Amanda and Joe

Doug's book signing - LOVED TO DEATH

2011-12-05T20:34:00.008-06:00

Doug is a published author! His murder mystery book LOVED TO DEATH was published this fall and here are a few pictures from his book signing. So amazingly cool!!

If you are interested in reading the book, here is the link at Amazon: LOVED TO DEATH.

Disney on ice with Charlie and Debbie (November 2011)

2011-12-05T20:29:00.002-06:00

11.11.11 party to celebrate Amanda's 44th birthday

2011-12-05T19:37:00.014-06:00

On Friday, November 11th, I had a holiday from work for Veteran's Day. Joe and I had a party at our house to celebrate my 44th birthday. It was an 11.11.11 party! Niko Niko's catered with Greek food and my sweet friend, Jennifer, made my Eiffel Tower cake. It was amazing!

My sweet mom and I

Jean-Marc, Doug, Jennifer and Kris

Janice, Albert and the amazing Miss J

My cousins, Amy and Chris

Mom, Doug and Gracie

Mom, Alex, Andrew and I

Sweet Gracie girl and Charlie were the hits of the party

Joanna and Kenneth

Shannon and John

Shannon, Kerri and I

Alana, Mike, Joe and I

Alex and my mom

Andrew and Debbie (her oreo balls were a hit)

Niko Niko's Greek food and my Eiffel Tower cake

2011-12-05T19:32:00.003-06:00

Gracie at Gracie Miller restaurant in Bastrop

Gracie is 6 months old!

Charlie and Gracie visit Santa Claus

While Mom, Doug, Joe and I went to Banff for Thanksgiving, Uncle Alex visited at Andrew and Debbie's for the traditional turkey dinner.

Miss M practicing clarinet

2011-12-05T19:30:00.000-06:00

Charlie, Gracie and Miss M {October 2011}

2011-12-05T19:16:00.005-06:00

Charlie and Gracie

Miss M

Miss M's school playground {2011}

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Miss M's school has a musical playground and massive 18-wheeler tires for climbing.

How cool to play these neat installations!

Miss M's trip to Virginia Historical Society {Oct 2011}

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Miss M at Family Day Event {Oct 2011}

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The museum at University of Richmond where Liz works had a Family Day event with art-making activities. This was in conjunction with the exhibition Liz curated. Miss M is showing off another one her fabulous artistic creations and then Miss M and Liz did their own version of henna tattoos on their hands with markers.

Miss M's 9th birthday

2011-10-22T21:42:00.005-05:00

I can't believe the gorgeous Miss M turned 9 this year!

She enjoyed dinner at Baker's Crust (one of her favorite places to eat).

She used birthday money to buy a "Just Like You" American Girl doll, some Big Wheels

and new bed linens.

Miss M's 1st day of 4th grade {2011}

2011-10-22T21:41:00.003-05:00

Miss M's artistic creations

2011-10-22T21:38:00.003-05:00

Miss M attended a late summer art camp and below are her fantastic artistic creations.

Gracie {5 months}

2011-10-22T21:27:00.003-05:00

Gracie at 5 months. Debbie says her favorite toys are her feet and her pacifier, that Charlie really knows how to make her laugh and that she has rolled from her back to her tummy. Gracie is not a big fan of rice cereal yet and she's getting her first tooth.

Sweet siblings sharing bows {Oct 2011}

2011-10-22T21:20:00.002-05:00

Charlie and Gracie sharing bows. One bow for Gracie; seven bows for Charlie! :)

Miller 3rd Annual Sweetberry Farm trip {Oct 2011}

2011-10-22T21:02:00.005-05:00

Andrew, Debbie, Charlie and Gracie's yearly trip to Sweetberry Farm to visit the pumpkins, zinnias and animals.

Charlie and Gracie {Oct 2011}

2011-10-22T20:51:00.007-05:00

Recently Debbie's beloved grandmother, Mama Jean, passed away. Debbie, Andrew, Charlie and Gracie flew to St. Louis, MO and then drove 3 1/2 hours to Evansville, IN to attend her funeral. Both Charlie and Gracie were lucky enough to have spent some time with Mama Jean and, of course, Debbie will share lots of stories with them about her.

