Mickelson's arthritis

I just read an article that Pro Golfer Phil Mickelson was recently diagnosed with spondyloarthropathy. We're both left handed AND have the same arthritis condition. Gosh, if only I was a millionaire for playing professional golf!

Based on the article, his diagnosis isn't exactly the same. He has psoriatic spondylitis and my is undifferentiated spondylitis. The only real difference is I don't have psoriasis (that scaly rash that occurs most frequently on the elbows, knees and scalp). But the joint inflammation and spinal concerns are the same.

In the article he talks about being in so much pain that he couldn't get of the couch. That was ME last August! Mickelson is now taking the weekly injections of Enbrel and is feeling great. My doctor has been battling my insurance company for the last 4 weeks trying to get approval for the medication. Apparently Anthem are real sticklers as to what conditions they are willing to pay for. My doctor has a "level 2 appeal" meeting with a panel of medical professionals on Tuesday. Hopefully I'll get my approval. I certainly won't be paying $400 a WEEK out of pocket!

Although I don't wish chronic pain on anyone, I have to admit it's nice to know someone out here has heard of this disease. It's also nice to hear success stories of people who are pain free and living an active lifestyle.

If you want to read the article:
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/38647056/ns/sports-golf/

Hey

Hey Ryan, will you show us your first tooth?

"Um, no. Sorry, not tonight." Hey Ryan, can we see it now?

"No way, Jose"

What about now?

"Look people, mouth is closed for business"

Don't take it personally she doesn't want anyone looking in her mouth right now. Getting teeth hurt. But trust us it's there!

great state fair day!

Oh where to begin? Indiana has been hot, hot, hot this summer. The temps finally broke yesterday so today was the perfect day to check out the fair. We made it there early so it was only 75 degrees when we got there. Amazing! We had coupons for $2 admissions (instead of the regular $8 each). Score! Also because it was Tuesday there were no crowds at 9:30am. Heavenly!

So what did we do?

We got a basket and apron to play farmer for the day. So we gathered eggsAnd planted and harvested vegetablesAnd rode tractors

big tractors I mean great big tractors!Carter got a kick out of feeding the animals

Oh we did lots of other stuff like fishing, coloring, riding the fair shuttle and eating ice cream cones, but I don't think I can post so many pictures. So I'll leave you with one last pic. The only one where Ryan isn't sleeping.

dirty laundry?

I don't mind doing the laundry if my baskets are always full like this.....This is some darn cute laundry! Wouldn't you agree?

Our kids love

If I haven't mentioned it before, I will now.

Our kids love being in WATER!

They love being in the bath.

They love being in the pool.

It doesn't matter where.

They are little water babies!

one post, many parts

Part One

Ryan turned 6 months old today. Happy half birthday, Ryan (or how Carter says, Ry-E)! Gosh has time gone fast! I can't believe we're to this point already! I guess as a parent of two, you don't don't have a lot of extra time to stop and notice how quickly they're growing.

Ryan is still as easy going as she has always been. She loves to be held but totally happy to entertain herself. She is willing to go anywhere and do anything. She is one HAPPY girl! Actually she is so pleasant we didn't realize she had her first ear infection until her 6-mo. check up at the doctor. P00r girl just doesn't complain about anything!

Latest stats:

Weight: 17 lbs. 5 oz (76%)

Height: 26.75" (85%)

Head: (22%) she still has her tiny peanut head!

Ryan is steam rolling now. She can also sit on her own for short periods of time. She loves to play with and giggle at her brother. I'm glad they get along so well because we officially moved her out of our room today and she is now bunking with Carter. With a 2-bedroom house, you don't have many options! Tonight's bedtime routine was anything but routine, but at least they are both asleep (so I think). Ryan is down to 1 (sometimes 2) feedings at night so hopefully I can sneak in, feed her and slip out without Carter ever noticing. Wish us luck!

Part 2

We had a wonderful Florida vacation with the Meek side of the family. We drove to Panama City Beach and spent 6 days/5 nights in a condo that sat directly on the beach. Surprisingly 10 adults, 2 toddlers and 2 babies fit into a 4 bedroom condo with little trouble! Aidan and Carter had a wonderful time together. They played and shared toys, watched movies, ate Popsicles and suckers and swam together the entire week without any major meltdowns. Carter struggled at night but I think that was more of a function of being away from home. Ryan (who we refer to as our extra luggage because she is SO easy) had no problem adjusting to a new environment. She enjoyed watching her older brother and cousins.

It was a very active vacation. We swam in the pool and played at the beach every day. We went to an aquarium and a water park. We played putt-putt, took Carter on the go-carts, rode a train and carnival rides. Last but not least, we left with lots of great memories. It will be fun to watch these cousins (4 kids less then 4 years apart) grow up together!

lots to blog

I have some fun topics to blog about....our trip to Florida with the Meek Family, Ryan's updated stats from her doctors appointment today, and the fact that our little peanut is turning 6 months old tomorrow. BUT, I'm tired and will have to write about all that at another time. Instead I'll just post a picture of the kiddos being cute together snuggling in Carter's blanket (I'm amazed he's even willing to share it!).