Jere: A FAT Story

Ok, finally, here it is, recaps and thoughts on Jere and his surgery. Don't anyone worry, as is par for my course, there are WAY to many pictures. So, just bare with, I promise it'll be alright.







There once was a boy named Jere, his virtues were many and very. He liked to eat, he always liked to eat. He was a BIG baby, a chubby kid and a "thick" adolescent. And in spite of always being a "fat" guy, he was always active and able to move and do whatever he wanted. But at some point, when you CAN'T wedge yourself into an airplane seat, or resteraunt booth anymore, when you run out of breath just walking into work, or when you wake up one day and realize it hurts like hell to be alive you know that SOMETHING has to be done. There MUST be some way to gain control of your life again. When I met him he weighed around 280 lbs., so yeah, a big guy, but not so out of control either. He could still buy clothes at Target, which I call buying at a normal store. In the course of our THREE years of dating and 7 years of marriage he gained over a 100 lbs. To be fair, so did I, and then I got to have gastric, and he stood by the wayside, WISHING he could have it too. Clothes were a HUGE (no pun intended) burden. The only place we could shop was the fat mans store, and do you have ANY idea the rape they perform there? A t-shirt was apt to cost you $40.00. Pants were close to $100.00 half the time. It was painful and awful. He was up to 5X shirts and even then sometimes those didn't fit. He wore 60 waist pants. Neither of these sizes were easy to come by. Hence why he wore the same 3 pair of pants and same 5 shirts allllllllll the time. And just so you know, he said it's ok for me to divulge this info. There is something magical about getting the gastric, you suddenly don't care if everyone knows how much you weigh or what size you were. I guess it's because you know that you'll never weigh that or wear those sizes again. It's like a wierd badge of honor to say, I USED to weigh, or I USED to wear....Anyway.



Jere LOVES ice cream. He lived for ice cream. Bummer for him that he'll never be able to enjoy it again, not to this degree anyway. I still can't eat more than a couple bites of ice cream, or I get icky feeling. Anyway, this picture is just a great representation of Jere and his love for the food.

There he is in all his glory. The night before surgery, we took these BEFORE shots at a glorious 400.5 lbs. Tragically, he was still 42 lbs. LESS than I was to begin with. I know, super fatties here!

Anticipation was high, but Jere was excited for the surgery. He got a great blessing from my Dad and our home teacher Kale. We knew that all would be fine, and were ready for the big day.

At the literal BUTT CRACK of dawn we were up and getting ready. We had to be AT the hospital by 6 a.m. for check in. Tracie was MORE than kind enough to come over at 5:30 a.m. to stay with the kids all day. Seriously, don't know what we'd have done without good friends and family willing to help us out.

They took Jere back and got him in a bed and began getting him ready. They let us come back about a 1/2 hr. later to hang out with him, meet the drug doctor and his surgeon, etc. In no time at all he was being wheeled away for the big deed to be done. He was ALL smiles and jokes and happiness, which is important to remember for later. I should mention that Jeres Mom, Peggy, was a trouper and was there with us the ENTIRE time. While he went off to surgery we went and ate, isn't it ironic. Then we hung out for a long time in the 5th floor waiting room, which I might add here is quite nice. They've made it like a little home library, there is a computer for your use, seating areas, decorated shelves, etc. Well, we were expecting about a 2 1/2 hr. surgery, and we expected wrong. Anyway, at around the 3 1/2 hr. mark I was getting a big antsy...what was taking so long? At the 4 hr. mark I was REALLY agitated. Luckily, at that point the surgeon walked in and told us all was well. Apparently there was an extra lot of "inner" fat for him to fight through, but he was able to do it and the surgery went exactly how it should. With that news to relieve us of any fears, we set off to eat some lunch while he "revived". As I was eating my pizza and salad, I thought "wow! this will seem like lightyears away fro Jere." I remember feeling like I would never be able to eat "normal" again. Oh silly, it's really not that long. So, after an hour or so in recovery Jere was FINALLY wheeled in to his room. When we got to see him he was still rather loopy and in LOTS of pain. Oh, there is SO much pain upon waking up from this procedure, SO MUCH! He kept saying "My shoulder hurts. My stomach hurts. I'm too long for this bed. I need to go to the bathroom." Over and over in a continuous loop he'd say these same 4 phrases, as if he'd never said it before. Call us mean, but we were laughing so hard. He totally hit on his nurse, which was also hysterical, and by "hit on" I mean, he told her she had great hair and asked if she was married. She thought he was so funny. Needless to say, he was pretty out of it and in a lot of pain for that entire first night. I had to leave and relieve Tracy and Dixie for awhile, but thankfully his Mom and our friend Tim stayed the entire day until I got back at 8:00.

