. I love watching movies!!! Scary ones used to be my favorite, the gorier the better, but now they tend to make me feel sick!

22. My favorite movie is "The Notebook".

23. My favorite thing to do is be with my family! No matter what we're doing.

24. I LOVE eating out. If I'm in a bad mood, all Andy has to do is promise to take me out to eat!

25. I have to "wake up" the house every morning. This means, pick everything up and put it in it's "home", open the blinds, turn on the lamps and lights, fold the blankets we used the night before, put the pillows back on the couch, and make our bed!

I tag...Kara Kyle, Jin Kyle, Mika Willamson, and anyone else that reads this!!!!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

The "Twilight" books!!!
















Let me start out by saying, that I am in NO way a "sci-fi" fan. I didn't have any intentions of even picking up the "Twilight" book that I had heard so much about. But, my oldest sister bought it for me for Christmas, so I thought, "What the heck? I'll give it a try." I was not at all disappointed!

Right from the start, I fell in love with Edward...as do all readers, I'm sure! The chemistry between Edward and Bella was incredibly intense! I soon fell in love with each character, and finding the time to read was taking over my life! I couldn't wait to put my little man to bed (no offense) so I could grab my book and get lost in it! Andy always laughed at me because my eyes would light up and a big smile would spread across my face when I sat down with which ever book I was on!

I truly hated the 4th book ending last night. I just don't know what to do with myself now (a very likely reason for this post!) All of my sisters got into them at the same time as I did. We're all lost, and planning to get together and have a nice discussion about the books! We all went to see the movie when we finished the first book, and I know we'll go again when each of the other 3 movies come out. I guess I have that to live for. Ahhhh...only 10 more months until the second movie comes out!

The point of this post is simple. If you haven't read the "Twilight" books, listen up. Go to your nearest library or book store and get them...all 4! You won't be able to put them down, so get them all at the same time! You will NOT regret it.

Anyone who has read them...or has not...let me know what you think about them. Thanks for listening!!!

The results from my Doctor's appointment....

Andy and I went to St. Louis yesterday for yet another Doctor's appointment. After waiting for 3 hours, yet again....we finally met with my Rheumatologist! She told me that I do NOT have Lupus! We were very surprised. She said that they aren't sure why my first blood test was positive for Lupus. I might have to retake a blood test some where down the line to make sure, but we're thinking I don't have it! Great news for sure!

After reading the results to my blood tests, we talked about starting me on Enbrel shots. We decided to go ahead and start them, hoping that I will get a good head start on putting off any bone damage down the road! She showed me how to inject myself weekly, and sent me on my way.

Now I have to get a TB test done. If it's negative, then they will send my my Enbrel shots to start right away! I have to keep going every 2 weeks to get blood drawn to test my liver from the Methotrexate. Besides that, I don't have to return to St. Louis until April! So that's good news as well.

I also asked her about drinking while on Methotrexate. She said that she allows her patients 1 beer or glass on wine a week. Which is better then nothing! She said I could have maybe 2 if I wasn't going to drink any at all the next week. So at least I can have something!!! Well, that's all for now I guess. Thanks for listening!!!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

What a HORRIBLE weekend!!!

Well, I guess having a great weekend last weekend meant that I had to have a horrible one this time around!!! I woke up around 2am Saturday morning with the flu. Yeah..I was up all night getting sick. No details needed! So all day Saturday, I laid around and watched Andy take care of Porter. I hated not being able to get up and hold and kiss on my little man. I knew I had to back off so he wouldn't get sick as well. Then Sunday Andy had to work. I felt better, so Porter's Aunt Trina came over to watch him so I could get some MUCH needed grocery shopping done! Every time I had a babysitter planned, something came up, so I thought I better do it while I can or we'll never eat again! Which wouldn't be such a bad thing, considering I lost 5 lbs by not eating all day Saturday while I was sick! I like food too much for that though! Let's hope that this week and weekend will be a whole lot better then this weekend was! And I pray that this bad flu going around won't get to any of you guys!!!!!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

My baby's getting too big, too fast!!!

















My little man, Porter, is growing up way too fast! He'll be 5 months on the 21st already! I was looking at his baby pictures today, and I can barely remember him being that small. It's sad how fast they grow up, but I know it'll just keep getting better!



He's trying so very hard to roll over! He can get all the way onto his side, but he can't seem to get past that one arm in the way...haha! He can sit up for a few seconds as well. He's leaned over pretty far, so I don't think this counts just yet..ha! He's always been big about standing up. He likes to jump around in his exercise saucer, or just stand up on your lap. He can't seem to be still for long, and his legs have always been very strong, so we wonder if he'll walk early like his daddy did. I'm not sure if I'm ready for that though...considering his daddy was only 7 months old when he started walking! Unreal, I know...but it's true!


He LOVES his cereals and veggies! Rice and oatmeal cereals, sweet potatoes, squash, and carrots are what he's had and loved so far. He's going to try green beans and peas this week, and then next week he can have some fruits. I know he'll love them too!


I'll make myself stop there...although I could go on and on about him!!! There's just nothing like having a baby. It changes your life so much, yet you wonder what it was like before them!












Monday, January 12, 2009

What a WONDERFUL weekend!!!!

