Thanksgiving

We had so much fun for Thanksgiving. We went to Alan and Debbie's in the morning to spend time with Doug's family. That was fun. They are so sweet and fun to be around. In the evening we went to Sam and Josie's house where Jdoug and mom cooked. I love being with my family. Doug had his fill of holding babies. I don't think he put Evan down the whole time we were at Sam's house. the food was fantastic and John and Charese came later for Pie. I love all you guys. We always have so much fun hanging out with the family. Thank you so much for inviting us to spend time with everyone. Thankfully I did not have to cook anything. Now that is something we can all be thankfull about. :)

Update!

Hi everyone, just wanted to give you all an update on all that is going on. I'll make a quick mention of my health then move on to better things. I am on another picc line. I'm taking two different medicines 3 times a day. Yesterday my eardrum ruptured very badly. The Dr. said it was my worst rupture to date. I had to have two painful injections yesterday and have to repeat them Monday. The injections hurt worse than the operations, so I've been pouting quite a bit.
Britt had to get someone to cover her shift today at work because she is having more esophogus spasms and she spent the better part of last night awake in pain. She has been asleep the majority of the day today to catch up.
I mention it every entry, but I love Britt so much. Monday is our one year anniversary, so we're excited. It's been a wonderful first year other than the health crap. I know I married my soul mate. We just watched "Up" the other day. I looked at Britt and told her that I wanted to grow old with her like the old man and his wife in that movie. She's been teasing me because the Dog in that movie is named Doug, and he's very unafraid to talk to people like me so she says that he is me. But really I am excited for the rest of my life with Britt.
Paige is still a busy kiddo. She's going dance and choir, all while doing such a great job at school. On December 4th, the choir is performing at Macey's grocery store on 36th. I'm not sure yet of the time, but if you're interested in attending, let us know.
Maddie is still doing well too. I feel that our family is more complete on the days she is here. She comes tomorrow so I can't wait to see her. I love my three sweethearts so much.
I hope you all are well. Please continue to pray for us. We feel all of your love!

Love,

Doug

Can I be done already??????

Hi all my nice family, friends and fans (he he). Doug again here. O.K. here it goes. I had my 5Th 2009 operation last week as most of you know. My doctor said that he took out close to 3 inches of scar tissue throughout my right ear/head/neck area. Plus my incision site was MRSA positive. The biopsy of my ear cartilage revealed a benign cancer like bacteria that will negatively affect the MRSA infections, fevers, and everything else. Poop! Also, he said that I have a mild form of Sepsis, which is the result of all of the infections and operations. Double Poop! A low pulse rate is one of the affectsof Sepsis and while I was in the hospital, my pulse was at 35 beats per minute, when normal is 75-100 per minute. Now I'm taking my pulse regularly and today's average has been around 40-45. So I am riding our stationary bike every day to help the heart rate, and praying and trying really hard to be positive because I feel that attitude with this will play a big part in how all of this crap affects me. Britt has taught me how to look at things practically, because I am overly emotional, whether it's a good emotional or bad emotional, I'm both. I've faltered a bit and have been boo hooing a lot tonight because I'm in a ton of pain, had a lot of ear bleeding and 104 fevers to boot, and hearing (out of my good ear:-) about the sepsis has scared me. My ex mother in law nearly died 6 years ago from sepsis, and I worry about it because damn it I have a beautiful wife, two cute daughters and awesome family and friends that support me, so I want to be rid of this crap. Britt's having a sleep study done tonight so I'm here being a boob because she's not here to cheer me up. I guess I'm admitting my Britt dependency. Hi, I'm Doug, I've been a Brittaholic for over a year now, and I don't for see kicking the habit ever! Oh well!
So speaking of Britt, she is doing well. Since I've had to take the medical retirement, I've decided to devote every waking second to my family because they are what makes me happy. I have been taking Britt lunch every day she works, and I'm not just being biased, she is SO good at what she does. I tell her that she is good enough to be doing big time hair and make up, but she humbly laughs and shakes her head. I am so proud of her and the person she is. She makes me so happy. I am the luckiest man in the world to have a person like her in my corner. That's why I know I can win my fight.
Paige is also doing great. She is doing dance and choir. I'm in the PTA and gladly accepted an assignment to assist with her choir. The teacher in charge, calls me the bouncer. She also calls Paige the best kid in the choir. I agree. Again, no bias involved! I still, four months later, can't believe that she is my girl officially. Now I'm boo hooing again!
Maddie, my little sidekick, is also doing well. She still does gymnastics, and now is joining Paige's dance class. They are learning a routine for their Christmas show (on December 18th at 7 pm at Northridge High, tickets go on sale December 1st, FYI), and in one day Maddie has it down, while the rest of the class is still learning it. The teacher loves her! She is such a special kid. Maddie is such a big part of me. She has always been there for me and I am so lucky that she is my daughter. I can't say enough how much she means to me.
See, now you all see why I'm so emotional. I've got the best family a man can have, but I'm always hurting so bad that sometimes my pain overwhelms me so much that I emotionally let it overtake what is important. One day, I won't let it at all. Because I'm going to do whatever it takes to win this fight. I've got three special teammates pulling me through it.
I love you all, and hope all the happiness in the world is with you as the best time of the year approaches. Take care, and please keep me and my beautiful family in your prayers. You're all in ours:-). Happy Halloween!!

