A Wet Mess!

It's official - my least favorite month is November.  From here on out, I'd just like to skip it.  Last November did not end well for us, and well, this month is not off to a great start.

Let's just say we had our own little Hurricane Sandy experience at home yesterday. What started as an overflowing toilet, has flipped my life, and house, upside down. I was getting ready for work yesterday morning when I heard what sounded like the toilet running. Please note: this was no more than 2, maybe 3 minutes after just going to the bathroom. I rushed into the master bathroom to fiddle the toilet handle, when I found myself standing an a good inch of water. The toilet was not running -- it was overflowing, and at a very rapid pace. Little did I know anything about the emergency valve on the side of the toilet, so I did what anyone would do -- I called daddy! I was a frantic mess, and after about a minute of twisting and turning an emergency 'pull' valve, I got the water to stop. At this point, I was now running late and was hoping to get to the polls to vote before heading to work. My ever-so-kind mother just told me to throw towels on the floor to absorb the mess and to go to work, that she'd come over and clean the mess and wash the towels. 

I grabbed Easton and headed downstairs, only to find a nice surprise of water leaking from my recessed ceiling lights. Frantically, again, I called my parents, who remained calm, told me to put pots under the lights and to head to work -- dad was on his way!

I am now running nearly thirty minutes late, yet I dropped Easton off at daycare, and headed to the polls. After standing in line for nearly thirty-five minutes, it was clear that I wasn't going to make it work for my 9:30 meeting, so I called to inform work and swung back by home, where my mom was doing laundry. We cleaned up the mess in the bathroom and I was getting ready to head into work, when we noticed the carpet in the living room was wet, squishy wet. One thing lead to the next, and after taking a closer look, it was determined that the water traveled not only quickly, but randomly, and vigorously. Carpet, walls, ceiling, tile, wood floors, basement....all wet! It's seriously amazing the amount of damage 5 minutes of overflowing water can do. I'm grateful I realized the problem before I left the house!

Next thing I knew, I was on the phone with my insurance company, making a claim and obtaining numbers for restoration companies. Within 3 hours, an estimator was at my door, and within the hour, another two men arrived to test for water and to take a gazillion pictures. At this point, it was evident that the water had traveled the path with least resistance and affected all three stories of our house from top down. Once it had been determined where the water was, in came another crew of guys to start the mitigation, a.k.a. dry-out, process. By 6pm, my living room was turned upside down, carpet was pulled back in every affected room, plastic was draped from ceiling to floor and 12-15 fans and dehumidifiers lined my driveway.

So here we are, 24 hours later. The Restoration Company has wasted no time and is hard at work to get the place dry. They estimate a good 5 days for the dry-out, however after 24 hours of dry-time, they are optimistic about the damage and feel we are making great progress. Next week we will meet with the adjuster and will be able to get a better idea of what exactly we are talking about in terms of damage, and what the next steps are in terms of reconstruction.

Living Room

Master Bath and Guest Bath

In the meantime, we're shackin' up back at Tom and Carol's -- just like the good ol' days. Except this time, we have a toddler in tow. It's a good thing they love company - and Cooper! 

Lucky in Love

Four years ago today, as I walked down the aisle to marry the love of my life, I didn't think it was possible to be any happier. Here we are today - 8 years together, a dog, 2 houses, 5 jobs, lots of laughs, a few tears and one silly little boy later, and I feel like the luckiest girl alive! Happy Anniversary to an amazing man. Thank you for all the memories, for loving me (even when I hit your truck!) -- and most of all, for letting me love you! I look forward to growing old with you. 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. Love never fails. ♥

Then:

And now:

"I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend." ~Jason Mraz

2011 in a Nutshell...

So, I'm going to start by saying that I don't typically do these things, but I saw it on Laura's blog and it seemed like a pretty good procrastination tool mindless blog entry. So here we go....2011 in a nutshell:

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

This is the first year I blogged, tweeted, or pinned anything. Oh, and I also had a baby! :)

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I've never been a huge fan of new year's resolutions -- it's always the same -- eat better and exercise more. Last year, I opted for something more realistic -- improve myself! That being said, my focus was to be a better person all around - healthier, happier, less stressed, more organized, and more positive - I wanted to be someone that I would want to be around. I'd say I did a pretty decent job of this considering I was pregnant, living with my parents and building a house turned sleep deprived working mom trying to keep my head above water. My goal for 2012 is to be more financially savvy, manage time better and be the best wife and mom possible, all while improving myself!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Besides myself?  My sister, my cousin, a best friend, tons of facebook friends and lots of ladies in the blogging world.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Bryan's cousin's husband died of cancer in March and a college friend died in July

5. What countries did you visit?

None. Nada. Zip. Zero.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

A vacation.....and more sleep!

