Snowy Christmas

We had about 3" of snow in north Alabama on Christmas Day.  Scott and I had a very chill Christmas Day at home planned, and the snow made it even more fun.  On Christmas Eve, we opened gifts from Mom and Rick.  Our last gift was a sled for us.  It was a perfect gift since we had so much snow.  Scott tied the sled up to the four wheeler, and we pulled each other around the yard.  It was so much fun.  Scott also made a small snowman.

It's Christmas Time & I am Coming Home

Happy Birthday Scottie

On December 20, Scott will be 27.  December is full of many family birthdays ( SIL Katie 12/17, Nephew Jackson 12/22, Nephew Matthew 12/29) and of course Christmas, but I always try to make his birthday a special day.  Friday night we went to eat mexican like we do every Friday.  Our waiter, Beto, sang happy birthday and brought him a margarita and dessert.  We went to Outback Saturday night for dinner, and I gave him Black Opps for his PS3.  He has played it nonstop all weekend.  After church on Sunday, Mom and Rick took us out to eat at Red Lobster.  Scott's mom is in Miami getting ready for our nephew Jackson to be born on the 22nd, so we celebrated last weekend with his parents.  His mom cooked him his favorite, peanut butter cake.  I got him a rebel flag cake for his actual birthday.

Black Friday

I have never in my life been shopping on black Friday that I can remember.  I did however work on several black Fridays at Belk's as a gift wrapper when I was in high school, and I should have remembered the craziness.  Well, Walmart had sales starting at 12:01 am on Friday morning.  I really didn't think anybody would be there, so I was not dressed to impress in my pajama pants and t-shirt.  Next year, I will be prepared to see co-workers and church members.  I arrived at about 11:15 wanting a $2.97 Rival 2 quart crock pot.  The parking lot was full.  I couldn't figure out why everybody else came early if the sale didn't start until 12:01.  Well, apparently you get there early and stand in line for the sale items.  I had no clue.  The line at the crock pots was so bad that I couldn't even get close.  I decided to walk around and just see what all was going on.  The Walmart employees brought out a huge display box (covered in black garbage bags so nobody could see what it was) at about 11:30 and placed it right in front of me.  I knew I could get whatever was in the display box, so  I, along with several other women, circled around the display with our hands touching the items that we would throw in our buggy at 12:01.  Guess what it was??  Alabama fleece jackets for $9.00.  Ugh.  I do have 2 Alabama fans that I decided to buy one for, but I had to be surrounded by crazy Alabama fans talking trash the day before the Iron Bowl for 30 minutes.  I didn't let them know I was an Auburn grad, but then a Sunday School class friend walked by and asked if I had lost my mind (She's an Auburn fan too).  Well, at 12:01 people started going nuts grabbing and throwing.  I got my 2 fleece jackets and went towards the crock pots.  Mistake #1:  Never get a buggy.  It is hard to maneuver through a crowd but even harder with a buggy.  I couldn't even get close to the crock pots, and I heard a woman saying  crying, "Everything is already gone".  I was proud I got 2 of the coveted sale items and went towards checkout.  While walking down a random aisle, I spot a lonesome Rival crock pot.  OMG, somebody must have realized that grabbing 20 was a mistake and laid one back on a shelve.  I grabbed it, looked around for somebody to stop me, and took off.  Everybody was waiting until after 12:01 to check out and get the sale price, and I was the second person to check out.  Below is my dashboard after getting back in my car with the loot.

My tight grip on my 2 fleece jackets.  All the women were standing around the bin.  It was kind of funny.

 

Thanksgiving 2010

The day went a little something like this.....

Everything was smelling good.  I was licking my lips and ready to eat.

I was full as a tick and happy.

The tryptophan kicked in and I was ready for my mid afternoon nap.



IBCLC

Since I know you are all wondering (yea right), here is what is going on in the Partain household.....