Dealing with pain through family time.

Hi this is Doug again. The last few weeks since my release from the hospital have been extremely hard. I've been in constant pain and am wondering if it will ever subside. Walking with a cane and walker is helping, but also because I'm only 33, I feel kinda silly. Britt confirms it and that's how we cope. Through laughter and silliness. But, the good news, I was able to qualify for 2 handicapped parking thingys. John, Britt's brother, is already in line to borrow one when he goes to a concert! Now I'll be popular!!
A couple Saturdays ago, Britt, Paige, Maddie and I went to my awesome home care nurse Sherry's house to ride horses. I walked the horse carrying Maddie and Paige, Sherry rode one and Britt rode one. The two of them are really good on a horse. I was so happy to see Britt enjoying herself on the horse like that. Maddie and Paige both did awesome for their first time. I tried getting on and within 10 seconds I had to get off because of my equalibrium and lack of balance. It was so fun. Britt, despite being really sore, is ready to get back out there and ride some more. The girls want to go again too so we are going to get another day planned.
Last Saturday, Paige, Maddie and I went on the train to Salt Lake with my cousin Tiffany and her kids. It was so fun. The kids ran through the fountain at the gateway. I watched while Tiff and her oldest daughter shopped. Blah!! Maddie, Paige and I also went to a Weber State football game that night. They defeated Idaho St. 44-17 after blowing their first two games.
My cousin Tiff and Britt and I are hanging out together a lot lately. She has had some really rough times, so she has looked to Britt and me for support. We are happy to be able to help her. She is there for me too with my health drama. There are days we hang out and vent to each other. It's very theraputic for both of us.
Note to Charese, we are glad that you are o.k. We were worried sick about you. We are here if you ever need anything. I hope the rest of you are good. My family is doing well and each day we strive to make it better than the day before. Take care everyone!

What a month!!

This is Doug. Hi everyone. We'll start on a high note. At the end of August, Nonnie and JDoug let Britt and I spend some time at their condo at Snowbird. It was so nice to get away for a few days and be together without kids, Dr's visits or work. We got to eat out one night, ride the tram, check out October Fest and and we really enjoyed ourselves. I know I have the best wife in the whole world, and spending quality time with her is what I live for.













Also at the end of August, Grandpa Pickles came with Maddie, Paige and I to the Air Force museum. For the price of canned food for the Utah Food Bank, we were able to get in, see inside a bunch of the aircraft, see a car show and the girls even got some fun prizes from the Fire Department while we were there. Ken taught me a lot about the different aircraft from his experience while in the Air Force. I learned so much about what it takes to be a member of the Armed Forces and have gained a greater respect for all of the people who represent our great country. The girls had fun sitting in the cockpits and pretending they were flying. It was so fun to spend that time with Grandpa Pickles. That same day, Maddie, Paige and I went to a birthday party for my one year old nephew Jaxon. All the while, Britt was at work. Poop!!They had fun jumping on my brothers trampoline and later breaking open a pinata. They both got a huge bag of candy, which have both been enjoyed by Britt. She's going to kick my butt for telling this. Couch here I come!!

