Never Too Young

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought it would be fitting to share my story. 

In the Fall of 2001, ten years ago, I was a 17 year old high school senior with normal teenage worries.  Never once had it crossed my mind that I should be aware of my breast health.  All that changed when I was catching an itch on the inside of my left breast.  I felt a knot that I knew shouldn't have been there.  I freaked out, told my mom, and off we were to the next available doctor's appointment.  The doctor confirmed my discovery and sent me to a surgeon in Eagles Landing.  They immediately scheduled me for a lumpectomy.  A week after the lump removal surgery I went to get the results.  Thankfully, the results were not life threatening.  The lump was a calcified deposit that formed into a lump.

Fast forward three years; I am now 21 years old.  Recently married and starting my new life as a wife.  In the shower one day, I felt sore places all throughout my breasts.  Naturally, I freaked and off I went to the doctor...again.  She, too, confirmed my suspicions and sent me for a mammogram and ultrasound.  The mammogram came back inconclusive and the ultrasound showed fibrous cysts.  I was then diagnosed with fiber cystic breast disease.  Again, not life threatening, but worrisome nonetheless.

So, fast forward again to last week.  I am 27, mother to two beautiful babies, and wife to my high school sweetheart.  Last week I woke up from a dream with shooting breast pains.  I feel around and find what I believe to be lumps.  I got a doctor's appointment for this past Monday.  The doctor felt like it was not suspicious, but to be sure she sent me for an ultrasound.  That leads me to today.  I went to the Spivey Station on 138 in Jonesboro.  Let me tell you this, that place is WONDERFUL.  If you ever need the services of a women's center that specializes in breast health, this is the place.  Top notch for sure.  I got an ultrasound by the technician and she was so reassuring and informative.  She immediately took my results to the doctor and he gave me the all clear.  What a relief!!

I know what you're thinking...hypochondriac.  Well, not really.  I never go to the doctor.  But I immediately freak out when it comes to my body and dealing with issues that can't be solved with over-the-counter medicines.  The purpose of telling this story is this:  YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO YOUNG.  Breast health should be a concern for all women.  Cancer doesn't know age, color, race or gender.  Do your monthly self checks.  One day that could save your life.

Too Cool for School

I have been so absentminded about posting.  It seems as if the time is running away from me and I do all I can to hold on and enjoy the ride.  Since my last blog, which fell exactly on Allie's 5th birthday, so many things have changed the direction of our household.  Our focus has shifted to a routine of homework, playtime, dinner, baths, a story, and bed.  The entire family seems to be enjoying this and we are happy because we are doing it all together :)

Allie began Kindergarten on August 8, 2011.  I can honestly say I was incredibly nervous and felt as if it was MY first day too.  So I'd like to think we started this experience together, for the first time.  My girl has done so well and is one day away from completing her 2nd week of school.  She loves school and has learned so much already.  Her first week was complete with a daily visit to music class.  How perfect for her!  This girl loves to sing, dance, and entertain.  So it was only fitting that she get acclimated with a class that made her so comfortable.  I have to say, though, Allie loves the lunch room.  She loves going through the line with her tray, making her selection of food, and of course picking which flavor of milk SHE wants.  I love that she loves the small things.

With all that being said, I must admit that I miss the fact that she will never get to stay home when she wants, stay up late to watch Billy the Exterminator, or wait for her daddy to come home (all during the week of course).  I realize this is part of growing up and she can't stay a baby forever.

My girl is growing up.....

P.S. Pictures on the way.  I'm bad, I know.