This is a shot of Jere going for his 2nd walk. He was in so much pain, it was really more than he could bare to be doing this, but he was a trooper and did as he was told. All the happy and joviality was gone, and remained gone until at least Friday.

He had to do this breathing thing all day long to make sure the lungs stay clear, etc. Unfortunately, he was forced to keep his catheter in until Tuesday night at 9:30. It was very painful and uncomfortable, but he wasn't putting out enough fluid, so they were watching him closely on that. Oh, I should mention that by the second day, he was up to 421 lbs. Yep, you get to gain weight before you lose it here.

I spent the night both nights on what can only be described as Hells little torture trick. It was literally a board. The first night I was sooo exhausted that I slept hard through the night with no interuptions. That was nice. However, the next night, SUCKED! Talk about body pain and lack of sleep, OY! Oh well, the things we do for those we love, right? The Tuesday was spent walking, breathing, walking, breathing. His surgeons do not allow the patient to be in their bed AT ALL between the hours of 6 a.m and midnight. So, he had to sit in a big recliner chair or be walking. He was pretty sure he might be dying, just suffering through the pain. However I will say, I think he's tried rather hard (and succeeded somewhat) to be brave and strong and not whine too much.

This is Dr. Sprunger, Jeres great surgeon. He's removing the drains so Jere could get ready to go home. Well, more importantly so Jere could FINALLY take a shower.

After getting his discharge papers, taking a painful shower, with my help and packing up we were ready to go. Thankfully we got out by 11:00, which wasn't any too soon. I was soooooo ready to be home. He was scared to be home, but also ready.

This place doesn't believe in "wheeling" the patient down to the car. Nope, no siree bob, they make you WALK all the way down to your car. Jere thought he might die, but he did persevere. I was proud of him. You will note the wheelchair, it was finely utilized as our carrier for our plethora of crap that we brought to the hospital.

He made it into the car. However, it was a bit of a dramatic ride home, because apparently EVERY bump, divet, crack in the road can be felt by surgery recipients. We got home and put him right to bed, 'cause you know how it goes...when you're in the hospital you NEVER get any sleep. So, we put him down and he slept for 6 hours. Unfortunately, when he woke up, and needed to get out of the bed, YIKES! There was no way for him to get out of the bed without wreaking havoc. He thought he died, but somehow he got off the bed, still alive. It has gotten better each day, though I feel the progress is a little slow.

I'd like now to give FAIR WARNING....below is a picture of his large tummers and the incision sites. If you ask me, this looks rather tame, compared to the AWESOME open surgical scar I had. But, we're not comparing, right? So, I warned you:

So, here we are. This is where Jere is currently spending his days...sitting on the chair, in discomfort, waiting it out. He's been very good about getting up and going for his "walks" and drinking his water all day long. He's also a total rock star on the breathey thing and can now get higher than he did before the surgery. As I said, each day brings a little more healing and a little more mobility. I can't wait for him to feel all better and truly be on the way to his new life. Each day, each pound lost feels like a new sense of freedom. The ability to move freely again, the ability to wash yourself, to bend over, tie your shoes, whatever it may be, all feels sooooo invigorating and wonderful as you start the magical journey downward.

Can't wait to start breaking out the bags of his clothes that we had to put away because they were too small. We should be covered for at least a good 60 - 70 lbs. then after that, well maybe we can buy cheap stuff at "normal" stores.

Just for the sake of being on record. Maggie was confused by our absence and kept asking for us. When I would be home with them, before going back to the hospital I would tell her Daddy was at the hospital, 'cause his tummy had some owies. So, when I brought him home, and she was so excited to see him, I had to stop her and explain Daddy was hurt. So now, every day, if she asks him to hold her, and he says he can't, she says..."Daddy's tummy owie?" She'll repeat that over and over again. She's been really amazing about understanding that and leaving him alone and not touching him. She does ask to see Daddys' tummy owie at least a couple times a day. She's such a good little girl, I'm so grateful for her and her smart little self.

Many, many, MANY thanks to Tracie, Julie and Jessicah for spending the nights and or days at our house while I was there with Jere. It was a huge help and a relief to know that our kids were well taken care of in our absence. You'll never know how much we appreciate it. Thank you to Peggy for literally spending the ENTIRE day with Jere and I on surgery day. And thank you to everyone for your prayers and offers of love and support.

Here's to a long and skinny future!!

