Good morning. I'm a day late; yesterday was my 8th week post op. Here is how I spent it....first, got up and fed the kids and rushed out the door. Our first stop was the vet's office to pick up medicine for Reggie. We then made a quick stop at church before doing a little school supply shopping at the local Walgreens. After our markers and scissors shopping I dropped off the kids at my mom's so I could go see my cardiologist for a 10:30am appt. Dr. Friedman wants me to wear a PAM monitor for the next 3 weeks, to watch and record my still occurring heart palpations. I believe he wants to be sure the palpitations are not atrial flutter, so they can declare the maze procedure (2nd part of my operation) a success. I left the doctor's office with enough time to grab a sandwich at my mom's and take Natalie over to Barnard Elementary for the kindergarten picnic. Natalie was so precious; she met her teacher and was showed her confidence about school. She saw a friend from last year's dance class and they immediately ran off to the playground together. I think she'll do just fine....wish I could say the same thing about myself....



After the picnic ended we raced back to my mom's to get Dom and Marisa and then made a trip over to Trader Joe's for some much needed groceries. After that adventure (ever been grocery shopping with three kids..?!...) we headed back home. Once home, I gave the dog her medicine and quickly changed clothes so I could do a quick walk on the treadmill. I was able to do 8 laps at a pretty good pace in just under 40 minutes. I felt quite proud of myself. Looking at the clock when I finished, I had just enough time to make some dinner quickly and shower. On my way upstairs, Dave walked in the front door reminding me we had about 20 minutes before Lauren, our sitter, would arrive. We had plans to go to the Lion's last preseason game at Ford Field last night. Dave's good friend Dino Paganelli is a referee for the NFL (he recently joined his two brothers in that capacity) and had tickets waiting for us at Will Call.



So, Dave ate with the kids while I got myself together. I scarfed down a serving of pasta shortly before Lauren arrived. And then we were off, again. We made it downtown and had a great time with Dino's family. It was very cool seeing him on the field, looking so serious and official. We didn't stay out too late, if fact when we got home the kids were still awake in bed so we had some time to cuddle before they went to sleep.



So that was my day. 56 days after having my chest opened and heart repaired. Not a bad day.....I guess it is safe to say I'm back in the swing of things....



All has been going well, I'm not too concerned with this new monitor. I don't wear it all the time, just when my palpitations peak. I am feeling a lot more like myself and very, very happy to be alive. Today is a quieter day. We are off to Meijers for more school supplies, Salvation Army (donating our "too small" clothes) and the Paper Party Store (Dom's birthday is 9/10) after I finish writing. Tonight we go to the Tigers vs Angels game. It will be a great way to end the summer. We'll stay for fireworks and hopefully the Tigers will win.



Actually on a side note...Dave has started a Tigers Blog on one of our windows in front. After each game he has up a different large print message. Yesterday's message said, "Gum Time + C Mo = Win"....for Wednesday night's win. I haven't checked the window yet today, but I'll keep you posted.



Well, I'd better get going. Have a marvelous Labor Day weekend. Thanks for your care and support. Please take care. God bless, Michelle







ps. A friend of a friend has a newborn, Brandon, who was born with a heart problem (some kind of blockage - quite rare). She mentioned he was having surgery at U of M, and it is very likely Dr. Devaney (my surgeon) will operate on this tiny baby. Please keep Brandon and his family in your prayers.