::::see ya, wisdom teeth--day one::::

four of these big chompers are gone after today....but I have plenty to spare

This morning at 8 o'clock sharp, I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed. Dr. Dootson told me that I was "the winner" for having all four out. I'm guessing most people don't get all four out??? I would love some feedback on this, because I really thought when one needed to come out--they all came out. Obviously, I'm not a dental medicine pro.

I won't lie to y'all. I was extremely nervous going into the procedure. Don't ask why, because I have NO clue. I don't know where this new found nervousness comes from, but I wish it would go right back! The office staff was nothing but first class, and I would recommend them to anyone! I don't think I've ever been at any practice where everyone is that nice and professional. I made sure to compliment them BEFORE the general anesthesia. Who knows what I would have said on my way out the door anyway!

After I pulled myself together, I don't really remember that much. I sat down on this pillow thing, they laid me back, complimented my shoes (sweet!), hooked me up to some cool electrodes, put a pulse ox on my finger, made me take my hair down (uhh...it already looked rough!), I assured those sweet girls that I would be a good nurse-patient, I apologized in advance for saying/doing something stupid, they put some oxygen over my nose, and we waited for the doc to walk in. When he arrived, he told me that he'd be putting some laughing gas through my mask while they set some things up and started the IV. Honestly, I got a little worried. I didn't feel a thing. After he placed the IV, we had a short little conversation that went something like this.

Doc: "Well, that was probably the worst part. Most people are actually more afraid of the needle than anything else."

Me: "I think my mother-in-law is scared of needle sticks, and that's why she didn't have an epidural with four children."

Doc and staff: "Whoa...."

Me: "Yeah, and when she had my SON, he weighed 11 1/2 pounds!"

Doc and staff: (laughing)

Me: "Ok, I think that laughing gas is working now, huh?"

Doc and staff: (laughing)

Me: "Are you pushing anything through my IV now?" (In times like this, I wish I wasn't a nurse)

Doc: "No, we're just getting some things set up...."

::::::::::::::::::::apparently, that was all she wrote for me. next thing--surgery's over::::::::::::::::::

When I woke up, the cool ladies were talking to me. I'm pretty sure one of them showed me her "Halloween design" nails that she did herself. She even made a disclaimer that her right hand wasn't as good, because she's not left handed. Of course, trying to sound like I was totally "with it," I approved of her awesome nails like they were coated in the newest Essie shade right out of inStyle magazine or something! Good save, Meagan. I think I was in and out, and I'm sure I said some stupid stuff--due to the laughter that I also heard...in and out. Then out of nowhere, I guess I made enough sense to leave. They put a really cool looking ice pack around my head and called Andrew to the back so that I could get the run down on post-op instructions. It's a good thing that I opted out of singing at church this Sunday, because she said no singing for a week. No singing??? No humming??? I've already discovered that this is going to be really tough.

When Andrew and I got home, he ran back out to pick up my prescriptions. I got to the lazy activity that I took part in all day: laying in front of the TV--computer, books, and magazines at my disposal as well. Shortly after Andrew got home, Mom and Dad came to help take care of me, the house, and the yard! Dad worked outside in the yard ALL DAY! Mom cooked, cleaned, and took care of her baby girl. Andrew also took care of me, but was able to get some work done in the office and later outside, thanks to mom being here. My mother-in-law, Cookie, brought me a chocolate "non-paleo" (and no, I do not care!) milkshake. I had just a little, since I'm not used to drinking milk being on paleo. Let me just say--it was the jam! I am so thankful for such wonderful family members! They are so loving and giving, and I just enjoyed them being here! Maya was in her element, since she had my Dad spoiling her all day while he did yard work. At one point, I saw her bouncing along in the truck bed as Dad gathered pine straw. She is worn out, but even Maya benefited from Mommy's surgery and her grandparents' visit. She's so rotten!

this is me just hanging out with some friends after the surgery today...see no swelling at all!!!

