2 weeks postop & question

It's almost 7:30pm and I'm exhausted. I wish I had some really cool and interesting things to share with you today but unfortunately, I do not. I guess I could tell you about how I am sitting in my room, trying to avoid the entire world, unsuccessfully. I could tell you how my girls are using their full sized bed as a spring board. I could tell you how Jacob has decided to hide out from his brother which has prompted Austin to ask me over and over where Jacob is at. (Actually, Jacob just brought an entire bowl of black berries in to me. How precious is that?) Or I could tell you about how Jonathon is in a really bad mood and only wants to let his crabby side shine today instead of his silly smiles.

I'm trying to figure out some fun yet inexpensive things to do with the kids this summer. They want to be able to go places and do things but with such a large family living on one income, we need to be budget conscious. Especially since Tim's laid off another two weeks starting next week! (sigh) So, any ideas? We love to do just about anything. We camp (in a nice tent even!!), we love the water, we love the sand, we go to zoos, and the list goes on. We actually made a trip to Potters Park Zoo this month but unfortunately, we were very disappointed!! We did buy a family membership though which allows us to go to toher zoos for free or a reduced price. So, again...any ideas?

Today marks the two week post op mark in my journey. I'm feeling better than I was but still not up to par. I'm getting out and about. I'm eating more than just a couple of bites here and there. I'm enjoying more time with the kids on my own. I even cooked a full home cooked meal for my children last night.

The gas pains are lessening. The bowel functions are starting to be more normal than they have been in years. The incisions are healing up nicely. And the urine output is good. I'm feeling pulling in the areas of the side incisions but it's not constant. I'm not sleeping very well at night but I think it's because I'm resting so much during the day. I have been trying to avoid the pain pills but I'm finding that by 2am, I really need something to take the edge off in addition to helping me fall asleep. I'll discuss it with the doctor when I return next week.

Today, I took Jonathon in for an appointment. Unfortunately, we got there to find out it was cancelled...in MARCH! Ugh. So, they were able to squeeze him in with Austin's appt. on Thursday. Jacob goes in tomorrow. Instead, Jacob, Jonathon and I went to grab a quick bite to eat together. I needed Jacob to go with me so he could carry Jonathon. He's typically a big helper!

A couple "out of the mouth of babes" today:

Emilee: (who came in the bedroom bright and early asking for a snack) Mom, can I have a popcicle?
Me: No Em, you can't. You need breakfast.
Emilee: Popcicles IS breakfast.
Me: No Em, popcicles are not breakfast. Now go find something you want for breakfast.
Emilee: But Big Popcicles are breakfast! (as matter-of-factly as you could say it)

Jacob: Man, my legs are getting hairy!
Me: Well, you're getting closer to puberty. That's normal.
Jacob: Well, some kid in school had black hair all over his arms. Mine is just on my legs.

Man oh man, our "little boy" is growing up!! I can't believe he is ten!