Allyson

One Special Day TWO Special Ladies

Today was an exciting and very special day for not one, but TWO of my favorite ladies in my life. We spent a lovely morning in the Temple and then an afternoon at two soire'es (look it up if you don't know what it is, haha) visiting with friends and family and enjoying yummy food. Well ok, Jere didn't enjoy any such yuminess, he only smelled and winced, but he got out and did it. THAT was a big step for him. Anyway.....


This is my stunningly beautiful sister Dixie and her man Shane. She found true love and a GOOD man the second time around. They were married a year ago last week in San Diego. It was a "long" wait for them, but they're finally sealed forever and ever and ever. It was exciting to see them in the Temple together, and I was so glad I could be a part of witnessing their eternal union. They really do make eachother so happy, and it makes me SO happy to see my sister finally and truly treated and loved, like she deserves.

This is our good friend Nancy and her man Dave. Nancy found love for the first time, late in life, at the age of 40. They were married a year ago in February, and today they had the beautiful and amazing opportunity to be sealed for time and all eternity. And not only were THEY sealed, but then they were sealed to Daves two children. I'm overjoyed for them and their kids.

Congrats to both of you beautiful women for meeting the man of your dreams and making it a FOREVER deal!! We sure love you all!







Brides and bows,




Allyson

A Heartfelt Thanks

I just needed to send out a HUGE and heartfelt thank you to all my ladies (and anyone who was there and or contributed reads this blog) for making it possible for us to get to my son's 6th, nee SIXTH month of life before we had to go and buy ANY of these:








No really, you have NO idea how grateful we are. Max is so delighted, can't you tell? I mean, I just can't thank you enough. And to be fair, my Mom was incredibly generous and her gift to me/us was a box of diapers a month for the first year, so this was her first box having to purchase. So really, she's probably thanking you too, 6 months in she gets to start the purchase. MAN, I am so blessed! And thank goodness for hers and YOUR generosity, because yesterday I had to go and do this:

That my friends, coupled with buying formula, that is painful. Not gonna lie, might have shed a tear. $100.00 later. OUCH!! Babies are expensive little buggers. But you know what? They're SO worth it!!!

But really, please forgive me for my HUGE lameness of never getting my thank you notes out for the shower. It's embarassing really, and I have no great excuse. Ok, truth be told, Dixies and Jenny D's are written and in the envelope, have been since the hospital, just never handed them to you. UGH! Just let it be known that my heart is overwhelmed at the love and generosity of my friends and family. I am MORE than grateful for ALL you do, have done and continue to do for me and my little family. Thank you so MUCH for all the gifts. Max is a studly little fashion plate because of YOU!

Diapers and divas,

Allyson

Scenes by the Wayside

For the record, this is my FOURTH attempt at posting these pics. For whatever reason, whilst at the hospital with Jer (thoughts and post forthcoming) the pictures would NOT load. It was all rather irritating to say the least. However, in the spirit of what this post is about, I'll let it go.



Max's debut as Baby Jesus was a very good learning experience. The first few nights he would be fast asleep, or giggling, or happy as a clam in my arms, just moments before going on stage. But, as SOON as they wrapped that blanket around him and "Mary" took him out, he would scream, and he would scream uncontrollably (except when he was shown the lamb, and looked up at the fire) the entire time. Then, the MOMENT they handed him back to me, he'd stop crying and usually fall asleep. However, he turned a bit of a corner the next week when pageant came around. He was usually sound asleep, and would wake up and just lay there cooing at "Mary and Joseph" and was so calm and happy. Not gonna lie, much preferred those performances. He is apparently the biggest baby Jesus they've ever used, but he was loved by all backstage. And I mean, c'mon, what is NOT to love about that face? Have you SEEN him? All in all, it was a really cool experience for Max to have. How many kids get to say, they were baby Jesus?







On the last night, we went down early to meet with "Mary and Joseph" and take a few pics. The backstage people were so cute, they pulled the manger and the special blanket out and had them waiting. That was a cold and very rainy day, so the stage was dripping and wet. But, we managed to get some good shots. AND, I was lucky enough to happen into Robert (the man who portrays Jesus, and to me embodies what I think Jesus looks like in every way) and got a couple of fabo shots with him. So, without further ado......



Robert and Max, "Jesus" at each end of the spectrum. He truly is such a wonderful man. My FAVORITE part of being in pageant last year was the "healing and teaching" scene. I am telling you, it literally felt like you were watching Christ do those things. It was very moving, and I would generally cry each time. I can't imagine pageant without HIM in this part.


This is sweet and adorable McKay Tucker, who played "boy Jesus" this year. He is the best, as is his wonderful family.

Christ in the three important phases of his life. I felt so clever for getting this picture. Hooray me.