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Yeah right! Here's the real deal. I know...I know...I look like a dream! Hahaha.

As far as pain goes, I've only taken two motrin and one percocet/tylox/oxycodone (they're all the same). I'm about to head to bed, and I'll definitely be taking some percocet to help me sleep. The numbness finally wore off after about 10 hours. Yeah, it was only supposed to last for 6. What what??? My post-op diet (in order, but not at the same time) has included: water, applesauce, mashed potatoes, chocolate pudding, milkshake, scrambled eggs, and dairy free chocolate ice cream. I think I'm all "sweeted" out for the night. Although, cool/cold soft foods are what really do it for me at this point. I've kept ice on the entire time since the surgery. No swelling yet, but I did eat a lot of pineapple last night in hopes that it would cut down on post-op swelling. We shall see when we compare pictures!

Okay, that's enough blogging for me. I haven't even napped today, so it's time for bed. I'll try to update you more tomorrow, since I'm sure I'll still be laying around on the couch!

Flash from the past...

Isn't he a cutie???? Yep, that's Andrew in all his toddler glory! I love that he's still standing with his weight on one leg. Some things never change, I guess. Just came across this picture today and thought I'd share. I know...I know. It's time for another update. However, it's also after midnight, and I need sleep to be able to function tomorrow (by function...I mean, I need to be able to clean this house!) Until next time....

We cheated....[paleo recap]

So, Andrew and I cheated on our paleo diet today. It was totally planned, since we recently completed 30 days of pretty strict paleo. As mentioned in an earlier post, we have been planning this day for a while. The verdict:

Yep, we already feel the effects. Andrew is a little worse than me, but he's always had very pronounced tummy issues. Our cheat meals of choice tonight were:

Andrew-papa john's pizza (extra cheese, extra pepperoni, extra sauce, and one 1/2 with bacon)

Meagan-zaxby's chicken finger plate with extra sauce

I will say that the best part was just knowing I could eat it. Honestly, I don't miss the feeling afterwards. Robb Wolf is right....30 days of paleo just doesn't let you "go back" to your old ways.

So, I'm sure we'll stick with the gluten free aspect of paleo, but I've loved the positive aspects of true paleo as well. I am fitting into clothes that I'd taken out of the lineup a while ago. "College jeans" have been my favorite new returned wardrobe item!

*disclaimer: true paleo is eating only raw vegetables* However, for us that's just not completely feasible. So, we figure veggies are better than no veggies at all.

After reading Robb Wolf's book, The Paleo Solution, I'm convinced that we are all celiac patients...just to varying degrees. Your body's just not made to digest gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye). I also believe that we are addicted to refined sugar and processed foods. I am speaking from personal experience. The proof's in the outcome after 30 days! I have told tons of people about this new lifestyle, and have actually had a lot willing/wanting to try it. So, the paleo "lifestyle" is spreading. I think the biggest plus is that this is more than just a diet. Once you get past the initial hurdle of detoxing your body from it's bad food habits, you feel so much better. Some cases have even shown a REVERSE in disease process. Hello? Why would you NOT just at least give it a 30 day try? I will warn you though...it's not for the weak. It will take some discipline. If you have it, go for it. If not...keep feeling like junk every time you eat junk. It's up to you! I'm not saying that you can't cheat every once and a while. I know that we will (especially around the holidays.) However, you'll really start examining what you eat and why. This is the best thing that I learned after 30 days. I'm so glad that we did it, and I can't wait to see how it impacts our health in the future!!!

The "health"-y blog post

Well, the Winburns are presently going through some health "stuff" (as I like to call it.) I guess we could break the content of this post down into 2 categories:

1. Diagnosis 2. Diet

1. :::::Diagnosis:::::

Well, it's official: My thyroid stinks at doing it's job. Actually, it's a little bit of an over-achiever (in true Meagan "Brown" fashion!) To make this waaaaay less shorter and complicated than I could, let's just say this: My thyroid actually is producing too much of the thyroid hormone. The history and road to diagnosis is a really long story, too long for blogging tonight...but I'll try to hit the hightlights.

