It's a painful, painful world

Well, visited my (NEW)doctor today, and looks like I'll be getting the epidural later this week, or early next week...this, they hope, will help the pain, and swelling. From the looks of things, the disk is bulging out the back, instead of the side (this is a good thing)...so, I'll keep my fingers crossed. Yesterday was hell...I was down and out, and the pain just did not subside...today, things are a little better...obviously, I'm able to type, albeit, just a little bit. And, can I just say, the best move I ever made was to get a new doctor!!! This new doctor is very pro active, supportive, personable, and actually willing to help solve this haunting back issue of mine!!! Thank you to all my family and friends who have been so incredibly helpful and supportive during this very frustrating time!!! We, the entire family, are very grateful for the love and support.

Update on Aly: Proud parents here!!!! She is doing just great in school, surprising us all each and every day. She has come so far, and its like Leti and I can finally see just how much she has grown, and evolved! She loves school, is a quick learner, and is, and I quote, "one of the best students in the class!"...round of applause!!! I wasn't sure what would happen, but we are so relieved...she sure has come a long way from that little girl who stripped the paints off the time out room walls, ripped the stuffing out of her sleeping mat, and was bilingual in her ability to swear!!!

Oh, and how does the little sister feel about her big sisters first day of school?? In this case, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Star, Tigger, Noona??

Well, the naming of the kitten is final....and the winner is...Tigger. Katie has really bonded with this little guy, and mostly just carries him around like a baby. I wonder if she realizes how big he's going to get in the next year. The kitten has been a nice distraction from her big sisters entrance into school...while it is only three hours a day, that's a long time in kid hours to be by yourself.

1st day of school jitters

Wow, hard to say who was more nervous on Aly's first day of school...her mom's or the student herself! One would think that I as the stay at home mom (sahm) would be relieved, but the pressures have only just begun! Lord knows, her shirts and pants can't be wrinkled....the spray and wash once seldom used is now going to be purchased in bulk, and just packing the snack creates a spiral of indecision. Now the news is reporting WASL scores, reminding parents that you had better be kicking the kids in the behind to do their mountain of homework....or they will be left behind. Homework in kindergarten??! I fondly reminisce about the kids who ate paste, my own crayon diet, and the fun we had trying to create masterpieces of artwork with that rubber cement that had us all stoned by recess. Yes, it is a different era, one in which we the parents stock the schools with supplies (we are currently running at about $30.00 in shool supplies) just to get the year started! However, one need only look at the smile on this kids face to know that school is a brand new adventure, with exciting new possibilities, a time in her life that she will hopefully cherish and carry with her the rest of her life.