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

April 6, and November 22&23 -- they were both life changing for me; Easton's birth and Easton's cancer diagnosis/surgery to remove a Wilm's Tumor

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

My biggest achievement was becoming a mother. I have surprised myself in so many ways and it is the most rewarding thing I've ever done.

9. What was your biggest failure?

No matter how many to do lists I make or stuff I get done around the house, I still manage to feel disorganized and have piles of stuff I don't know what to do with.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Thankfully, no. Just the typical headaches, body aches, sore throat, stuffy nose stuff....

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My iphone. I don't know how I survived so long without one.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Hubs, for sure. Even though he is not a fan of the newborn stage (to put it lightly), he has been SO GOOD with Easton and has really made an effort to help more around the house.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Hmmm..nobody really comes to find. At least nobody I can talk about on here. ;)

14. Where did most of your money go?

Where DIDN’T most of my money go? (Wait – I know that one – my savings account!) We had so many new expenses this year -- new (more expensive) house and bills, daycare, diapers, formula, baby food, baby clothes, baby toys, second car payment....and the list goes on.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Moving into our new house, starting our family, meeting Easton :)

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?

I hate questions like this...

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

– happier or sadder? Happier
– thinner or fatter? I weigh less, yet I’m somehow fatter
– richer or poorer? Poorer, for sure - but richer with love :)

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Cleaning, exercising, sleeping, pedicures. The usual.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?


Cleaning, working, on the computer, stressing, yelling at Bryan haha

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Easton's First Christmas post is coming soon, but in a nutshell, we spent Chrsitmas Eve with Bryan's family, Chrismtas morning opening gifts at our house, then went to my parents for more gifts, annual Christmas Breakfast with the Koesters and relaxed the rest of the day.

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?

Yes, with my new baby boy.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

New to me this year was Big Brother, and other favs are Modern Family, Suburgatory, The Bachelor/ette, Grey's, and Desperate.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
 Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

24. What was the best book you read?

The only books I've read this year are "What to Expect when You're Expecting", "What to Expect the First Year" and "A Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding". I did however, read lots of great blogs. :)

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Nikki Minaj, Adele and Mumford & Sons...

26. What did you want and get?

Easton, a new house, a new car, new dslr camera, iphone

27. What did you want and not get?

To win the lotto.....

28. What was your favorite film this year?

Haven't watched many but from what I can remember I'd have to say Bridesmaids and Friends with Benefits.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I was 29 and I spent it at a work dinner. At least it was free and yummy!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

No cancer....

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

My personal fashion concept = my sisters personal fashion concept :)

32. What kept you sane?

Easton, my mom, blogging, pinterest and Bryan. In that order (haha).

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Bradley Cooper, Matthew McConuaghey

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

Casey Anthony -- makes me sick that she got off!

35. Who did you miss?

Good friends that live out of state -- if you are reading this, you know who you are.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

Easton, duh! Oh, and LoVal - she's new this year and she's a keeper. ;)

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.


PICK YOUR BATTLES! I learned that it’s WAY BETTER and EASIER to not nag Bryan and to just do whatever I want done myself. Nagging only makes me feel crappy about my marriage, and the longer it doesn’t get done, the crappier I feel. If I just do whatever I want done, when I want it done, the way I want it done, I am way happier, and I can focus on the tons of good things Bryan DOES do for our family instead of the few things he doesn't.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"Where you invest your love, you invest your life" -Mumford and Sons, Awake My Soul

Cheers to an even more fabulous, happy and healthy 2012!!

The Saga continues....