• Fall 2008: My Dr. felt a thyroid nodule during a routine exam
• After a series of tests, the ENT suggested that they aspirate (draw the fluid off) my thyroid cyst. Tests showed it non-cancerous!
• Winter 08-Summer 2010: Thought I was back to normal.
• Summer 2010-Summer 2011: I started seeing a slow progression of developing symptoms including: fatigue, body aches, hair loss, weight gain, stomach upset, skin issues, irritability, and the worst of all: Anxiety! Yes, even in normal places, around normal people, and especially before singing or anything where my adrenaline would rush.

So, this past June--I had enough. I went to the Doctor, and he really dismissed most of my symptoms. However, he did feel another nodule, so he ordered another thyroid ultrasound and bloodwork that day (which was normal.....normal!) After having my ultrasound, another (bigger) cyst was found in the same spot as the last one. This time, they found calcifications in it--which isn't always an issue. Not wanting to routinely follow it anymore, the doctor referred me to a surgeon, endocrinologist, and ordered a radioactive iodine thyroid uptake scan. The uptake scan showed that I had hyperthyroidism (actually, fairly bad!) He immediately put me on medication as well.

Unfortunately, endocrinologists (especially good ones) are hard to find in Columbia, so would you believe that I'm still waiting on my October 4th appointment!???!!! I did have a surgical consult with an awesome, helpful and informative doctor. He, although very knowledgeable seemed very puzzled by my case, seeing as how not all of my symptoms or even my lab work matches with hyperthyroidism. Other ideas he has are a toxic adenoma or even a pituitary tumor. Yep, my brain. So, we will know more once I see the endo. in a few weeks.

Until then, I think I'm handling the waiting and wondering fairly well. Sometimes, I get frustrated with "normal" people who take their health for granted. I get angry when I see those who are lazy, when I'd give anything for just one ounce of their energy. I get frustrated than Andrew and I can't even begin to think about starting our family, because I could be faced with radioactive treatment or brain surgery. Not to mention that the meds I'm on would be detrimental to a baby's growth and development. It's easy to foster these thoughts and feelings, but then, I'm totally stopped by God's overwhelming peace and His desire for me to completely trust in Him. God never said that this life would be easy, but He has promised to never leave us alone. That promise alone is what helps me stay centered. He is teaching me through this, and for that--I'm humbled and thankful.

So, that's that. I'll keep you all posted as we know more.

2. ::::Die-t::::

Yes, you read correctly. I spelled it like "die" with a "t," because that's simply what I felt like when Andrew and I started the paleo diet a few weeks ago. I have been begging Andrew for the longest time to try going gluten-free. I believe that he has celiac disease (an intolerance to gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye...or just about anything you eat. His stomach stinks...literally. I mean, he has a horrible stomach, is lactose intolerant, and has acid reflux. Apparently, my nursing knowledge doesn't extend outside newborn babies, because he has refused my advice (and begging) for some time now. About a month ago, I put out an ultimatum:

Me: "Andrew, if you don't go get blood work done to test you for celiac disease then we're going to try a gluten free diet to see if you feel better!"

Andrew:"Well, if you call the doctor....(and then a line of excuses)"

Me:"Ok, Andrew...it's like this: Either we do something to try to fix this, or you have to stop complaining about it!"

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not a horrible and mean wife. I genuinely understand that he complains because his stomach is awful, but I just want him healthy and well. That's the reason for the ultimatums. ;-) Let me also add that Andrew is not a chronic complainer. It's just at times, and I'll stress: it's warranted.

So, after some influence from our friend and workout guru, Bo, Andrew and I decided to try the paleo diet based on Robb Wolf's book. Let me tell. This is certainly a change for us. The foods you can't have would take another couple of hours to list, so I'll just let you know what we eat now....

