A Much Needed Breather

Hi, y'all!

Well, as of today, it's been TWO WEEKS since we've had to go to the hospital! This hasn't happened in over a year. Maybe even two years? It's been GRAND! And now that Mark has a hospital bed, I'm able to sleep in my own bed, and I sleep HARD. None of this waking up half a dozen times (on a good night). No, once I'm out ... I'm out! And now that Mark has the bipap machine, he is sleeping better as well. Much better. And his pain level is significantly reduced, too. It's not gone, by any means, but it's manageable. Also, the lasix helped him lose 15 pounds of fluid weight. Needless to say, that has helped a lot. He still doesn't have much energy at all. Like today, for instance. He got up when I did, but went upstairs and fell back asleep (without his machine, which I don't like!). I woke him up about 11:00 for the nurse's visit. She came shortly after noon and was thrilled with how much better he's doing all around. But once she left around 1:00, he was beat again. He went back upstairs and fell asleep in his chair. BUT ... he has so much less pain. Fatigue we can deal with. It was that horrible, neverending pain that made life so difficult. I don't know if this is "the new state of affairs," or if God is just granting us a break, but either way ... it's been nice!

Well, I must be off. I have a conference with Alex's teacher. He is doing well, also, btw. He has a friend. A guy friend! Zachary. Alex told me the other day, "Recess used to be my least favorite subject, but now it's not." Three cheers for Zachary!!

Oh, and here are some (long overdue) pictures of Vader. He's growing like CRAZY! He's up to 15 pounds already. The average adult Cocker Spaniel is 15-20 pounds. And he's only three months old! He is just SO much fun. I can't even put into words how much joy this little canine has brought into our home. (He is, even as I type, literally snoring on his rug at my feet, worn out from a hearty game of fetch.)