We have a 5 year old

Five years ago, today, I was resting after giving birth to my first born daughter.  I was induced at exactly 38 weeks for no other reason except I am in good with my doctor.  We checked into the hospital at 2pm on Wednesday July 5, 2006.  They started me on fluids and pitocin to jump start the labor process.  I was already dilated to 3 cm prior to this, but without any contractions.  So the first phase of my labor process was already completed sometime before 38 weeks...comfortably at home.  About 2 hours into the pitocin I started to feel my first twinge of cramps.  They actually made me super excited because it was "really happening."  Labor progressed as it should and by 9pm I was ready for the epidural.  I was really scared of getting the epidural.  So the nurses had to calm my nerves and by the time I got over myself they had already administered the wonder drug.  I instantly relaxed and was able to rest which was such a relief.  By about 2am on Thursday July 6, 2006 I remember telling Stephen, "I feel a lot of pressure."  So the nurses came in, and confirmed my suspicions.  I instantly turned into nervous mode.  I was was shaking uncontrollably and was so incredibly anxious.  So started the pushing process.  At 2:40am, my beautiful 6 lbs 8 oz and 18 inches long daughter Alexandria Tate (Allie) was born.  She had a full head of dark brown hair and had the prettiest colored skin. I was so shocked, relieved, amazed that I had just birthed a human that I was unable to even hold her.  The nurses cleaned her off and checked all her vitals while I just stared at her in amazement.  They finally handed her over to me and her and I just stared at each other.  It was by far the most monumental moment of my life.  I have never felt so much love in my heart as I did that very moment.

Today, we have a 5 year old!  A FIVE YEAR OLD!!  I decorated the inside of the house late last night so she could wake up to streamers everywhere.  We had a few gifts for her and all wished her Happy Birthday.  I think she really enjoyed all the focus being on her this morning, which she deserves.  Happy Birthday Allie!  Mommy, Daddy, Abigail and Trigger love you more than you'll ever know :) 

**More pictures coming tomorrow :)

Okay, just one more

I don't usually become agitated or vocal about work related issues; whether it be about my job or others.  My personal opinion is if the issues you become most frustrated about are things you cannot change, then leave it at the door.  Don't burden yourself with the added stress. 

With that being said, I was very shocked and quite appalled at the display of negativity that was broad casted for all to read on the Internet yesterday.  For those who know what I'm referring to, it was a poor display of inaccurate facts.  It frustrates me to see that those who feel as if they have been dealt a bad hand are actually the ones who reaped the most benefits.  Lashing out will get you no where and only shed a bad light on YOU.  Be careful because you might stir the ISH and find yourself being more stinky than those you are pooing on.

That's it, we're moving

I receive a monthly subscription to a parenting magazine. Their July issue had an article titled 'Top 10 Cities to Raise Your Family.' The following is the information about their #7 pick:

“#7 Honolulu, Hawaii – This tropical paradise is much more than just the center of Hawaiian culture, theater, and music. Clean air, loads of sun and surf, and state obesity rates well below the national average add up to a seriously healthy city for raising a family. The strong economy here is powered by tourism, the military, defense contracting, and real estate, resulting in a practically nonexistent unemployment rate, the lowest property taxes on our list, and an easy under 23-minute commute. Fourteen public schools have received the Department of Education Blue Ribbon School Designation for Excellence, and Honolulu had the lowest crime rate of our ten winners.”
Seems convincing enough and only more of a reason to pack up the kids and hit the dusty trail.  But seriously, I will live in Hawaii one day.  Really. 

Baby fever?

I'm a bit hesitant to admit that I might be having baby fever.  Now don't get me wrong, I realize this is purely a dream that could NOT be made into a reality anytime soon.  I attribute this crazy thought to the fact that my sweet baby love, Abigail Layne, is growing up on me entirely too fast.  She does her best to keep up with her older sister resulting in typical 2nd child syndrome..... walking/talking/independence much sooner than I anticipated.  Quite honestly, much sooner than I hoped for. 

Abigail was such a perfect infant that I really enjoyed every second of being her mother during times that could be stressful for others.  My first born, Allie, was a tough newborn/infant with colic for the first 6 months of her life.  Once she hit the 1 year mark, we were so thankful to have gotten through those tough times that we never once spoke of having another child until she was 3 years old. 

I love my children equally and for completely different reasons.  Allie is my affectionate and spirited child who keeps me wondering what she will do or say next.  I truly enjoy her conversations and thought process that leaves me in amazement that her nearly 5 year old brain can come up with the things she does.  I love her for always being herself.  She is shy at first, but once she is comfortable you will never forget Allie. 

Abigail is my quiet and thoughtful child.  She is the total opposite of me and my personality which I find to be quite refreshing.  I love her sweet way of giving you a coy smile when she knows you are talking about her realizing how cute she looks.  She is quite the hit with her juicy-ness that people are naturally drawn to her.  I love her for her fearlessness and inquisitive personality.