O.K. now on to the sour news. Over the last month I have had to see several different specialists for my continuing health problems. A lot of it has been the same, infection, infection blah blah!!! This week, I was admitted to the hospital and with an MRI, it was confirmed that the MRSA staph has created a big ball of infection in my mastoid and in my spine. It is affecting several spinal nerves and affecting my mobility. Pain wise, it has been the most painful condition I've had yet. Unfortunately, the doctor is unable to operate on it, because it's an infectious pocket, with no puss to remove. Now that it's in the spine and doing it's damage there, I'm going to be affected forever. I have to walk with either a walker or a cane, and am prepared for painful and demobilizing struggles. Ken came up to the hospital and gave me another wonderful blessing. Through it all, I am able to keep my head up because of Britt, my girls and also the undying support of Nonnie and JDoug, along with the love and prayers of all of the people in my life. I am taking a disability retirement, which, I'm not proud of, but fortunately I will get 80% of my wage and be able to get the same health insurance. I know ther is a plan for me, although at times I wonder why the struggles progress. I have so much to live for and the best family in the world, so I will press on and do whatever it takes to fight this battle.
Britt has been working her cute little toosh off at Great Clips. She has developed quite a client base and gets numerous requests. She had one from one of her coworkers just yesterday. She got married, and Britt did makeup and hair for her wedding. I can't say enough how lucky I am to have her in my life. She is and always has been my back bone (not the infected one:-), and continues to make me so happy. I love her so much!
Maddie and Paige are both back in school and enjoying the first grade! Last year at this time, there was quite the difference in where Maddie and Paige were. Maddie has always been advanced, but because of hard work, Paige is narrowing that gap and really doing well. They are both my precious sweethearts and they with Britt, and the love of Nonnie, JDoug and the rest of the family, are what keep me going. Thank you to everyone for your prayers. We love all of you and hope you're all well. Take Care!!

New Dr.

This morning I took Doug to see a new Infectious Disease doctor at the University of Utah. We spent 10 min in the waiting room 1 hour explaining to the doctor what has been going on and another hour talking to 2 different doctors. We really felt like we were finally being heard. They took lots of blood to run lots of tests that have not been run before, and he is being put on a different antibiotic than he has used.
It was really a great feeling to go to a doctors office that gave hope.
Paige is getting really excited to be going back to school.
Maddie is being and angel and we love having her here.
I am just working, lots and lots and lots. I am having a lot of people requesting me and I am doing really well. I applied for a management position also, so we will see what happens.
Love all you guys.

Birthdays

My cute little Paigers isn't so little anymore. She just turned 6 on Sunday. She wanted to have a Princess party. ( Sorry nephews she made her own princess list and princes were not on there)
She has also been watching an old video I had about dinosaurs. It is The Land Before Time. So she wanted to go and see the long necks, three horns, big mouths, fliers, and spike tales. So Doug and I took her and the other princesses to the dinosaur park and let them run around for a bit. It was a good day. Doug had a good day too, he didn't have any seizures and he didn't feel too bad.

Monday was Doug's birthday. I made him Curry and we watched movies. The icing on the cake was that I let him drive to the store and back. Yay!

They both had good days and really enjoyed themselves.
Happy Birthday Paige and Doug! I love you lots and lots.
We are next Maddie. I love you too sweetie!

Maybe this time

Well Doug has been at the U of U hospital since Friday. He is so bored. He is there so the Drs can find out were his seizures are coming from. So far he hasn't had a big enough seizure that can pin point anything.

Funny

Ok! So the other day I was calling Paige to come in from outside and she comes to the door and informs me that she will not come to Paige anymore she is Miss Schiffman and she will only come when she is called by that name. Doug and I laughed so hard. She kept to her word tho (well for about 2 days).
We have not seen Maddie for a couple of weeks because she had a really severe sinus infection when it was our weekend and was not feeling well at all. We get to see her on Sunday and we are all really excited.
Doug is doing ok. He is going to the U of U for a 3 - 7 day study to figure out what the seizures are doing to him and what medications if any can help. He has been off of the antibiotics for 5 days and already his ear is red and his head is hurting. Poor thing! We are hoping that the U can come up with some answers for us.
Me? I am fine and plugging along.
Thanks for all your prayers and love.

One of the happiest days of my life!

