New Year's Day

We spent New Year's at home as a family with Papa and Nona Kurz. Ava loved having her Papa and Nona here to play and snuggle with. She has been spoiled with love and goodies while they have visited to help me recover from surgery. It has been nice to be able to just sit, relax, and and focus on feeling better.

Rich decided to keep the Bowling family traditions alive by making clam/potato chowder with sandwiches. He also chopped fruit and melted chocolate for the fondue. The only tradition he didn't do was the pinata. Ava enjoyed the chowder and went bonkers for the fondue. It was fun watching her make a giant chocolaty mess.

While Rich was preparing dinner our wonderful neighbors, the Dacay's, dropped by. They brought us a delicious mexican feast. They made chicken taquitos and guacamole. They also brought chips and salsa and cupcakes for dessert. It was all so wonderful and very generous. We really appreciate their kindness and thinking of me after the surgery.

After we enjoyed a lot of food we relaxed the rest of the night. We watch Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse with Ava and then sent her to bed. The rest of us watched a few old episodes of Psych and then dragged ourselves to bed too.

Overall it was a nice day. I was still in quite a bit of pain and discomfort, but being at home with family made up for it. There is nothing better than being with loved ones to start the New Year off right.

We've only just begun...

At first Nona helped Ava.

Then Ava decided she would have more fun and get more chocolate if she helped herself. Our fondue kit came with a weird plastic utensil we gave to Ava instead of a sharp skewer.

Oh, so HAPPY!

Toward the end Ava decided she ate enough, but fed Daddy so she could still play in the chocolate.

This is my favorite picture. I love the way she is looking at the chocolate so lovingly.

Ava playing her favorite "ball" game with Nona on the computer.

Ava showing Papa her new wooden tool set.

Ava loves to cuddle her Nona. This was at the end of the night while we were winding down from the chocolate high.

Ava loves...

Mickey Mouse

Papa & Nona took Ava out for the day so I could recover from my surgery peacefully. They went to the Disney store and Ava came back with Mickey & Minnie.

In this picture she is dancing around with them.

Popcorn

Buzz & Blankets
Ava loves the Buzz doll and blanket her Uncle Eric gave her. She loves to sleep with a few blankets and a few friends. In this picture she has 3 blankets and I know of at least 3 other friends besides Buzz that were hiding in the blankets.

Bread Pillow

Last Sunday Ava was exhausted after church. We were going to lay her down for a nap, but she said she was hungry for bread. We figured she would sleep better if she ate something, so we gave her a bread roll. For some reason she didn't eat it. She climbed onto Rich's lap snuggling the bread and then resting her head on it like a pillow. It was funny and oh so cute.

I Will Survive

This holiday season has been interesting and one we hope not to repeat. It started the weekend after Thanksgiving when I had a constant pain in my lower right abdomen. I waited a few days, but the pain didn't go away, so we decided I needed an ultrasound. It was funny because when I called Rich at work to ask him to refer me he said he had already filled out the paperwork. I had the ultrasound on November 26th and the results came the same day. We found out I had a 3 1/2 inch cyst on my right ovary. This news freaked me out. It was unsettling to know I had such a large mass in my body and all I really wanted was to see my doctor to figure out what to do next.

Trying to get in to see my doctor proved to be a challenge. When I called to make an appointment I learned my doctor retired and I had to see someone new. Since I wanted to get in as soon as possible they scheduled me with a nurse practitioner. After anxiously waiting a week for the appointment I received a phone call the day before saying since I probably needed surgery I had to see one of the doctors. I was frustrated but figured I could wait a few more days. The scheduler then informed me the first appointment was in 3 weeks. I told her I had pain, discomfort, and thought I needed to been sooner because we weren't sure what the mass was (benign or cancer). The scheduler then told me they had a very busy office and maybe I should try somewhere else. By this point I was upset, concerned, and angry by the lack of compassion the scheduler was showing. Even though I liked that office I decided to go somewhere else.

I called Rich again at the office to see what he could do. He was upset and frustrated too by the events. He then thought of a few doctors he could refer me to and asked his referral coordinator, Kristen, to make some calls. At first she called my doctor's office back and tried to explain the situation. The scheduler also gave Kristen attitude which upset Rich more. Rich then decided he wanted to consult with one of the doctors one on one. While we waiting for a doctor to call back Kristen called another OBGYN office and was able to get me in the following Monday. I was grateful for this appointment because I was worried and just wanted some answers. Within the hour I received a phone call from my original doctor's office stating they could get me in the following week. I told her no thanks I found a different doctor that was willing to see me sooner.

