Yard and Kid Pictures

Killing grass. We put down cardboard and woodchips. We can't plant anything in the ground for at least 6 months but I am going to put in raised bed for some garden veggies very soon, which should be ok.

Just like a cat: empty drawer, box, basket must be made for climbing into.

The kids wanted to try out my old halloween wig for fun.

Macey had just gotten out of the bath, but I guess she wasn't done since she hopped back in with her shirt on.

Elliott accidently hung himself on his pants but did it again for drama and attention a few minutes later.

Heart Update

Brian went to his cardiologist Tuesday.  His cardiologist said he was worried about his heart at this point.  So now Brian has to wait until March 12th to see the Cardiac Surgeon.  Fun stuff I tell you.  He is very worried about surgery.  I told him also that not having surgery could be more dangerous so sooner may be better.  He was hoping the Surgeon would hold off till June, which I doubt.  I am thinking it will happen in the next 1-2 months.  His cardiologist also stated that this heart condition tends to act in a bell curve and decline quickly once it starts down that slope.  If he delays surgery too long he is at risk of congestive heart failure, which could cause irreversible heart damage.   He also has intermittent symptoms of A-fib, which puts him at risk of stroke.  I have heard really great things about the Cardiac Surgeon from his Cardiologist and from Cardiac Rehab nurses who are really know about this stuff.  People at work have been very supportive.  We are also hoping that he can have the minimally invasive surgery so that he can heal as soon as possible.  I know that he would have lifting restrictions for 6 weeks with the full open heart surgery and no driving for at least 4 weeks too.  I don't know the restrictions for the "Mini."  I would likely only be able to take off about 3 weeks with vacation.  Macey and Elliott would have to learn that Daddy can hug them if they fall but he can not pick them up.  They would also have to learn to do more things on there own or wait till Mama gets home.   I think they will adapt fine.   Kids are pretty good at that.

Heart Trouble after V'day

Sometimes life is not all about me.
Brian is a little stressed out right now. For anyone who cares and doesn't know, he has a bicuspid aortic heart valve. Everyone is supposed to have 3 and 2 just doesn't work quite right. You can live with this problem for quite a while but eventually you need a heart valve replacement. He had a recent Echo and he won't know the results until his appointment next week, Tuesday. He is stressed that he will need open heart surgery soon. He also has to decide if he wants a mechanical valve and be on blood thinners the rest of his life or have a bovine or pig valve which will likely require replacement in 10-15 years. He will also be on lifting restrictions for 6 weeks in which he can't lift either of the children. All this is still up in the air until his appointment on Tuesday.

Ok, now about me.
Weigh in Today
162 lbs

This is not too surprising really. I have NOT been pigging out on anything and have been very moderate in my diet but still have to be really strict to lose weight. This is so frustrating because now it's down to the little things I have to pay close attention too. This is hard for me.
Some areas to work on:
NF milk - I've been using 2% in my coffee
Not eating any of the kids left overs
Not eating as much dinner
Eating less on the weekends especially PB and big breakfasts
Eating less snacks around the hospital even just 1-2 little chocolates or sm pc cake at lunch
Try writting down exactlly what I eat as I go so I know the little things to cut back on

This seems a little strict but I am going to work very hard at this. I really don't want to get stuck at 162 lbs. I'll never get to use my Starbucks Gift Certificates, if don't get to 160 at least and that is still 20 lbs from the ultimate goal of 140 lbs. 140 is going to be super tough but I am still going to try.