1. meat

2. vegetables

3. fruit (although you should go easy on this if wanting to lose weight)

4. nuts (but of course, not most people's fave: peanuts)

5. fats (oils and nuts are included in this)

6. beverages consist of water, black coffee or tea....not sweet tea (closet fact: I am southern born and bred, and I don't drink sweet tea. Yes, it's true.)

So, that means: No processed foods, no bread (since you eliminate gluten on this diet), no starchy carbs (potatoes), no beans (legumes), no dairy, no sugar, and no to most of the things you might find in your pantry/frig.

To break it down: You eat like a hunter-gatherer would...like a man who lived hundreds of years ago. They ate from land and from sea. It's really simple if you look at it that way. Now, we are actually modifying the diet just a bit in that we cook most of our veggies. True paleo suggests raw, but hey....something's gotta give. I'd love to totally attempt to explain the in's and out's of this diet, but you really should just research it or read the book if you want more. It's more than just gluten free. Even gluten free diets can consist of stuff that at the root is still bad for you: gluten free desserts still have sugar, gluten free pasta is still an empty carb, and just because something says organic doesn't mean it's good for you. "Naturally" bad is still bad. So, we're taking it a step up and being much more disciplined than just your average gluten free diet.

I will admit that I've cheated a couple of times, and let me tell you: I felt the effects hardcore afterwards. We actually feel much better on this diet, and are trying to stay committed for 30 days. Then, we're modifying this baby. I'm serious. Before modifying though, we're giving ourselves a "cheat" day. Yep, a whole day of cheating. Andrew's already planned out his menu, although Bo thinks that Andrew won't make it til 3pm because he'll be so sick from having gluten again. Here's Andrew's menu:

B'fast: dunkin' donuts and coffee (probably with cream and sugar)

Lunch: Jersey Mike's (italian sub) helllllllloooooooo gluten

Dinner (if he makes it): Papa John's pizza

People ask why we're doing this. Well, I explained to you about Andrew, but I have my reasons as well.

1. It makes more sense financially for us to eat the same thing. That, or else I become like a short order cook....one meal for Andrew & one for me. No way!

2. This diet is proven to help with many health issues, such as autoimmune disorders, like celiac. It can even help with thyroid issues. So, I thought I'd give it a shot for this reason as well. Hey, I must say....I do feel better.

Well, that's enough rambling for tonight. We'll keep you posted on the diet as well. 13 days until we get to cheat...officially!

quick trip to Florida

A couple of weekends ago, Andrew and I were surprised with the opportunity to take an overnight trip to Florida. We went to check out a church plant that Andrew's in a coaching network with. Coincidentally, we were right down the road from long-time friend, Rachael and her husband, David! We left on a Saturday night, and we flew back on Sunday night. While we were there, we were upgraded to an SUV, and you just know what I had to choose, right??? Yes, you're right---a jeep wrangler (my dream car.) I think after this trip, Andrew is convinced that he loves the car almost as much as I do! We had a great time!!!!!!!! I was so great to catch up with Rachael and David. We got to see their cute condo and meet Parker and Jackson, their dogs! I just wish we could have stayed longer!!!!!!!!

my usual jump shot on the beach

Andrew grooming himself driving down the interstate in our JEEP....

dream car!!!!!!!!!!

It's been WAY too long, Rachey!

Old school Show Choir pic from high school....Yep, that's the year at the bottom right (2000!!!!)

summer stuff...

We celebrated Manning and Ellie's birthdays this past weekend with the family. I can't believe that they're four and five, respectively! We had a lot of spider man and disney princess gifts...even a spider man cake. Caroline slept through the whole thing, although Wyatt attempted to wake her up a few times by pouncing on her and trying to show her how to use a sword. You have to be on your toes around him, especially. Manning and Philip also share a birthday, so we let Philip help with the birthday candles!

Happy 4th Birthday, Manning!

