Update...

Its pointless to say we've been busy the past few weeks... everyone is busy these days. So instead, just a few updates.

On the 15th, Sarah went in and had her implant surgery. The surgery itself took only about 45 minutes, and went smoothly. She was awake for the procedure, and although most people cringe at seeing small screwdrivers, drills, and wrenches being used in their mouth, these things don't bother her. She was given some great pain killers, but when they started making her incredibly tired all the time, she opted for Ibuprofen instead. Needless to say, she has had to endure some discomfort, but otherwise has been fine. (That is until Ava accidentally hits her in the face, which happens at least once a day!) Sarah had her one week check up this past Thursday and everything looked great. The stitches should fall out on their own sometime this week. The next move isn't until next month when she'll back in for temporary caps, which she'll have until there is enough money to get the permanent ones.

In other news, Miss Ava is really growing into her personality, and its left us questioning where she came from. :o) Our little angel is quite aggressive as well as a budding Tomboy. She is rough and tumble and will take on any other child, girl or boy. Ava and Joshua (our neighbor and her best friend) run round in the back yard, throwing and kicking balls, falling on top of each other, and pushing each other off the riding toys. Of course they do have their sweet moments when they share cheerios, gold fish, or other snacks. They sure are two of a kind.

The Holiday season is quickly approaching and that always means our life is much busier than normal. This season we have the hope of traveling less or at least combining trips. (so family... if you any of you would like to come up here for a little visit, just let us know!) Having most of our family in WV is a great thing, unfortunately they seem to live at opposite ends of the state which doesn't make it easy. We'll get through it though, we always do.

Halloween is Saturday and Ava's costume is ready. We're planning on walking around just for a bit with Joshua and then heading back to the house to finish passing out candy. (The Dads get stuck with candy duty this year.) Check back next week for pictures.

Have a

Happy & Safe

Halloween

the Debate...

H1N1, its what everyone seems to be talking about. The thing is, everyone is saying something different. This past week the news has been saturated with information.... yet none of it seems to speak to us. If you're old, if you're young, if you're pregnant, a medical profession... etc, you need to get the vaccine. Yet, there are limitations on each of those, and apparently only so many doses available? So many questions, and very few answers.

Last week Ava went in for her second round of the flu vaccine. I also went in and got a flu shot on the same day. We're set for the seasonal flu... but not for the "swine flu." While in the office I asked the doctor about the H1N1 vaccine and what he thought... "do I get my daughter vaccinated?" His answer. "NO!" Really? I just assumed that we'd get it, since Ava is over 6 months and in the category of people who should receive it. The doctor's explanation, he wasn't my doctor or Ava's mind you, was that this vaccine was created back in the 70's and at that time many people had a bad reaction to it. Apparently he isn't having his children vaccinated. I found that quite odd for being a medical professional.

Then this morning on GMA (my only source of news... Pitt news is full of violence I'd rather not see), they were reporting from the CDC in Alanta, GA, giving as much information to people as possible. But still... nothing that really helped me. If I was pregnant, I'd now know that there is a greater risk that I could contract the virus. If I was a teacher or Ava was in school, I'd know that its important since I'd/she'd be around kids all day. But neither of those are the case. In fact, the only time we are around others is on Sunday and when we are out and about running errands. But in the back of my mind I have this bit of worry... what happens if Ava is in her class at church and a child (who got the vaccine, but still got a mild version of the virus) is there and infects her? I know, I know, what IFs.

I've always been taught to trust doctors, they should know what is best and have our wellbeing in mind. So I value what they think, and was totally thrown off by the doctor who told me not to get it. This morning I played the family card. I don't like to do it often be cause my Uncle gets calls from non patients all the time, but I figured we're family. Besides, its always nice to talk with my Aunt Susan. I needed Orts advice, and if any doctor would know what was in Ava's best interest, it'd be her own Uncle. Unfortunately, Susan and Ort hadn't spent much time talking about it, other than hearing things about possible outbreaks at my cousin's school. (Don't get sick Morgan!!!) But Susan promised she'd ask and get back to me.

So the debate lingers. To get, or Not to get? It is OUR question. (and OUR decision!)