The New Lizard Lounge

[Steph H]

Hi, all!! Just thought I'd let everyone know I haven't had the baby yet. Oh, boy, if ONE more person asks me how I'm feeling...I'm going to tell them the truth, and then won't they be sorry.

MinnieSummer--glad your parents are ok. That's scary stuff!!

Angel: thinking of you and your DH and sending thoughts and prayers your way.

I'm officially so big now that I had to cut the elastic inside all the waists of my maternity pants this week. Except the pair I'm wearing today, which actually have a button and zipper. I just undo the button while I'm sitting at my desk.

Hugs to all!!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Steph, hang in there. The last week is the hardest I think. Try and get plenty of walking in, if you can.

Well, finally it looks like we'll be getting snow in Boston. It's been such a strange winter compared to the past few years. This morning it's a bit chilly at 19 degrees, but even that doesn't seem so bad for February. Forecast is calling for a nice nor'easter this Saturday night into Sunday. I need to plan a stop at the grocery store to stock up on some essentials, like chocolate chip cookies and ice cream .

Still no news from Angel. I sent her a PM, but she hasn't picked it up yet. I'll post as soon as I hear anything. I know we are all praying for her and Tim.

Have a good weekend everyone.

 

[MinnieSummer]

STEPH: Hope you are getting as much rest as possible and remember, little ones are a great excuse to visit WDW. Seriously, I will keep you in my prayers for a safe and EASY delivery.

Hope someone hears from Angel soon. She's not usually gone from the Lounge this long.

The parent saga continues -- but I'll explain it all later. Just suffice it to say that they have electricity again but only in half the house. Thankfully the half with the heat.

PD to all.

 

[ead79]

Hello everyone! It’s been a while since I have checked in, and that’s just not good.

Goofy’s Muse, your dream three-way split (GF, AKL, BWI) sounds wonderful to me since those are my three favorite resorts! We love resort hopping, but we usually only do two resorts per trip. You could always pick two of them and stay there one year, then stay at the third one along with your favorite of the previous two the next year.

MinnieSummer, I’m glad to hear that you and your DD had such a nice quickie trip to the World! I know it was a much-needed break for you. We have never stayed at CSR, but we were very impressed with POR. The moderates are perfect for trips when you don’t plan to spend much time in the room. Though to be honest, we really did love POR—if it only had interior hallways and concierge then I’d be all set!

I’m sorry to hear about the fire at your parents’ house. Goodness, that must’ve been scary! I’m glad to hear that everyone is OK and the heat is back on.

minniesota, how neat that both of your kids are interested in drama. I’m sure they really must enjoy that. I did small drama parts at school and church when I was young and really enjoyed the experience.

Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about your sister’s husband’s cancer. I can’t imagine getting news like that after having a cough. My prayers are with them all as they face the days ahead.

Steph, hang on—you’re almost there!

Tammi, now those are my idea of essentials! Whenever it snows here everyone goes into a complete panic. It’s hysterical! If even two flakes fall and there is a forecast of any more, people rush to the grocery store. All the stores sell out of milk, bread, and bottled water. The lines to check out are miles long. If there is even the slightest bit of accumulation, all the schools and many companies shut down. Once when I was in college they cancelled classes simply because a “blizzard” was forecasted. It ended up not snowing at all, so we got a snow day sans the snow!

 

[Nancyg56]

Thank you all for your well wishes and your prayers. I know that they help. Well, my BIL is home and is feeling a little better, now. The chemo is rough, and he needs three days of it every three weeks. He found out that he has short term disability that he did not know he had, so that was some welcome news. Pat has a new job, but she was assigned there for several years thru the VNA, so they have been wonderful, she works 4 hours a day, and will get paid for eight. She works outside of the office, so the flexibility is not too hard for them to accomodate.

Minniesummer: I am sorry about the fire in your parents home. I'm glad that you were able to see some humor in the whole thing. I continue to think of your family.

Steph: Hang in there girl! I remember that last week, and that was a long time ago. Don't worry about the pants. I think mine were out after 8 months. I know what is good for me so I won't ask how you are feeling. Hope that your friends have enough survival instincts not to say "Are you still here?"

Tammi:We are getting ready for the storm here also. I shopped yesterday, but I heard that the stores were mobbed today, and that there was no parking in the lots. I baked a cake and some brownies, you know, just in case.....I am always a little worried about snow because if we lose power we lose our water. We lost it for 6 days one time, and that was awful. So I do the storm prep...not so bad as hurricane prep. I got caught one time, and some lessons I learn.

