Thanks

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I wanted to say what I am thankful for.

I am so Thankful for my family and friends. They have been with me on a roller coaster of a year with me. With out them I wouldn't of been able to get past this year. I don't think a blanket statement could tell you how I feel about my friends and family. That being said there is so much I want to say we might be here for days. Due to this, I will just leave this at I am blessed with the people in my life. Old or new, related or not.

I am Thankful for my husband. My world is not a good place with out him. Because of him I am a better person. The love and support that he shows me every day is amazing. I couldn't ask for a better person to share my life with. He makes the world a better place and the journey of life so much fun. He has been through a lot in his life, and will go through so much more, but he takes it all in stride and works his butt off.

Pickle - My precious boy. I can't tell the world how Thankful I am to have him in my life. We struggled to conceive. A battle that took 3 years, It was a emotional toll on us, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Everything went through brought us this amazing little boy. He lights up a room when ever he enters. He is always so happy, and carefree. He loves with every fiber of his being, when he smiles (and that one cute little dimple shows up) you smile. It is hard not too. He is starting to come into his own as a little man. He is losing the baby in him and growing up into a full grown boy at such a amazing pace. I will miss the little guy, but I look forward to who he will become.

S has been my close friend for many years. We have had our ups and downs, but we always find out way back to our friendship. She loves and supports me like a sister even though we arent' by blood, She loves me like a true friend should. I am so Thankful to have someone like that in my life. A true friend, with a great heart.

Most don't feel like they love their jobs, I can say that I am not one of them. I work for the most amazing people. I have found the right fit for me here. Although I work for a HUGE company, our office is a family. Most of us have been here for years. Seen one another through ups and downs. The love and support from this office is something that you don't see often. We all take care of each other and that is wonderful thing.

Last but not least, I am so Thankful for this blog. This has been a new experience for me to write a blog. I am not a writer as you can tell, but it has allowed me to share my story and experiences with others, and at the same time allowed me to process my own thoughts and feelings. Through this entire experience I have come across so many blogs that were able to help mend and open my heart. I know there are many of you who are out there reading this (I see the stats! LOL). Thank you for reading our story and allowing me to be apart of your lives.

I hope everyone has a terrific Thanksgiving. I hope your holidays are happy and safe, with all our love, The Hello Pickle Family.

Crazy, Hazy Days

Things have been so busy around here. M was lucky to come home on Saturday. Thank God, He is slowly recovering, getting better a little bit more each day. Since M is unable to care for our Pickle, I have had to bring him to different family members each day so I can still go to work. Friday he spent w/ his Auntie K, Sat & Sun he was with me (half at home, and half at hospital), Monday I was blessed enough to have my Mother in Law stay at our house and watch him, and Tuesday He went to spend the day with his Aunt S and his cousins. Today he is at my in-laws house with Big M and Auntie K again. We are so lucky to have family come and help us out when we need it. I can being to say how lucky we are to have family by our sides to help out.

Because poor Pickle has been tossed all around, his behavior is terrible. Has anyone experienced this? You can tell it all effecting him, but I can't change what is going on. I can not miss anymore work this year, and we can not afford to loose this job. I know that he needs a little stability, and I am hoping that I can do that starting next week, but I just don't think it is going to happen this week. It all comes down to how M feels. I hope he gets better soon.

In other news, this week my Grandmother passed (mother's mom). She has been very sick for quite some time. She is in a better place. Her services are going to be held back east over the weekend. I wish that I could go, but I just can't get those funds together. Tickets for the 3 of us were close to 1,600.00, that was just way to much and we didn't have that. I feel terrible that I won't be able to attend her services, I was not able to see her before she passed either. I just can't seem to let go of the guilt that I feel about the entire process.

I hope everyone has a better week that I did. The worst part is that it is only Wed. I still have a few more days to go.


At the park on Monday



When it rains.....

When it rains it pours. That is how it goes in our home. On wed night we rushed M to the hospital with what we thought was Appendicitis. He was in a lot of pain. So all 3 of us were sitting in our local ER to find out that was wrong. After many hours in the hospital we found out, there were not entirely sure of what was wrong and needed to get another consultation . We found it was Epiploic appendagitis. Which I can say was something that I have never heard of. They are not sure why it is not getting better. Normally with time it clears up on his own and M should of been feeling some type of relief at this time, but at this time he is not. They are talking about doing exploratory surgery at this time to see if they can remove the part that is causing the pain, especially since it is effecting his appendix.
Please say a prayer for him and our family. The poor guy has been through so much in his life. He had the accident that changed his life, Surgery after Surgery, and countless procedures. I just wish he could wake up one day and be healed. Miracles do happen. Lets hope it happens for a man that deserves it.

