The Story of Thomas...

So, our little Thomas wasn't due to make his debut until at least this past Wednesday, September 3rd. That would have been my 37th week of pregnancy, which is the earliest we could have delivered him and considered him to be a full term baby. We were debating an early induction because we already knew he was a bigger baby. At 33 weeks of pregnancy, we were estimating his weight to be 3 weeks ahead gestationally speaking. (In case you're wondering, this is due to the fact that I'm a Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) Diabetic. Even though my blood sugars were very well controlled during my pregnancy, larger babies are one of the most common issues that Diabetic moms face.)

So, around 6 o'clock on Monday night, August 18th, I thought a little amniotic fluid might have trickled it's way out. I couldn't be certain because the baby was smack dab hanging out and generally performing acrobatics on my bladder and it was also possible that I could have been slightly incontinent. I wasn't contracting so I didn't really think anything of it. Actually, I went to bed that night not thinking of it at all.

Around 1 am (now technically Tuesday morning), I woke up with some mild cramps. They stopped after about 10 minutes, so I went back to bed. Around 5 am, I woke up again. I realized that the mucous membrane had passed, but still wasn't too alarmed because this can happen anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks before birth actually occurs. What was concerning was that I seemed to be having regular contractions. In fact, I had felt the contractions in my sleep, and incorporated them into my dreams. I was drowsy and out of it, but figured that my contractions were approximately five minutes apart. I woke Michael up and told him that I thought I was in labor. I told him I was going to get in the shower, handed him the hospital bag packing list (which I hadn't intended to use until the following week), and took a five minute shower. Once I got out, I called the on-call doctor to find out if I should head to the hospital.

While I was drying off, my water broke. A minute later, the on-call called me and directed me to head to labor and delivery. I got dressed, and started trying to reach my dear friend, Nicole so that she could take Adam while we headed to the hospital. It took about 15 minutes of calling before I managed to wake her. We dropped Adam at her house, and embarked on the 25 minute drive to the hospital. By this point, my contractions were 3-4 minutes apart.

15 minutes later, we were in Draper, and still about 10 minutes from the hospital. I had called my dear friend, Rhea, to meet us at the hospital. She's an MA and and EMT, and was so amazing to have present during the birth. She's so calming and reassuring. But, I digress. So we were in Draper, and we hit a red light and I was in a decent amount of pain. I made Michael run that red light (of course I looked first to make sure we weren't putting anyone in danger). By the next red light, eight minutes later, my contractions were 1-2 minutes apart. We ran that one too (still making sure no cars were coming). I called the hospital and asked them to meet me with a wheelchair. By the time I got into my room and the nurses checked my labor status (maybe ten minutes max), I was dilated to a 7 and in the end stages of labor. And I was in pain. Big pain. Begging for the epidural pain.

Hours or decades later (actually more like ten minutes), the anesthesiologist appeared with his magical bag of medicine. I love that man. Truly, dearly love that man. I can't remember his name, and I barely recall what he looks like but my feelings run deep. After a couple of strong contractions (I sort of cried from pain), the epidural was placed and my body surrendered to sweet relief. It was approximately 7 am at this point.

At 8 am, my OB (Hooray for Dr. England) showed up and pushing commenced. At 8:21 am, Thomas made his debut. I got to hold him briefly, but he was struggling to breathe. He had to be put on oxygen, and thankfully he stabilized quickly. He was taken to the nursery, and I waited for my epidural to wear off so I could go see him.

He ended up staying in the nursery for 8 days, and the nurses took great care of him. Those eight days were some of the most painful of my life. All three of my children were in different places geographically, and I couldn't fully be there for any of them. It was very difficult for me to feel so divided, and so unable to to fully meet all of their needs.

As a side note, we also had to delay Frankie's first home visit since she was due to arrive the day after Thomas was born. This was very hard for all of us, but we're looking forward to her rescheduled home visit, which is coming up shortly. I can't wait to have all my children under one roof.

Thankfully, things have evened out. The house is a wreck, our bodies are weary, but all is well. Thomas is here, healthy, off of oxygen, and at the moment crying vigorously (music to my ears) because Daddy is changing him. However, if you want to send a maid over, I wouldn't say no.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, a couple of pictures of our sweet little Thomas...

We'll try to post some awake pictures as soon as we get them. Until next time...

There's no place like home...