On the following Monday I left for my appointment, but ran into some trouble. There are two offices and the one I went to was wrong. I was frustrated, but fortunately I made it to the other office in time. I was happier at this office because it was quiet with less people waiting. When the doctor saw me he said the other office is their Jerry Springer office and that I would always come to this nicer office.

My new doctor's name is Bruce Bob. He is an older man and experienced in surgery, so that put me a little at ease. He was direct and to the point. He let me know I needed surgery and that the cyst looked benign. He wasn't 100% sure and would still order a biopsy once it was out of me. He thought I should have surgery soon and his scheduler called me right away to schedule it. The first open date was Dec. 23rd but I thought that was too close to Christmas. Dr. Bob wanted to do the surgery laproscopically, but wasn't sure if he would be able to. If he couldn't he would have to cut me open which meant I could be in the hospital for a few days. I didn't want to celebrate Christmas in the hospital so I took the next available date Dec. 30th (yesterday).

I had mixed emotions going into surgery. I was happy we would finally know what was inside me and how to treat it. I was also scared because I don't like hospitals, being cut open, or IVs. I wasn't sure what kind of surgery Dr. Bob would do, so I worried about my recovery. I was hoping for laproscopic since the recovery is shorter and I would be able to pick Ava up sooner. Fortunately, the surgery went well and Dr. Bob was able to remove the mass without cutting me open....YEAH!!

Now that the surgery is over we have more information about the mass. Dr. Bob said it was an endometrioma (benign) and that I have more endometriosis. He said there is another mass on my left ovary about half the size of the one removed. Dr. Bob already discussed some treatment options with Rich (since I was asleep) and we will make some decisions with Dr. Bob on Monday at my appointment. At this point we are hoping to use medicine to shrink the other endometrioma and control the endometriosis from spreading. I will also have another exploratory surgery in a year to see if the treatment is working. If not we will have more decisions to make, but I'm not going to worry about it until then.

I am now home and resting. I have 3 incisions on my abdomen and I feel pretty sore. I have been able to move around on my own, but I spend most of my time in bed or in Rich's heated Lazy Boy chair. I also have been eating a lot because I had to fast before surgery and now I'm starving. Overall, I'm happy and glad it is done. Now I just need to take it easy so I can have a quick recovery.

I want to thank all my family and friends for thinking of me and keeping me in your prayers. I appreciate all the support and have felt so much love. THANK YOU!!

This is the endometrioma Dr. Bob removed.

This is the smaller endometrioma on the left side. It is still there and we are hoping to shrink it with medicine.

I hate IVs!! Sometimes I think it is worse than the surgery. Nurse did an okay job, but it took her awhile of digging around to get it right.

I was so grateful for the nurse that reccommended I use an anti nausea patch. When I had my gall bladder out I got really sick, but this patch has worked miracles.

Happy to be heading home!

New Sleep Routine

Since Ava figured out how to open her bedroom door we've had to adjust our nap time and nighttime strategies. We decided to put up the kiddie gate to stop her from coming down the hall and fortunately it worked. Ava gets up and opens her door, but she doesn't get mad when she sees the gate. Instead she usually plays for 15-30 minutes and then goes to sleep. When I check on her sometimes the door is closed and sometimes it is wide open. During nap time I have found her sleeping on the floor several times. At night she has always made it to her bed before falling asleep. I'm grateful that Ava has transitioned to her toddler bed so well. She really is a good sleeper and I appreciate that!

Christmas Day

After opening gifts at home we headed to my parents in Livermore. Ava was excited to go see her Papa and Nona Kurz. When we got there she practically jumped out of my arms to get to her Nona. Ava was also excited to see my brother, "Uncle". Ava was a little more weary of my Ding & Dinga, but warmed up after a little while.

Of course Ava was spoiled again. She got a lot of cool gifts that made her very happy. She got toys, clothes, books, and puzzles. Ava is not going to be bored or under dressed for a very long time. The best gift was the Eric Carle "Brown Bear" quilt her Nona made. It is the prefect size for a twin bed or snuggling on the couch. I'm sure it will be something she cherishes for a long time.

Ava enjoyed helping Papa open a few gifts.

Ava LOVES to snuggle with Nona.

I finally managed to get a picture with Ava. It isn't the best, but it works. I really need to work on getting out from behind the camera so I can be in pictures with my family.

Ava has recently discovered Mickey Mouse. We watched an old Mickey and Pluto Christmas cartoon and now everyday she wants to watch, "Mic Mou". My mom had this Mickey Mouse Christmas decoration that Ava loved. It played music and after about 15 minutes we had to hide it. Ava loved my Aunt & Uncles dog named Mickey and called him, "Mic Mou" too.