Hi everyone, Doug here. I've called most everyone on the phone today because of the news, but I just wanted to post here in writing just how excited I am to officially be Paige's daddy. It went from being a very stressful ordeal due to the fact that we didn't know what to expect, to a very smooth and happy process that has changed all of our lives forever. Since the first time I met Paige, I've felt a connection with her. She actually came with Britt and I on our first date, and even then Britt said she was surprised at how comfortable she was around me. Since then, our relationship has grown and I am so proud of the fact that she is legally and officially my girl. I love that kid more than I can say and I'm excited for the life we will all have together. Thank you to everyone for all of the support through this process. It means a lot. Going from a person who had a Dr. tell me that with the condition I had that it was impossible for me to have kids the biological way, to now having adopted two sweet princesses, I'd have it no other way and am so grateful for this wonderful little family I have. Now if my darn health would just cooperate....we won't get into that and spoil this happy entry!! Take care everyone!!

You have got to be kidding

Well I was cornered and swindled by my sister-in-law Teresa, her kids, Maddie and Paige, and yes my dear husband into getting two more cats. Well Kittens actually. Ginger is the one with the white nose and Tubbles is the one with the black nose. They have been a handful but they have also been fun to have around. I have to keep reminding the kids (yes doug is include in that) to put them down and not to hold them all the time and to spend time with Mary and Yoda.
Yoda has taken to the kittens and loves being around them. He has definitely become a kitten again himself. Mary on the other hand has not been so excepting. However she will now go in the same room as the kittens she will certainly not let them touch her. We have had fun having them around.

Happy Memorial Day

This is Doug again. I'll start with a little confession. Usually when Memorial Day rolls around, I take advantage of the day off from work, but I don't visit graves. Today, although we are not visiting graves, I have been reflecting the lives of three special people I've lost over the years and would like to share with you a little about them. First off, I'll start with my aunt Karen, the older sister of my dad. She passed away in March of 1994 with ovarian cancer. Although she suffered dearly with the illness, she was always the sweetest person on the planet. I was going through some trials in my life during the time of her illness, and even though she was deathly ill, she would listen to me with an open heart and provide me with love and support through my difficult teen years. To this day, I remember how sweet she was and how she always put those around her first. She had her first daughter at a very young age, but worked so hard to give her family the best life possible. While he was a kid, my dad said that she was his protector. If bullies would mess with him, she would come out and kick their butts. That's the way she always was. Nobody messed with her loved ones. Although it's been 15 years since her passing, not a day goes by that I don't miss her. The second person I want to tell you about is one of my best friends named Scott Jones, who passed away in October of 2000 at the age of 41. He had a massive stroke and passed away from the pnuemonia he got in the hospital after the stroke. I met Scott in 1995, when he hired me at True Value Hardware. He was a proud father of six, and one of the most involved fathers I've ever known. He didn't miss a kids game, school activity or anything else all while juggling two jobs. He treated me like a son and taught me alot about life in general. When I got married the first time in the temple, he was my escort and continued to teach me important life lessons until his death. He was an example of what giving 110% at everything you do is all about. I miss him so bad. The third person I want to share with you is my Grandfather (dad's dad) who passed away in October of 2007. He died of complications of age and dimentia. My grandfather grew up in a family with nine brothers and two sisters. Of all of them, my grandpa was the only one who graduated high school, and went on to become a Pharmacist. He was a gold gloves boxer growing up, and love to play around with us growing up. No matter how hard I tried, there was no landing a punch on him. He was a born story teller. We always looked forward to his stories when we would visit. He missed his calling as a stand up comedian for sure. He was a 49ers fan. We were Rams fans. The 49ers usually got the best of the Rams and he wasn't afraid to tell us so. He taught me alot by his example of what being a devoted husband and father is all about. I try to mirror some of his qualities as a husband and father, and always put the people I love first, just as the three individuals I just described always did. I'm greatful for eternal life, and the knowledge that I will be with all of them, and all of my other loved ones who have passed. So on this memorial day, I will continue to reflect on their lives and always remember how special they are to me. I hope you all are as blessed as I am and have memories of special people who have touched your lives. Happy Memorial Day!

Update on poor little me!!

