A couple weeks ago was my annual girls shopping trip to the outlet malls...I haven't written about it because I have still been sick and haven't felt like writing a whole lot. I probably shouldn't have gone...to be honest- it was super fun, of course, but I was more miserable than I thought I could be...but darn-nit-I was NOT going to miss this once a year trip with my favorite shopping friends!
I didn't find that many deals- I bought things, of course, but they were things that I could've gotten on another trip when I actually feel like shopping...wait...I actually said "feel like shopping?!" I ALWAYS feel like shopping! That is ME- a huge part of who I am...but lately with all these crazy body changes, I have felt like doing nothing more than staying in my house and rolled up in my bed.
However, one purchase made the trip worthwhile- (not to say that being with the girls wasn't- it was FABULOUS!). I had been on the look-out for stocking holders...at our new house we have this beautiful mantle and visioning stocking hung on them was picturesque...however, we only have crappy old holders that will fall over if just one ounce is in them- they are from our condo- old... Anyway, I hadn't found what I was looking for, until I stepped into Pottery Barn...good gosh, could I live in that store- but my word, I can barely afford a bowl- even at outlet prices! But Ashley, who knew what I was looking for, found a bin of these lovely, silver, heavy duty, perfect for my family stocking holders- in boxes, no less!! Originally priced at $30 (yeah right!), on sale for $4.99- seriously?! I need 6 - like now!
I love that they are open with a hook on them...perfect for an ornament or something inside each one...but what? The next store on our list was Bath and Body- where I found these perfect 2x3 silver and gold glitter frames, that I could rip apart and hang with red/silver ribbon inside each one- with everyone's perfect face...and for $1.25 each, I was sold!
Here is the finished (without presents in them) product:
You like?
Next year, there will be one more, and probably different stockings since the order is all thrown off with this 4th angel coming! But aren't they nice?! I love them!
Okay, so I went to an Endocrinologist this week...
I have never in my life felt more miserable than I had last weekend- I even went to the ER- yeah, that miserable...
They gave me Zofran (a wonder drug) to take the nausea away, and sent me home. Then the specialist gave me a new form of thyroid medication that is natural without fillers and additives- I started that two days ago- I have yet to feel wonderfully better- but I am very hopeful that I will soon- I was hoping by Christmas but she didn't give me much hope for that. I am still a tad emotional- to be candidly honest, it has been an emotional journey...I have spent hours sobbing uncontrollably- and the slightest thing can bring me to that point- I have spent hours on the cold floor of my bathroom, hours sitting outside in the cold - anything to keep my body temperature down...hot flashes and fevers have ruled my days...Headaches like nothing - even my RX won't touch- thankful forever for Dana who has not complained a single word and has done every single thing I have needed and wanted- he has shown me a side I knew he had but thankfully I had never needed before this point. I have struggled with not being able to physically get out of bed, or accomplish even the smallest task...I have not been me, and that is hard on me...
BUT, on a good side- it should all change soon-
Hopefully, right?!
The endocrinologist found tumors on my thyroid that have probably been there a long time...they are called Hashimoto's nodules- and though I can't feel them- the largest one is 3cm...apparently big for them...so...it has to be drained and biopsied after the baby comes in the Spring. It is hard to tell what is causing all my symptoms- because I am pregnant and hormones are crazy some could be attributed that just that alone. But because the nodules finally caused my thyroid to stop working, I have to take meds forever to produce that missing hormone- lucky me!! I don't think I will mind doing that if they make me feel better. I was having anxiety attacks all the time and even at night. I don't think I thought that is what they were, but she confirmed that is normal when your thyroid is not working and you are in symptom overload. That actually made me feel a little better.
I like to think of this little girl as a blessing in many ways- I could tell you all of them, but just one way is with this disease...had I not been pregnant when my thyroid stopped because of the tumor, it would've taken a long time to get diagnosed...just waiting to see an endocrinologist is usually several months- but because I am pregnant, I didn't have to wait at all! So nice!
Today we are going out one last time before Christmas- just a few last minute simple things to pick up- I am going to attempt to get 2 things done today- that will be interesting....
Leah's fairytale Christmas included an American Girl doll that looks just like her!
Dana and I got way too much...as you can see...but our favorite is the fire pit from my parents!
Celeste got her "purple, peace sign bike"- that she has begged for...and a walking dog..Dana's favorite! ha ha
Alex, too got a bike and lots of games and music and fun stuff- so spoiled.
Every year we take a group family picture that includes Sean's family too- but since I was too sick to make it to his house, we just got this one with us and my parents...with my new camera and tripod- Thanks, Dana!! And I put a copy of this in the Hallmark ornament my Dad gets me each year- I look forward to putting it on the tree next Christmas!
My house is still a disaster zone...I am hoping in the next few days to get enough energy to start getting things in order for the New Year. The new medication seems to be settling into my system better and I am hoping to feel normal very soon! Happy New Year to me! oh, and to you, too!