While it was still brutally hot in Texas, they had a bit of cooler fall weather

On the way back, they had time to stop at the St. Louis Arch and explore the Western Expansion Museum inside of the Arch.

It was a long trip home!

Miss A's Royal Quinceanera (Sept 17, 2011)

2011-09-25T10:49:00.007-05:00

Joe and I went to our first Royal Quinceanera last weekend. Joe has been teaching voice lessons to the birthday girl for months in preparation for her solos with the mariachi band at the party. The birthday girl arrived in a stretch hummer limo with police escorts. She changed dresses twice (as did her mother). She was presented a gorgeous pair of sparkly Jimmy Choo shoes and a very nice Louis Vuitton purse and wallet. There was a choreographer who choreographed about 6 dances for the party. There were 2 video presentations (one a slide show of Miss A from birth to 15; the other a home movie based on Cinderella story that led up to the ballroom doors opening with Miss A in her second ball gown dress of the evening). The party was captured by 4 photographers and 2 videographers. There were 42 tables (10 people at each table) with a sit down dinner followed by an amazing cake and an ice cream bar. Everyone was encouraged to dance by the Emcee and the 2 entertainers that were there (they were FABULOUS)! We had a great time dancing and it was an incredibly fun party!

Wuzzo and her sweet grandkids {Austin}

2011-09-24T17:20:00.001-05:00

Summertime photos of nieces and nephew

2011-09-24T16:54:00.010-05:00

Gracie {3 months}

Gracie {4 months}

Andrew, Debbie, Charlie and Gracie at the Texas State Capitol {Austin}

Aggies in training ?

Charlie and Gracie hanging out in Charlie's bed

Charlie loves Sea World and Fiesta Texas

Gracie loves Tiffany

Charlie LOVED his Aunt Liz

The cousins: Miss M, Charlie and Gracie {Austin and Houston}

Miss M {new furniture and at a party}

Miss M's carrots that she grew in a community garden and her most recent acting production

Miss M hiking near St. James River

Miss M at the River

Miss M and Elizabeth at a wedding

Miss M riding a tortoise and a pony

Miss M and Elizabeth at Obama speech

England - miscellaneous pictures {Sept 2011}

2011-09-24T16:08:00.009-05:00

Lillia loves her Uncle Joe

Joe and I hanging out

No visit to Tina's is complete without a visit to Newlyns Farm Shop for some flap jacks and mars treats. Yummmmm!

Auntie Amanda and Lillia did lots of snuggling and coloring together

Dressing up for dinner

Dinner with Nick, Tina, Sharon and Clive at The Grapevine. Delicious meal with lovely friends!

Joe and I hanging out in our guest room. It was so fabulous to sleep under a down comforter every night with the windows open and it was cool in our room! We escaped the hideous Houston heat and it was super-fantabulous!

Buckingham Palace tour - London (Sept 2011)

2011-09-24T15:12:00.015-05:00

On our last day in England, Tina drove us to our hotel in London (The Sofitel, which was lovely). We then took the tube around town with our primary objective to take a tour of the Official State Rooms in Buckingham Palace. I was thrilled to find out there was a Fabrege special exhibit but was even more excited that we were going to be able to see the display of Kate Middleton's wedding dress, shoes, tiara, earrings, bouquet and cake.

Before our tour, we had a picnic lunch by the fountain in front of the palace. After the tour of the nineteen magnificent State Rooms, the special exhibition Royal Fabergé, the wedding exhibit, we strolled along the south side of the Palace garden.

