10 Months!

Woot! You're almost one Emmylou! This morning you took some steps unassisted. You have done it a couple of times before, but it was the first time your daddy got to see it. He got SO excited, it was adorable. I made you some homemade formula for the first time the other day, and am relieved to announce you loved it, and it didn't cause any tummy troubles like powder formula did. Plus, it was easy to make. I wonder if I could make this stuff for other people's babies? It has really helped me feel less stressed about pumping enough for you, and it's going to make weaning a bit easier when the time comes for the radioactive iodine treatments.
During your 9th month you sprouted 4 teeth- two on top, two on bottom. front and center.
Random cute story from this morning: You were cruising around our bedroom and saw daddy, so you rushed over to him (letting go of the bed in the process, first time he's seen you take steps without holding on!) and he picked you up and gave you kisses. After a minute, you started fussing and kicking like you wanted to be put down, but once on the floor you started crying. He picked you up and you still cried, so he handed you to me. You kept fussing, and reaching for him, but when I handed you back, you reached for me. So daddy and I both held/hugged you and suddenly everything was right in your world. Precious.

Oh, also daddy got a job at a tattoo shop near our house, so in the next week there won't be any more daily drives out to Clear Lake!! I am nervous and excited. This will be the first tattoo shop change he's ever made.

Love,
L

March 12- At the Park with Mom and Dad

Radiation Update

For the past few months, I have been really uncertain about what's happening with my radiation treatments. The doctor I am going to is one of the best in the country, but impossible to get a hold of. His assistant is awful; she never returns phone calls, nor does she have any recollection of what is going on with me. You would think that after a year, she would have some idea of who I am. So, I finally went to his office to try to talk to him, and get some blood work done while I was there. His assistant was totally incapable of even trying to get him to see me, but at least she did have him call me while I was there. Early in February, his assistant had told me that it appeared that the radiation was not necessary, and to just come back for more blood work in March to make sure my thyroid levels were good. After speaking with the doctor on Monday, he said that I absolutely still needed the treatments, and should start within the next 4-6 weeks. It's going to have to wait until May, when school gets out. At least I will be able to nurse Emmylou for a little while longer. Maybe we'll feel more ready by then. The family is relieved that the confusion has cleared up, too.

Dear Emmylou

Dear Emmylou,

You're becoming more attached to your daddy lately, and I can see how happy that makes him. He has the pleasure of spending 3 full days a week with you. I get one randomly selected day every week to spend fully with you.  On that day, I wake up around 7 am and start getting things done around the house. I wait a bit impatiently to hear the sound of you waking up, ready to whisk you out of bed for a little snuggle time. While I know that at some point, we will have to run errands, I always make time for the park or some other outing that you will enjoy.