Sunday, April 15, 2012

What is happening in the land of joyous engagements and rampant Staph infections ...

Catchy title, uh?

I might just scare you off if I start with the infection part so let's talk engagement first.

Our beautiful first born Jessica, and her boyfriend of 6 years, the amazing Matt, were engaged this past Tuesday. We are thrilled and excited and cannot wait to watch this next chapter of their lives begin. Instead of words, I give you pictures. Courtesy of Jessica's 2 sisters, who hide, and I mean literally hide, in the distance, to capture the moment. Enjoy the pictures. There are a lot of them and are a repeat for some of you if you do the FB thing. And, if you are able stick with the post, and you are not the faint of heart, there is even documentation of the the Staph infection ... MRSA to be exact. Can't wait, can you?

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The view from atop a mountain in Malibu.

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The rock that they carved their initials in 4 years ago when they were on a hike and Matt went back earlier in the week to add the rest.

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The fog started to roll in.

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Hidden flowers and champagne.

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Matt tells her somebody else is there. She turned around and saw Cait and Taylor.

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Waiting for Jess and Matt to arrive.

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The girls view of the spot.

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This one cracks me up.

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My girls.

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Matt took a pictue almost identical to this when they were first there. This one with the ring box in his hand, I just love for some reason. Must be the joy on his face.

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Heading back down the mountain.

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The ring.

So .... not two days later, I decide to overshadow the euphoric feeling in the house by acquiring, Lord knows how, THE nastiest Staph infection ever. In 12 hours, a slight break in the skin under my baby toe, produced such violent and aggressive bacteria, not to mention almost unbearable pain, one would have to see it to believe it. So lucky you, those who can handle it, at the very end of this post I will post a picture. Just one. Which is definitely enough. Trust me. I have been back and forth to the hospital 4 times over the last 3 days for IV antibiotics and have avoided being put inpatient. Which all I kept think about was Zoey, if I had been. She is a 100% dependent child and although I know there are others who can care for her, the thought of it was a little unsettling. However, saying that, I can follow it with ... I need a break. A mini get away. Between ruptured ovarian cysts, shingles, Lupus and now this. A few days of rest and relaxation might be just what the doctor ordered. I actually, at one point yesterday thought inpatient, with people caring for me and bringing me meals, didn't sound too bad.

I am better today. 2 oral antibiotics and the 4 doses of Vancomycin and I should be good to go. You know, it is not until you are finding your way back from and illness or injury, turning a corner for the better, that you realize just how awful you were feeling. I feel so grateful for the availability of modern medicine. the means to access it and the staff and facility that took stellar care of me. Once again, I am acutely aware how blessed and lucky I am.

BEWARE, VISUAL AHEAD.

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18 comments:

colleen said...

Oh brother... this post is filled with such joy and such a pain in the foot!!!! I loved the pictures and the story behind your oldest daughter's engagement... so beautiful and tender w/ the sister's allowed to secretly vies and record the event... and then the shocking news of MRSA.... how absolutely horrible for you and the pain... not what you needed. I am thinking of the foot healing everytime I see the photo... take it easy my overly busy friend as this is indeed serious and getting those meds to keep working is the ticket in this illness.. Thank God for the invention of Vanco. So clearly a mixed up week.. glad Zoey sounds healthy! Thank God for small favors!

Rochelle said...

Love the proposal, way to go Matt (& his cute little helpers)
Praying for your healing! You definitely need a vacation to de-stress!

Elizabeth said...

The photos of your girl and her fiance were fantastic! I am so glad that you re-posted them here because I somehow missed them on FB.

And the photo of your foot -- well -- I'll not go back and look at it.

Runningmama said...

So excited for you about the engagement! That toe looks awful, but I am so glad you are getting better! Do they think it's because you run without socks, I have heard people say that you can get infections doing that, but I just never thought too much about it...

Justine said...

Oh my! This post just knocked the words right out of me. Beautiful, happy, exciting, creative, then horrible, painful, sad, but also exciting in its own way. Glad you are a bit better. You definitely deserve a break! And congratulations to your lovely daughter!

My name is Sarah said...

Hey my brother got engaged too. I love the green nail polish. The foot is disgusting. Hi Zoey.

Kristin said...

What great, sneaky, engagement pictures! Love it. Hope your toe heals SOON!

Bea, OT said...

I love the proposal! I've had cellulitis...also a nasty infection, yours looks worse...ew!

Glad you're feeling better. I wondered where you were.

The Annessa Family said...

Love love love!

Brooke
www.MarvelousLoveBlog.com

Anonymous said...

OMG Heather - looks like a snail is hovering under your skin> Icky poo! Glad you are feeling better. Maybe a spa day would be in order when your foot is healed. Mother's Day gift maybe girls hint, hint!

And now for the excitement. Jess & Matt What an adorable couple and ring is over the top beautiful. I love the shape. Unique just like you two. Can't decide which photo I love the most, but the one where they are looking back with Jessica hold flowers is my pick of the show. But.... then again Matt gets a 10 for thoughtfulness and planning. you rock Matt! Darn old fog. Also love the peaking out behind rocks of the "sisters" Bet you scored big with your future sisters-in law Matt! A California trip is on our minds here on ther East Coast!

Love & huge hugs

Bluebelle

Melani said...

Oh Poor you! Glad you are on the mend. Congrats on the engagement. Wonderful pictures!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Matt and Jess. Your papparazi did a fantastic job. I always hear great things about both of you (about the whole family really). Best Wishes in the upcoming event and hopefully Bluebelle will be able to attend the joyous celebration.

As for your foot Heather, take care of yourself, that thing is nasty.

Bluebelle's friend

Bea Braun said...

What a romantic proposal and beautiful ring!!! Love, love,love the pictures. They will get to share those with your future grandchildren! Remember that little unnamed hotel we talked about before? That's got your name written all over it!

SECRET PEPPER PERSON: said...

Yack! Ack! Bgawk! The foot! When I had my foot surgery and it looked soooo red the doctor told me....oh don't worry if it gets infected you'll know....you won't be sitting around wondering if it is infected....you'll know from the agonizing pain.... Can you relate to this? And the engagement....LOVE the photos. How cool is this memory.!!! The toe.....best forget that one.

libby @ ninesandquines said...

One, congratulations on the engagement!!!!! And two, OMG your toe looks sooooo painful!!!! Glad you are on your way to being all better!

Wordshurtorheal said...

I hope you are OK. Glad the daughter and new SIL brought some great joy to you and yours. Keep us posted. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest. Relax. Heal.

Cammie Heflin said...

You know just the place you can come and be waited on hand and foot!!! I may not be able to take you to the beach but I'm sure I can get some of our midwestern friends here too!

Melissa said...

Congrats on the engagement! The pictures are just fabulous!!

Man, you do need a break! So sorry to hear that you've had so much piled on all at once. Hope you are feeling so much better soon.