The Duchess of Cambridge’s Wedding Dress: The wedding Dress was designed by Sarah Burton, Creative Director at Alexander McQueen. The design shows the influence of Victorian dress in details such as the cinched in waist, the padded hips and the bustle at the top of the train. The dress also looks to the aesthetic of the Arts and Crafts movement with the dress’s emphasis on hand-crafted detail. These historic references are blended with a modern cut in a modern fabric – satin gazar. The appliquéd lace which covers the bodice and sleeves, the skirt and the train evokes the theme of the language of flowers, evident in many elements of the wedding from the flowers to the wedding cake. The lace design also incorporate the National emblems of the United Kingdom (Rose, Thistle, Shamrock and Daffodil). The dress has a sense of grandeur appropriate to the importance of the occasion and the setting of Westminster Abbey, in which it was designed to be seen, but it also retains a sense of modesty in keeping with The Duchess of Cambridge’s wishes. The ivory satin gazar from which the dress is made is backed by white satin gazar which gives the dress its pale ivory colour. The lace appliqué is in a design unique to the wedding dress as it is made from six types of lace including Cluny and Leavers lace from which elements were cut and incorporated into the overall scheme. Once the lace design for each panel was finished it was pinned to lengths of silk tulle which were sent to the Royal School of Needlework to be appliquéd to the tulle by a team of embroiderers. Once completed the appliquéd lace was cut away from the silk tulle and sewn onto the satin gazar by the seamstresses at Alexander McQueen. The overall effect is entirely symmetrical so that each fold of the skirt and each panel of the train mirrors that opposite to it. The train is 3 metres long and terminates at the top in arches and pleats which sit on the bustle beneath. The dress is fastened at the back and at the cuffs by tiny buttons covered in satin gazar and silk tulle.

The display also includes a special exhibition film in which Sarah Burton discusses for the first time the creation of the dress.

Veil: The veil is made of fine silk tulle which is embroidered with lace around its outer edge. The lace appliqué was designed by Sarah Burton and embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework. The veil was designed to fall between the panels of appliquéd lace on the train of the dress and its shape echoes the arches at the top of the train.

Bridal shoes: The shoes were made at Alexander McQueen and are covered in the same ivory satin gazar as the dress, which is applied with the same lace appliqué as the dress and veil.

Earrings: The earrings were commissioned by Mr and Mrs Michael Middleton for their daughter on the occasion of her marriage to Prince William. The earrings were made by the London jewellers Robinson Pelham. Their design is derived from the acorn and oak leaves which form part of the Middleton family coat of arms and they were also designed to complement the ‘Halo’ tiara which The Duchess wore on the day of the wedding. The earrings are made of 18 carat white gold and diamonds in the form of a curled diamond set oak leaf top and a pear-shaped diamond set drop with a central articulated pave set diamond acorn.

The "Halo" tiara: The Duchess of Cambridge’s veil was held in place by the diamond ‘Halo’ tiara, which was made by Cartier in 1936 and purchased by The Duke of York (later King George VI) for The Duchess of York (later Queen Elizabeth). The tiara is formed as a band of 16 graduated scrolls set with 739 brilliants and 149 baton diamonds. The tiara was presented to Princess Elizabeth (now The Queen) by her mother on the occasion of her 18th birthday. The tiara was lent by The Queen to The Duchess of Cambridge for the occasion of her wedding.

The wedding bouquet: Made specially for the exhibition is a replica of the bouquet carried by The Duchess of Cambridge at the wedding which was made by the florist Shane Connolly. In keeping with other elements of the wedding including the dress, the cake and the floral scheme both at Westminster Abbey and at Buckingham Palace, the bouquet draws upon the tradition of the language of flowers. It includes lily-of-the-valley (representing return to happiness), Sweet William (gallantry), hyacinth (constancy of love), ivy (fidelity, marriage and friendship) and myrtle (marriage and love). Stems from a myrtle planted at Osborne House by Queen Victoria in 1845 and a sprig from a bush grown from the myrtle used in Her Majesty The Queen’s wedding bouquet in 1947 were included in the Duchess’s bouquet.

The wedding cake: The royal wedding cake for Their Royal Highness’s The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was made by the Leicestershire bakery Fiona Cairns. The Duchess of Cambridge requested a traditional fruit cake with cream and white icing. The decoration was to encompass the language of flowers, an element also seen in the design of the wedding dress, bouquet and the flowers and trees both at Westminster Abbey and at Buckingham Palace. The icing decoration also included, like the dress, the national emblems of Rose, Thistle, Shamrock and Daffodil. The decoration of the cake was also inspired by some of the architectural details of the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace (where the cake was displayed for the wedding reception) including flower garlands, bows, oak leaves and acorns. The cake designer was also inspired by the work of Joseph Lambeth and was given some of the lace from the wedding dress in order to judge the colour against the cake.

