The state of the union.

Well, things around these here parts are good most days.  I've started going out to Mom and Dad's to help Mom out now that Dad is home.  He's in a lot of pain most days and enjoys being rubbed on a lot, which is fine, but it's hard for one person.  So I'm going on Tuesdays, Nikki is going on Thursday and someone (extended family or one of us kids) goes out on the weekend.  So Mom's getting relief every other day or so.  It's working out pretty well so far.  We cook dinner for them, although Dad's not in the mood to eat much right now, and I did a little laundry yesterday and massaged/rubbed/scratched Dad until my arms were ready to fall off.  :-)  I'll do it again next time he asks and every time after that...because he's my Daddy and he's done the same for me for the last 30 years.

I emptied the colostomy bag last night.  Sounds like no big deal right?  It's a bag of poo.  It's not as bad as it could be for sure!  I did great.  :-)  I was so proud and felt so accomplished!  Dad warned me over and over how disgusting it is...but really it's not that bad.  I mean, I have a 3 year old, poop is a way of life...and having it on my hands is far worse than emptying a container of it with gloves on and Clorox wipes at the ready.  It's ain't no thang!  Plus, now I can do that and Mom can take a real, honest, full-time break while I'm there and not have to run in and do it.  Hooray!

Miles has started to feel the changes around him.  He was acting up at school a couple of weeks ago and we've refocused and made him our focus when we're home and made sure he knows what's going on and feels loved and knows we're super proud of him when he does well at school.  He's done better, but it's still hard on him.  And Lord is it ever hard on Mama's psyche!  Last night, while I was at Mom and Dad's, Brad was putting him to bed.  He cried and cried and cried for me...even begged Brad to lay in bed with him while he fell asleep.  :-(  (Mama's heart broke when she heard that.)  So I promised him this morning that even when I'm gone in the evenings I'll iChat with him before he goes to bed and give him air kisses.  He seemed okay with that...so we'll see how he handles that.

Aside from that we're all good.  Almost gave Dudley away Sunday...but Brad convinced me to keep that little varmint.  Oh and I've lost 6 pounds in a month.  :-)  Yay me!