Hi all. Doug here. Just updating everyone on the drama saga that is my life of poor health. I had to have another pic line placed yesterday. The nurse looked it up and saw that it is my 13th pic line since 2005. Not a stat I'm proud of, but nonetheless they need to name that unit after me. I have a lot more swelling in the mastoid that was operated on in March. I'm healing well from the surgery last week, but now the new challenge. During all of this, I feel like I am constantly taking two steps forward, and three back. I start feeling guilty and begin apologizing out of my mind to Britt. I might as well be swearing at her, because she despises the out pour of guilt and self blame I continually unleash on her. She tells me that it's not my fault, which I understand, but because it causes a lot of stress and a sense of hopelessness, not to mention a lot of financial strain, the guilt sets in and I feel that I have to make amends some how. She will not allow me to feel guilty, and continues to be the greatest blessing in my life. I seriously would be up poop creek without a paddle or even a row boat without her. So anyway, I'm back in the 104 fever boat (not the same one in poop creek) along with more infection. I have a case manager with my insurance who is a god send. She is researching some out of state specialists and is fighting to have the insurance pay for my trip. She's working with the Mayo clinic in Phoenix to try to get some answers. After four ear surgeries (three this year), 13 pic lines, thousands of dollars spent in Dr's visits, and a desire on days to give up, I am going to that next level with this. I'm 33 years old, but feel like I'm 80. It's time to fix this. I do appreciate everyone's continued concern and support. Last week before the operation, Ken (Britt's dad for those who might not know), gave me a blessing that I will not ever forget. His words gave me goosebumps and made me so proud to be his son in law and in this awesome family. I am also so very lucky to have my two cute girls. They, along with Britt, are what give me the desire to fight. I hope you're all well. Keep me in your prayers.

Holy Cow!!

Hi everyone. Doug here again. I was informed by my Dr. that I will need another ear surgery. This one will take place on Wednesday. The good thing is that this one won't be quite as bad. He said that about half of these are same day, but with my ear trouble, I could be there overnight. I can't begin to say how frustrated I am. Thank goodness for Britt. She is definitely the backbone of this family. I don't know if I could cope if it wasn't for her. I can't wait to spend forever with her. Maddie came with me to the appointment. She started getting teary eyed when she heard him tell me that I needed another operation. She is such a sweetheart. She has been my little sidekick for 6 years. I have had a lot of rough times in that time and she has been there for me through it all. I wouldn't trade her for the world. Paige is also my little princess. I am so excited for June 25th to get here. That is the day that we will begin the adoption process. I love that kid so much and can't wait until I am officially and legally her daddy.
Thanks to everyone in the Foster family for putting up with all of my continued drama. This year has been rough. The bright side is that I've met my insurance deductible for the year. Everything from here on out is free! Also, John and Cherese, the baby is beautiful. I'm glad you guys got a little princess.
Well wish me luck. Hopefully the third time is the charm this year. Take Care.

All right

We are excited at the Schiffman house hold. My job at Great Clips is going really well and I am already having people coming and requesting me. The girls I work with are fun and I love the work. I had forgotten how tough on the body doing hair is.
Doug is doing great. He gets off his antibiotic tomorrow and he might get to go back to work on Saturday. He is like his old self again and I hope this time he is here to stay for a long time. We all have missed his cheery self since he has been sick.
Paige is getting so grown up it kills me. She is getting more independent and loves school and learning.
Maddie loves coming over and playing with Paige. Man she is getting grown up too.
It has been fun watching the girls grow up and think for them selves however it has been hard to let them do it and it makes me want to find something that will keep them little forever.

How lucky am I?

This is Doug again here. I wanted to take a minute and express to everyone just how lucky I am to have Brittany. Over the last several months, I have been through so much with my health. I've spent countless hours moaning and whining (like all men do when they hurt), and it has not been easy. I can honestly say that I have never hurt so bad as I have with this recent infection that affected my mastoid bone. Then to top it with the extremely high fevers, it was almost too much. Through it all, I had one constant thing that kept me going. That was the love and undying support of Brittany, not to mention the common sense that she brings that I definitely lack. She has the ability to be compassionate about things but practical at the same time. Through this whole ordeal, she has never let me give up, much as I've wanted to. I feel responsible at times for all of this because it does cause stress and worry. But Brittany has never made or let me feel that this is in any way my fault. She just provides me with the love and support that I need to overcome the emotional roller coaster that I've been on with the illness. I can't tell you how lucky I am to have her in my corner. She is not only the best wife in the world, but she is also my best friend and the backbone of our family. I'm wondering how I ever managed without her. I'm excited to spend forever with her and my cute princesses.

Yay

Doug is doing fantastic. Even tho he has a massive headache (duh!) he is doing great. He has not had any fevers, seizures, or black outs. The doctors say he only has to be on antibiotics for another 14 days and hopefully he will be healthy and very happy.
Maddie is coming over this weekend. We are excited to see her because she hasn't been around for a couple of weeks.
Paige is doing really well in dance. She is also having fun at school. She is happy that dad is home from the hospital.
My job is going really well. I feel like an old lady cause the next oldest person in the salon is 25 and by boss just turned 21. Ain't that a kick in the pants.