This has truly been one of the longest weeks of my life. Between daily trips to the hospital (1/2 hour each way), spending time in the hospital with Thomas, trying to make sure that Adam got enough attention, trying to help Frankie through a tough time, and breast pumping every three hours for 1/2 hour, it's a wonder I'm even awake enough to write this (though truth be told, I barely am).

Michael has been amazing - so supportive, so kind and helpful. I am absolutely blessed to call him my husband. We're coming up on our 16th anniversary in a couple of weeks, and although life hasn't always been easy, I think we are so fortunate to have found each other.

The best news going right now though is that we have finally gotten to bring our little Thomas home!!! He's on oxygen, but doctors are hopeful that he'll be off in a week or so. Oh that little boy has captured my heart. He has a head full of dark brown hair (less than at birth - he actually has a natural little fauxhawk going). He has my chin, my lips, and I think Michael's nose. He has his Grandpa John's (my dad) dark olive complexion. He makes the sweetest little newborn noises, and almost always gets hiccups when he's full. He's a lazy eater, prone to falling dead asleep halfway through eating, but at least he doesn't spit up with the voracity his older brother did at this young age. The nurses at the hospital stated that Thomas has a great disposition, and they called him "a pile of pudding." He is a very snuggly and cuddly boy.

Adam is doing a great job as a big brother. He truly loves his little Thomas. The first or second time he saw him, he kissed him on the head and said "Thomas, I will always take care of you. If anyone tries to be mean or hurt you I will get in the way so they can't hurt you." I just love that kid - he's got such a sensitive and kind soul.

Frankie is very excited to meet her little brother, and plans are in the works for her to make a visit home in the near future. We greatly look forward to having our family all under one roof, even if it's only for a few days.

Molly, our dog doesn't know what to make of the baby - she's not really sure what species he is. He might be human, or a cat - she's not really sure. She's curious and gentle, and likes to lick his foot (something I'm discouraging). She thinks she wants to play with him, but she's not really sure. She gets concerned if he cries though. It'll be interesting to see how their relationship develops - it's obvious she's never been around a newborn before.

And just in case you're curious, the cats could care less. And why should they -- after all, they're cats.

My next post will be about the story of Thomas' birth, but it's time to go pump (seems like it's always time to go pump). Also, I'll add some recent pictures.

Until next time...

Imitatation is the sincerest form...

I liked this so much that I stole it from Bastians...

Mom and Dad
as described by Adam Hooten, age 6

1 What is something Mommy always says?
"I love you.”
2. What makes Mommy happy?
“When I’m great.”
3. What makes Mommy sad?
“When I’m not great.”
4. How does your Mom make you laugh?
“Being silly.”
5. What was your Mom like as a child?
“I don’t know. I guess doing little girl things.”
6. How old is your Mom?
“I don’t know that one either.”
7. How tall is your Mom?
“Can you stand up for a little so I can measure you? 15 length.”
8. What is your Mom's favorite thing to do?
“Do what she’s supposed to do.”
9. What does Mom do when you’re not around?
“Do grown up things.”
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
“American Idol.”
11. What is your Mom really good at?
“Super Mario World.”
12. What is your Mom not good at?
“Gulp. That’s a hard one. I think it’s playing Spiderman 2.”
13. What does Mom do for her job?
“Works at home.”
14. What is Mom's favorite food?
“Anything she’s in the mood for.”
15. What makes you proud of your Mom?
“When she beats a game”
16. If your Mom were a cartoon character who would she be?
“Princess Peach.”
17. What do you and your Mom do together?
“Sometimes play Super Mario Bros 3, sometimes playing Super Mario World.”
18. How are you and your Mom the same?
“Being happy.”
19. How are you and your Mom different?
“We like to do different things like she likes to do grownup things and I like to play video games.”
20. How do you know your Mom loves you?
“She tells me a lot.”
----------------------------------------------------
1.What is something Daddy always says?
“Yes. A lot he says yes.”
2. What makes Daddy happy?
“When I’m good.”
3. What makes Daddy sad?
“When I’m bad.”
4. How does your Dad make you laugh?
“(makes a silly face) Being silly.”
5. What was your Dad like as a child?
“I don’t know. I think it is doing what he likes to.”
6. How old is your Dad?
“Ummm…it’s gotta be one of the numbers that you are but higher. What? 59?”
7. How tall is your Dad?
“Daddy, can you stand up for just a second? 21.”
8. What is your Dad's favorite thing to do?
“Do what he likes to do, like play video games. I think that’s what he likes to do as a child. Well, now he likes to do grownup things since he’s a grown up from now on.”
9. What does Dad do when you’re not around?
“Be at work because that’s the only time he never ever sees me.”
10. If your Dad becomes famous, what will it be for?
“America’s Got Talent. He would do something he’s good at like being Mario.”
11. What is your Dad really good at?
“Gotta think (scratching forehead)…I think he’s good at work.”
12. What is your Dad not good at?
“Playing Super Mario Galaxy because he never ever plays it when he has a chance to play it because he plays Spiderman 2 instead. He likes that a lot. He likes it more than I like it.”
13. What does Dad do for his job?
“He works at 4Control (It’s really Control4) and I think he does not medical stuff.”
14. What is Dad's favorite food?
“Chowder soup.”
15. What makes you proud of your Dad?
“When I tell him to do what he likes to do and he can.”
16. If your Dad were a cartoon character who would he be?
“Blooper. Pink Blooper.”
17. What do you and your Dad do together?
“Play Spiderman 2.”
18. How are you and your Dad the same?
“We’re both boys.”
19. How are you and your Dad different?
“We like to do different stuff.”
20. How do you know your Dad loves you?
“Because he tells me a lot.”

