Sunday, March 27, 2011
3rd Trimester and Bert's 35th
Saturday, I officially entered the 3rd trimester at 28 weeks. It poured most of the day, but we had time for a few photos while the gorgeous azaleas are still in full bloom. My parents even dropped by for a visit on their way home from Baltimore. My mother looks wonderful, and I am thrilled for how much she has improved. Thank you all for your prayers.
And Saturday night, we celebrated Bert's 35th birthday! His birthday was actually Tuesday, and I decided that this year, he would have a proper birthday party before the little guy arrives.The theme of the party was "Bert's Favorite Things" and we grilled chicken tenders, had several different kinds of chips and candy, Caesar salad, red velvet cake, Harry Connick Jr. on the radio and a giant Transformers balloon in the living room. Such a fun event, and we felt so blessed to have a house full to share in the occasion.
Such a fun weekend.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Surviving Brain Surgery
October was a difficult month. Lots of emotions. I found out I was pregnant at the same time (hello, hormone craziness) that I found out my mother needed brain surgery.Since then, she and my dad toured many hospitals, trying to find out exactly what was wrong and what could be done. After a whirlwind Thanksgiving Break where they drove across the country, my parents selected Johns Hopkins Hospital to remove the meningioma in my mother's skull. You could see the tumor protruding on her face, and the main worry was if it penetrated into the brain and/or her optic nerve.
And, of course, there was the 5% chance it was cancer.
This week, we all traveled to Baltimore for the big day. Wednesday morning came all too quickly, as well as too slowly. We wanted the tumor out so, so badly, but the 8-hour surgery was a huge, HUGE deal.
Praise God, the tumor was benign, and it did not penetrate into her brain or optic nerve. The tumor penetrated muscle, bone and the outermost layer of the brain - but did not penetrate the inner layer of the brain or the brain itself. The tumor was cleanly removed.
She is now recovering very well. Exhaustion is tough, but considering she just came through major surgery, she is doing incredibly well.
I will be eternally grateful to the head of neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as an incredibly talented reconstructive surgeon, for doing such an incredible job with my mother. Doctors make all the difference.
I just love my mother so much that the word "love" seems inadequate. I need her. My existence is tied in so much with hers.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Baby Shower
I had the loveliest baby shower this Saturday! It was such a treat. I am pictured with the hostesses and my mama above. There were around 20 people there to spread the love...I was genuinely overwhelmed.
25 weeks...15 weeks to go! So much to do. But at least I know for sure this baby boy is coming into a world full of people that love him so much already.