Hopefully

The surgery went really well. When the doctor got in there the infection was in his mastoid bone not in the tissue as originally thought. When the infection is on the bone it can be deadly. Thankfully they got to it in time so it did not spread to his brain. They had to remove some bone and Doug says that even tho he hurts he feels better. The doctor thinks that this was the source of all his high fevers and seizures. He is on the strongest and the highest dose of antibiotics that are out there. Maybe this time we have this thing licked. He will be in the hospital until at least Monday maybe longer, we will see. Thanks for all your thoughts, calls, and prayers. Love you guys.

Again

Well Doug is having another surgery for Mastoiditis. We just found out today that he was going to be having the surgery tomorrow. When this is over hopefully he will be better and healthier. He will probably have to be in the hospital for a few days because they have to remove some of the bone from behind his ear. I have heard that it is really painful. Doug had this surgery before on his other side so he is nervous because he knows what to expect. So wish him luck and drop by and see him if and when you can. Love ya all!!!!!!!!!

Here we go

Alright I know that I can do hair and I know that I am good at it but I am terrified of doing it again professionally. So what did I do? I went and got a job at Great Clips. Now I am really scared because I am going to be around people who know what they are doing and I have to work on strangers again. Deep breath! Well wish me luck and perhaps you will come in and make me look good. :)

Another entry by Dad. I'm such a big boy!!

O.K. So a break from all of the continuous talk about my health issues. I think everyone's heard enough! So today we decided to buy Paige and Maddie a little pet beta fish. It's blue and very cool looking, and most importantly, easy to care for. Paige announced at the pet store that she wanted to name him Blue Ball. I told Britt that the name she picked just sounded too darn painful, considering he is a male fishy:-) So Paige agreed to change the name to Blue Bell. She comes up with the cutest names for things, as she has named each and every (of the 50 million or so that she and Mom have collected) webkinz that she owns. So the next step for us, a baby.........bird that Britt had her eyes on. Well there were two she was debating between, a parakeet and a finch. So we'll see. After that, we'll hear the pitter patter of little feet........once Yoda and Mary breed and give us kittens. Oh wait, they're fixed. Never mind. O.K. one minor note on my health (this blog just would not be the same without it). The MRSA staph in my head has spread over to the left side. But unbelievably it has not gone into the bone. My mom was right all those years growing up, nothing gets through my thick skull! The rest of my beautiful family are all doing well. Britt is wonderful as always and never ceases to make me happy on a daily, no hourly, no secondly basis. She is the best wife in the world and always provides this family with everything we need. I need emotional and practical support, she's there for me. Paige and Maddie need all the care 5 and 6 year olds need. She provides it perfectly. And the kitties need cuddles. They turn to her for that. They just use me to give them food out of the fridge that I'm not supposed to give them. Then when it comes to cuddles, despite me doing what I'm not supposed to for them, they both cuddle together on Britt's lap, then look at me like "Ha Ha Sucker!" Paige is still her cute self. I'm amazed at how much she has evolved and come out her shell. I credit some of it to Maddie, but most of it to Kindergarten. She is still a webkinzaholic and makes us smile daily. Maddie is still and will always be my little soul mate. She is doing so well in gymnastics , and at 6 is the only 6 year old member of level 3 gymnastics. The rest of the girls are 8-10. She can do full chin-ups and is so incredible on the bars. She has mellowed out a lot. A lot of credit for that goes to Paige. They really mesh well. One final note, thanks again to Sam and Josie for the fun party for the cutest one year old on the planet, little Eden. We sure had fun at the party. I hope you're all well. If you are, send some of the "Well" love my way. I'm needing it lately with my goofy, but darn painful illness. Take care everyone!

Happy Birthday to me!