Missing his Daddy.

We all miss you Daddy! Please get better soon so you can come home. The house is cold with out you.

Happy M Day!

I have told M numerous times that he should get on here and introduce himself. Since we haven’t had an appearance yet, I thought I would fill you in the love of my life our big M. I can’t say enough great things about this man. He is our family comedian, the love of my life, the best dad you will ever see, and fiercely loyal.

When I say my husband is the best comedian you will ever meet, I am so serious. He is the comedy nexus in our home. He can turn anything funny. I must warn you though; his since of humor is twisted and sometimes dark. That being said once he knows you he will make you laugh at things you never thought could be funny. We have been telling him for years to do standup, but the poor guy is crazy shy.

Along with his sharp whit, is his sharp mind. He is a genius. I am taking a super smart; we could get him a cape with a big G on it, that is how smart he is. He can remember just about any crazy fact that you ask him (but yet somehow he forgets the grocery list). He is a wealth of knowledge. Comes in handy more often then you think it could. 

I have already gone into the story of us, and how we came to be so I won’t make you sit through that all over again, but I will say I knew I loved him from the start. Being so young when we met, I didn’t recognize it, but I love him with all my heart and I have for so long. This man will fight to the death to protect me. He is always willing to help others when he can. He is the one person who can calm me down, I feel safe in his arms, and love him like no other.

M lives each day at home. Working outside of the home is not an option since his accident. That doesn’t mean M doesn’t work. He is a stay at home Daddy, and the best Daddy I have ever seen. He loves Pickle with the same passion and fieriness that he loves me. You have never seen such a happy little boy. They spend their day making crazy faces, telling stories, playing video games together, and cleaning house. I will be honest he is not the best housekeeper, but he is my housekeeper and I love him for it. He does so much during the day, it makes it so much easier when I go home. I am able to rest and play with my little man after a long day at work.

I hope that you were able to get a good insight to who M is from here. I know I have gone on and on and on. He is a great Man. There are no words to really say what a wonderful person he is. I hope that you see how great he is too.

Happy 2nd Birthday Pickle!!!

I want to say a very Happy Birthday to my Pickle!!!! We had his party on Sunday and Monday was the big day.

Sunday was his birthday party. Nothing big, just family and 2 very close friends. Needless to say we have a large family. We had a Yo Gabba Gabba Themed Party and I think it turned out really well. The poor boy did not sleep the entire day. Needless to say the poor guy was beat by the end of the day and so were we.

Happy Birthday Banner Out side the in-laws house

We took all of his gabba things from his bedroom and use them to help add some life to the theme.



The wall banner that we put up. I am saving this & putting it in his play room!



We Couldn't get a Gabba Cake anywhere so we got his Elmo, the next best thing for him.

Little Cake for the little man

Holding him back from taking the candles off

He loved loved everyone singing to him.

Blowing out the candles

Eating his cake

He wouldn't eat the cake until we got him a spoon!

Monday was his actually birthday, We had our 2 year baby well check appointment. He just got his flu shot. He is 34lbs and 36 inches tall. He is a big boy. After his appointment, We had breakfast with my Mother and a trip to Ikea. After the fun of shopping at Ikea we went home and just relaxed. I think we all needed some downtime. It was great weekend.

Worried

I thought that I would put my thoughts and words down here today.  I am scared and worried and I don't know if I have to be. That is the worst part do I need to be worried. Let me go back.
I had my annual exam at my OBGYN, and she found a lump in my breast during the exam. I will be honest, I am scared of what this could be. I go on Monday for the mamogram and a ultrasound to find out what this lump is. I keep on telling myself there is no point in being worried until I know there is something to worry about. However, I can't help but be worried.
I am scared, I will be honest here. This is a scaring thing. I am scared of the unknown. I am 30 years old and I have never had a mamogram, I don't know what to expect. I am scared this could be cancer. If it is cancer what happens then? I am the only one working, will I be able to keep working or will I have to take Medical leave? How will we be able to afford the treatments? How will Pickle do with a sick Mommy all the time? Will I die?

There are so many questions that I have, and I don't have any answers.
How do I go on waiting until Monday for the test? I don't know how.

It is going to be a odd one.

Well this is going to be a odd post, Mainly because I am full of a ton of cold meds right now. What a better way to blog then full of drugs. We had a great weekend followed by a week of sick.

Friday night we went and took a nice long walk at the Mall. It was a nice trip. We got little man some pants and a a shirt that will look really nice, and are quite big so he should grow into them some what.