Ava LOVES spaghetti and making a mess. Spaghetti face never gets old and always makes for cute pictures. Ava also enjoyed yams with marshmallows. She did not want the delicious prime rib though.

Christmas Morning

On Christmas morning we woke up to find Santa had visited us in the night. We got a lot of goodies in our stockings, a game for the family to share, and books. Ava also got the Duplos farm set. She was excited to see the animals and tractor. She made the tractor make train sounds, "Choo Choo." Rich was excited to find a jaw harp in his stocking and I can't wait to use my Taco Bell gift card. Luca destroyed is Santa ball and is loving his new treat dispensing ball.

After stockings we moved on to gifts from each other. Ava had the most, so she went first. She got an Elmo potty doll that scared her at first, but she now enjoys helping him drink. She also got a wooden tool set and an Elmo DVD. The two things I think she was the most excited about were the Buzz soccer ball and panda umbrella. I think both will see a lot of action.

Rich and I went with our $30 maximum rule again this year. We actually both went a little over, but not by much. It is nice to have a limit and not a crazy one so we don't stress about what to get each other. It is also nice to know we are not spending money we don't have.

This year Rich gave me two Calphalon frying pans. I have a smaller one I love and use all the time, but I wanted one just a little bit bigger. I have been talking about it for a long time now and Rich remembered. He actually bought it a few months ago(which is a Christmas miracle since he is such a procrastinator). Rich was going to buy me the 12" pan, but found such a great deal on a 12" & 10" together that I got two. I'm excited! I would have loved just the 12", but to have both is awesome. I look forward to purging the rest of my junky frying pans.

I gave Rich Season 2 of Clone Wars. It is a cartoon series on Cartoon Network. We don't get the channel, so Rich can enjoy the DVDs while working out on his treadmill in the morning. Last year I got him Season 1, so I thought I would continue the theme. Rich says the cartoon series is much better than the new Star Wars movies and he looks forward to watching Season 2.

These are our stockings. Can you guess the owner of each stocking?

Left-Right: Ava, Luca, Lisa, Rich

I had to use my rainboot because last year I gave Ava my giant stocking. I planned to make a new one, but forgot all about it until Christmas Eve when we couldn't find a stocking for me. Hopefully I will remember to make one before next year.

Ava had new Elmo P.J.s for Christmas. It was hard to get a good picture of her because she was all over the place. I guess that is what it is like having an almost 2 year old.

Our sad Christmas tree with 6 plastic ball ornaments. On Christmas Eve the Jensen's gave us another cute ornament that we added...Thanks Jensen Family!

Ice Cream Makes Everybody Feel Better

After visiting Santa Ava was not the happiest girl. On our way home Rich remembered it was $1 Tuesday at Baskin Robbins, so we decided to ruin our dinner and get a treat. It was delicious and made us all happy.

Santa

This year we weren't sure if we would make it to see Santa Claus. Ava and I were sick and luckily the week before Christmas we started feeling better. We had been trying to get her excited to meet Santa and prepare her so she wouldn't be afraid of him. We thought we were succeeding, but the following pictures will tell the truth.

This is Ava checking Santa out.

This is Ava saying "hold me" to Mom & Dad.

At first Ava was happy because the first thing she saw was the Nativity. She was excited to see Baby Jesus.

Christmas Cheer

This year we did not go all out with Christmas decorations. Due to colds and other unforeseen issues we did not have the energy or desire to do much. We did finally put our tree up in the middle of December but never got the ornaments out. Instead we bought Ava a few plastic ball ornaments to play with and called it good.

We also didn't put lights up outside. We didn't want to seem like complete Bah-Humbugs, so we put out the rocking horse my parents bought for Ava last year. I'm glad we did because she loved it. Next year we will have to make sure to put up more lights for Ava to enjoy.

Even though we didn't decorate our home we did enjoy the Christmas season. We focused on the important things and were grateful for what we have. We listened to Christmas music (real Christmas music about the true meaning of the holiday). We kept up with family traditions by watching "White Christmas" and more importantly Luke 2 on Christmas Eve. We also taught Ava about the reason we celebrate Christmas by reading stories about the night Jesus was born and playing with her Little People Nativity. Even though we weren't surrounded by holiday decorations I felt the love and joy of the season each day as I spent time with my family.

Spaghetti Face

One of my family traditions is to eat spaghetti for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This tradition was started when I was a child because I don't like turkey. It is a tradition I love and will continue. I am grateful that Ava loves spaghetti and that I can share this tradition with her.

Ava loves to slurp her spaghetti.

Rich taught Ava how to twirl her spaghetti around the fork.