Breast Reduction

It was a month ago today that I had my surgery. A surgery that I have thought about since middle school. I can't believe that insurance okayed it! It was all at the last minute, so I didn't really prepare that much.

Let me explain. In June, when I went to see the plastic surgeon, I was only covered under Benjamin's insurance. Over a month later, his insurance approved it and I was going to pay a certain percentage of it. I picked a day when I would be on vacation from work. Then, I got a job and new insurance. My new insurance needed a lot of documentation before they would okay it. AND they let themselves take a whole 30 days before they had to approve anything. I tried to get the necessary paperwork in before the 19th of November because my surgery was on the 20th of December. Anyway, it's December 14th (a week before surgery) and I still had no clue if this thing was gonna happen or not. I had to decide if I should go to my pre-op appointment. I did go and 2 days later, I found out my surgery was approved! I was just beside myself excited. I had a whole new wardrobe to buy!

So, on the 17th, I shopped for jammies and shirts that buttoned up. On the 18th, Benjamin graduated from college. On the 19th was Benjamin's birthday. Then, it was the 20th. I was the first surgery of the day, so I had to be at the hospital by 5:30 a.m. (Benjamin was really excited about that!) I had the option of staying all night or just staying for a few hours.

I was oddly not really nervous about this surgery. When I went in to have Jordyn, I was scared that I may not come home. I was just ready to have my chest gone! I remember them giving me some anti-anxiety drug, then I got wheeled into the operating room. The anesthesiologist put an oxygen mask over my face, told me it wasn't the good stuff yet, then I woke up to the room flipping around. I say flipping, because the lights went from the ceiling to the floor. Nothing was spinning around, just flipping.

I was brought back to the same day surgery room, had a coke, and had some pain meds. I really didn't feel a whole bunch of pain. I was expecting what my first c-section was like, but it wasn't anything like that. Looking down was SO wired because I could actually SEE my stomach! I did decide I felt well enough to go home, so I made sure to stay long enough to have more pain pills (because Benjamin doesn't drive too nicely when you're cut open), and I went home.

I feel like my body is what it is supposed to be now. I was so uncomfortable in my body before the surgery. I didn't even realize how uncomfortable until after the surgery. My breast size affected everything from how I hold my arms to how I hold my children. The scabs and scars were daunting the first few days after the tape came off, but I've grown used to it. Life in my body just feels better! The best part is that I didn't really need to go and buy new clothes, my old clothes fit me better AND clothes that didn't fit before fit me now. I don't have cleavage up to my neck and I don't have to wear a camisole to hide things anymore. It is truly life changing in the best way!

2010--Year in Review

Well, Jordyn was playing with my computer, and therefore turned off my wireless. I had written a big long blog about the family, but it got erased!! :( So...I guess I'll try it again!

Jordyn

She turned 1 in October. Grandma and Grandpa Jones (my grandparents) happened to be visiting Tennessee during that time, so they were able to come. I think it's cool that they've been to her first birthday party as well as her blessing day. She hasn't quite learned to walk yet, but she cruises all around the house with aids from the walls and furniture. She loves playing Peek-a-boo and her first phrase is "uh-oh." She uses "uh-oh" everytime she drops her frog or anything else on the floor.

Bayleigh

She is nearly 4. I can't believe how time has flown by. She is able to do things that I've seen 2nd graders struggle to do! I know if I try, she could learn to read easily, but I don't want to push it on her just yet. She plays well with Jordyn, but she still has jealousy issues when her grandparents are around! Bayleigh loves to be helpful and to make things with anyone who will let her help. She can be so grown up sometimes!!

Benjamin

He finally graduated!! He now has a Bachelor's in Forgien Languages with concentrations in Spanish and Portuguese. What is he gonna do with that? Well, he's trying to become a Spanish teacher for now. He also received Associate of the Year for his branch of Terminix. This is quite a feat since he worked 4 days a week and went to school 2 days a week. I am so pround of him! He has worked really hard.