Well, our weekend didn't exactly go as planned. Up until Friday, Easton was doing great and was right back to his old self. Friday morning started out normal until Easton was refusing to nap. Well I had things I needed to get done, so mom and I decided to load Easton into the car and run some errands in hopes that he'd fall asleep in the carseat. That didn't go as planned. After just a 20 minute catnap, Easton woke and was not his normal self. We were in Costco and I knew my time was limited so I made it a quick trip, but it wasn't quick enough. We get back in the car and Easton is hysterical, so we head home. I am sitting in the backseat with Easton trying to feed him and he's refusing to eat anything. He's screaming, then falling asleep, waking and screaming, then falling asleep. The next thing I know, Easton starts throwing up - this was a first for him, and me for that matter, and it totally freaked me out! My mom pulled over and we took the puke-covered baby out of the car. As a new mom, and since this was new to us, I called Easton's pediatrician who suggested I contact the pediatic surgeon who did his surgery to let them know of his status. Little did I know they would tell us to come down...but they did, so we headed to Ann Arbor.
Four hours, an x-ray, ultrasound, and labwork later, they decided to admit him to monitor him since he is a renal patient and just had major surgery. The x-ray showed that he was very backed up, and labs showed signs of dehydration and infection. Thankfully the ultrasound and no fever crossed out infection but doctors were concerned about constipation and dehydration. So back up to 7 Mott we went. Poor Easton was so uncomfortable and you could tell he didn't feel good. Suppositories helped, but we weren't going home until everything was functioning on it's own. It was a long 2 days with an uncomfortable baby to say the least.  Doctors are certain it was a case of gastroenteritis and sent us on our way first thing Sunday morning.
So we're back home now and Easton is doing much better. I think he agrees with the motto "There's no place like home"!

Gettin' Back in the Groove!

I'm in a blog funk. It's been a long week and I have so much on my mind that I don't even know where to start. I still can't believe everything that has happened. But given everything that we've been through, we got the best possible outcome.We returned home on Sunday after 5 days in the hospital with a cancer diagnosis and surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and Easton is recovering great. He is just as happy, playful and giggly as ever and a 6 inch incision on his belly doesn't even phase him! Pathology reports from the Wilms Tumor came back, and as doctors expected, the tumor was completely encased, did not spread and Easton will not need chemo. We are so incredibly relieved!! This past week has been quite a rollercoaster ride but the biggest ride is over and the lines should be much shorter from here on out. We have decided to enroll Easton in a clinical trial in which he'll be monitored closely for the next 3-5 years by oncologists at UofM. We are scheduled to meet with the oncologists next Tuesday to discuss details of the trail and get a better understanding of it.

Easton post-surgery

In the meantime, I took this week off work to focus on Easton, compose myself and get my life back in order. And while I'm sad that my time off is coming to an end, I'm relieved that it's because Easton is doing well and we are able to return to life as we once knew it - although I'm sure I'll be the most paranoid mother ever from here on out.

This incident has changed our lives in so many ways, it has strengthened so many relationships and opened our eyes to a whole new world of friendships. Every facebook and blog post resulted in comments and I am still shocked by the 152 facebook 'likes'  on my most recent status update that Easton will not need chemo. 152!!! I am BLOWN AWAY! Not to mention the cards, visits, meals and care packages from friends, family and neighbors. We are seriously surroundedby  an army of supporters and feel so fortunate to know we touch the lives of some many! So thank you to everyone who has reached out to us - one way or another! The power of prayer is amazing!
Who would ever think this little boy just had major surgery? 4 days post-op and he's back!

And check it out -- our friend Sophie joined us at the hospital and got us featured over at Hello Jack blog!

Thankful November Catch Up - Thanksgiving Day

So I've been slacking with Thankful November but I guess I've had some other things on my mind. Over the past few days, I have gained an entire new appreciation for today, Thanksgiving, and I'm going to rattle off some of the things that have made my 'thankful list' over the course of the last few days:
Mommy intuition to catch a cancerous tumor early
A world-class Children's hospital close by
The "Leaders and Best" - an incredible team of fast acting medical experts who couldn't have been more thorough, accommodating, understanding, honest and communicative with us
Successful surgery
The most caring nurses I could ask for taking care of our son
An absolutely amazing support system, including HUNDREDS of Facebook and blog comments, prayers and well wishes
Family who sat at our side while we waited for hours for outcomes
Friends who have been there every step of the way
Neighbors who sent the most amazing care packages
Fellow bloggers, Alex, Kalyn and Leah,for the most touching blog posts ever
Cousins who take in our high maintenance dog
Coworkers who have sent emails and texts and made visits, reminding me to give everything I have to Easton and not worry about work
My amazingly strong husband who has been my rock through this all
And last by certainly not least, we are so thankful for the power of prayer. Without all the love, prayers and support we've received, we wouldn't have gotten through this without them!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

