Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year

Sorry I dropped off the grid, but the events of the past couple of months finally caught up with me. I caught a cold and threw my back out right before Christmas. Since I think I was physically and emotionally exhausted on top of it, I just collapsed for a few days. Luckily I had minions (or would that be elves?) to pick up the slack, so the holiday went smoothly, if a bit painfully.

Big Kid is doing really well. He has one more in-home physical therapy appointment, and then he'll be going to out-patient therapy. We've been able to wean him down a liter on oxygen. Woohoo! He's frustrated by the slow progress of his recovery. His physical therapist told him that for every day he spent in the ICU, it will take a week of recovery to get back to where he was. If that's true, I have to keep pointing out to him that he's way ahead of the game.

He's having trouble with his short-term memory. In a couple of months he's scheduled to have a complete neuro-evaluation to see what the impact is.

One really good thing that has happened is regarding his health insurance. Since he turns 23 in a couple of days, his insurance was going to run out. I've been scrambling to try to get him medicaid on disability, or signed up for the Colorado resident discount program. Turns out that there were changes in his dad's plan in the last year and they will continue coverage until he's 24. Thank heavens.

Last week we took him back to the ICU to show him where he had been and to thank the staff for saving his life. I brought them two huge bandboxes filled with individually wrapped snacks---trail mix, crackers, cookies, etc and a variety of cocoas, teas, and chai for their break room. There is no adequate way to express the gratitude we feel for having our boy back, but hopefully this will help.

Today is our wedding anniversary, so Hubby and I are planning a romantic dinner out sans children. The fact that they are all (just about) legally adults has not stopped the grumbling, especially from Little Guy who ended up coming with us last year.


Too bad, so sad. My heart bleeds for them. LOL

But I suppose with this full house, running around nekkid and scaring the dogs is out of the question.


Shucks.

Hope you all have a wonderful new year!

27 comments:

Jeanie said...

It sounds like your new year is starting on a pretty high note, all things considered. The trip back to ICU must have been pretty emotional. I hope BK's recovery continues ahead of schedule. Have a great anniversary and happy new year to you.

debra said...

What a year!!! For us, too, ATM.
I do not want to wish my life away; however I will greet 2010 with open arms.
I hope your anniversary dinner goes smoothly. If not, please drop us a note. I am still laughing
xo

Anonymous said...

happy anniversary! I hope you enjoy that night out! They have to respect that, Attila!
Glad to hear the good news update on your son. Those folks at the hospital must adore you for such kindness.

Jan said...

Happy Anniversary, and thanks for the update. Have a wonderful year in 2010!

St Jude said...

Glad to hear that your year is ending on a higher note. Here's to the next twelve months being good, healthy and peaceful. xoxo

Tracie Nall said...

I'm glad to hear that Big Kid is doing so well (albeit frustrated) The insurance situation is such a wonderful blessing and a good start to a new year.

I am sure that all of the people who work in the ICU were very grateful for your thoughtful gift.

Have a wonderful time out alone with your husband tonight! Happy New year and Anniversary!

imfunnytoo said...

Happy NewYear to you and yours ATM :)

Beth said...

Wishing you and your family all good things in 2010!

Charlie said...

I'm so happy that life is turning around for you, Big Kid, and the rest of the family. I guess that's why it's called Happy New Year.

And maybe you should wear a rope around your pants tonight . . .

Brenda said...

Here's hoping that the New Year brings only good things to you and your family!

Boozy Tooth said...

Oh hell, go ahead and run around nekkid anyway... it keeps you young and keeps the spice in your marriage! Happy anniversary!

So happy that Big Kid gets to see the turn of another year and many many more. You certainly have been through the wringer this year, but it's all worth it when you get your precious son back.

Best wishes to you all for a very happy healthy prosperous 2010 filled with all the love your hearts can hold. You deserve it!

gayle said...

Things are so much better for you now and that is so wonderful!!

ditzymoi said...

Happy New Year & Happy Anniversary too ! My parents were married on New Years Eve and it lasted over 40 years! xoxoxxo

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear things are falling into place and that Big Kid is continuing to improve. Have a wonderful anniversary and a fantastic New Year!

Anonymous said...

So glad you and your hubby got to spend a night alone on your anniversary! Wish it could have been a whole week, lol.

Glad things are looking up for Big Kid, what a wonderful thing. That was a very kind thing you did for the nurses/staff at the ICU.

I hope you are feeling better and are taking care of yourself. I know it is not easy having 3 boys in the house, 1 still needing medical attention.

Have a very blessed 2010. I know 2010 has to be better that this year for your family.

XXXXXXXXX

Rootietoot said...

Happy Anniversary! Merry Christmas and may 2010 be as absolutely boring as you want it to be :)

Heather said...

Happy anniversary and all the best in 2010! Here's to it not being nearly so challenging for you all as 2009 was.

Joanna Jenkins said...

HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!

Glad to hear Big Kid is making progress. I know the slow process can be frustrating so hang in there one and all! You' all going a great job.

Wishing you and your family a healthy, happy, humorous and joyful 2010! You all sooooo deserve it.

Cheers Attila,
xo

amy said...

Happy New Year!!!

Star said...

Happy New Year ATM.

Joe said...

My parents were married on NYE in Reno. So, Happy Anniversary.

Valerie Marie said...

Happy anniversary!
BONNE ANNEE 2010!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year and Happy Wedding Anniversary. Good to see BK is doing well. I hope that continues. Best wishes to you and yours.

Unknown said...

I am glad that good things are in store! I hope everything works out with the insurance... not having any is such a scary thing! Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Glad to here the household is back to normal. Looking forward to the return of the "real" Attila the mom. It has been a rollercoaster ride for many bloggers this year. I hope 2010 brings a lot more joy and way less sorrow for all of us. Thanks again for sharing your highs and lows in 2009. I don't ever want to see that again :)

Kim Ayres said...

Happy New One and Anniversary!

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