A Hero

There are people in our lives we call heros.  Our fathers, our mothers, our brothers..... people who overcome or fight the biggest battles life throws at them.

I met one of the biggest heros of my life this year.

SGT Ted Wade went to battle so you and I could have freedom and feel safe and protected in this country we live in.  He is a hero, a soldier, a Purple Heart recipient.  He is a son, a brother, and a husband.  He is a traumatic brain injury survivor.

Yes, Ted Wade went to battle and survived an explosion in Iraq.  He was in love, young, and healthy when he left to defend us.  He came back in a coma, lost a limb, and sustained severe brain deficits.  As a matter of fact, one Iranian doctor refused to give up on Ted.  All the other doctors said there was no chance he would make it.  If it weren't for that one man, Ted would have lost his life.

All for us.  For you and me and our children.

I have only seen Ted on one occasion.  I have only talked to Ted for about 30 seconds.  I had heard a lot about him through my neighbor, Michelle.  Michelle was the neighbor who recently got married in Hilton Head.  You can see my blog about it HERE.  Ted is her brother-in-law.

Sgt Wade was the best man in their wedding.  He is Sam's brother.  It made Sam and everyone in the church so proud to see his brother being able to walk down the aisle on the biggest day of his life.  Can you imagine?  Many people on their wedding day are worried about such minor details.  They go crazy with all the extras.  The biggest blessing they could have asked for was for Ted to be able to walk down that aisle and stand by his brother's side.

I was in tears at that moment.

The time I actually talked to him was later that night.  The reception had ended.  I told Derek, "You are going with me.  We are going to go up to him and thank him for defending us and our country."  Derek said, "Really?"  Yes, really.  Sometimes you gotta step out of your comfort zone.  And that is what we did.  Me and my hormones choked it together.  Derek and I walked up to Ted and I said, "Mr. Wade - I want to thank you for your service to our country and what you have done for us.  You are a hero in our eyes."  He just nodded.  That was it.  I turned away, eyes full of tears.

I felt that was a pretty pathetic "thank you."  Really, Liz?  I mean.... to see someone who is forever handicapped and disabled for YOU and your family and that is all you've got???  I had to do something.

I told Michelle in an e-mail I wanted to do something for Ted.  Just telling him "thank you" was not enough.  Wounded Warriors is a wonderful organization that provides support for veterans who have been injured in combat.  Last year, they participated in a walk/run event here in Georgia to help benefit those in Wounded Warrior.  I was in.

Take a look at Ted and his wife in this Wounded Warrior Video:

So, this year, on August 6th, I am participating in the 2nd annual Run/Walk for Wounded Warriors in Kennesaw, Georgia.  In honor of Ted, I am trying to raise as much money as possible for his cause.  I'm asking for your help.  Ted and his wife, Sarah, are constantly battling the emotional - and financial - stressors of these injuries.  Sarah stays home to take care of Ted.
Here's the LINK to donate to Ted and his wife:
https://www.active.com/donate/woundedwarriors11/SWade20

Please, please consider donating.  Even if you don't know anyone who has gone to battle for our country - you need to be aware and thankful.  This is just a small way we can say "thanks" to those who have given up their "normal, healthy" lives for us.

Thank you.  And more importantly - thank you to all the heros who have defended our country.  You are far stronger and better people than I could ever be.

More places to see info about Ted:
http://www.asha.org/publications/leader/2006/060711/f060711a1.htm

A trip to the ER... and not for work!

Well, Sunday night was sure "exciting."  I was getting ready to leave for work around 6pm... when Bianca fell off a chair in the kitchen.  It was a total accident - a slip of her foot.  She ended up with one of her front top teeth puncturing through her lower lip.  It actually went all the way through and bled like crazy on both sides.

For those of you who don't know me.... because I work in the ER..... bumps and scrapes, broken bones, etc - they don't bother me.  I probably down-play too much.  As a matter of fact, at work we often joke that nurses are the worst mothers because they don't take their kids' injuries/illnesses seriously.  I figured she just got a small scrap, no big deal.  But when I saw it went all the way through, I got a little worried.  I could actually get almost the entire tip of my pinky finger into the lip.  I wasn't sure if it would need stitches.... augh... A stitch.  I knew if it did, it would be only one.  So - I did what any ER nurse does.

I called a doctor friend.  Well, not just any Dr friend.  "Uncle Fred."  Uncle Fred and Aunt Mary have become great friends of Derek and I's while living here in Atlanta.  We can call Fred any time of the day and know he'll answer - and always help us out.  I told him what happened and he said to send a picture.  So I sent him this:

please note... this picture over emphasizes the drama, and under emphasizes the depth/size of the laceration!