Me (Michelle)

Well, I did get a job. I resigned from it before Christmas. It was taking too much of a toll on me, my kids, and school. I've been hanging out with Jordyn recovering from my breast reduction. Jordyn is such a sweet kid! She makes me smile all day long! She is so much easier than Bayleigh was, so she is making life fun for me right now. I am waiting to hear back about my internship placement for school counseling. Once I finish this, I'll have my master's in school counseling. I already passed the state test, so I'm trying to get motivated to get these 300 hours completed by May.

Well, that is what the year was like in the Bybee house!

Boredom...

Does it ever go away?? I am SO terribly bored and I have already scrubbed carpet spots and one bath tub....what more can I do?? I have also given myself a wonderful headache...some of it from cleaning fumes, but most of it from my wonderful plight of scalp psoriasis. Who knew that you could scratch your head so much you give yourself a headache?? Well, I am here to tell you that you sure can!

Allergies have been horrible around here, so I am more itchy than ever! I thought humid climates was supposed to make psoriasis better... Anyway, I am at a loss for what to say. I don't even have new pictures to upload, so I am doing this out of boredom.

I did buy a new pool, so when I get it all set up...possibly momentarily...I will post pics of the girls in it. I know Bayleigh will love it, not sure about Jordyn though!

I did have 3 interviews this week. I couldn't believe it! I am crossing fingers, toes, everything for one of them. It'd be great to know what I am going to be doing in August and start planning stuff out. I know even if I don't get one of these that the Lord has something for me somewhere; whether that somewhere be a different school, different school system, or home is beyond me though. I am hoping to have less mental break downs over this issue this summer because I know that we are going to make it no matter what because the Lord will provide.

Bayleigh has asked me all week if she was going to school. I've explained many different times in many different ways that it is summer and school is out. She misses it. I think she misses friends the most though. Guess I'll just hafta be very inventive this summer and very fun. Uummmm, play group anyone???

It's been too lllooooonnnnnggggggg....

So, yes, no new posts since...ummm....like November??!!? Sorry. I was super sick during Christmas, so no new Christmas pictures (sorry) and I didn't do special dresses for Easter this year (much like Bayleigh's first Easter, although she had just gotten out of the hospital then). I'm just kinda not too great at this blogging stuff. I'll try to do a quick update...

BENJAMIN--- He has one more semester of college and he will be done! He worked full time and he took like 17 hours this semester. It was hard on all of us...Bayleigh started to just ask if Daddy was working or if he was at school. We just have one more semester of it and it'll be done for him! He can't wait...I'm trying to think of graduation party ideas now cuz all the stuff will be on sale and he'll graduate in December...so..any ideas anyone??

MICHELLE--- Well, I had many interviews...more than I think I've ever had. None of which resulted in a job though. I figured the Lord needed me home more, to learn. I have learned a lot actually. My mom was never one to shop well. She'd go multiple times a week, buy stuff we had tons of already, and then we'd go out to eat a lot. I was turned onto this website: southernsavers.com. This website posts all the deals at the local drug store chains and Kroger weekly. I was surprised to know/learn that CVS, Rite Aide, and Walgreens all have programs where you can buy things and then you earn money back! It's ingenious and I love it! :) So, I have learned to shop better, eat out less, and even eat better. :) I have sadly gone into remission so to speak of my bad ways, and I am trying hard to get out of it. I have saved us a lot lately and it has been GREAT! My remission though, has been somewhat painful. I am so hard on myself and I tend to beat myself up over things I know that I am doing wrong...oh the power of Satan! He loves to watch us rip ourselves apart!!

BAYLEIGH--- Bayleigh is just growing like crazy! She is so smart and is learning so much! She started to play soccer...yes, 3 year olds can play soccer...sorda. The kids are on a "team" but are just learning the basics (dribbling, running, "big" kicks). She loves it! She also loves riding her bike. I think she likes things that go fast...I kinda think she's gonna be a runner/sprinter when she gets older.
Here is a picture of Bayleigh riding her bike with a snow hat on. Where she found it or why she decided to wear it with the heat and humidity outside! She is definitely my child though. The things she says and the amount of knowledge she has already astounds me! I can't believe she's mine sometimes!