A team of 8 worked on the cake for a period of 2 months. The cake consists of 8 tiers and 17 cakes in total. 900 sugar leaves and flowers were made as part of the decoration. The sugar Lily of the Valley on top of the cake were made by the royal pastry chefs Kathryn Boyden and Jane Fisher.

The base of the cake bears the first cut made by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The top three tiers are replacements made by the Fiona Cairns bakery as the top two tiers have been reserved for future use, as is the tradition, and the third tier was sliced and served to guests.

Official wedding photos:

London (Sept 2011)

2011-09-24T14:50:00.018-05:00

After our tour of Buckingham Palace, we had a few hours to wander around London before having dinner and drinks with a friend of mine from law school. We spent a majority of our time in Covent Garden meandering through the shops, stopping for a bit of ice cream and people watching.

A friend of mine from law school, Debbie, is now living outside of London with her husband.

She met up with us at Waxy O'Connor's for a pint and then we went to a local restaurant

for traditional pub food (I had shepherd's pie and Joe had bangers and mash).

I hadn't seen Debbie since law school graduation in 1994 and we have reconnected

through Facebook. It was fun to see her! Hopefully it won't be so long next time!

Brighton, England (September 2011)

2011-09-18T23:00:00.026-05:00

Enjoyed the day with Joe in Brighton, England. Walked along the beach, Brighton Pier and strolled to the Royal Pavillion. Then leisurely drove home by the seaside and then up through the English countryside. Chilly, windy and fun day!

Small snack before hitting the green, windy roads back to Old Basing

London shopping trip to Oxford Street and Harrods (Sept 2011)

2011-09-18T22:52:00.004-05:00

Amanda and Tori on the train to London (with Joe). Very successful shopping trip to Oxford Street to get Tori some clothes and accessories for her first day of college. The only downside of the day's shopping expedition was that Harrods discontinued our favorite parmesan crusted salami about 3 months ago. Oh well - we managed to make due with garlic stuffed olives, mini cornichons, french goat cheese, english cheddar cheese, crunchy baguettes, fine and coarse sausage spreads and a yummy sausage and cheese pastry. Loads of delicious snackies!

Portsmouth, England (September 2011)

2011-09-18T22:39:00.006-05:00

During our afternoon in coastal Portsmouth, Joe and I shopped and went to the top of the Spinnaker Tower.

Bosham, England (September 2011)

2011-09-18T21:46:00.017-05:00

Cozy, Sunday roast dinner at The Bosham Inn followed by a walk around this quaint town. The weather was a little rainy, windy and chilly. Loved it!

Bath, England (September 2011)

2011-09-18T11:53:00.015-05:00

Wandering near a park in Bath

Before Joe and I toured the Roman Baths, we stopped with Tina and Lillia for some fish n' chips at The Crystal Palace (not the best we have tasted) and then a little ice cream for Lillia and fudge for Joe and Tina.

The Roman Baths

During the trip, my camera broke and the zoom function ceased working. When I attempted to zoom, everything became blurry - like this picture.

Joe's 25th Mathis High School Reunion (7.30.11)

2011-07-31T11:00:00.006-05:00

On Saturday, we got up and drove to DuPont Park in Ingleside, Texas for Joe's 25th high school reunion. Joe has been told he is the 5th generation to graduate from Mathis High School. Joe grew up just a few houses down the street from the high school and would walk home in the afternoons. At the reunion, some people didn't recognize him because he no longer wears glasses, he has less hair and ... he was one of the only people who has lost weight since high school. He looks so great! He had a good time visiting with friends many of whom he hadn't seen since graduation.

We took the "scenic" route on the way home passing through Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, Rockport and Bay City. Not really that scenic except that Rockport looks like it might be somewhere to visit for a weekend. I was struck by massive amounts of wind turbines just right there in the middle of one of the nowheresville towns. It almost looked like a sci-fi movie!

The scenic drive home

Middle of nowhere Texas

Beautiful cotton fields along the highway

Galveston beach with Andrew, Debbie, Charlie and Gracie {7.24.11}

2011-07-27T19:19:00.006-05:00

On Sunday, Joe and I went to East Beach in Galveston with Andrew, Debbie, Charlie and Gracie. It was a gorgeous day and we had a wonderful time in the sand and surf!