He said to take her in.  It looked like it could probably use a stitch.  And even if it didn't, at least we would have a good piece of mind.  Good point.  So, Derek and I packed up and went to the Children's Hospital for a evening in their ER.  I had to call work and tell them I would be late - no telling how long the wait would be.  Atlanta Children's Hospital is AMAZING.  They treat only children - no adults.  They are so specialized.  

We were fast-tracked and saw a Nurse Practitioner.  The NP said it could really go either way - a stitch or just 5 days of antibiotics.  She said unless there is an actual "flap" when kids bite through their lip - they really don't like to stitch the lip.  So, we agreed and B is on 5 days of Amox.  She soooo lucked out!

It's funny, cause I have bitten through my lip twice.  So bad I had to have several stitches and still have a small scar on my lip where they were and a bruise on my tooth.  I guess she's following in her mother's footsteps.... but she's quite a bit younger than I was.  Oh my.... we have our hands full with this little Tom Boy.    

22 weeks

I have been super busy the last few weeks.  That is NOT an excuse (well.... it is kinda actually).  I realized I have 1 belly picture.  1.  How terrible.  The first pregnancy I had one at every month.  

I try not to compare this pregnancy with Bianca's.  It seems like this time I feel like I'm "neglecting" poor baby.  Derek does not like when I say that.  He feels bad, too, I guess.  Last time I used to listen to soothing music, do Yoga, take relaxing walks, lube the belly several times a day.... just relax.  This time 'round it's only Elmo songs, bouncing and carrying Big Sister, exhausting walks pushing a stroller in 100 degree weather, and crashing within minutes of hitting the pillow.  Not to mention this poor kid's gotta deal with me swinging 3rd shift 7pm-7am 3 nights a week.  Poor thing.  

But Baby #2 is coming along as scheduled!  He/She had the half-way ultrasound last week.  Baby looks as healthy as can be!  Yeah for that!  I did NOT find out what is in there (for all of you wondering.....).  The ultrasound tech was SO good about not using pronouns and no facial expressions.  I think not finding out what the sex of the baby is has really helped me to focus on what is really important: healthy baby and relaxed family.  There is no stress about making sure things are "perfect" for the baby.  No need to "hurry up" and get extras, clothes, change the nursery, etc. I'm just able to focus on other things.  We honestly don't care what God blesses us with - as long as baby #2 is just as happy and healthy as baby #1 was!  I think I am leaning towards girl and D is leaning towards boy.  I guess it's because I just can't imagine having a little boy.  Before I could never imagine having a little girl.  Now I think about "girl trips" and "girls nights" and princess parties.  Derek is probably thinking about boy trucks and buying Caterpillar play gear.  Either way, this baby will be loved.

At night, Derek and I often take time to be together.  We chat about things and just "be".  This is when the baby moves the most.  Derek will put his hand on my belly and soak it in.  He loves it.  He gets so excited, saying, "Oh hi baby!  Oh I feel it!  This is your daddy!  I love you so much!"  It is the cutest thing ever.  It never gets old to him or me.  

this is a pretty good depiction of our "quite time".  here is in living room, staring at a mess of toys and the enormous Elmo balloon that has survived almost a month.  

belly around 21 weeks. 

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4th of July

We had a wonderful 4th of July this year.  We were blessed to have visitors - Derek's parents were in town.  We were so thankful.  I LOVE when his parents come to town.  His mom takes over Bianca duty for me and his dad completes a list of "please do" things around the house.  IT'S AMAZING.  Door handles were replaced, hard woods fixed, new light bulbs hung, garage dry wall replaced.... the list goes on.  Just what we needed! Thank you both for your love, time, and travels.  It's not easy to have to come so far to visit, and we really appreciate it when you do!  We miss you so much.  

Derek participated in the world's largest 10k run this weekend - "Peachtree Race."  He did great!  He has run in it every year he has lived here.  I'm so proud of him.  He gets up early in the morning to run and takes Bianca with him on his weekend runs.  Such dedication!  I really wish I had half his energy lately.  It was record high heat this year - but he made it!

Our little firecracker.

Grampy is most fun.  He picks me up, tosses me around, plays ball... and lets me put my feet in public water fountains to splash!

Mommy says my legs are losing their baby fat and it makes her sad.  I guess this picture is proof.

Nana is fun, too.  She's especially fun when we go shopping.  She picks out some pretty cute clothes (both wardrobe pieces in this blog post compliments of Nana....).  We're both in pink in this picture. I like matching just like Nana.

Yeah, these people are pretty cool.  Sure wish I could see them more.  I cried when they left today.  It was sad.  It made Mommy cry, too.  Mommy says in a few years I'm getting "shipped" to Nana and Grampy's house for the summer.  Not sure what that means exactly - but I can't wait!!! (hope they are ready...)