There are 364 un-birthdays...

However, the newest little Hooten has made his official debut and has claimed his birthday. We lovingly, joyously, and thankfully welcome Thomas John Cazier Hooten. Five weeks early and weighing in at a hefty 8 lbs 6 oz, our sweet little boy has completely captured our hearts. He came into the world at 8:21 am on Tuesday, August 19th. He is 20 inches long, has tons of dark brown hair, and is as red as a beet (although he's slowly turning more pumkin-y orange). Mostly though, he strongly resembles his maternal grandpa John (thus the added middle name).


The tube in his nose just takes air out so his belly doesn't get full of air. The little gold medallion is a temp probe.

Even though he's a big boy, he still has preemie lungs so he's getting a longer hospital stay than mommy did. We hope to have him home within about a week (fingers crossed).

More pictures are further details will come, however: new mommies need naps, I am a new mommy, thus (thanks to the law of contrapositive inferences - the only thing I actually remember from HS Logic) I need a nap.

A return trip to the Land of Make Believe

The last post I put in reminded me of another great Adam story.

A couple of years ago, Michael took Adam on a daddy-son date to Burger King. The kids' meal toy at the time was a blow up plastic sword. Adam is a very social child, and he quickly made friends with another child who was also playing in the indoor playground. They had a great time playing sword fight, and were doing fairly well together.

A little time passed, and Adam came to the table with his head hung down. He seemed very sad. Michael asked him what was wrong.

Sniffling sadly, he said "My friend cut my head off."

Michael had no response, so he sat there and comforted Adam the best he could until he was ready to move on. It's great when heads grow back!

The land of make believe...

Ever since Adam was little, he has delighted in having his daddy converse with him in various character voices. It started with Elmo, and has progressed to every character from each TV show and movie that Adam likes. Michael has had conversations with Adam as almost every popular children's character -- ranging from Dora & Diego to, most recently Wall-E. In fact, our babysitter took Adam to see Space Chimps and Adam told Michael that he would need to go see Space Chimps as well so he could "do Space Chimps' voices."

These various characters have been Adam's "pretend friends" over the years, but he has recently progressed to utilizing his kindergarten friends as well. You see, Adam will be starting first grade soon, and he knows that most of his kindergarten classmates will not be in his class. He's anticipating missing them, and so goes the following interaction between Michael and Adam...

Adam and Bella earlier this year.
Adam and I were playing this morning when he asked if I could do Bella's voice. His logic was that since he doesn't see her anymore, she could be a pretend friend now. I agreed, and began answering him in "Bella's" voice. He played a video game "with her" for a bit, and then he turned to me and said, "Dad? Could we pretend that Bella is real?"

I said, "You want to pretend that she's not pretend?"

"Yes," he said.

"You want to pretend that your pretend friend is not pretend?

"Yes."

"Why?" I asked.

"Because I want to pretend that she's really here."

Shaking my head at this new level of play, I agreed, and continued to answer him in Bella's real--not pretend--voice.

We went upstairs after a bit, and he went to his room to play with Bella while I did some laundry. I was folding clothes in my room when he came in looking dejected. "What's the matter?" I said.

"Bella said she needs a break from boys."