At first, Charlie was reluctant to go into the water

so he stayed on the beach and played in the sand.

Andrew and Debbie took him to the water's edge several times but he just wasn't

warmed up to the idea of getting into the water . . . yet.

Then ... Charlie discovered he LOVED being in the water!

Joe hanging on the beach

Uncle duties kicked in and Joe had fun splashing around in the water with Charlie

Meanwhile, back at the beach - Gracie slumbered peacefully and posed for a few photo ops

Andrew and Debbie

Joe and I

Andrew and I

Family get together {July 23, 2011}

2011-07-27T18:44:00.007-05:00

This past weekend, we had a family get together. Doug's daughter, Liz, came to visit with the spectacular Miss M. Doug's son, Mark, drove in to town with his wife, Lynn. Alex, Joe and I were there and Andrew, Debbie, Charlie and Gracie came from Austin. Great grandma Polly came over and a cousin of Liz and Mark's came from San Antonio. Mom and Doug had dinner catered by Niko Niko's (Greek food) and it was delicious!! It was fun to hang out with the family and get a chance to talk and play with the kids.

My mom with Miss M and me

Great grandma Polly with Charlie and Gracie

Liz with Miss M and Charlie (who ADORED Liz)

Charlie in all his cuteness

Wuzzo with Charlie and Gracie

Andrew with Gracie

Uncle Alex with Charlie

Uncle Joe (momentarily without a niece or nephew)

Auntie Amanda with Gracie

The gorgeous Gracie girl

Debbie with Gracie

Miss M with Gracie

Miss M

Miss M with Charlie's Dora doll - see a resemblance?

Miss M styling Aunt Lynn's hair

The Schlatter Family (minus Anthony - Miss M's dad)

The gang

Playing at the pool in Austin {July 2011}

2011-07-24T19:01:00.006-05:00

After getting nice and hot at the parade, we enjoyed a refreshing dip in the neighborhood pool!

Lakeway July 4th parade {2011}

2011-07-24T18:41:00.006-05:00

Andrew, Debbie, Charlie, Gracie, Joe and I went to the Lakeway Fourth of July Parade.

The parade started with bagpipes and I loved it!

Charlie had an entire bag full of fun stuff from the parade - candy, balls and beads. He's so cute he raked it in! Strangest loot thrown - empty bullet shell casings from the military trucks.

Vintage cars in the parade

My favorite car in the parade (if only it was red!)

Charlie was just a little hot and tired after the parade

CARS 2 with the gang {July 2011}

2011-07-24T18:37:00.004-05:00

Andrew, Debbie, Charlie, Gracie, Susan {a friend of Debbie's who went to Sundance with us one year}, Joe and I all saw CARS 2. Charlie was so cute talking about the characters in the movie "Sally! Lightning McQueen! To Mater! And, and, and ... I saw a train!"

Then Debbie, Susan and I saw MONTE CARLO (cheesy, enjoyable chick flick). A fun day full of movies!!

Charlie and Gracie - July 4th weekend {2011}

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Auntie Amanda and Uncle Joe having fun with Charlie [July 2011]

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Uncle Joe and Auntie Amanda visit Gracie {July 2011}

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Charlie "tapping" in Mom's shoes and dancing {July 2011}

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Charlie dancing (tapping) in Mommy's shoes

Charlie dancing

Charlie dancing until dizzy

Charlie's biggest summer accomplishment - potty training (June 2011)

2011-07-17T16:24:00.002-05:00

Charlie and Gracie - Trip to Kansas {June 2011}

2011-07-17T16:13:00.004-05:00

Charlie and Gracie went to Kansas with Debbie and Jim (Debbie's dad) to see their Great Grandma Courtois. Debbie said despite a 5 hour delay both kids were super well-behaved.

Charlie in the cockpit!!

Charlie and Gracie with Great Grandma Courtois.

Debbie said Charlie nicknamed her "Great Girl."

Charlie loved playing especially with the deer.

