Ma Maison a Rempli Avec L'amour

A few fun days ahead

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:59:00 +0000

Pam arrives tomorrow morning, and then we'll head straight to Jacksonville from the airport. I scored club level tickets for the Jaguars vs. Colts game tomorrow night, and we are both so excited to go. It's her first NFL game.

On Friday morning we'll head down to Anna Maria Island. We have a room reserved right on the Gulf of Mexico. It'll give us some much needed quiet time, and the chance to just sit and talk.

Have a good weekend! I know that I will.

Erin and Santa

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:35:00 +0000

Brian and I took Erin to see Santa this evening. She absolutely loves him, and could not wait.

Greyson

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:11:00 +0000

My kitty absolutely loves Tony, and whenever he had the chance he was in Tony's room with him. His favorite spot in the house since Tony arrived has been on a blanket that Tony set out especially for him on his bed. A few days ago Tony walked into his room, and this was how Grey was laying on the bed.

Tony's last night here

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:08:00 +0000

For Tony's last night here we all went to Wiregrass-an outdoor mall with a great light display set to music for Christmas. We all had dinner together, did some Christmas shopping, and just walked around.

Bren and Tony

Sean's two best friends, Aspen (left) and Taylor (right) went with us. These three have been best friends for almost six years.

On the road again

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:06:00 +0000

Tony left earlier this afternoon, headed back to Orlando. This was him as he drove down our street.

Another end

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:55:00 +0000

It's just the end of the fall semester for me, but I am so relieved. The combination of classes and two back surgeries really took its toll on me these past 3.5 months, and I'm ready to relax. Pam will be here in just six days, and we are going to have a great time. We will be going to the Jaguars vs. Colts game (she's a Colts fan) on 12/17, and then we are heading back down this way the next day to Anna Maria Island. We have a reservation at a gorgeous place RIGHT on the Gulf. I'm so excited that she's going to be here right before Christmas. That is the best Christmas present ever!

2009 Gingerbread House

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:27:00 +0000

Building a gingerbread house is an annual tradition in our house, and this year Erin decorated it completely by herself. Well, Sean did the icing and writing (HO HO HO on one side, and ERIN on the other side), and Erin decorated with candy. I think it turned out cute.

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 03:41:00 +0000

"The more you are willing to accept responsibility for your actions, the more credibility you will have." -Brian Koslow

Unfortunately there are too many people in this world who do not accept responsibility for their actions (and therefore will never have any credibility), and for that they pay the price. Some people just don't realize that placing blame on others for all of their mistakes will get them absolutely nowhere.

And no, this is NOT about Brian. Unlike other people in my family he HAS taken responsibility for his actions.

Balloon

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:28:00 +0000

While stopped at a light on my way to school one morning, this was the view up through my sunroof.

There are a group of 4-5 hot air balloons that are out several days each week on my way to school, and I always love watching them. Riding in them is on my "to do" list.

Guess what we did tonight?

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:06:00 +0000

Sean's best friend, Taylor.

Sean and Taylor

(l-r) Sean, Taylor, Erin and Brian

My three kiddos and four of their friends.

Brendan!

Part II

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:12:00 +0000

On Friday morning we drove from Jacksonville to Deltona (just outside of Orlando) to spend the day with my family there. We had another Thanksgiving feast, the kids played outside all day, and we got to talk and enjoy each others company.

Nana, the 88 year old matriarch of the Harper family, and Sean.

Thanksgiving 2009

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:04:00 +0000

We arrived in Jacksonville at Grandma B's on Wednesday evening. On Thanksgiving day she prepared a feast fit for an army, and by mid-afternoon we were all too stuffed to move. We spent the day watching football and playing out in the back yard. There was a lot of playing, and even Anah enjoyed it (and the Thanksgiving feast).

I am...

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:18:00 +0000

Thankful

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:18:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I have so much to be thankful for this year, and every year, but most importantly are my family, friends, and health.