Happy 5th Birthday, Ellie!

sweet Wyatt

Ellie was very excited about her perfume bottle

these swords were a pretty big hit

little Caroline finally woke up at the end of the party

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Maya has found her freedom around the backyard now. Amazingly, she was better when we first got her than she's been the past week or so. Yesterday: she tore our basil and cilantro plants to shreds. Today: she found aluminum foil and newspaper (who knows from where), and tore them to shreds. Later tonight: she pulled an entire squash plant out of the garden. That was it for Andrew. Needless to say, we know who the "dog-disciplinarian" is in this family. I try to make her mind, but that face--it gets me every time! Don't you worry though, Andrew did NOT let this one slide. It was pitiful then, but funny now to think back on Andrew throwing the squash plant at her.

TOMS called. They want her as their spokes-person, well spokes-dog. Haha.

Don't I wish that were true???

How can you say "no" to that little face???

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These pictures of Miss Maya were from last weekend when we let her float around with Andrew in the pool. You can tell how she got so spoiled by looking at these!

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In other news:

1. I went to the oral surgeon today, and it's official. My wisdom teeth are crazy, and they need to come out. Good news for today is, I get to be passed out during the surgery. Bad news for today is, I'm really short on PTO and need to figure out how I'm going to take off for this little ordeal. One of our friends told me a secret to cut out swelling...pineapple! He said he ate tons of fresh cut pineapple before his surgery and had ZERO swelling! I hope to repeat this! However, if I do swell up like a balloon face, then I will certainly take pictures. You just have to have documentation of that.

2. Krispy Kreme AND Dunkin' Donuts just opened up within a mile or so from our house....seriously, I could walk there in a short period of time. I can't deal with it. It's like I smell it in the air when I drive past it! Help me, Lord. It is not normal to be this attracted to sugar dough.

3. We are (in this very moment) watching what will hopefully be the last baseball game for Carolina this year. Yes, that's right!!!!!! We made it to the college world series again, and I am home for what could be the the final game! Honestly, it's exciting, but not quite as much as last year. Go Gamecocks!!!!!!!!!

4. In work news: I have the luxury of changing about a billion diapers a year at my job. However, I rarely have anything happen such as what transpired one night a few weeks ago. I had just done vitals on a baby in mom's labor and delivery room, and I was about to slap him on the scale for a quick weight. Sometimes, (especially with little boys), throwing their naked little selves on a scale really makes them "tinkle." Well, this kid tinkled...all over himself...THREE times! I am happy to announce that with two years of practice, I avoided every squirt. I kid you not though, he filled up the entire bottom of the scale! I have never seen anything like it in my life. At least he didn't get any in his mouth, at least I hope he didn't. Sadly, I have seen that before!

5. I'm still couponing when I have the time. Last week, I hit the motherload at CVS. I got two things of scotch tape, two pantene shampoos/conditioners, toothpaste, a bag of hershey's chocolate, diapers and wipes....all for $9 out of pocket. Don't get any big ideas....the diapers weren't for us. We gave them to Lara Beth for Caroline! I was so proud of my couponing that day. So worth it....

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Ok, that's all I can think of for now. Aren't you glad I updated the blog twice in a month????? I am!

New niece!

Jay, Lara Beth, Mollie, and Ellie welcomed little Caroline Robbins Hardwick into the world this past Wednesday! She was 7 pounds, 15 ounces and 19 inches long. She has the cutest little head of red hair, too! Personally, I think she looks like big sister, Ellie! Andrew and I visited Lara Beth and Caroline on Wednesday night before my shift started. It was so fun working that night while they were in the hospital. I will admit-- I snuck down to the nursery a few times to hold her during the night. I felt so special to have held her during her first night in this world. I know she'll never remember it, but I always will! Welcome, Caroline!

Just like Ellie...

I snapped this shot while Caroline and I were rocking in the nursery. I sent it to Uncle Andrew so that he could she her pretty eyes open

Miss Caroline and me in the nursery. Don't you just love her little hat?