Fun Family Time

Last weekend we went down to the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, but I forgot the camera in the car. It was amazing & massive with different 'types' of art showcased. We had a lot of fun walking around with the kids and because the fair extended out onto many streets, it wasn't all so crowded.Thursday I took the kids out to the mall to get out of the house. I finally felt a little better and playing outside was just too hot!

On Saturday, we went to the Rochester Park. The recreation organization was celebrating their 60th anniversary. We got free ice cream & there were many free activities (Bouncer/moonwalk, soccer, face painting, balloon shaping via clowns etc...). Pete will be mad if he see this pic here.

"Are the ducks coming after me?"
"Yummy"
"Look Peter, there's doggies over there"
"Oh no...we have visitors!"

Just a mommy & her babies. They came really close, the ducks here are fed by people (not supposed to) so they are used to humans.The kids played in the play area for an hour. Kiersten & Peter were all over the place. I was trying to help Kiersten & I slammed my head into a metal pole. I went to bed early last night from a throbbing headache.
Leaving & heading to the mall. It was getting way too hot to stay outside.
"Yep, I'm a baby supermodel"

decisions, decisions!

Well, my bloodwork came in and my level (what they look for) was 4.9 and the norm is 0.8-1.8 so I am way too high that's why I began having problems breathing. I am now on heart medicine to help slow my heart down (my blood pressure has been 140+/75ish..too high) & I have to take thyroid meds (6pills a day) until my level comes down so I have to visit the doc weekly for now. Then I have to go see a specialist and make a decision on what to do. Either I stay on these pills for a very long time on & off for the rest of my life or I take radioactive measures to 'kill' my thyroid & take a thyroid supplement for the rest of my life.

If I stay on these pills, I could eventually become infertile and the side effects are harsher. I also have to see the doctor on a more regular basis (possibly monthly) to make the sure the dosage is correct.

If I go radioactive (very, very low grade), I have to find a place for the kids for a week b/c I basically have to be confined. The benefits here are taking a supplement which is giving the body what it already needs, less side effects, and the ability to have more children down the road. Eventually, I will only need to visit the doctor annually.

This whole thing is crazy!

What a night!

I haven't been feeling too great the past 2 weeks and over the past week having difficulty breathing. Adding to my stress already is a husband who works loooong hours (b/c he has to), running around after 2 kids all day & the heat!!!! No Lammone ALONE time.

I checked myself into the emergency room(Urgent Care) around 9:45pm (I drove myself b/c I am still able to function). After an okay EKG and X-rays, I had to go to a hospital for a CT Scan & blood work. I got to Beaumont Hospital around midnight & had to check into the ER even though I did a transfer. I sat there for an hour and this poor 82yr old lady was moaning & groaning and throwing up for most of my time there. Thank goodness there was a curtain btwn us.

I finally got to see a doctor & he felt that I didn't need a CT Scan & this was mostly anxiety & possibly a thyroid issue.

Halfway during my pregnancy with Kiersten, it was discovered that I had Hyper Thyroid. I had to take 6 pills a day (on top of prenatal & iron pills) & had to have my blood drawn every 2 weeks to check my TSA (THA?) levels. I leveled off near the end of my pregnancy & was given the okay sign not to take any more meds. However, it's immune suppressant so I can be okay for a while & then feel the symptoms. This may be why it took me so long to lose weight with Kiersten. It took me nearly a year to get to pre-pregnancy weight where it took me 4 weeks with Peter. My metabolism was all out of wack.

I am waiting on the results of my bloodwork. If its the thyroid issue, it's manageable at least!!! I see my doctor on Friday anyway so at least he can give me my prescription immeaditately without additional bloodwork. I got home at 2:30am and I am tired.

Thought this was cute.

Kiersten & Dianne Labor Day Weekend 2005. Kiersten was about 4 1/2mths old & Dianne was 2mths & 1 week old. Easter 2006. Kiersten just turned 1yrs old ^ Dianne is almost 10 mths.
Kiersten & Dianne in July 2006 at Dianne's 1st b-day party.

More pics

Peacefully napping.

4th of July 2005

The guest bedroom(completely white) was turned into Peter's room.


Goofing off. as usual.

What did I just tell you?
Xmas 2005

Bushbaker Tree 2005

The past year

I thought I'd just go back over the past year & post some past pictures.

Kiersten rolled over at 3 1/2 mths. Of course, she loved eating her toes so that must have helped.

3mth pic

3mth Pic

6mth pic

6mth pic
Previously Peter's room, now Kiersten's room

light green walls with pink and purple butterfly accents. A bunny & butterfly theme room. All furniture previously Peter's.

We have an escapee...

Her name is Kiersten Gabriella Bushbaker, she is almost 15mths old and she belongs to us! Sunday morning around 8:30 a.m. Peter was upstairs playing in Kiersten's room. Her room is across from ours just a few steps away and we don't close the gate at the top of the stairs so we don't lock Peter out since he sleeps downstairs.

Pete & I had been up late because we lost power for 2 1/2-3hrs until 11pm last night, so we were up, just drowsy and laying in bed. We could hear the kids playing, Kiersten stays in her crib until we come get here.

Suddenly, a thump we didn't take seriously b/c Peter had been jumping all morning. Then a second thump and then silence for about 15secs. Then we heard Peter, "No Kiersten, you can't go there!" Pete jumps out of bed & catches Kiersten right before she starts down the stairs! She is pretty good at the stairs, but one of is ALWAYS with her to spot her! Whew, close call and we moved her crib settings tonight so her mattress is at the lowest possible! No injuries since (she didn't cry) we believe Peter ended up spotting her as she made her way over her crib and down her changing table. Luckily, we also had a blanket that had fallen on the floor where she came down.

Reflecting Back (just a little)

My 10 year class reunion came and went this year. It was held in Traverse City, MI over the 4th of July weekend. I was unable to attend since we were in Chicago, but I probably wouldn't have gone. I think the 20 year class reunion may be more interesting and will probably go there unless I am living out of the country (who knows where we'll be).

Our class president was able to compile a list of our class (not complete of course) with our help and was really nice to see who got married and where people currently are. I emailed a few people down in the Metro-Detroit area and I am going to try and plan a lunch/dinner.

I lost contact with many people (I stay in touch with most of my college friends) and some were through distance and some were because we had just all changed. Going away to college was one of the best experiences I have had (and having my children) because I became who I am today & I am very happy with who I am and where I am at in my life. Oh, I also met my husband in college too! Though we did everything backwards, we have been together for almost 10yrs and married for a year and a half.

Anyway, I look forward to catching up with some old friends from high school in the next few months!

Some more pics from last week

Peter getting his hair cut at Carnival Cuts (Great Lakes Crossing Mall). We hope to start going elsewhere ($8 at Mastercuts) b/c it cost us $18!
Nice & short.

Kiersten taking in the breeze.
More beach pictures. We hit the beach twice last week.

A few pics from last week

Hanging out at our private beach for the neighborhood.
Cousin Calvin & Peter
Kiersten fell asleep on the way to Indian Springs Park
Still Sleeping
Awake & ready to play
"I can do it myself"
Me, Kiersten & Peter
Mommy & daughter picture (I'm barely in the pics since I'm always the one taking them)
After the haircut!
Check out all that hair! It runs in the family on the women side.