I am so excited. I just got my birthday present yesterday. It was between a new tattoo or a new car and guess which one I chose? Ok, those of you who are saying britt why did you get ANOTHER tattoo? I chose the car. It was a hard decision tho. I have joined the highly regarded ownership in the Van club. Yes I know all ya all are jealous. Especially you Josie, I know thats your dream car.
My old car was being held together with duct tape and it didnt start half of the time. So I thought before we have register a car that I know wont pass inspections it would actually be cheaper to buy a different car. It is so funny, Paige wanted to sleep in the van last night and both Maddie and Paige just have to sit in the way back. The middle is just not fun enough. When Paige saw the van she came over to me and told me that she liked its face and walked back to the front of the van and proceeded to say hi and tell it that it was pretty. I was laughing so hard I almost fell over. Man that was so cute. She also asked it how it slept lastnight when we went to get in it to go to school this morning.
Ok on to other news. Doug has another staph infection in the tissue in his head. We were afraid that it had gone to the bone but luckly it is just in the deep tissue so he is not contageous but he said it hurts really bad. His doctor is thinking that the reason he keeps getting these infections is that he might have an autoimune deficicey. They are doing extensive blood work to figure out just why he keeps getting these infections. And he is treating this infection really agressavely. Doug has another (number 10 in a year) pick line and he is on 2 different antiobotics and he has to take one of the meds every 12 hrs. I am glad that this doctor that he is seeing is actually doing something and not just blowing him off. It will be nice to finally get to the bottom of this.
Maddies birthday is on saturday. Her mom is throwing a party for her and invited us. I thought that was nice. I made a cake for her on monday when she was here. Paige wanted to make maddie a nice dinner and make her cupcakes for her birthday so she and I put together a plan to have paige play with maddie while I make the cupcakes and cake and then both of the girls would make some english muffin pizzas. Paige was so excited when Maddie said that she was having fun.

One from Dad

This is my first try at this, so here it goes. First of all I have to say that I am so lucky to have Brittany in my life. I have been through a lot with my health lately and I know with all my heart that I would not have made it through it without her. I am also so very grateful for Maddie and Paige, my two princesses. I'm so lucky.
So what's new, let's see. We went to my parents' house for a super bowl party. We were cheering for the Cardinals but they lost to the Steelers and the refs. Let them Play! I am a Kurt Warner fan because he brought the Rams a title. I was cheering for him. We had Maddie with us, and she and Paige played their hearts out today. Britt's surgery was a success. She is still having some discomfort, but when the dust settles, she'll be better off. The doctor told me that he had to remove a ton of scar tissue from where she had her appendectomy at 18 months. Britt told him numerous times that she was sure scar tissue was playing a part in her pain, and he concurred that when he operated on her. I wanted to say on Britt's behalf "Told ya so!" So with me on the mend, Britt heading that way too, our deductible more than likely already met, life's looking up. Also, Britt and I went and talked to our lawyer about me adopting Paige. We have the ball rolling on this. It will mean the world to me for her to officially be my daughter. I love her as one already anyway.

Fun

Doug and I finally had a date night that did not include doctor offices. Paige got to spend the night at Nonnies and I thought she was going to hyperventilate she was so excited. I guess Nonnie wore her out because we heard the next day that Paige had slept for 12 1/2 hours. Good job Nonnie. Paige loves spending time over at her house.
So Doug and I went out to dinner and a movie, we had so much fun. Doug even dressed up for me. :) He cleans up pretty well.
Doug has been cleared to go back to work on Wednesday. His ear is doing really well and is healing nicely. He is no longer ditsy (whoops I mean dizzy. hehehe) He is driving again and able to get back to his normal self. It is really nice to see him feeling better.
Maddie and Doug went to the Treehouse for a daddy daughter date on Friday. Maddie was excited to spend time with just dad.

Its about time

Well Doug is finally out of the hospital after spending 7 days in there. His ear surgery went really well and the doctor thinks that this will help with the recurring ear infections. Man won't that be great. Doug is feeling lots better. He is still really dizzy so he can't be left alone, drive or walk by him self for another week or so but things get better every day.
Paige is excited that dad got balloons in the hospital. She has been playing with them nonstop and Yoda chases her and the balloons all through the house. It is so dang funny I just laugh until I can't breathe.
Maddie came and spent the night with me and Paige on Friday. The girls were so excited to spend time with each other and have girl time. This was the first time we have had Maddie over without Doug here. We had lots of fun.
I also want to thank everyone who checked up on Doug and offered your support it really meant a lot to both of us. Thanks!!!

Well Doug's ear infection got worse and he is having surgery on his right ear today. Hopefully things will get better from here.
Paige has decided that she hates the snow and she does not miss a chance to tell me that she wishes there was no snow and that it was warm. She sounds just like her grandma.