St. Thomas More 30th 8th grade reunion

2011-07-17T15:55:00.003-05:00

On June 25, 2011, I went to the Saint Arnold's Brewery for a 30th reunion of my St. Thomas More 8th grade class. Many of the girls I had not seen since high school graduation (1985) and some since 8th grade graduation (1981). I had not seen most of the guys since our 8th grade graduation. It was a little Twilight Zone-ish at first but it was fun.

It was especially good to see Lori Lewis Steffek and Vicki Prinster Ehlers!

Vicki Prinster Ehlers, Anne Goldsmith and I

Here I am with Anne Goldsmith and Anna Bayardo Charlton

The group on Saturday night

The girls

With Mrs. Rucker (she's 87 and still teaching at STM in the mornings!)

Father's Day {June 2011}

2011-07-17T14:52:00.003-05:00

Joe, Alex and I celebrated Father's Day with Mom and Doug at their house with a delicious lunch of Zoe's Kitchen and some presents.

Here's Dude showing off the perfect gift for a grandfather!

Andrew, Debbie, Charlie and Gracie celebrated Father's Day in Fredericksburg

Bariatric surgery {6.6.11}

2011-07-17T14:45:00.013-05:00

On June 6, 2011, after a long journey of soul searching and medical tests to get surgical clearance, I had gastric sleeve (or sleeve gastrectomy) surgery.

WHAT IS GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY?

"The primary means by which the gastric sleeve operation works is by removing the storage capacity of the stomach. Because of this, the patient has a subjective feeling of fullness with a much smaller amount of food. This means that he/she can more easily control his/her hunger and stop eating sooner. The new capacity of the narrower stomach is hard to measure but likely is between 4 and 8 ounces. One intestinal hormone shown to be favorably affected by the gastric sleeve operation is Ghrelin. This is produced in the part of the stomach that is removed, and therefore, drops to a low level in the bloodstream after the operation. Ghrelin is important for how the brain perceives hunger, and low levels cause the patient to be less hungry – turning down the drive to take in too many calories. Because of a combination of the above factors the gastric sleeve operation has demonstrated excellent weight loss for almost all patients. Its ability to produce very good weight loss – as good or better than the LapBand – with no implantation of a foreign body, and the ability to avoid some of the complications related to the rearrangement of the intestinal tract as seen with the gastric bypass makes the gastric sleeve a very attractive option for weight loss surgery for the future." From the website of my surgeon, Dr. Robert Marvin.

It's called a gastric sleeve because about 75% to 90% of the stomach is removed surgically, the open edges are stapled and the remaining portion of the stomach looks like a "sleeve." or a tube. The procedure permanently reduces the size of the stomach and is irreversible.

MY ROAD TO SURGERY

I initially went to the surgery orientation with the thought that I was going to have adjustable lap band surgery but, after hearing all of the short term and long term complications of the band as well as the bypass, I decided the sleeve was the right surgery for me.

After the orientation, I thought I would have the surgery in about 2 or 3 weeks but it took much longer to get all my medical clearances. Dr. Marvin was extremely thorough to make sure that all my operative risks were as low as possible. I had to go to the cardiologist for a stress test and an echocardiogram. All my cardiac tests were great (in fact, the doctor said I had no evidence of mitro-valve prolapse or disease which I had been diagnosed with many years ago). I had blood work done (6 vials) and, when the results came back, I was told all my blood work was good except that one test (the clotting test) came back abnormal so I needed some additional blood work. I went for the additional blood work (5 more vials) and then waited for the results. If they came back normal, surgery could be scheduled. If they came back abnormal, I would have to be referred to a hematologist. I called the doctor's office and was told all my blood work was normal and we scheduled my surgery for Monday, June 6th, with my final pre-op appointment with Dr. Marvin scheduled for the Wednesday before. When I went to my final pre-op appointment, Dr. Marvin told me that, in actuality, I did have a clotting disorder [Factor V Leiden heterozygous disorder] and I could not have surgery until a hematologist checked me out. This disorder in essence means that my blood clots too quickly making me at a 5% to 10% elevated risk for blood clots. The hematologist said that I didn't need any daily regimen for the disorder and that I am at greatest risk for a blood clot following trauma, surgery or broken bones. He also indicated I should take aspirin a few days before and after long flights to help avoid DVT. Fortunately, the hematologist cleared me for surgery and spoke to Dr. Marvin about the surgical regime of blood thinners before and after the surgery (those damn shots hurt and gave me huge bruises!).