Goofey's Muse:A three way split? Is it a lot of work to do a split stay? My DD refuses because she is afraid that it is hard with a little one, but I think it would be nice. For our next trip, we are looking at the Poly, but I think I would also like to try the BCV. I am just starting to gather prices, but it looks like we would have way more room at about the same price as the Poly. I'll be calling for more help soon.


Angel: I am thinking of you and Tim, and hope that all is well with the both of you.

to all,
Nancy

 

[MinnieSummer]

Hi everyone. Just checking in to see if Steph has had her baby yet. Any news?

My father started chemo again on monday. They aren't doing the lowest dose which would have been in pill form over the course of three weeks. Instead my father opted to do the lowest from of IV therapy. They are also sending someone to the house three times a week to give him IV fluids. It was his decision so I guess I'm OK with it. So far he seems to be handling it but the side effects should start kicking in today or tomorrow so we'll see.

Has anyone heard from Angel yet? I hope she and her husband are doing well.

Nancy: I'm keeping you in my prayers. I know the effect this has on your and all of those around him.

By for now.

Pam

 

[Steph H]

Hi, everyone! I'm back and officially the mother of two!

I had little Jason Daniel--J.J. is what we call him, for Jason Junior--on Saturday (February 11) at 9:51 pm. He weighed 8lb 7oz (tiny compared to my firstborn, who was 9lb 5oz!) and was 20 3/4 inches long. If you'd like to see some pictures, go here:

http://www.thehawkinsfamily.org/THF/2006_pictures.htm

I'm tired and need a nap and a shower desperately, so I'll come back later to chat more. Hugs to all!

 

[ead79]

Nancy, I am glad to hear about the short-term disability. I’m sure the financial help is a relief to them. I’m also glad to hear that your sister’s work is being flexible with her. My prayers remain with her husband as he undergoes chemo.

Pam, my prayers are with your dad that he tolerates the chemo well without the nasty side effects.

Steph, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! He is such a cutie pie. I absolutely love those chubby little cheeks! You look great, by the way!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Steph, Congratulations!!! He is such a cutie! Your family looks so happy and you look great. Enjoy your new bundle of joy.

Nancy, continued prayers for your family. Such a difficult time for everyone, but at least work issues seem to be covered for the time being.

MinnieSummer, sometimes it's helpful to our spirits when we can have control over medical decisions. Your dad is a fighter and I'm sure it makes it easier when you have such a strong family behind you. I did notice that Angel picked up my private message, but I haven't heard anything back.

Sending good thoughts out to everyone. Only one more day of school and then we're going to enjoy February vacation. Unfortunately, we're too busy to have made any plans, but we'll try to squeeze in something during the week.

 

[Nancyg56]

Oh Steph, what a beautiful baby! He is so cute. And so lucky to have such a concerned big brother. Thank you for sharing pictures of your lovely family.

Pam, I think that ELizabeth is right about your Dad needing to control his life. Both my FIL and my FIL (yes I had 2) had cancer, and both fought the disease until they decided that they had completed all of the things that they needed to do for themselves. I thought that both of these men were strong and strong willed men, and while it was hard to take that step back, I admired them them very much. You are very compassionate to respect your Dad's decision.

Thank you all again for your prayers for my sister's family. My heart is breaking for Tom's Mom and Dad. They are the nicest people, and this is so hard on them. I guess that his Mom has not stopped cooking since this happened, so they are eating well. Pat is a terrible cook......

I hope that we hear from Angel soon.

 

[minniesota]

Hello everyone!

Steph - What a joy it was to open your post this morning - your little JJ is so precious and he's lucky to have a protective big brother. Take care of yourself and enjoy these early days with your family.

I've been thinking about all of you and the trials and tribulations of your lives - and many of you are in my prayers for the difficult times you're faced with. I guess it's my turn to ask for the prayers. Last Friday, my Dad went in to see an internist because he discovered a lump under his arm. The lymph node was removed Wednesday and he has melanoma. My dad is one of the healthiest guys I know. He eats right, exercises, walks two miles a day, golfs twice a week (witout a cart!) and has never taken a medication in his life (he's 76). This has been so hard to believe. We don't know much yet - he is scheduled for a PET scan next Thursday and he's down in Florida for the winter so I'm trying to help long-distant. I will be going down in 2 weeks - my annual trip with my sister to hang with mom and dad. So keep him in your prayers. He is a very faithful man and really believes in the power of prayer. I'm sure he'll handle whatever is in store for him with strength and dignity. It's much harder for the rest of us.

