Friday, May 30, 2014

May 2014 - Wow, so much has happened since my last post

Wow. I can't believe that I haven't posted on here since Gracie passed away.  That was the hardest experience ever and we still miss her every single day. We really miss her loving nature, her gentle ways and her loud snoring, yes we miss that so much.  It was so quiet after she was gone and it would make both of us cry.  Our other dog Ashley seemed to act a little strange for a few days but then was really happy.  She actually took on some of Grace's characteristics. It was really weird but she started playing ball and waiting for us on the landing when coming upstairs, just little things that she never did before and only Grace did.  It warmed my heart to see her become more playful and loving, almost like a piece of Grace was (and still is) with her.

Well, last summer we decided to plan for a family.  It was before Grace passed away but we didn't want to say anything until we new it would be a possibility for us.  First, I came off my required medication back in August 2013 and we were allowed to begin trying in September.  We didn't tell people just in case we weren't able to conceive or if I had problems with coming off my medication and we didn't want to jinx anything.
After 4 months of trying we got the good news on February 7, 2014 that we had a positive test.  We were still cautious about everything, especially since it was so early.  Well, fast forward a few months later and we are doing pretty good. Around "week 17-week 18" my belly went from normal-ish to all of a sudden looking like a little basketball was poking out.  It is so weird!
The second trimester has been pretty good, much better than the first.  I was lucky enough NOT to have nausea but I did get sick (throat, cough, infection) and had to take antibiotics for a bit. Then I had an RA flare-up and had to have my knee drained and put on a low dose of Prednisone.  That was no fun and I've been having an occasional flare here and there, but I haven't needed any more drains (thank goodness!) and the Pred seems to control it for the most part.
Last weekend we found out the gender of the baby.  That was so exciting!!  IT'S A GIRL!! I am totally thrilled and over the moon!! We are honoring both my grandmother and our baby Gracie, by naming our daughter Georgette Grace.  I was so happy that Cliff liked the idea and agreed on the name. As soon as they said that she's a girl, my eyes just filled with tears of joy.  This is so amazing to me! Now yes, I must admit that my hubby is a bit shocked and scared.  He was really hoping for a boy because he is scared to death of girls. (heehee!)  But I told him all will be okay and he will be the best Daddy in the world!   We got the coolest photos from the 3D/4D experience and also a dvd as well.  I love playing that and seeing this little tiny being still in development kicking and punching inside of my belly. It is so amazing!  I haven't felt anything yet, but everyone says I'll probably start feeling something soon.
I'm definitely looking forward to this summer with the pregnancy in full bloom and then the final stages coming in Sept/Oct.  Her due date is Oct. 17, but we both think she will arrive early.  I'm crossing my fingers & toes and praying for a smooth delivery, a healthy baby and two very happy parents that are excited about her arrival. Wish me luck!

Monday, September 2, 2013

Goodbye Grace, our sweet baby Gracie-Face

My boxer Grace lost her battle with GME yesterday. (Sat, Aug. 31, 2013.) She had just turned six years old on August 16.  She lived approx one year and one month past the initial onset symptoms and 10-11 months longer than the vet's first prognosis. Last summer we prayed that she would at least make it to her birthday, & preferably many more after.  Our prayers were answered and for that I am thankful and grateful. 

Saturday was awful. The worse experience and her symptoms were so different than her normal "bad" days. Even her eyes were different. They were cloudy and glossy and some of her white parts were redder than usual. It almost seemed like she couldn't really see me. She couldn't move, just laid still on the floor for hours. When we managed to get her to move she was trembling, could barely walk and then would fall over. We had never seen her like that. She refused to eat anything, not even a treat or any ice.  I told my husband I thought this was her body giving up. Our normal vet is closed until Tuesday so we had to make a decision to bring her to the emergency vet. She has been through so much including so many side effects from her meds. We were hoping she would all of a sudden jump up and start walking but if anything it only sounded like her breathing was getting worse, like real fast and shallow.  This was the hardest decision ever.

It breaks my heart to even write this now, but we brought her in because we felt it was the right thing to do. We got to go into a private room with her. We stayed with her giving her kisses, hugs and petting her the whole time. The vet was so sweet telling her how as soon as she woke up she would be pain free and could run and play again with all the other cats & dogs. I told my Gracie she would also be able to chase squirrels again, one of her favorite things to do before she got sick. The vet asked if we were ready and even though I really was not ready at all, I believe that she was.  She went quick and peaceful. It was the hardest thing ever in my life and the feeling of loss is just beyond words. We have another dog at home, our little corgi beagle mix, Ashley. We are trying to stay focused on giving her lots of attention and love in the absence of her sister. I don't know if she realizes yet but she does go over to the window a lot to look outside like she is searching for something, or someone.

I miss my Gracie-Face so much already. I'm exhausted from crying and so is my husband. I pray that she is in a better place, pain free and wagging her little nub with excitement and happiness. I pray she felt loved from us always and will continue to feel our love forever.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

August 2013 - Gracie's 6th Birthday!

    My beautiful, sweet doggie, Gracie's birthday was on Friday and we are celebrating today. We are so happy that she is still here on this earth with us! Our prayers were definitely answered and it means the world to us that we can pamper her this year.  She's hasn't had an easy time with this and she still gets these weird seizure/spasms from time to time and they do pass but it is scary when its happening.  Her skin is much better now but she has scars from her infection. I know she can't understand anything since she is a dog, but I tell her how much I love her and how beautiful she is every single day. Today she even grabbed one of Ashley's toys to play and it was just hilarious.  With this brain disease the different meds keep her disease in check but cause so many side effects.  Sometimes she seems sleepy all day and doesn't want to do anything while other days we see signs of our puppy girl who wants to play tug of war and wrestle with her Daddy. I just pray that she stays in happy spirits and is able to stay with us for as long as possible. Love this baby girl! **) -SS