As of late....

The past couple of months have been a whirlwind here at the Gilchrist home. And for my own record I just wanted to document a little about what we have been up to...

MARCH
- I (Susan) found out that I have Endometriosis and went in for a laparoscopy (laser surgery) a few days later. This was my first ever surgery and I must admit I was VERY scared, I had never been put "under" before and I had no idea what to expect. Turns out it is basically the wait/anticipation that kills ya because once the anesthesiologist gives you the "knock out" it is smooth sailing from there until it is time to wake up. Then it is pure misery trying to get your head out of the fog enough to be able to get up and go the bathroom so they will let you leave the hospital and go home.
Anyway, to make a long story short I woke up earlier from my surgery than hoped because once my doctor got in there she realized it was much worse than what appeared on ultrasound and would not be able to treat it with laser, which meant I would be needing another surgery... one where they actually cut me open to operate. To be continued....

APRIL
- Andy, celebrated his 30th Birthday!!!!! I threw him a little party and invited some couples from our ward over for dinner, dessert, and games. It was great fun and a great couples date night:) Everybody asked Andy if he was feeling old now that he is 30, and his response was: "No, I actually wish I was older so then my voice would be more mature." (That is his singing voice he is talking about, he is on the young end for his voice type.)

 Grayer and I blew up 30 balloons for Andy's B-day door. 

Andy got to pop each balloon to find out 30 reasons why we love Andy/Daddy!

 

- In April we took a quick family trip to Niagara Falls, see here for more details we had a lot of fun!

- Andy also spent the month of April writing a 20 page paper and memorizing music for his doctoral recital.

MAY
- I went back under the knife for my second surgery this time a laparotomy to treat my Endometriosis. My nerves were not as severe this time even though it was a more invasive surgery because I knew more of what to expect this time around. My doctor said things went really well, the surgery went quicker than expected and I didn't bleed as much as expected. She was able to remove all the Endometriosis in both the left and right ovary. I spent 2 nights in the hospital and am now home recovering! I walk like a little old lady all hunched over but, Oh Well:)

The upside to having surgery, is my house has been filled with beautiful flowers given to me from loving family and friends!! I have also received many get well cards and packages. We have been served with delicious meals, wonderful babysitters, and generous offers to help with whatever we might need. 

We are so blessed to be surrounded with amazing people near and far.

- A few days after surgery Andy performed his hour long doctoral recital. Before surgery I wasn't sure if I would be able to go to his recital but I wanted so badly to go, so I made sure to take it really easy that day so I would have enough energy to sit through his fabulous recital. I wore my sweats, carried a pillow with me to hold my guts in, and had a wonderful night listening to my husband sing!! Andy put in hours/days/weeks of time and preparation and he sang beautifully!

Here is a video of my 2 favorite songs from his recital.

GRAYER
- What has Grayer been up to you might ask? Well, he has been such a trooper I'll tell you what... being dragged to and from Dr. appointments, to and from the hospital, missing naps, missing our usual normality as his Daddy finished up his busy semester, and his Mommy has been out of commission. Through all of this he has been a wonderful little boy!!!!! We couldn't ask for a more loving little guy that does a pretty darn good job of being patient with his crazy parents.