On a happier note, my daughter made the auditions for her high school musical - one of only 2 freshmen they took. So maybe that will help her find that sense of belonging she's missing at her new school.

Tammi - Enjoy your time off - we have a 4-day weekend but the weather here has turned very cold for the first time this season. It's 4 below with a windchill of -20 right now. My puppy is freaking out!

Hope all of you have a good weekend and hope Angel is doing OK as well. Bye for now...

 

[MinnieSummer]

Steph: What a great way to start a Friday -- beautiful baby pictures. He is soo cute, as is your first son.

Minniesota: You didn't say what part of Florida your father is in but in my area (Palm Beach/Broward counties border) there is an excellent facility that I have looked into in case I could convince my father to come down here. It's the University of Miami Silvester Cancer Center. They are doing some great research and treatment here so, if it is in your area please look into it.

Also, congratulate your daughter on her achievement. I remember those days (high school musicals) with much happiness. They actually helped point me in the direction my life would take later -- musical theater/dance major then Ballet company and Modern Company then teaching. Some of my closest friends to this day are the friends I made in my dance and drama classes.

 

[MinnieSummer]

My mom was just taken to the hospital by ambulance. The woman who stays with them at night thought she was acting strange this morning so she called their visiting nurse who came out and thought she may have had a mini stroke. She called the doctor who sent for the ambulance. So they are all at the hospital now. My father says he is doing OK but feeling a little week. Another day -- another medical crisis. I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown and the timing couldn't be worse. At least the woman who stays with them agreed to come in this weekend as she was supposed to be off. I'll get through this somehow, I have no choice do I? Please send lots of prayers their way.

 

[ead79]

minniesota, my prayers are with your dad and your whole family as you wait to hear more about his diagnosis. My prayers are with him for many good treatment options. He sounds like a great man, and I know you all are worried about him.

MinnieSummer, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I will continue to remember you and your parents in my prayers. Hopefully it's something minor, and not a stroke. I pray that the Lord will give you the strength you need to deal with this.

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesota:Of course prayers will be said for your Dad. I am always in awe at the power of prayer and of faith. The fact that your Dad is a healthy man will be such an asset as he fight this disease. Please take care of yourself, because it really is hard to know your Dad is sick.

It is wonderful that your daughter has been accepted in the musical. Crash course in fitting in the new school. You must enjoy watching her performances. I am a little envious because I so enjoyed my kids and nieces and nephews performances in school, and although they were not at the level of your DD and of Tammi's DS and DD. I have been a little melancholy lately because I miss those days, so I love to hear how they all are all doing.

Well your area certainly got some cold weather and I hope that your little puppy can adjust. It looks like you are sending some cold our way. Will spring never come?

Minniesummer:You must be beside yourself. Thank goodness that the woman who is with your Mom and Dad can help out right now. It may not be a stroke. My Mom was acting strange ( even for my Mom) this summer, and we thought that it was a stroke. Long story but she had a reaction to one of the medications that she was talking. Your family continues to be remembered in my prayers.

Take care all of you, I am hibernating again this weekend because I really do dislike the cold, and my DH will keep the fireplace going.

Nancy

 

[TammiMcMan]

Minniesota, I will include your dad in my prayers. I'm sure he's going to enjoy having you and your sis visiting.

Congrats to your DD for making the musical. I've been involved with high school drama for many years and I know that it's a big honor when a freshman makes the cut. From what I've experienced myself, drama friendships are very strong and really do help with feeling like you belong. Tell your DD to "break a leg".

Minniesummer, please update us on your mom when you get a chance. I thought along the same lines as Nancy, that perhaps it was a medication issue or just an imbalance due to the stress she's been under. I'm so sorry that you're having to go through all this. Continued thoughts and prayers for your family.

Nancy, I'm with you on the cold. Luckily, we've had a very mild winter here in New England. We're in a cold snap right now, but quite honestly, it hasn't been all that bad.

Take care everyone .

 

[MinnieSummer]

Well, my Mom did have a mini stroke. They think it was brought on by her diabetes but have run tests continuously through the weekend which have been inconclusive. Thedoctor said they were going to release her yesterday so the nurse went up to get her and realized something was happening again -- she was right. So anyway, they kept her for further observation. If nothing further happens they will send her home today. The good thing is that there was no apparent damage and she is still fully functional.

My dad does his second chemo treatment today. So far he is handling this with no difficulty. I hope that continues.

