Wow – it has been a very long time since I’ve talked to you guys! We had a busy and fun weekend. On Saturday, I got my Christmas present from Steve: a date day! We went to see The Hobbit in 3D IMAX – it was incredible! I love these Tolkien stories: a world of fantasy and wonder. I’m pretty sure I was a hobbit in another life: eating, drinking, and gardening…that’s right up my alley! 🙂 My sister, Anna, came to hang out with Jax while we were at the movie. So awesome! This weekend, we also got new living room furniture. I’ve never, ever had a brand new couch, so this is really a big deal! And now, it’s a much more comfortable place to feed Jax. Plus, since we’re only half-way through the cold and flu season lock-down, we thought we deserved some comfy couches since all we do these days is hang out at home!
Speaking of cold and flu season, I’ve had a cold for the last week – I just can’t shake it. I’m totally paranoid that Jax is going to get it, but so far so good. I’ve been extremely careful: I think I’ve gone through two containers of disinfecting wipes, my hands are chapped and cracked from all the handwashing, and I wear a mask every time I’m close to Jax. My ears actually hurt from having the elastic part of the mask wrapped around them all the time. Hopefully these extra precautions help! It would be very bad if Jax caught this cold. If he’s sick, he cannot have his surgery on January 15. Prayer point: the little guy does not catch my sickness!
I still have not heard back on whether or not we will be able to combine the hernia and eye surgeries. The pediatrician and the eye doctor are gung ho for doing the combo – so it’s the hospital that we’re waiting to hear back from. Hopefully I have some more information soon..as you know, I do not like not knowing! It really doesn’t mesh well with my planning obsession…
I’m so nervous for surgery day! I just keep thinking about how hard it’s going to be to hand him over to the doctors. We finally got him home and now we have to give him back…I’m sure I will be a wreck watching him disappear behind the OR doors. Knowing that my baby is under the knife…UGH! I think that if he would have had the surgery while he was still in the NICU, it might not have felt so scary because it would have been “normal”, but I feel like it’s scarier now because there is the possibility that he might end up staying the night. And that will bring back too many memories that I’d rather forget. I know he will be in good hands. The surgeons are the best at what they do. They’ve done thousands of these surgeries. And Jax is a real-life tough guy, so I know he will do great! I just have to keep telling myself that…
Friends: I know that some of you are slightly uncomfortable with what I share here. I want you to know that I am not afraid to put myself out there. I write because it’s a way for me to process my feelings about whatever happens to be going on in our lives. There is so much going on with Jaxson, that there would be no way for me to keep it all straight if I didn’t write it down. This was especially true while he was in the NICU and still on oxygen. With his upcoming surgeries, I’m finding that writing is an outlet for my fear. I don’t mind telling you how I feel about things. I don’t mind you knowing.
I write for you because I am a person that likes positive (and constructive) feedback. My top Love Language is Words of Affirmation. (I wasn’t always like this. I think that since I know nothing about being a parent or being a parent of a micro-preemie, that I take all the positive feedback I can get! 🙂 ) This blog gives me that: you are important to me, the fact that you take time out of your day to read about our lives and provide encouragement is very special. I like knowing that I have my “family” to rally around and lift us up when we need it. I love knowing that people care. Thank you!
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An Early Start 
Hi Andi,
I just came across an article extolling the benefits of cinnamon and honey – here is the excerpt on colds. I will send you the article in its entirety to your email – hope you are feeling better!
COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses.
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Wow – interesting – I’ll try it! Thanks, Celanire!
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Andrea,
I absolutely love reading about you and your family and all the obstacles you’ve surpassed. And always remember, this blog is a mother’s journal of the beginning stages in Jax’s life. You can print it, or scrapbook it, or whatever. I’m sure he will love to read these messages when he gets older. It’s a good tool to let him know what struggles he went through as a little guy.
Get well yourself. Grandest of wishes to you and yours in the new year!
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Great idea, Cheryl! I hadn’t thought of turning this into a scrapbook! We have one from the CarePages posts, but it is a good idea to continue that book with these posts, too. Thank you!
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I think all your friends and family want you to share whatever you want and need to share. We are all thinking of the Mullenmeisters and sending our love and very best thoughts.
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Thanks, Nancy! Good to hear from you! Are you holding down the fort at work?
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Andrea, thank you so much for sharing. being a parent is hard enough and none of us can imagine what you and your family go through on a minute by minute basis with your little superhero; you sharing is a way to educate us all and keep us in the loop when you cant be as social as you once were or like to be. for that I truly appreciate your words and it makes me so happy to hear about Jax’s milestones!!! keep em coming! you all are a true inspiration!
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I didnt fill out the form but this is Tina Walters who wrote this and I know Terry feels the same way 🙂
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Tine – you are awesome! Thank you for these words. I loved chatting with you at the Cookie Swap! It’s fun hearing about Sophia!
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PS. Love the dark spiky hair!!
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So enjoy reading your posts and hearing how Jax is doing. Have wanted to stop over-but I have been battling sinus issues as I do every season, and by no way will I be the first one to get Jax sick or bring anything to you or Steve. Feeling awesome the past couple weeks, but as usual-when I feel well, sam gets it…although I think I was fooled today-“Mommy I do not feel well is what I heard this morning-now running around (entertaining himself and the dog), as if nothing is wrong! Think I was dooped!?!?!? Glad to hear things are going so well-know that if you want or need some time for errands, etc. Especially during the day when it is just me-let me know, Jax and I can play for a while! Love you all and love hearing updates!
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Thanks, Tracy! Hope Sam really was trying to trick you! 😉
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Thanks Andrea for always sharing your experiences. You are positive and yet very honest and I always enjoy hearing what you are encountering. I just hope you know that you are all in our prayers each and every day. You are very important to all of us who care and believe me, in my book, I will always care about you, Jax and Steve. You do a wonderful job and I look forward to your blogs. Thanks and keep it up.
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Thank you, Kathy! You were such a cheerleader for my mom, and now you are for Jax, too! Thank you for being with us! And thank you very much for the adorable bear and the generous Christmas gift for Jax! 🙂
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And we will remain loyal to all of you too! Love and Health to all of you!
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