Saturday we went and had his 2 year pictures done and a family shot done (See Below) and then a nice lunch at Famous Dave's. I love their corn bread. It is one of my favorite things. After a nice lunch we went to see my Dad for his birthday, while Pickle played with his cousins.

Sunday was a busy day. We first went to chuck e Cheese, for the little man's first experience with a germ factory (and I think that is where we got our cold from). He had a blast. he did not quite get the games but he understood the running around part. I don't think M and I can take another trip! You need to be prepared to run a 10K in order to keep up with him. We followed by swimming and dinner at Grabbie's house (M's Mom). I think  he had the best weekend.I know we enjoyed ourselves. Too bad it was followed by some colds.

here are our pictures from the photos we had done on Sat. Hope you enjoy!

Family picture, I love his face in this one.

Family picture

Before he took off on us, he was on his way!

Sweet Boy

2 years old

The picture that went out to everyone.

Mommy and me.




Enjoy our weekend. We love comments!

House Logged

I think we are all getting a little stir crazy around here. The heat here has been insane the last few weeks. We live in a rural area out side of Phoenix, AZ, and in the summer we are looking at temps that are 115+, and lately we have been getting there. The worst part about the heat is the humidity that we have had lately. It is relentless.

Typically in the summer you stay in side, the only time you go out side is if you have to, and if you are lucky enough to have a pool. Because of this we are going crazy in the house! I am lucky enough to get out to go to work, but my poor child and husband are not as lucky. They have made a few trips to both Grandma's homes for some swimming, and out to a store here and there, but that is it. We are a one car household, and because we live in a rural area there is nothing around in a short walking distance (and short is all you can do before you die of heat stroke). I decided this week that we all need to get out of dodge!!

Due to constraints on our budget we are staying in town, but we have a full weekend planned, we are going to have Pickle's 2 year pictures done one day, Swimming at Grandmas another day, and The final part of the puzzle is a day at Chuckie Cheese (the thought of the germs alone are already killing me, but you do what you got to do and can afford). I think our little man is going to have a great weekend and I am so excited for it.

I hope everyone enjoys labor day weekend!

The best toy around!

A daily thing at our home, Cryons, and ABC Worksheets.

Weekend over

The weekends seem to keep flying by for me. It like oops they are gone. This weekend we had M's little Sister A (17 years old) over for the weekend. I have known A for many years now, and I can honestly say she has grown up to be a great person. She took the time to play with Pickle and snuggle. She watched him so M and I could get some chores done and rest for a bit. She even baked cookies with me. She is just a nice young lady and has so many qualities that I hope that Pickle has some day. She is sweet, trust worthy, honest, giving, helpful, and a has a kind soul. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us in the future!

Pickle really enjoyed his weekend with his Auntie. He cried something terrible when she left on Sunday, we made up for it though. He got to go visit on Monday! We were in town on Monday to close on the re-fi for our home, so we  stopped over for dinner. Pickle had the best time in the world. He even said Grandpa for the first time!!! It was a great weekend and I am so sorry that it is over. I can't wait to do it again.

Lets Talk about us...

You have heard about our recent ups and downs, What you haven't heard about is the story of who we are, and how we came to be. Hop on you time machine and go back 14 years to the story of us.

M and I met while we were both in high school. We met while at work at a local Micky D's. I was a manager at the time and M was crew member. He was a junior and I was a senior. I can honestly say that M was incredibly annoying. He was a pain in my butt. I don't how else to say it. I could not stand the man. He will to this day say the same thing about me. It took about a year for us to tolerate one another. One night while working late and closing the restaurant down, there was a few of us on the drive thru head sets just talking about nothing, this got M and I talking. That night he got my phone number. Don't get me wrong it took a while for us to get to the actual concept of a date, but one day I just kissed him. I knew it just had to be done. We have had our ups and downs, but no matter what we were best friends first, and we remain that way to this day.

Fast forward… We graduated high school, we started college and working life….. M was on his way to work one day, and was rear-ended on the freeway. He was hit by 4 different cars. This caused some major issues in his back. He has suffered numerous surgeries, procedures and a implant to try and help him live his life. He has severe issues with daily pain and use of legs. This accident changed both of our lives impermeability and forever, but we made it through, and that is all anyone can ask for. M will never be out of pain again, and will have monthly doctor's appointments, and yearly surgeries for the rest of his life, but he has a life and for that I am grateful.