They still haven't had the electrician come in to replace the damage from the fire because they have to be out of the house. I think they are going to try to do it tuesday and stay at a hotel about 20 miles away. They should enjoy that. They could stay with my aunt but I think they like the idea of "getting away from it all" for a few days.

Speaking of "Getting away" my husband has to go to Orlando for business friday and saturday so we're getting a bonus trip to WDW. My DD only has a half day on Friday so I'm taking her out for the whole day. They never do anything on 1/2 days anyway.

MINNIESOTA: Any new on your father? I keep thinking about him and you and know what a trying time this is. If there is anything I can do please let me know.

 

[MinnieSummer]

I just realized we still have not heard from Angel. I hope everything is OK. If anyone does hear from her please let us know.

 

[Steph H]

Hello all! Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. Still worried about Angel, but I'm hoping she's just extremely busy taking care of her DH and that he is on the mend.

Minniesota: I'll certainly keep your father in my prayers, and you, too.

Minniesummer: Sorry to hear about your mom's stroke, but I'm glad to hear she's doing ok despite it. Hugs to you and her.

To cheer everyone up, I thought I'd share a pic of a cookie bouquet my friend sent me last week. We've been friends since Junior High, and she's a CM, so of course you know what theme it would be.

Hope it brightens your Tuesday!

 

[Angel16]

Hello Everyone, I know I have not been here in a long time and I am sorry. It has been a very hectic five weeks. However, I am back with good news.

Tim is home from the hospital (finally) and doing pretty well! He had the surgery on January 30. They replaced the aortic valve with a mechanical valve. They also replaced the entire ascending aorta as it was completely calcified. They did a graft procedure to replace that. The surgeon was concerned as it was “a big surgery”. Tim did really well until around February 4th when he started to have severe tachycardia; over 200 beats a minute. Even the bed was moving. Therefore, they started him on a new IV drug, which did not work. So they had to send him back to ICU for a higher dose of a cardio drip that they have to watch very carefully. Tim spent several days there on the IV. We had so many wonderful people praying for him and God was so good to us. We had a true miracle, in the 11th hour so to speak, they were getting Tim prepared to take back into the OR and do a carioconversion (which means apply the paddles to his heart to shock it into sinus rhythm.) Right then Tim went into sinus rhythm and has stayed here since. He is tired and has quite a bit of pain. But, that will get better with time.

Thank you all for the prayers and true loving concern. This has really been a life-changing event for our entire family. When the valley ran so low on blood and Tim’s surgery was cancelled I wrote a family/friends e-mail updating everyone. My e-mail was sent by friends to friends of friends I started to get phone calls on my cell phone from people I had never met wanting to donate blood. Then we ended up having United Blood contact us. They ask us if we would be willing to do interviews with the media to help get the valley donating as we were at an all time low. They felt it would help people to see the common person having this problem and it would motivate people to start donating. We ended up doing interviews with four major news channels and our local newspaper. The donations of blood went from just a trickle to over 200 per day. Major companies started to give more items to use as incentives to United Blood. God is so wonderful as a purpose came from Tim’s surgery being cancelled back on January 16th. We knew there was a reason, but we certainly did not expect all of this.

Now that Tim is home, we are getting phone calls for follow-up interviews, which we pray will get more people out to donate on a regular basis.

Right now we are trying to rest up a bit and for me getting back to work. Thank you all again for the prayers, e-mail, notes and They have meant more to me than you could know.

Steph, Congratulations on the birth of Jason or J.J. Thank you for the picture of your little one. He is so cute. I am so happy for you and your family.

Tammi, Thank you for you e-mails and that wonderful uplifting spirit you have. My laptop froze and I have not been at work until today. I promise to write more often now. I hope you have a great February vacation. Staying close to home can be fun and relaxing. Not as good as a trip to WDW, but much less expensive.

Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Minniesummar, I am so sorry about your mom and dad. You and your parents are in my prayers. I know this is so very hard for you. Please know that God does not give us any more then we can carry. Sometimes we do not think we can do it. However, he is always there holding us up and helping. He sent so many special people to me during Tim’s whole surgery and ICU time. I will pray he will cover you with his love, and give you discernment and knowledge in all things.

Minnesota, Your dad sounds like a strong healthy man. The word melanoma is such scary word. But, many, many people have lived very long rich lives after diagnosis and treatment. Tim is one of them. You are in my prayers.

Sending a big hug to you all along with my prayers and warm wishes.



Angel