Gosh, I have gotten off topic here.  Anyways, Abigail is no longer my "baby."  She doesn't need me for her food source, she sleeps through the night most of the time, and she can walk and run on her own.  The interaction of my two girls not only breaks my heart because they have changed so much in such little time, but also swells it with so much love because they are truly enjoying each others company. 

One day I truly believe we will have at least one more child.  Just not today....   

Family Day

Sunday, we ventured out to the Fern Bank in Atlanta.  Stephen and Allie were super pumped.  I, on the other hand, was watching my watch the whole time.  I'm not much of an natural history buff, but it was a good family experience all around.

Later that night, I told Allie she could now say she had been to the museum of natural history in Atlanta and New York City and that not a lot of people could say that.  She said, "Is it because they're Spanish?"  Uh, not the answer I expected but way hilarious nonetheless!!!

My baby is growing up

So, last Friday was my daughter's Pre-K graduation.  I was totally not prepared for the flood of emotions that took over me while watching her and her class complete their program.  The children amazed me with their memorization of so many bible versus and songs.  I could not get over the fact that these children, most of which were four years old, were so accurate and on point.  I am so proud of my Allie-cat!  I can't wait to see what the future has in store for this wise-beyond-her-years girl.

P.S. If you're looking for a picture, which would be most appropriate for this blog, I'm a slacker and they're stuck on the camera at home.

P.S.S. Picture is now up 05/26/11

Update to the fruit fast....

It appears as if I have fallen off the wagon, once again, at my attempt to cleanse my body.  I lasted just during the work day.  I mean, if I enjoyed a variety of fruits then maybe I would have stood a chance.  Whatever....I prefer the Starbucks diet anyways :)

Fruit Fast

So, the lady in my office was telling me about a diet she heard on Dr. Oz.  He mentioned eating fruit, and only fruit, for 3 days to detox and cleanse your body.  Of course drinking water in conjunction with the fruit only diet.  Today was my first day.  Now considering I am an extremely picky eater, my options were rather limited.  I've been surviving off of bananas and apples today.  I have to admit I am extremely hungry.  I'm talking "take me to the buffet" kind of hungry.  Hopefully, I can keep this starvation up for the next 2 days for the sake of cleansing my body!

Television shows I just can't get enough of...

Normally, I'm forced to watch Spongebob Squarepants at the demands of my 4 1/2 year old.  But recently, I've been fortunate enough to catch my programs online or via DVR (which at first I was highly opposed to not only because of the price but also because I felt my time should be put forth to cleaning, laundry, etc...).  With that being said, the following are my "can't get enough of" tv shows that I recommend:

1) One Born Every Second - This program airs on Tuesday night's at 10.  Now it does conflict with my secret Teen Mom / 16 and Pregnant addiction, so I catch it on the lifetimechannel.com web videos.  I literally tear up every single episode.  Love, love this show!!
2) Coming Home - OMG! This is sooo good.  I am not able to watch this on Sunday night's because my husband is home and will not sit through this show.  I also catch this one online.  Tear jerker for sure!!
3) K9 of Broward County - Hilarious!  Me and Allie have watched this since it started airing on the TLC channel.  It comes on Thursday night's at 10.
4) Swamp People - Took me a minute to get into this one, but it has become one I just can't stop watching.  Not sure what day it airs, but it is on the History Channel.
5) This last one, I am a bit embarassed to admit, is probably one of my faves too:  Teen Mom / 16 and Pregnant.  These girls are TRAIN WRECKS!!  Enough said ;)

I just can't get into the syndicated shows on local channels.  I am a reality TV junkie.     

Inspired

I've recently been reading up on all my FB friends' blogs.  I love the idea of sharing your thoughts, tips, and life in general with those that are interested.  And since I'm probably "stalking" your blog, feel free to do the same to me :)

My life has changed so much from just 5 years ago.  I have two beautiful, thriving children that completely make my world go round.  My sister-in-law and I were just discussing how our love for our children grows into something we've never experienced before.  These girls, my girls, are amazing children.  They are so different in their personalities.  I see myself in one child and see my husband in the other.  I love the fact that they look and act so completely different.  I look forward to what the future has in store for my sweet family.

Now that "I love my children and so should you speech" is out of the way, my hopes for this blog are to inspire you, inform you and entertain you.  So enjoy!!