It's All Good

Had a follow up appointment with my neurologist and he reaffirmed that things look great up there! The vessel has reopened remarkably and there is no eclusion...basically the clot has dissolved/condensed wonderfully and blood is flowing without blockage! I'm weaning off the blood thinners and will be free of them in a matter of weeks! Bring on the full contact sports and sky diving :)
The seizue meds are something I'll be on as long as I choose to be. Since I won't be able to drive at all for 5-6 months while I wean off those and for a few months after, I'm going to have to find the most convenient time frame....as if there is one. Probably looking at next Jan. or so.
This Friday will be the 1 year anniversary for my stroke and I can't believe it's been that long! What a crazy and blessed year! How lucky I am!
Other than that, we've been traveling fools with my trips to Boise then Miami, we went to St. Louis for the weekend to see some friends, Jake heads to DC for the rest of the week for work....and many more fun and work trips planned for the summer! We don't seem to know how to sit still.

The MRI Spaceship

I could do without another MRI or MR-Veinogram for let's say the next...FOREVER. Apparently I was a little more out of it then I thought I was for the others I had. I do NOT remember having my head put in a cage, another contraption/torture device placed on my chest and locked into the head cage and then being shoved into the MRI spaceship where you have to wear headphones or earplugs bc of the deafening sounds! I'm not claustraphobic, but it just seems like when you aren't supposed to move you just want to move that much more! But I survived with my trusty hubby by my side (what a trooper, he even parted with his blackberry to be with me).
They don't tell you much about what they see so we'll have to wait for the doc apt. next Tues. for results. They did have to take extra pics but weren't really clear on the reason why...view wasn't clear for a good shot of the "problem area." Excuse me, but I thought the "problem area" was supposed to be minimized or in check at this point?!?! Note to medical staff: if you can't say anything of substance or answer questions, please don't say anything.
So until next week I'll be questioning the "problem area" and watching a new bruise develop from the IV. Awesome.

My Sis and a Trip to Boise

Well it's always something! Since I'm about to reach my one year mark, I guess my sister decided to keep things interesting and hog all the attention with some minor pregnancy issues. She and baby boy are doing well now, but mom flew out to help with 18 month old Jacksen when she went to the hospital about 3 weeks ago. She's had some bleeding and contractions that put her on bed rest for the rest of the pregnancy and got her a week in the hospital. So after being home for a week or so, more of the same issues and back in the hospital the day after I flew in for a visit. Needless to say, I only spent one night at their house and the rest of the time I've been here in the hospital with her. Good sister bonding time! She's at 34 weeks today and things are going really well, everything seems under control and per the ultrasound this morning the baby is 4lbs 13oz so he's in good shape! Mom is still here and I have a feeling will be until after the baby comes! Poor lady hasn't spent much time at her own house in the last year bw me and Nikki's hospital stays! And dad is left as a bachelor at home to fend for himself. God bless 'em both!
I'm headed back to Peoria today to see how the dog and cat are getting along under Jake's supervision. Not ready to leave Nik but that's the way it goes. Here are a few pics from my visit.

Nik's 29th bday is the hospital

Jacksen and best bud Gunther

me and Jack playing in the yard

All good news!

Although we've been covered in snow and ice all winter, we've managed to fit in some adventures. Recently, we went hiking at Starved Rock to check out the frozen waterfalls that people climb. It was awesome! See the pictures below...

Also, some FANTASTIC news I found out on Friday is...drum roll please...I got a fulltime job at the United Way!!!!! I've been working there since September as an Ambassador and they extended my contract through Feb. on a part time basis...now they've offered me a permanent spot as a Campaign Associate! It starts March 2nd. YAY!!!

Lastly, a little medical update. Since my one year anniversay of the stroke is just around the corner, I've scheduled my MRI and MR Venogram (where they run dye through your veins) for the beginning of March. Pending good results, I'll be weaned off the blood thinner...finally. Then there's the issue of the seizure meds. It's my choice if/when to wean off those, but I will...and when I do that means NO driving for 5-6 months. Wonderful. We'll cross that bridge when it comes...

The new year is off to a great start for us and we hope it is for you too!

Happy Birthday Jake!

Today is Jake's birthday and I just have to show everyone what a true character I've married! Below is Jake in his "birthday suit" he wore to work today. God love him! We celebrated by going to a great dive bar known for serving up his favorite meal...cheese burgers! We were not disappointed.

Gotta run but just wanted to share!

Happy Holidays!

2008 proved to be a challenging and blessed year for us...but the goal is boring for 2009! I'm in the process of trying to figure out how/if I can change the blog to be just a family blog, will keep you posted on that issue.
Since the anniversary trip to WI, we've had some good times with friends and our families. We continued the tradition of NPT's PCP (that would be Nathan P. Thomas' Pumpkin Carving Party) with airbrushed shirts and everything. We also got to spend unexpected extra time with Jake's family over Thanksgiving with the passing of Grandpa Pete. We will miss him dearly and were thankful to be able to be there and spend time with everyone. Cooper was a hit with Grandma Ruth and the nieces and nephews...especially Miss Mylie, who after an uneasy start was his best bud. Christmas was spent with my side of the fam. The boys had a blast tearing up the presents and we all even got a special visit out at Gma and pa Younger's from the jolly man himself! The only thing missing was my sis and her fam who couldn't make it. Our first holiday season in the new house was great with only 20-30 tries for a good pic for the Christmas card!
We wish you all a wonderful New Year and will keep you updated on our latest happenings.



















Gma Ruth


















Mylie and Coop















Ma in her new kitchen!














Dontcha love him!

He's gettin' so big!

Man we could be related!

Merry Christmas!

1 Year Down!

So we made it through the first fun filled year of marriage....who lost money on that bet? :) We took a much needed trip away from everything to beautiful Door County, WI. The fall colors hadn't quite all changed yet and the weather was nice and crisp! Here are several pics of the trip!

had to stop and see Lambeau Field!

this is the world's largest Culver's.