Fast forward again… More surgeries, more doctors and a few years… We decided it was time to move forward with our lives and get married (so maybe it was not a decision more like the solution to some crazy argument). On April 1st of 2006 we were married. We had a small wedding, but a great time. This is also the time we finally moved out of our parents homes and move in together (we moved about 2 months before the big day). I have some of the best memories from those days. We didn't have a couch or table or chairs the first week or so, we had dinner on blankets spread on the floor while watching TV., we lived each day like any other, work, home, work, home, doctor, work, home, it was a nice routine and some carefree times.
After about a year of marriage we thought about starting a family. After a year of trying we had no luck, and I paid a visit to my doctor. We discovered my PCOS. We tried for a few months on clomid and still no luck, we decided it was time to go see a specialist (during all this time we were looking to purchase a home, found one, bought it and moved). After meeting with the specialist we decided to proceed with IUI's, and inject able medications. After 6 IUI attempts on our final attempt we got our little man. I don't think you would of ever say two people so excited. It took us over two years and all of our savings, but it was so worth it.

Our pregnancy was plagued from the start. I suffered from Over stimulated Ovaries (from all the fertility drugs), and was in a lot of pain for a few weeks. Once we got past that the bleeding started. Small amounts at first, and we were assured that our little pickle (yes that is what we called him in-utero) was okay. Then was day it was like dam broke, and we rushed back the hospital. At this time they discovered a complete placenta previa, and I was put on strict bed rest (only allowed up for the rest room & a Shower). The bleeding continued and a few more hospital trips, During this time they discovered the previa corrected itself and could not find the source of the bleeding. As the pregnancy progressed I ended up in pre-term labor and would be admitted again, and sent home again, the bleeding or contractions would start again and the process was the same. Around month seven they then discovered not only did my placenta move slightly again over my cervix, but I also have a vasa-previa, making this process even more complicated. It was finally decided to put me out of my Misery (Yes, I was a terrible patient. I suffer from a lot of anxiety and could not handle all of this, I was irrational, irresponsible and selfish. If I could go back and change my behavior I would). Pickle was born in perfect health at 36 weeks to the day. lbs. 7oz, and 19 inches long. It was a great day.

Fast forward…. Little man growing up… this is where this blog picks up. Our little man will be 2 in September, and is a great kid. He suffers from some pretty bad reflux, and his speech is a little slow for his age, but he is a great great kid. Always happy and smiling.

Since you were kind enough to read all of this, I will reward you with some pictures of or lives.. I hope you enjoy and comment!!!!!

So long ago, M's Senior Prom



April 1st 2006



You can't tell, but I am 2 weeks Prego at the time!! And not that is not my beer, it is M's!





Fresh out of the oven 2010



All Clean




Going home for the first time.



6 months old




with our first kid Daisy Mae





So cute







Too much jumping













First time swiming





little Crawler





baby's second Christmas







At phoenix childrens for testing on his tummy





Easter Sunday 2012



I love this one



Get Ready....

If you don't want to hear me complain, I suggest you scroll down now.

Every other Friday is payday. Which for most of us it is a great day, not in our house. I paid the bills and made a quick trip for Diapers, and Guess how much money I have left over? If you guessed less then 100.00 you would be right. Now I know you might be thinking what kind of bills does this girl have that she can't afford anything after her bills. Well Honestly nothing out of the ordinary, there is nothing crazy in there.

We are in that point of society that is above government assistance but below be able to live well. The sad part is I would be doing better if I worked part time and got welfare. I just don't see that to be right. I work hard and full time. I have thought about getting a second job but I just don't know when I would be able fit that in. Due to where we live, I travel a hour one way to work, and I am gone for 12 hours a day. I get home in just enough time to start dinner, bath and get my little man to bed. UGH

Okay, Rant over. We had a great weekend. We spent Saturday at home just watching some T.V. and some good snuggles, and on Sunday we celebrated my Father in Laws 55th birthday. We all had a great time and my little man ate a LARGE chunk of cake!

After the Storm

Potty training was by far the hardest thing we have ever tried to do.

I can say, without hesitation that we failed. Big time! I think Pickle is just not verbal enough to tell us when he has to go, we watched out for signs that he had to go and tried with all our might but never got any further.

I think that we will try again after he has had the opportunity to work with his speech therapist a little more. In the meantime we are back to diapers, and trying to find a why to afford those diapers.

We covered the floor in puppy training pads and old table clothes.

Hello Pickle!

How do you introduce yourself to the world? I don't think I can with out this coming off weird and awkward. So I guess let the pain begin…
Welcome to our world. Who are we you ask? D, M &  Pickle . We are just your typical family of three, with a few little changes to the 1950's Donna Reid version of typical. I work, M is disabled and a stay at home Dad, and Pickle, well Pickle is just perfect.
This is the blog for you if you ever wondered what it is like to live just above the line where the government will assist you (i.e. food, insurance) and right below where you can afford to do things yourself. I hope you enjoy hearing about our life and our wonderful son. We look forward from hearing from you.

My sweet little man