On Monday, June 6, 2011, I went for the surgery at University General Hospital. Here's a picture of me at the house just as we were leaving for the hospital.

The surgery was performed laparoscopically with 5 small incisions to perform the surgery. Because of the post-op risks for any patient, and my blood clotting issue as well, I had to spend one night in the hospital. The doctor told me to be at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. but, when I got to the hospital, my surgery wasn't until 10:30 a.m. So, Joe and I had to sit around for longer than I would have liked. I was nervous, anxious, excited, stressed out and emotional. I was definitely ready to get the show on the road! I went back to get prepped for surgery, had the Lovonax (blood thinner) shot and then, before I knew it, the surgery was over and I was in recovery. Waking up from anesthesia is such a strange feeling. Of course, I was also full of morphine - thank goodness! The surgery was a bit rougher than I anticipated but I was up and walking within 4 hours of being brought back to my room. I had to get up and walk a lot and, at first, I could hardly walk very far. My surgical incisions (particularly the one where the muscle was cut in order to remove my stomach) was extremely painful and moving was difficult. In fact, that was my only real pain from the surgery. Originally I didn't think anyone needed to stay the night with me but, after seeing how difficult and painful it was for me to move and get out of bed, sweet Joe stayed the night with me and helped me up when I needed to use the restroom and walk. I made myself walk every time I could and every time the nurses came into my room (which was a lot) because I was so afraid of blood clots. I was released from the hospital by 10:30 a.m. the next morning with instructions to walk and stay hydrated.

First day home

I took a week off from work and I am so glad I did. I just rested, walked and tried to drink as much as possible but I just could hardly get anything down. Not surprising since about 90% of my stomach was removed. The first few weeks I was paranoid with each and every pain in my body that I was getting a clot. Poor Joe had to make sure my limbs weren't swollen, red or hot so many times. He was so patient with me. Initially my blood pressure was quite high and I ran a bit of a temperature which had to be watched (a spike to 101 or greater could indicate an infection or a leak in the staples). After 2 days, my blood pressure was back to normal as was my temperature.

For the first 9 days, I was on a liquid diet - sugar free jello, sugar free popsicles, water, crystal light and broth. My first week I lost 22.5 pounds!! I only took pain medicine the first night I was home to help me sleep and then I didn't feel like I needed it again even though I did have incision pain. I had no nausea or any other major side effects from the surgery. In fact, the only issue I had at all was the one incision pain. I was so lucky! I went back to work after a week and was on "light" duty meaning I couldn't lift our 25 pound boxes for court. I tired easily at first but I am now cleared and have no physical restrictions as related to the surgery.

I am now 5 weeks post-op and have lost 43 pounds. Just Friday (after a month of a soft, mushy food diet), I am now cleared to eat "normal" food as tolerated. Of course, I should avoid high fat, high sugar and fried foods and what I can eat should be nutritionally valuable. I cannot eat much at all but am trying to get my protein in at each meal. It's not easy. So far, the 2 main foods that people complain about (bread and red meat) I have eaten in small portions and had no issues. I am adding foods back a little at time and I am determined that I will be able to eat what I want. Of course, I am working on adjusting what I eat so that it is nutritious and healthful but, knowing that every now and then if I want a bite of something I can have it, will make it much easier to eat healthfully the majority of the time. My incisions are healing nicely even though I will have 2 pretty good scars.

My only issue at this point is the chewable vitamins which make me nauseous and the PA said I could not take pill vitamins because they don't absorb well enough. Joe bought me some liquid vitamins which look like seaweed sludge and the smell also makes me gag. I thought I was so smart by buying Flintstones but the PA told me that they don't have enough of what I need and no amino acids like the bariatric vitamins. I got some vitamin crystals so we'll see if those are any better - keep your fingers crossed! I go back to the doctor September 16th and will have blood work done prior to going to make sure I am not mineral or vitamin deficient.