22nd Annual Hillsborough River clean up

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:55:00 +0000

Sean, Erin and I participated in the 22nd Annual Hillsborough River clean up today with others from my PAMSA group at USF (Pre-medical American Medical Student Association). There were over 1,000 participants in the event this year, and our group alone picked up 8 HUGE bags of trash along the section that we were assigned.

While we were waiting for everyone else to arrive Erin posed for a couple pictures.

Sean tried to hide from me.

Stephanie and Erin...ready to get started.

Sean and Stephanie being silly. They were huge bags.

Trust me, I didn't let them touch her face. You wouldn't believe some of the junk we found today.

A cell phone, anyone?

The trash truck came around to all of the sites to pick up our bags.

Erin was attached to Stephanie all day.

After the clean up was done they had a huge BBQ for everyone.

Challah

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:41:00 +0000

This was my first time attempting to make Challah. I made the round braided version, and added thyme, rosemary, garlic and basil (inside the dough and on top). I've got a couple other variations to try, and I cannot wait.

Looking good

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:09:00 +0000

I met with Dr. P today (my back surgeon), and he said that everything looks great. He is actually quite impressed that everything looks as good as it does. I have absolutely no pain, and haven't since the surgery. Not in my back, hips, legs or even at the site of the incision. He made sure that I have no permanent nerve damage (I don't), and even pressed firmly on the actual incision, and I had no pain when he did that. He couldn't believe it. I thanked him over and over for not just doing such a great job with the surgery, but for essentially giving me my life back. I was in so much pain, and it was absolutely taking its toll on me. Emotionally I do not think I could have handled much more of it, and I made sure he knew that what he did made a huge difference in my life.

I go back in three months for the "all clear". Until then I cannot exercise (with the exception of walking), and am clear to "have sex as long as you keep it missionary-stay on your back!!" Yes, that's exactly what he said. I have a high chance of re-rupture over the course of the next 6-8 weeks since the surgery was so invasive, and that is why I have to be so careful. You can be assured that I will be even more careful than he asks, because I do not ever want to have that kind of pain again.

I feel great!

Sleepy head

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:54:00 +0000

After a nice walk with Aunt Michelle and Anah Belle, Maddox was exhausted, and ready for a nap. So I gave him his "blankie", got him settled in my bed, and within three minutes he was out!

End of the season party

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:38:00 +0000

The fall baseball season is over. The Angels hosted their end of season pizza party this afternoon, and each player received a medal (they placed first in the league), and a set of dog tags with their personal information on it. No more baseball now until late January.

American Heart Association "Heart Walk"

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:32:00 +0000

Sean, Erin and I walked the three mile American Heart Association "Heart Walk" this morning at 9am. The walk started just outside the main gate of Raymond James Stadium (home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and followed a path around the stadium, and then back through, and onto the field. Thank you to those of you that donated on my behalf!

Just after starting the walk.

Coming back towards Raymond James Stadium.

Inside the stadium (we were crammed).

Erin (on Sean's shoulders) in the very far right top corner of the jumbo-tron inside of the stadium.

Erin and two of the Buccaneers cheerleaders. She was so excited to get her picture taken with them as we walked past.

From Tony

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Tony bought me these the day after I got home from the hospital. I was having a particularly rough day, and when he walked in with these in his hands he said, "This should make you feel a little bit better."

It did.

Justice

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:54:00 +0000

After waiting way too long, Sean and I will finally be meeting with the State Attorney's Office on November 19! For those of you who know what I'm talking about, there you have it. We should be rolling now.

2009 Fantasy of Flight "Roar and Soar"

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:35:00 +0000

For the second year in a row Tony has been a participant in the Color Guard for the annual "Roar and Soar" at Fantasy of Flight. Here are a "few" pictures from the day. It always makes me so proud to watch him.

The two best flags in the world!

After the presentation of the colors, a few older veterans approached the guys and asked to have their pictures taken with them. It was so sweet.