I took a break and tried to help him. "Why don't you pretend that she's done with her break?"

"Dad," he explained patiently, "It doesn't work like that."

"Okay, do you want to watch a kid's show on TV while we wait?"

"Bella doesn't want to hear a boy's show."

"What does she like to hear?"

"A girl's show," he said. "Like High School Musical or Hannah Montana."

"Well, let's see if one of those is on," I said.

"I don't like those shows."

I decided to take a break from laundry and spend some one on one time with him. After a bit of snuggling, with heavy sighs from him, he said, "Can I draw a picture?"

"Sure," I said. "What are you going to draw?"

"I'm going to draw the pretend friends I would rather have come over next time," he said.

They visited three states, I visited four...

Note to our blog readers: This is a fairly long post. Feel free to read it in spurts...

Wow, it's been an eventful time in our lives. The weekend before last, Michael, Adam, our friend Bonniejean, and I got to go to IL to visit Frankie. This was the first time that Adam and Frankie have seen each other in over a year. It was so wonderful. The kids truly loved being together - their bond is really obvious. Frankie was completely surprised to see her brother, and Adam was overjoyed to see his sister.



We flew into Missouri (the first state we visited) on Friday. We got a flat tire about 1/2 hour outside of the airport. Since it was rush hour and we had no desire to turn around and exchange our rental car, Michael changed the tire out for the full sized spare. (Yay, Michael our hero changing a tire in nasty HUMID 88 degree stickiness). We stopped in O'Fallon, MO and had dinner at Ethel's BBQ, and then continued on to IL (the second state). We spent the night in Quincy, IL, and then surprised Frankie the next morning.

After a quick therapy/reunion/rule setting session, we headed over to Nauvoo. Nauvoo is so beautiful. It's very green and lush. We watched a puppet show and live action play called Just Plain Anna Amanda. It's about a girl who feels like she's not special because she's just like other members of her family. She learns that her legacy of these combined family traits is actually what makes her special. The kids enjoyed it. So did the adults.

Afterwards, we went up to town and had amazing Blueberry Cheesecake ice cream, and then headed back to Old Nauvoo. We went on a wagon tour of Old Nauvoo, which was supposed to be a very "spiritual" experience. I guess it could have been, but the sweet older missionary who led the tour had this enormous wad of spittle accumulating in the corner of his mouth during his entire 45 minute talk. It was very distracting.

Adam was also a great source of distraction, as he found the tour to be quite boring and was not opposed to loudly voicing his point of view. "This is boring," he said (did I mention loudly?) "why does this guy keep on talking? He's not shutting up." Thankfully, this is not Adam's normal behavior -- but he was tired, off his schedule, and out of his element. The funny thing is, I think some of the grownups would have liked a little bit of silence throughout the 45 minute tour (I'm pretty sure that sweet old missionary had quite good lung capacity because he literally did speak for all but a minute of the tour), but only a child would so innocently voice what several of the adults were probably thinking - a little time to just observe would have been gratefully received. Toward the last third of the tour, Adam fell asleep.

After our wagon tour, we decided to take a cue from our hot and tired kids, and headed back to our hotel. We stayed at the Hotel Nauvoo, and enjoyed our accommodations in a small private home. The house had two bedrooms, plus a kitchen, and a pullout couch. The kids played Nintendo, took a rest, and watched a movie on our portable DVD player. We had an early dinner at the Hotel Nauvoo buffet (a lovely smörgåsbord full of indulgent home cooking). Afterwards, we went back to our cottage. The kids spent a little time catching fireflies. Michael and I have seen them many times in our lives, but this was Adam's first experience (Bonniejean's too). He was awestruck. He said "I didn't believe they were really in this world, but now I believe they are real because I've seen them." I don't have pictures because neither children nor fireflies can adequately be caught on film in the dark of night.

The next day we headed back to Old Nauvoo. We visited the Family Living Center. This was a really interesting and informative experience. We learned how pioneers baked bread using brick fireplaces (and we ate some really yummy wheat bread too). We learned also about how textiles and yarn were made from flax and wool. The kids got samples of homemade rope (which, FYI is no longer made from hemp, gee I wonder why), which they promptly tied themselves up with.

We also learned how barrels were put together. What a lengthy process. Everything took forever in those days. All I can say is boy those pioneers worked. It's no wonder they died young - I bet they were completely worn out by 40! After the Family Living Center, we took a break and headed over to Iowa (the third state) for lunch. We had an interesting (read: gravy coated) lunch at a roadside eatery, and then headed back over a toll drawbridge into Old Nauvoo.

