JILL UPDATE
Jill's next surgery (hysterectomy/implant) date is May 29th at 7 a.m. She should be in the hospital for one night and go home the next day. The docs will do a Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH) which means they will make a couple incisions in the abdomen, disconnect the ovaries, and take out the ovaries and uterus vaginally. More info here: http://www.ohanlan.com/laparoscop.htm. Her O.B. will do the hysterectomy first, then the plastic surgeon (Dr. Arch Miller) will remove the expanders (that have been being filled in the last several months to stretch the skin) and insert the permanent implants. The implants will be softer and more like the real thing than those temporary expanders were. An obvious bonus is that they will be perkier than "Mom boobs", as Jill calls them. Sorry if this embarrasses anybody. We are all so desensitized to the whole boob subject, that it just seems normal to talk about them in a matter of fact manner. Anyway, she will not be able to lift anything over 15 lbs. for 6 wks. This means no picking up Li'l Lainey for a while and needing help with everyday duties (there are so many) like feeding, bathing, changing, clothing, and holding Lainey. We're all ready to go at it again! I'm betting a schedule will be made like last time to help Jill & Jerry with the kids.
Speaking of the kids, Lainey is just a riot. Was talking to Jill tonight, and Lainey managed to get away from her. When Jill caught up with her, she had a black beard made of Oreo-looking dirt from playing in the plant pot. She is ON THE MOVE - crawling everywhere and FAST. During Peyton's birthday party this past weekend, Lainey gravitated toward whoever had the cake and ice cream. Begging like a little baby bird for a bite... Too cute. She also loves anything rough. You can throw her on the bed and rest assured there will be baby giggles to follow. As for PeyPey, her official birthday is 3/29, but we celebrated last Saturday. She had a princess hat on (thanks Hayley) when she blew out her candles and got lots of cool gifts, like a Hannah Montana wig, Hungry Hippos, and a fairy Barbie. All girl, I tell you. She has an upcoming dance recital, zoo trip, school carnival, and pre-K graduation. Her social calendar beats mine by a long shot. ;o)
Also, Jill and Jerry have put their house up for sale. They are looking to move closer to Peyton's and Jill's school and get a house with no stairs to run up and down. Sounds good to me.
GENERAL FAMILY UPDATE
The fam (Quandel and Stanfill) experienced a fantastic Easter egg hunt at Jill's family's church (Faith Church in Glenpool) last Saturday before Peyton's birthday party. About 20k eggs were laid out in a field for the kiddos to snatch up. Peyton and one little boy latched onto one egg at the same time; I could NOT get her to let go for all the talking in the world. She got the egg; Guess it's good she sticks up for herself! ;o)
Mema is anxiously awaiting the hummingbirds to return around tax time - April 15th. Her social calendar is busy as ever too - running here and there with Mom and Dad and Jr. and Sandy. I've been settling into the new house. Decorating and slowly (and I mean slowly) unpacking boxes here and there. I am so unorganized, it's unreal. It's fun though. Like a new adventure everyday. I did manage to get some family members' birthdays on record. Happy Birthday to cousin Erin on 3/28, Peyton on 3/29, cousin Ann on 4/7, and Jerry on 4/12. Erin is an AMAZING 47 (I so hope you don't mind me telling, but you look GREAT, my goodness), Peyton is the big 5, and Jerry is 32. I'm glad I have a birthday each year... Means I'm stilling hangin' in and livin' life, ya know!
One last thing... I want to remember my best dogger, Dixie. She went on to greener pastures on March 29th of last year. I still miss her all the time - would like to have her here to experience the new house with me. RIP, baby girl.
Love,
Amber
Enjoy the pics below...
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PICS
Mom's birthday present (birthday was 2/18) was a pedicure and manicure. Peyton got her toes and nails painted as well.
Jill and Peyton at Easter Egg Hunt
Peyton can hula-hoop like nobody's business. Can even do it around her head.
For entertainment at the Easter egg hunt, we fed Lainey a pickle. Her reaction is below. (FYI, she kept coming back for more!)
The Stanfill fam at Peyton's 5th birthday party. Notice her princess hat...