Erin was all about saluting every time I took her picture. If you ask her why she will tell you that it is because she wants to honor the military (her words).

Uncle Tony and Erin (saluting again)

Taking this picture was her favorite part of the day. When I asked her why she told me that it was because she loves our soldiers, and is proud of them.

Hand over the heart and saluting for this one.

I'm getting around

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:02:00 +0000

The surgery was a lot harder on me than I anticipated. I honestly went into this thinking that I would be up and around with no problem the day after (or even later on the day of). I don't know what I was thinking.

My surgeon, Dr. P., anticipated that the surgery would take 90 minutes. I had a great team of doctors that took care of me prior to the start of the surgery. I was with Sean and Tony (my little brother) the entire morning until I was taken to to be prepped on the OR floor (Brian was home getting Bren and Erin up and to school). Tony received calls throughout the morning from Dr. P. advising when everything would happen, including the actual start of the surgery. The official "cut" time was 10:27am. I remember waking up in recovery (with another great team helping me there), and finally being able to focus on the clock. It was just before 3:00pm! I had been in recovery for about 90 minutes, and the RN told me that my surgery was completed at 1:30pm. I remember thinking, "That's a long time".

At about 3:30pm I was taken to my room, and Brian brought Erin out to see me (Bren was too busy playing with friends-typical of him). Sean stayed with me the entire time I was in the hospital, including sleeping there (you should have seen his feet and legs hanging off the end of the little bed). Erin had a hard time seeing me at first, and I could tell by her face when she first walked in the room that she was surprised. I had my IV, leg compressions, and two tubes draining blood and fluid from my back. The bag filled with blood was sitting right next to me on the bed, and that seemed to bother her (not because she was sick about it, but rather she was worried that it was hurting me). After a few minutes she kicked into helper mode, and all she wanted to do was take care of me. It was so sweet.

The first couple of days were most difficult not because of the incision on my back, or the pain from that. My throat hurt! When my surgery was over, and the anesthesiologist removed my breathing tube, he scratched my vocal cords. I was barely able to talk at all the first day, and it hurt like a beast the next day.

My physical therapist came in the afternoon on the day after the surgery to assist me with getting up for the first time, and walking for a bit. I was willing to do whatever it took to get the catheter out, so if getting up and walking was the trick I was up for it. I hate catheters! I managed to walk with very little assistance, and it felt great to be up and off of my back.

I now have a home care nurse that comes to check my incision and change the dressing. Even more exciting is the geriatric potty that I have *sarcasm*. I'm unable to bend, twist or do anything to put pressure on my back since I run the risk of spinal cord injury until it has completely healed. So I have a geriatric potty that was delivered to my house on Thursday so that I don't have to squat too far down when I use the toilet. Erin and Bren thought it was the coolest thing ever when it arrived, and they both had to try it. Good times.

I'm feeling good (except for the damn itching from the bandages on my back), and free of the pain in my back and legs that I've had for so long. Although my mobility is restricted right now, I know that it will only be a matter of a couple more weeks before I am "good as new". I love Dr. P., and the care that he took in taking care of me. He told me the day after my surgery that the reason it took twice as long as expected was due to the size of my injury. He said, "You really made me work yesterday, Michelle." My injury was one of the largest he had ever seen, and believe it or not that was good to hear. It was a bit of validation for the pain that I have been feeling prior to the surgery.

Update on Mom

michellelandrews@mac.com (Michelle) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:32:00 +0000

Hey, it's Sean, just want everyone to know that mom is out of surgery. The surgery was supposed to only be an hour and a half, but ran an extra hour and a half. So mom was in surgery for 3 hours for everyone who can't do math. I don't have a lot of details mom should be up and awake enough to post later. Sh also has a blood-draining thing on her back, it's kind of grossing me out, but other than that she's perfectly fine. We watched the sunset from her room (her room overlooks the gulf of Mexico). Pictures will be up soon.