This weekend was just the best weekend ever! To continue from my earlier post, Andy got me some pretty good birthday presents. I got the 4 book series of "Twilight", and if you haven't read these, please please do! Let me just say, I am NOT into vampires or anything sci-fi like that, but these books are the best I've ever read! There is such great romance and chemistry between the main characters, and even the whole vampire parts are quite good as well! I'm on the 3rd book now, and find myself not wanting to read it because I don't want it to end!!!! Just give them a try. You won't regret it! The movie is also very very good..but the books are better! OK, I also got a really nice dust buster...this is something else that everyone should own! And he also got me the newest "Scene It" game. It has the newer movie trivia on it. This is perfect for us because we are soooo into movies!

We went to the wedding at 2:00 that day, and brought mister Porter with us. He slept through most of it, and didn't get fussy until we were walking out....PERFECT! I was afraid to have that screaming baby you hear at weddings, and are secretly hoping that someone would just take them outside already! The wedding was very beautiful! Then we took Porter to Mama's, and went to get my BFF Kara and her hubby Nate. My sister-in-law Trina was also with us! We had a great time eating lots of good food, and drinking lots of good beer! We danced the night away until the wedding shut down at 11:00. We were no way NEAR done, so we all went to schindlers for some more beer and dancing! It was a great time for sure...maybe a little bit too fun, because I recall dancing on the pool table with the girls! Goodness!

Sunday I paid for my fun though! I had the worst headache in the world..and not feeling too great in the stomach area either! We laid around until noon and then went for some Chinese! That helped out a lot! All in all, it was a much needed weekend with the friends! I wish we could have more weekends like that.....but I could skip the day after!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Happy Birthday to me!!!

Sooo...today I'm 26! It doesn't really bother me, but it seems a lot closer to 30 then 25 did! I think I will handle turning 30 alright, but maybe not..haha!

Today is going to be a pretty great birthday I think. Me, my husband, and our little man will spend most of the day at home..chillin. Andy made me my favorite breakfast, french toast, and then I'll open my presents and card before Porter takes his nap. Besides that, we'll just relax until a friend's wedding at 2:00pm. What a great way to celebrate you're birthday, as far as I'm concerned! I LOVE weddings and wedding dances! I can't wait to eat lots of great food and drink lots of great beer...and dance like no one's watching!!!! I LOVE to dance..even if I can't. Who cares, as long as you're having fun, right?

Well, I'm off to open some gifts! Tune in later to see what I got!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Touching base....

Once again, it's been awhile since I blogged. I just don't have time to get on here like I used to. It might have something to do with my little man I guess...haha! Let's see if I can catch you up on the life of Hannah.....

Christmas was wonderful! We got together with all our family and got way to much as always! Porter really enjoyed his first Christmas...as much as a 4 month old can I assume! He got lots of books, Baby Einstein dvds, and many wonderful toys!

New years was also very nice. We laid low this year and just got together with family both new years night and on new years day. It was nice to just eat lots of food and play games. No hang over this year, which was NOT missed at all!!!!!

Besides all the holiday fun, the only other new thing was my doctor's appointment in St. Louis on the 5th. If you haven't already read about my RA, you can look at an older blog that talks all about it. To continue on that subject, I will try to sum up what the Rheumatologist told us.

The Dr. asked me lots of questions and did a physical exam on me to see how my pain was and where it was located. She also looked at all my previous blood work, xrays, and bone density tests that I had taken in cape with my primary doctor. She then agreed that I did indeed have RA, but that I might also have another ANA disease, such as Lupus. We weren't too surprised in hearing this, because my dr. mentioned something about it before.

So today I have to go take more blood work that is specifically for ANA diseases, and then in 2 weeks I will return to StL to go over what they found. In the meantime, I will start my treatment for RA. I will continue to take my Mobic for the pain and swelling everyday, but in addition I will start taking a drug called Methotrexate. It's 4 pills that I will take once a week for the rest of my life. They also give this to cancer patients as a form of chemotherapy, so it might make me sick. I have to take folic acid along with it to restore what it takes from my body. I can not drink once I start this treatment. I take it like I can not even drink one glass of wine or even one little beer for the rest of my life! Apparently, Methotrexate affects your liver so you can't add any other problems by drinking. I will have to get labs done every month forever as well, to make sure my liver is doing ok.

When I go back in 2 weeks and she talks to me about my lab results, she will also start me on another drug called Enbrel. You may have seen the commercials about this on T.V. This is a shot that I will have to give myself every week, forever. Enbrel combined with the Methotrexate should help relieve my pains and hopefully slow down the disease process. Since we caught this early enough, it's possible that I could have no bone deformities and live a relatively normal life!

The biggest thing that bothered me was if I could have more children or not. The Rheumatologist said that we would just have to plan my pregnancies better. I will have to get off all of my meds at least 3 months before we start trying and then stay off until I am done breast feeding for the first few months or so. My pains might get worse after the baby is born like it did after Porter, but I can return to my meds and it should all be alright again. That was GREAT to hear!

I read up on Lupus, in case that's what I also have, and I don't really like some of the things I read. I won't get into them now, because I might not even have it. I know everything will be ok though. It could be so much worse, and I'm thankful that it isn't a life threatening disease!

I just wanted to share that with you. If anyone knows someone with RA, or even Lupus, please share your story with me. Maybe you can tell me what meds you/they are on, or how they are doing. It's amazing how many people actually have RA after I found out I have it! Thanks for listening!!!