Next, we visited the Scovil Bakery, and got to sample some tasty Gingerbread Cookies. The cookie recipe came from the Scovil family, who ran the bakery in the 1840's. Here it is:

Note: They're supposedly better the day after they're baked.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup sorghum or molasses
• 3/4 cup oil or lard
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ginger
• 6-7 cups white flour

Directions:

1. Combine sugar, sorghum, and oil. Rinse sorghum from cup with hot water, and add to the mixture.
2. Add eggs
3. Mix together the following: soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and flour.
4. Combine the two mixtures.
5. Refrigerate dough overnight.
6. Roll out and cut with cookie cutters.
7. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

After the Scovil bakery, Michael, Frankie, BJ, and Adam went to the gunsmithing shop. I stayed in the car and relished the cool modern technology known as A/C. From there, we stopped by the Joseph Smith family homestead and burial site. The burial site was my favorite part of Nauvoo. It overlooks the Mississippi River, and has a very peaceful feeling. The site is the final resting place of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. I say final because apparently, the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum had to be moved several times so that they would not fall into the wrong hands. The gravesite also holds the bodies of Emma Hale Smith (Joseph's wife) and several other Smith family members.

We then took a trip to the Red Brick Store, which used to be run by the Smith family and is now owned by the RLDS church group. We bought old time Pioneer hats for Michael and Adam, as well as bonnets for Frankie and me. We wrapped up our Old Nauvoo experience with visits to the blacksmith and the brick maker. The various building tours were very informative, and we all learned a lot, except perhaps for Adam, who was quite "over" being talked at. Afterwards, we headed back to Quincy. We had dinner at a yummy Mexican place, and then checked into our hotel in Quincy. Michael and the kids went for a swim, and then we all settled in for the night.

The next morning we headed out to St. Louis to go to the zoo. What a great zoo! I know I'm spoiled having grown up going to the Bronx Zoo, but I really am not a big fan of our local little Hogle Zoo. It's better than nothing, but it's not great. Admission to the St. Louis Zoo is free, although everything else comes at Disneyworld prices. A 16 oz. bottle of soda was $3! Still, we enjoyed seeing the penguins (Note: Penguin house reeks of fish). The hippo exhibit was amazing (the hippos were swimming directly in front of us, separated only by the glass of their tank), and the butterfly enclosure was magical (tons of different varieties of butterflies flitting all around us).

After the zoo, we headed to the airport to send Michael, Adam, and BJ back to Utah. I stayed on until Thursday to spend some one on one time with my girl. The goodbye was very emotional for all of us.

Frankie and I headed back to Quincy, stopping for a fairly awful dinner on the way. The waitress accidentally brought someone else's steak to me. After I cut into it and noted that it was quite well done, the waitress actually took it away and brought it to the correct table - after I had touched it. I mean, I know I'm not particularly germy, but gross anyway. Frankie and I had a great talk during the two hour drive back to IL. We got back to the hotel, and went to sleep for the night ... or so I thought.

At 2:30 in the morning, our phone rang. Since I knew that Michael was safe at home, I wasn't particularly panicked. I hadn't been sleeping very deeply anyway since there was a tremendous thunderstorm raging outside. The constant rumble of thunder had kept me sleeping fairly lightly. The front desk was calling to inform me that a tornado had been spotted, and would we kindly evacuate to the basement for shelter? Would we ever! Frankie took a little snooze under a banquet table, and I stayed awake and tried to pretend I wasn't at all scared. I had never been in a tornado situation before, and didn' t know that these are fairly normal for the Plain states this time of year. We were able to go back to our room sometime between 3:00 and 3:30, and did get a little more shuteye.

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent mostly working in intense therapy sessions. My goal was to try to provide a safe shelter for Frankie so that she could hopefully tackle some of her most complex issues, and I'm really honored to report that she showed me a great deal of trust. I'm so proud of the work she did in those sessions. We spent SIX hours in therapy in two days!!! We kept things fairly low-key on Tuesday after therapy. We got Frankie some really cute and grown up new eyeglasses, and then had a nice dinner together at TGI Fridays (really good French Onion soup there). Afterwards, we relaxed back at the hotel. Wednesday after therapy we had an early dinner at an excellent pizza place (kudos to Pop's Pizza in Quincy), and then Frankie got her hair highlighted and cut.