My days lately have been all about nursing (as in breastfeeding).  No, I'm not feeding a baby every 2 hours....instead, I am studying to take the test to be a IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) in July.  When I first started out my career as a RD (registered dietitian), I was totally obsessed with everything related to diabetes.  I worked for 4 endocrinologist, so I was ALL about becoming a CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator).  As my career path changed, I became really interested in breastfeeding and everything baby since that is what I do now as a WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) nutritionist.  I decided that I wanted to be a certified lactation consultant.  Is there anything more precious and rewarding then helping a new mom and newborn??  Um, I think not.  A lot of people ask me what you have to do to become a LC.  If you are already a nurse or dietitian, you have to have 1000 working hours (involving breastfeeding) and take a 45 hour course on breastfeeding.  I have my working hours, and I have about 5 more hour courses to complete of the 45.  I will have from now until July to study for the BIG EXAM.  The test is offered only one time per year, so I will have to wait a whole year to take it again if I don't pass. Some people (especially Scott) may think that there is not a lot to know, but the anatomy alone is SO COMPLICATED!!  I work daily with breastfeeding moms, so I think being a LC will definitely help when I'm teaching.  It is already hard for a mom to trust me when she finds out that I don't have children and have never actually breastfed, but they trust their male OB/GYN that have never been pregnant and their MDs that may have never had the same sickness.  I think that way to make myself feel better.  I know experience is the best way to learn, but I'm just going to settle for book smarts for now.

In other more excited news, my SIL, Katie, is having her second baby boy due December 29, 2010.  I can't wait to have a new nephew in just a few more weeks!!  Hopefully, I will be making a Miami trip before too long to see Jackson Morris Patterson.

I would say something about how great I feel and how I haven't been in the hospital in over a month, but I wouldn't want to jinx it.

My Crazy Mother

Mom getting a little too close with Craig Morgan this weekend in Nashville. 

Hunting Season 2010

Today is the first day of gun season.  Scott does not hunt with a bow, so I consider today opening day.  He woke up early, early to go to his parent's house.  I brought him lunch and then he was right back out the door to head to the woods.  He wouldn't even stop for a picture.  UGH!!  Hopefully, I will be posting some pictures of him with a BIG BUCK soon.

Gatlinburg

It has been a LONG time since I posted.  Scott and I had a great time in Gatlinburg with his parents.  We watched Alabama lose, learned to play chess, played in our upstairs arcade, took pictures, shopped, lounged, and ate our way through town.  It snowed the Saturday we were in town.  We went up to Ober Gatlinburg to see more snow, but I didn't take one single picture. 

Get Outta Dodge

Scott and I along with my in-laws are going to Gatlinburg this weekend.  The other Mrs. Partain and I picked out an awesome chalet called Get Outta Dodge.  I'll post pics when we get back.  We are hoping for some snow!!

Hospital Trip #3

I went to the oncologist last week for my 3 month scans and received the best news!!  On the way home from the doctor, mom and I stopped to eat a bite for dinner at Jim N' Nicks.  While eating, I started having severe stomach pain.  My back was also hurting, and we guessed it was from sitting in waiting room chairs and being on a MRI table for over a hour.  We hoped I would feel better after sleeping that night.  I hurt all day Friday at work.  I went into one of the RN's office and told her my symptoms and she listened to my stomach.  She had no idea what was wrong either.  After work, I went out to eat with Scott while hiding my pain.  I didn't want him to know that I was sick AGAIN.  Saturday morning I felt a little better and went to work at a health fair at an elementary school close by.  The pain would come on strong and then go away for a few minutes.  I honestly thought I was having contractions and about to deliver a baby.  I always joke that I am at my 10 month pregnancy weight since you are supposed to gain only 20 pounds during a pregnancy and that's how much I want to lose.  I called my mom after the health fair and told her I was still in pain.  I went home and went to bed.  I had to tell Scott what was going on, and I even told him I thought I was about to have a child.  IT REALLY HURT!!  After the Auburn game, I jumped in my Jetta and drove myself to the emergency room.  Scott was yelling at me for being stubborn.  I wouldn't let him go and miss football.  We got into a horrible fight, but I just wanted to see a doctor and get relief!!  I called mom and she met me at the ER.  The ER doctor said that the CT scan showed I had an acute appendicitis and ovarian cyst.  They thought it was the cyst causing the pain and told me to follow up with my GYN on Monday.  We left and I was in pain Saturday and Sunday.  I got a whole lot worse Sunday and had new symptoms like vomiting and other gross stuff.  I called the GYN emergency line and got an appointment in B'ham for Monday morning.  I showed my GYN the ER discharge report, and we discussed my symptoms and had an exam.  He immediately said for me not to eat or drink anything because he was sending me to see a surgeon to have my appendix removed.  I went down stairs, saw the surgeon, and was in surgery 2 hours later.  I was freaking out.  After the pain of knee surgery, I have said several times that I NEVER want to have surgery again.  The memory of knee surgery was so recent and I remember the pain very well.  I guess it's a good thing that my appendix pain was so bad because it made having surgery a little bit easier.  Scott came in a hurry, and I got to see him before surgery.  The surgeon told my mom and Scott that I would be in surgery for 45 minutes and only have a small incision inside my belly button.  Well, the surgery ended up being over 3 hours and I have 4 incisions.  The appendix was infected but the infection had moved into my colon and a part of my colon had to also be removed.  I was supposed to stay in the hospital over night, but I ended up staying for 5 days.  I am at my mom's house now still trying to recover.  Like with my last surgery, she has time to be off from work and can help me get around.  Scott has already missed so much work from being out this summer.  I also get tense at the thought of Junior accidentally jumping on my stomach.  I plan to stay here through the weekend and go home on Monday.  I'm not allowed to work for another week.  I also can't lift or do anything other that walk.  This surgery has been MUCH BETTER.  The pain is not near as bad and the recovery seems to be much easier.  I'm barely taking any pain medicine.  I should be back to normal in another week!!