I have already gone through my closet with my mom and sorted all the clothes that didn't fit because they were too big (6 garbage bags full). I weigh less than I did when I got married 8 years ago and so many of my clothes that were way too tight are now fitting again. It has been so nice the last week to open my closet and know that everything in front of me fits. It certainly makes getting ready in the morning much less stressful.

One thing that is so odd to me is that I have no hunger at all and get full so quickly. My eyes and my brain will have to adjust to how much food is realistic for me to eat in one sitting. This is going to be a definite adjustment process in so many ways - physically, mentally, psychologically. Food has been a source of great comfort to me for many years and its relationship with me is now forever altered.

I have been enormously blessed with amazing family and friends who have been so loving and supportive in my decision and the early days of the journey. I look forward to living a long, healthy and happier life.

I told Joe that for 10 years he has had a very low maintenance wife because I haven't cared much about clothes, shoes, fashion, beauty products, makeup. However, he's been forewarned that when I can wear any clothes in any store, he better watch out because I might become just a bit of a high maintenance skinny bitch! :)

Gracie {June 2011}

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First bath

Charlie also loves carousels [June 2011]

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Charlie and Gracie love amusement parks {June and July 2011}

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Gracie hanging out with Daddy and Mommy at the parks too

Charlie learning to swim and playing in water {June 2011}

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Mom and Doug at Mom's 50th high school reunion (April 2011)

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Beautiful Gracie

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Charlie and Gracie (a few more fabulous Bluebird Photography photos)

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Charlie (Bluebird Photography)

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Gracie (Bluebird Photography)

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Miller family photo session by Bluebird Photography

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Charlie (2 years 4 months) and Gracie (1 week)

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Gracie (1 week old)

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Gracie had her first photo session with Bluebird Photography

Auntie Manda w/Miss M (5.21.11)

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I got to see both of my nieces in one day! What a treat!!!

Gracie at 5 days (5.21.11)

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What a sweet, beautiful baby Gracie is! I was holding her and loving on her and she smelled so sweet. Now, I know all babies smell sweet but Gracie really smelled like dessert. Finally, we realized that Debbie had been holding Gracie and had used vanilla hand cream.

No wonder Gracie smelled so delicious!

Uncle Joe, Auntie Amanda and Uncle Alex meet Gracie (5.21.11)

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The Miller Family (May 2011)

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Charlie visiting Gracie

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Debbie, Andrew and Gracie

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Grandparents and Gracie

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Wuzzo, Gracie, Dude and Charlie

Grandpa and Grandma with Gracie

Gracie in all her pink cuteness!

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Miss M - as of late

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A few recent pictures of the lovely Miss M: headshot, rock climbing, with a parrot, on a carousel, in a very large chair, practicing yoga and in a play. She is a multi-talented and beautiful niece, don't you think? I do!

Gracie: May 18, 2011

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Grace Elizabeth Miller {Gracie} has arrived

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Grace Elizabeth was born at 11:08 a.m. today. She weight 7 pounds 8 ounces and is 20.25 inches. Mom and baby are doing great! She is absolutely adorable!!!

Funeral at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church (Hostyn, TX)

2011-05-15T13:53:00.005-05:00

On Saturday, Joe, Alex and I attended the funeral for the mother of my childhood friend, Lori. The funeral was at the Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in Hostyn, TX (near La Grange) and the church and grounds were beautiful. Lori and I have been friends since kindergarten and spending time at Lori's house - and with her mother - was a big part of my childhood. Lori's mother introduced me to Velveeta cheese (I thought I had died and gone to heaven with the amazing gooey cheesiness melted onto a piece of toast!). Although the circumstances were sad, it was good to see my dear friend again and meet her gorgeous daughters. It had been way too many years since Lori and I had seen each other and I hope to see her again soon!

Mother's Day (2011)

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On Mother's Day, Joe, Alex and I went to my mom and Doug's house for a relaxing day celebrating my sweet mom. We had a smorgasbord of delicious foods from Zoe's Kitchen and enjoyed chatting. I am blessed to have the best mother in the entire world!

Cute cookie jar from Miss M to Wuzzo

Stanley getting into the present unwrapping action