Who is that child in the swaddling clothes, lying asleep in the MANGER? Have I mentioned that I might love this child more than is humanly possible to love ANYTHING?

Sweet family portrait, except Max was D-O-N-E by this point and totally screaming. No more serenity for this picture.

This guy (Jeff) was really the nicest guy. He truly loves his pageant experience and loved Max with so much gentleness each night.

This is Kelly (Mary), isn't she beautiful? Well, it's not a question, she really is very, very pretty and such a sweetheart. Max was a bit bitter for this picture, but in the end, he really did like Kelly.

In related news....my not even 2 year old TOTALLY knows who Jesus is. I am NOT saying this to point out she's genius, or to say that we're such the righteous and holy parents that we taught her so well. I'm saying this more in total shock. Frankly, I can remember exactly ONE time that I actually pointed to a picture and said, "This is Jesus." I'm saying this because it is truly amazing, and somewhat scarey how much these little minds pick up on, and or remember. The other day, when Gramma Peggy was dropping Maggie and Max off, something got said, i can't remember what, and it set Maggie off. She kept pointing to the picture we have on our wall of Jesus and the children and saying "Bampaw (for whatever reason she gave up saying gamma, and only refers to all grandparents as bampaw) that's JESUS. BAMPAW, it's Jesus." She'd point to it over and over, and try and get as close to the picture as she could. I was so amazed, because as I said, i really had NOT done my civic and parental duty of teaching her about him. Then, today I was on facebook earlier, and on the sidebar was something about, He is Jesus Christ and a picture. She pointed at it and said, "Jesus Mommy." Seriously, I love that kid and her quick mind. I'm thankful that she has gleaned a little something, and realize that I have so much more that I need to do to be an example and to teach her. Oh, to be as a child.

Pageants and prayers,

Allyson

Easter Grumpies and Happy Bunnies

So it was Easter right? There was candy, there was grass and eggs and baskets and toys. These are good, no? They make children happy, or so it seems. However, MY child, my pretty, pretty Princess looked more like THIS:

This is Easter Grumpies!!!!


And THIS is Happy Bunny. Would you LOOK at this kid? He was nothing but smiles and sweetness all day!

It all started out so well. Maggie woke up chipper, and was pleased as punch to see her basket and check out its contents. Yeah, it was just Maggie and I, Jer and Max were snoozing away. I mean really, I only made a basket for Max to make it known that there are TWO children. Not like he wanted it, or even ever saw it. But you know, I like to be equal with the kids.

Happily showing her basket goodness. It wasn't long after this that she discovered there was CANDY inside the eggs. This girl LERVES her some candy. She'd eat it for breakfast everyday if I'd let her. On this EAster, I did let her. She had jellybeans and peanut butter m&m's. Don't be jealous of my parenting skills. However, I should have known we were in for a doozy when she started yelling "NO DRESS" and running away. Every time I mentioned the dress, or showed it to her, she hit it and yelled again, "NO DRESS." What the? I don't have a daughter that doesn't love her dresses. She usually picks them out, and gets excited the frillyer it is. So, something was definitely off. I of course wrestled her into the dress, all the while she cried and fought. I got the tights on, the panty cover, the shoes, the hair done, but it was a battle. So not used to this.

We managed to get ONE smiling picture of her, only after I stood off to the side acting like a total retard.

This picture is indicative of the rest of the day. Holding to me for her dear life, looking concerned and bothered. At least I look decent. I had to sing in church that day, AND teach Relief Society. What did I sing? Well, I sang His Hands. This marks the TWENTIETH year of me singing that song. I know, sort of creepy huh? I'm pretty sure I'll be 60 and this ward will be calling me and requesting that song. Anyway....

Really? Can you even stand it? The adorableness of this whole ensemble and the look ofher walking in was just too much to take. But, church was nightmarish. She insisted on being with Dixie, or just yelling at me, or running up to try and get on the stand, or crying. I spent a good amount of time in the hall with her. Happy Easter, how bout that spiritual feeding? UGH!

After Sacrament Meeting I wanted to at least get a couple of pics with the kids together. This special trio of shots is what we got. That's ALL we got.

please Maggie, just let me hold you

Really Mom? I'm trying to be nice, she won't sit with me.

Max is so trying to do his part. And this my friends is one GRUMPY princess.

This is how we had to leave church that day. That is one Easter gone awry. Here's for hoping that NEXT Easter brings hoppyer (oh really, I slay myself, my cleverness is legendary) princesses and just as sweet bunnies.

Hope your Easter was grand!

Frownie faces and bunny ears,

Allyson

Evidence

Hi, my name is Maggie and I am a binky-aholic. I can not go one day without retreating to my bed for a suck, a toke on my pipe if you will. Mom says that binkies are ONLY for bed, I've shown her who's boss.