Victoria and I representing WIC at the health fair

Flowers from my sweet co-workers (I removed the picture.  I couldn't get the picture to turn and my OCD is really kicking in since I can't clean for 2 weeks.   I cried today about not being able to clean.)

My surgeon, Dr. Tapscott

Prayers Answered Via Email

Casey,


Scans look good... I'll see you in 3 months.

HS

Herrick J. Siegel, MD
Associate Professor of Surgery
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Section Head, Orthopaedic Oncology
Knee, Hip & Shoulder Joint Reconstruction
UAB School of Medicine
Consultant, Childrens' Hospital of Alabama
Orthopaedic Specialty Building
1313 13th St. South
Birmingham, AL 35205
Secretary (205) 930 8554
Clinical Coordinator (205) 930 8564
Fax (205) 930 8570

B'ham Auburn Reunion

This past weekend, I went to see two of my Auburn girls, Krystal and Mindy, in Birmingham.  Mat and Krystal were great host as always (next time I promise to bring Jr. and Scotty).  Krystal is one of the most positive, easy going people I know, so we ALWAYS have a good time together.  I learned a lot this weekend.  Mindy introduced me to the term jeggings, and Krystal taught me about the greatness that is knit dress pants.

Krystal with her boys, Toby & Petey

Mindy, me, Krystal, and Candice (Krystal's sister)

The boys were somewhere playing pool.

The Burch's

Eating lunch at Cocina Superior

Shopping at Brookwood Mall

Pedicures.  I have never ever had my nails painted until Saturday.  Krystal made me read a magazine about the hot fall colors.  Hers are now grey and mine are purple.  Love it.

Mindy picking out a cupcake at Dream Cakes ( http://www.dreamcakes-bakery.com/home.html ) in Homewood.  You must go.  NOW!!

I go to the oncologist Thursday for my check-up.  I can't believe it has been 3 months since surgery.  I will have test all morning (MRIs, CTs, X-rays, bloodwork, etc.) and see the doctor in the afternoon for the results.  Please pray for the nurses and doctors, the cancer has not returned/grown, safe travels, and peace for myself and my family (especially my momma).  My brother moved out of our childhood house this weekend, and mom is putting our house on the market.  She has been very tearful and sad about all the changes. 

Hank Jr.

Scott and I went to the Hank Jr. concert Friday night.  It was our third time to see him in the 6 years we have been together.  It's kind of a "family tradition".  He got us tickets for my 28th birthday that was 2 weeks earlier.  Josh Thompson and Jamey Johnson (which Scott loves) opened up for Hank Jr.  We had a great time minus the obnoxious drunks and the couples making out during the slow songs.  Yikes.

I was afraid to hand anybody my camera, so we had to take pictures ourselves.  I missed Scott completely.  Oh, and I am wearing clothing although it doesn't look like it.

Hank Jr. performing "our song" Blues Man.

My baby and I sporting our glasses because we both are losing our eyesight now that we are in our late 20s.

Maw.Maw's 81st Birthday

My Maw.Maw. (my mom's mom) turned 81 yesterday.  We had a huge family party at Mom & Rick's house on Sunday after church.  Maw. Maw. has 5 children, 10 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.  Almost everybody except The Carnes' were able to make it to the party.  We missed you Toby, Mindi, Luke, and Owen!!