I can breathe again

I can hardly keep my eyes open, but wanted to send a quick update. A 9am surgery got bumped to 11, only to get bumped to 1:43pm - that's 14 hours from his last feeding! The morning actually wasn't as bad as intended, considering we had an extra 3+ hours to distract a very hungry baby.

According to the doctors, surgery went as well as could be expected, or better than expected if you ask me. His right kidney and appendix were removed, along with a tumor weighing in at 2/3lbs! The tumor was encapsulated which is the best news if all. Drs are still confident it is a Wilms tumor and based on what they can tell thus far, chemotherapy will not be needed! This wont be confirmed until Pathology takes a closer look at it, and being that tomorrow is a holiday, it could be a few days. This is seriously the best case scenario and our fingers and toes are crossed. Please continue to keep us in your prayers until we know more. For now, we will camp out on Mott 7.

Easton is recovering nicely. Of course it's always difficult to see your child in any sort if pain (and thankfully the tumor wasn't causing pain) and I'm sure when he 'comes to', he will nit be impressed with all the darn cords. Our focus for the next few days is to make sure Easton is comfortable and provide him with anything he needs. We are looking forward to going home soon!

I'll post more later but this girl needs to catch sme zzz's. Thank you for the outpour of love and support!

My worst nightmare come true

Never in a million years did I think this blog would be used for this purpose, but I guess there is a reason for everything. As I sit by the bedside of my sweet baby boy at the University of Mchigan hospital a hundred bajillion things run thru my mind- Why Easton? Why us? How did this happen? Is he going to be ok? He NEEDS to be ok.

It all started about a week ago when I noticed some firmness in Easton's belly. I watched him carefully and treated it as bowel related adjusting his diet to accommodate constipation. A few days later with completely normal activity - playing, laughing, eating, and pooping the spot was still firm, so I did what any paranoid mom would do and I made an appt with his pediatrician. Almost instantly the doctor knew something was abnormal and said we had to figure out what it is and get it out ASAP. So we left with a script for a pediatric ultrasound in the morning.

Well we didn't last until morning - last night was a rough one with out of the norm wake ups, feedings and resistance to anything sleep related - screaming, flailing all over, arching his back, I knew something was wrong. To the ER we went. An ultrasound, cat scan and lots of bloodwork later, we heard the inevitable, dreaded word - cancer.

Nothing is 100%, but doctors are fairly confident that it's a Wilms tumor attached to his kidney and are going into surgery tomorrow with plans to remove the tumor and kidney. They will know more once they get in there, and are prepared for all possible situations. Surgery is scheduled for 9am tomorrow morning and we are confident that the amazing team of medical doctors are going to take great care of our baby.

After living the life of a dad with cancer, who by the way has fought an unbelievable fight, I neveR could have imagined my own son having to go through that. Today goes down as the worst day in history, although the next few days, even months could hand us more than we know. We are prepared to fight the fight of our life and will give it all we've got (and more than I'm sure we even know we have!) We are so fortunate to have the most amazing supper system behind us. Please keep us in your prayers - we need all we can get. Gooo Easton!

Life as a Working Mom

I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am a friend. I am a wife. I am a mom -- a working mom.

I returned to work part-time when Easton was just 8 weeks old. I did this after much discussion with my mom, who helped me realize that it was in both mine and Easton's best interest to return to work part-time and extend my maternity leave for as long as possible. Going back part-time after 8 weeks, allowed me 10 additional weeks of part-time, opposed to only 4 more full weeks off before returning full-time. I suppose it made sense. After all, mother knows best, right? Right! I will admit this was the best decision I could have made. Not only was it nice being part-time for the entire summer, but it helped make my transition to full-time so much easier.