Binkies are my friend. Thank you sweet binky for bringing me peace and happiness.

Amen

This shot was taken on conference Sunday after she'd had a little time in her bed to calm her tantrum and sadness. See how pleased and happy she is here? Someone totally has her parents wrapped. By the way, we have never lowered the crib mattress, and she has never attempted to jump out of the crib.

Sweet Baby James

In the summer of 1994 I did my first ever musical, it was "The Mystery of Edwin Drood." A strange show, but a fun experience. I realized that I was meant to sing and dance (and I use THAT term lightly) and act, and it would change the course of my life. It was in doing that show that I also met some of my favorite people ever, among them, Ivan Prince, Matt Hill, Shanon Fish, Sabrina Bodine and Joyce Brinton (and her sister Marie). Joyce is a nutty girl who loves to sing show tunes and twalk in a New York accent. In fact, Marie, Joyce and one other girl whose name elludes me right now were the "buttuh girls" and we would all twalk like dorks with our accents. Hey, we were young and stupid, it's OK. I saw my first and only Harry Connick concert taht summer with the girls. It was AWESOME, even if it was his lame Star Turtle tour, or whatever it was. Anyway, after that summer, Joyce and I went on to take Music Comedy at MCC (best class EVER) and then I left on a mission. Joyce went on a mission a bit after me and we just always kept in touch. After my mission I moved to Provo to work at BYU and figure life out. Joyce came home a bit after that and it was my job to find us an apartment that we could be roommates in in the Fall. So, I DID find an apartment, signed a contract for the both of us and then, promptly moved home to AZ forever, leaving her to fend for herself in said apartment. She ended up living there for her BYU career, and oddly enough had my little sister Dixie as a visiting teacher. But, I DIGRESS. Point is, over these many years we have maintained our friendship, near and far. Oh wait, quick story. At my open house for my mission farewell (we used to do those) after everyone had left, except Joyce and my friend Dennon, she and I stood on my porch and sang and danced "There you are" from Drood. Total retards, I KNOW! Apparently Dennon caught our little impromptu performance through the window and was a little traumatized, hehehehe. So anyway, my point is, we're silly and that is how we like it.







Ok, so many years, college degrees, boyfriends, marriages and finally babies later, we still keep in touch and on Saturday I got to finally meet her miracle baby...Sweet Baby James. He was born almost one month exactly after Max. Please enjoy our little picture session.

THE Joyce B., the Ethel to my Merman (snort). Here we are holding our A for adorable boys. Too bad she lives in the middle of nowhere Los Alamos, NEW FREAKING MEXICO so our sons will have to be pretend far away friends.

Looking relaxed for the shoot.

I'm' just saying, we make cute babies. That's all.

Apparently Max could control his jealous urge no longer, he HAD to feel of James' lucious locks. Can I help it if I have perfectly round headed bald babies? In Max' defense, he IS growing some hair now. He's totally to the bald man phase of fuzzy back of the head hair.

And finally, I leave you with this parting shot. Glamour shots by Deb. Try not to hate us for our "cuteness".

Thanks Joycee and Joseph and James for coming to visit. It was GREAT to see you and spend some quality time. So sorry we didn't make it to the open house, please forgive. Baby Jesus was WAY to spent as was his mommy that night.

Goofy friends and showtunes,

Allyson

Who is that hotty?

So, I'm sitting in the hospital waiting room, whilst Jere gets surgesized and figured I might as well take advantage of the free WI-Fi AND the FREE time and do some blog updates. I mean, I only have like 9 that I want to do. And since WHEN have I been completely childless and carefree in the last 2 years? EXACTLY. Thanks Jere for getting your stomach taken out. I'm kidding people, KIDDING. I just have so many freaking pictures that need stories told. Aren't you all the lucky little recipients of this surgery. hehehehe



Anywhooooooo, I've been meaning to tell you, I got new glasses for the first time in literally 4 years. My old ones were tragic to say the least. They had been sat on, stepped on, bent by Maggies brute strength, etc. They sat on my face totally crooked and, well, 4 years is a long time with one pair of glasses. So, finally, an eye exam, new glasses and a whole new me. Let me know what you think of my total new hotness.


Jealous? I thought so. Ok, so this is what you get when you always have to take pictures of yourself. I mean, while Brooklyn is brilliant and all, she just doesn't have photog skills at her mighty 3 years of age.


I was attempting my own "blue steel". Do I have a career in modeling? Well, at least from the shoulders up.

Hot Moms and new glasses,

Allyson