JORDYN--- So, Jordyn is 6 1/2 months old now. So many people tell me she looks like the Gerber baby. Someone even told me at the Chiropractor's office that I should take her to be a baby model and told me where to find the place in Memphis! She is an easy baby. Well, she wasn't until we changed formula. She was so gassy and in so much pain! I felt so bad for her. Now, she is much better and has been nothing but smiles really. I have been super lucky to have 2 easy babies. There really isn't much to tell of the things Jordyn can do....she can sit up and roll over from her tummy to her back. I hypothesize that the reason she has hated to be on her tummy is from all the gas pains, so I'm gonna try more tummy time soon. I know as soon as she figures out how to crawl I'll never be able to keep up with her! She scouts out everywhere we go to see what she can get ahold of as it is! I am not looking forward to her crawling at all! :)

My girls are the cutest kids around! I don't think they look like either one of us a whole bunch, but Jordyn sure does remind me of myself! She has so many facial expressions, it is halarious to watch her! I love them both so much and so lucky to have both of them in my life. Luckily, Jordyn has only had to go to the doctor for check-ups, unlike Bayleigh who was in the hospital at 2 1/2 months old! So, they are totally different.

Time Traveling

So, since I've been home, I have gotten back into reading. I sometimes watch movies and think, "I wanna read that book!" So, we just watched "The Time Traveler's Wife." I LOVED the movie..I mean, loved it. I think that I cried for like 30 minutes after watching the movie. So, I ordered the book on Half.com. Well, it took longer for me to order the book cuz I looked in a lot of stores for it, but just didn't want to pay $10+ for it! So, I resorted to Half.com.

So, I read it...I have to say that I loved the movie version a little better. I just think the author was a bit crude in some of her language. Still though, a decent book. So, here are my thoughts.

If I was to time travel, where would I go if I could choose to? I know for sure there are 2 places I'd want to go back to, maybe not over and over like the book/movie, but a few times would be okay. First, I'd want to see my Granddaddy and be there when he passes. He died 7 years ago while I was at school, during finals week. I had always assumed I'd be there to say good-bye and for him to give me some wise words of life. I just really felt like he had a message to give me. After he died, I thought it would come to me in my dreams, but nothing has come. :( So, I'd go back to be there when he died. I hate so much that I missed that....I missed so much of his last months because I was in denial and I was 5 hrs away at school. So...I want to go back and be with Granddad when he died.

The next part of life I'd go back to is when Nana died. It's coming up on 3 yrs since she passed, but she was so far away. I didn't know she was sick or I guess just how sick she was. I'd want to be the one to hold her hand and to just say good-bye. She was around here when Bayleigh was born. She was annoying at times...a lot of times...BUT, when I was going through things with Jordyn, I just couldn't help to think how excited Nana would have been to be there too. I wondered what she would get for Jordyn and could imagine what the look on her face would have been.

So, if I was ever to be a time traveler, that's what I would want to do. A couple of Sunday's ago in Sunday school (I had just finished the book) a question was posed on whether the things hanging in our homes, music we listen to, and books we read are inviting to the Spirit and help us learn more about the Gospel. So, I am rationalizing some, but Henry (the main character) does not believe in God. He is kinda angry about his lot in life and does many things in the course of his life that gives the reader a sense he doesn't care about living (until he meets Clare anyway). So, of this, how sad it is that the main character (and possibly the author or someone the author knows) doesn't know that the Lord loves them and that the Lord has given them a special mission on this Earth! Sure, time traveling would suck, but what can be done with it for good? What can be learned? Such a sad disposition of life. How could one not believe in a God at all? What a sad life to live, one with no purpose! To me, this book (in my semi-rationalization) is a huge example of why my Heavenly Father does exists, that Jesus is my Savior, and that we have prophets guiding us today.