Being a working mom is no easy task. Thankfully I love my job and work with an awesome group of people who making going to work everyday easier. But I truly think people underestimate the title 'working mom'. Not only do I work 40 hours a week, but I am a full-time mom, cleaning lady, cook, banker, grocery shopper, and laundromat, aside from a gazillion other things. Not to mention, Bryan took a new job the same week I went back to work full-time and this new job is pretty demanding of his time. He went from working 9am-3pm to working 7am-7pm, therefore I can no longer rely on Bryan to be home for dinner, let alone to pick up Easton from daycare, etc. I often stress over the fact that I don't have time to get anything done around the house after work - the laundry piles high, and furballs dance around the woodfloors when you walk by. And the dinner thing is an issue in itself. I have been slacking in the kitchen due to the fact that I never know when Bryan will be home and I'm not motivated to think of what to make for myself, let alone take the time away from Easton to make an entire meal. So cereal, soup, grilled cheese -- anything quick n' easy -- it is!

Today, I stayed home with Easton. And today, I took on a whole new appreciation for 'stay-at-home' moms. I don't want to say that I've underestimated those who choose to stay at home, but I really think I have. I had big plans for my day off today, but big plans were not accomplished. Our day started off with a trip to the doctor's office which was a waste of time, but at least my mind is at ease that Easton just has a cold and it's nothing more. While I was out, I ran down to Babies R Us, which is inconveniently located from our house so I don't make it out there often. I've had a few things to knock off my to-do list there, so I figured it'd cross it off the list while I was already halfway there. During my 'day in the life of a stay-at-home-mom', I wanted to be productive. I wanted to dust and vacuum, clean bathrooms, do laundry, make baby food, make dinner, pull out fall/Halloween decor, and as much as I hate to admit it, the only things I checked off this list were scrubbing one toilet, making baby food and making dinner. I don't know how stay-at-home-mom's get anything productive accomplished. The second I attempted to do something, Easton was fussing for attention. Now I need to remember that he does have a cold and was therefore more fussy than usual, but still.

A 'stay-at-home-mom' is everything a 'working mom' is, minus the 40 hours at the office, but in turn, they are a full-time daycare, which makes it just as hard to be successful at those other duties because their main responsibility is tending to the peanut gallery. Perhaps it comes more natural to others, or it just takes a little getting used to juggling that type of lifestyle and getting into a routine, but after just one day in the life of a stay-at-home-mom, I'm ready to go back to work! I think people have higher expectations for a stay-at-home-mom to have a clean house, empty laundry hampers and dinner on the table, but it's really not that easy, and after just one day, I get it. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my son and I miss him every second while I'm at work, but I have to admit that it's kinda nice going to work everyday and being able to be productive, get things accomplished, check things off my list, and then come home to play the role of mom. And heck, if the laundry doesn't get done today, it's ok. My responsibility after putting in 40 hours at the office is to spend time with Easton -- to play with him, sing and dance, make silly faces and make memories that I can take with me back to the office each day. :) The cleaning can wait!

To all those working moms out there, good for you! And for those moms who stay-at-home, good for you! I think in an ideal world, my happy medium would be part-time. Hopefully someday! Until then, I shall resume my life as a working mom. To each their own, but bottom line, MOMS RULE!!

And with that said, I'll leave you with a photo of my precious family. (the background on my computer at work that I stare at all day)

We Remember

I was a freshman in college. My roommate and best friend, Tara and I were in the cafeteria eating breakfast, when we returned to our dorm and had numerous missed calls. I remember thinking "Is everything OK?". A gazillion things ran through my mind of what could possibly be wrong. Tara returned her mom's call - she sounded frantic and was so glad to hear from Tara. She told us to turn on the tv. Little did we know that what we were about to see would change our lives, and the world, forever.

We turned on the tv just in time to see the plane hit the second tower of the World Trade Center. I was in completely and utter shock -- this was NOT what I had expected to see. Classes were cancelled and we spent the rest of the day curled up on the futon, glued to the television, watching the attack on America unfold before us.

Today, we remember those who lost their lives on that day. We pray for the victims, the policemen, firefighters, friends and families touched by this awful chain of events. We pray for the men and women fighting for our country. And I pray that my son will never, ever have to witness such tragedy. I pray that his world will be so much better, and safer, than ours.

I will never forget...