Thursday was going home day for me. Frankie and I had a wrap-up therapy session, and then we had lunch together. I took her back to Chaddock, and then headed to the airport.

I got to the airport with plenty of time before my flight, and eventually boarded my plane. We were running about ten minutes behind, so I called Michael to let him know to double check the flight arrival time. We had an uneventful takeoff. I got the nice roomy front row window seat, and was having a really interesting conversation with the flight attendant.

She (Juliette) was telling my fellow seatmates and me about the myriad of medical emergencies she's had to deal with mid-flight (after jokingly telling me to be sure not to go into labor). She's really had to deal with quite the gamut of situations -- everything from vomit spewing to administering CPR to passengers that she knew were already on "another plain" so to speak. She told us that emergency landings for passenger emergencies are very expensive, and landing in a non-Southwest terminal even more-so. We were quite entertained (and a little bit horrifyingly fascinated) by her stories, when she was interrupted by a call from the captain. Grabbing the PA mike, she then made the following announcement:

"Ladies and gentlemen, the captain has informed us that we are losing cabin pressure. This is not a joke. In a moment, the oxygen masks may fall from the ceiling. Should they fall..."

I can tell you that my stomach fell. I've been on some substantially bumpy plane rides, have even been on a plane that pulled out of the landing, but never have I been told that I am on a plane that is in danger of going down. I was honestly terrified. I thought about my family, and how much I treasure them. I started to panic, but listened to my instinct and waited for further information. I will be forever grateful to Adam the truck driver, and his brother-in-law (my two heroic seatmates) for being there to reassure me.

The plane started to descend, and as soon as Juliette (the flight attendant) was available, I asked her what was happening. She told us that we would very likely be making an emergency landing, and that she didn't know where, but assured me that we had plenty of time to make a safe landing. She understandably didn't want to interrupt the captain (who was busy making emergency landing plans), and told me she'd let me know when she found out more. She guessed that we might land in Denver. Had we landed in Denver, I honestly would have Greyhounded it home from there.

We didn't land in Denver.

About 30 oxygen mask-free minutes later (30 very very long minutes), we landed in a small commuter airport in Rapid City, SD (See, I went to FOUR states).

<--- South Dakota, as seen from my airplane window, at night.

Since this was, in fact, a non-Southwest airport, we had to wait about an hour and a half for TSA and Southwest to figure out what to do with us. They didn't have a secure area for us to wait in, and they couldn't offload us to a non-secure area. They weren't even sure that they had airsteps that were sufficient to meet the height of our plane. Lucky for them they found some (too bad, it would almost been worthwhile had we gotten to slide down the inflatable slide).

Eventually, they decided we could wait in a small area of the terminal. We finally got off the plane and hung out in the Rapid City airport until around 1:00 am. It might have been later - I don't really remember. Southwest had flown in another plane, complete with a brand new pilot. I think we landed in Salt Lake around 2:30. I got my luggage and Michael picked me up around 3:00 am.

Poor Michael, what a trooper he was. Not that he would have made me sleep in the airport or anything, but he loaded Adam up in the middle of the night to go and get his wife and he still went to work on time the next morning! I can honestly say that outside of welcoming Michael home from six months at sea, I have never been happier to see him! I am so grateful for this sweet, kind, gentle non-complaining man. Michael, if you're reading this, I love you more than I can say. You are my strength, and my greatest support. There aren't words for how much you mean to me.

Friday was Michael's birthday. To be honest, I don't remember much of Friday or Saturday. I think I finally woke up fully on Sunday afternoon. I gave Michael his gift on Saturday (Guitar Hero). He loves it. I'm so glad such a simple thing is such a happy gift for him. Adam and Frankie gave Michael a gift certificate to Thinkgeek.com It's the perfect website for my geeky wonderful sweetheart.

Sunday we skipped church and went out for Michael's belated birthday dinner. We had sushi at our favorite sushi restaurant, and then came home.

Other than getting ready for Adam's bday on Friday, it's been life as usual since. And you know what -- I like it that way. I'm so thankful for normal boring everyday life. My friend Georgia summarized our shared feelings on the subject very well:

"There is something about getting older (and happier) that makes one shy away from angst and drama. I have been trying to live drama free for quite a few years - and while my life is not as interesting a story - I am much happier."

Amen, and until next time...