Introducing.....

Jordyn Rose

Born: October 30, 2009

6 pounds 7 ounces 19.25 in.

Early in the morning of the 30th, Benjamin and I got up to go to the hospital for my scheduled c-section. I was So incredibly nervous for this operation! I was nervous about the spinal block and what could go wrong with the surgery and about Jordyn herself. I have to say, that after the spinal block was administered, I started to feel much better. I guess I was worried about the needle thing, but it was okay. I felt like they took FOREVER to bring Benjamin into the operating room and was sad he wasn't by my side to help me with my fears of the spinal block. (Which is SO much better than getting an epidural for the c-section!)

Benjamin finally got to the room and they started doing whatever they do behind the curtain. My doctor told Benjamin it was time for pictures and he started to take pictures of Jordyn. I was so HAPPY to have her out of my belly!!! That probably sounds horrible, but she was giving me a lot of pain the last few days she was in there. When they said how much she weighed, I was like man, she is little. I got to see her (this time I was able to keep my glasses on, so I COULD actually see her unlike with Bayleigh) and thought she was the cutest thing ever. At first, I thought she looked like Bayleigh, but she really doesn't. All they have in common thus far is the nose. They both have my nose.

I felt great after the c-section. I guess they gave me good drugs (LOL), but I was so ready to get up and do something! I wasn't really tired like I was last time and I didn't really hurt like I did last time. All I wanted to do was to get up. The nurse told me the day after they wouldn't take out my IV until I had used the bathroom 2 times in 6 hours which she didn't think I'd do until the next day. HA! I wanted that thing outta my arm so badly I drank as much water as I could.

On Halloween, Bayleigh came in her Tinker Bell costume and I had gotten Jordyn a pumpkin hat and booties a few days before her birth. I'm not sure who was more excited about Jordyn's birth, me or Bayleigh! She is supper excited to be a big sister and is helping a lot...she is also getting in the way too, but she is very concerned when her sister is crying. Bayleigh will come running saying "My sister is crying" or "My baby is crying"! It is too funny really. She just lights up whenever she holds her or feeds her. I hope that she continues to feel that way toward her little sister!

When we take a family picture, I'll put that up, but we haven't yet. Jordyn is almost 2 weeks old. I am doing things with her I would have never done with Bayleigh. When she was just a week old, we went to a restaurant with her and to Sam's Club. I didn't let Bayleigh outside unless we were going to the doctor for at least a month! Maybe overall you're just more relaxed the second time around. :)

UUUMMMM........

Yeah...not too much to update on. It seems I am a bit bad at this blogging thing, but maybe I'll get better! So, the assistant director at Bayleigh's pre-school informed me that I really only have 2 more weeks of this pregnancy. I can't believe it! My mother-in-law has graciously taken over painting the babies' room since my husband hasn't. I'll post pictures when it's finished.

Bayleigh is enjoying school. She sings all the time! She has started to learn her letter sounds and tells me all about every picture she colors or paints. She talks constantly and is now taking books with her wherever she goes instead of her bear. She really is growing up right before my eyes!

Benjamin went on a "last hurrah" back packing trip last weekend. Bayleigh and I were here all by ourselves and I think we had some fun. Anytime she felt like I was on the computer too long, she would say "Mommy, will you come play with me?" How could I say "no?" So, we built big towers and destroyed said big towers. She is really into building things now. We were VERY glad when Benjamin got home!

I don't think there really is much else to update on. We are waiting for the baby to arrive and trying to finish things up. Benjamin is going to try to get school finished by next December, which would be wonderful! No more school for him and I'll have my Master's by then too. It is a year away, but it is nice to think that our hard work and dedication will be rewarded....hopefully with better job opportunities and not just the student loan bills! :)

Top Picture: Bayleigh in her Daddy's water boots...I couldn't believe she got in them!

Bottom Picture: After playing while Daddy was gone, she made herself a little place on the floor in between Max and Candy to sleep.