Back Appointment update & other stuff

The Girls and I left for Billings on Saturday due to the forecast of a HUGE blizzard on it's way. It took quite a while to get there, but we made it safe and sound and I am so glad we went when we did. I was planning on leaving around Noon on Monday, but all the roads out of Jordan were Emergency Travel only most of Sunday and Monday. It was a longer time than I originally wanted to be in Billings, but it worked out. We vegged at Brad's Grandma and Grandpa's for the weekend--it was nice taking in the Football Games with Grandpa Leroy.
On Monday, Shelby and I did some "girl bonding time" as she put it. It was nice for us to just spend some time together. Grandma and Grandpa watched Alexis. Shelby and I went and had our hair cut (I only had hers trimmed..still can't cut much cause I LOVE her curls!) We went shopping at the Mall...she got some new snowpants, I got a new purse and nightgown with some Christmas gift cards to JCPennys. Then we went to K-mart (I hate Walmart in Billings since it is always so dang busy!) and she picked out 2 new fingernail polishes....Ivy Green and Red Carpet Red. That girl is OBSESSED with fingernail polish!! Took her FOREVER to pick 2 colors! We went to Wendys to eat per Shelby's request. Then we headed to Goodwill where she got a new purse and we got Alexis some onesies. The Dollar Store was next where Shelby picked out her Valentine's Cards for Preschool & I bought some "Thank You" stuff for my County Spelling Bee Judges. After that, we were both pretty pooped, so we headed back to see Alexis. I think she is teething, so gave Grandma a fit for about 30 minutes before giving up and falling asleep, but of course that was short-lived once Big Sis got in the house. LOL! Then Brad's niece was done with School, so the two big girls played for most of the afternoon and evening. I finally took Shaylee home around 8:30-ish so she could finish her homework. They had a great time and were laughing so hard looking through some of Grandma's old photo albums...especially of the pics of Brad and Tanya growing up....Grandpa couldn't believe the giggling they were doing. It was great!
Then Tuesday was my appointment with the Neurosurgeon. It went really well and calmed some of my fears.
I do have a ruptured disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrates--he figures the rupture is better and has healed over and most of the liquid has been reabsorbed into the body. There is also some disc degeneration, which is normal for people-especially as when get older. Dr. Marone figures that since the pain isn't as bad as it was it is all healing itself now-he said your body will usually do that within about 8-10 weeks. I have lost the feeling in my right foot, but he hopes it will come back with time, but it is possible it won't come back either. I will have flare-ups (which really sucks to even think about) and unless those flare-ups happen and continue for several months with no relief then we would have to look at surgery or other options. He has ordered up some Physical Therapy 2-3 times for 2 weeks. That is a huge relief--I wasn't wanting surgery yet and he is against it at this point. The arthritis that I will have will be bad within the next 10 years he figures, but I told him as long as it wasn't the burning pain that I have had I would deal with it.
With some simple stretches, exercise, and proper lifting I should be okay. Massages and more Chiropractic visits will be in the future too....I want to make sure that those flare-ups are few and far between if at all possible!!!
I felt so good after my appt. that I went to get fitted for a Bra...after two kiddos I was in desperate need!! I ran to Sam's Club and picked up some stuff and headed back to get the Girls. We went to lunch one last time with Grandma and Grandpa before heading out. Shelby was really anxious to get home to see Daddy. To pass the time we played "I Spy" for about 80 miles of the some 220....Shelby is really good at that game, but she cheats like the dickens...little turkey anyways. We stopped in Miles City at that Walmart to get some last minute stuff I had forgotten and headed the last 90 miles to home. About the time Shelby was going to fall asleep (around 5:30-ish), Alexis woke up and started having her fit again. The poor thing won't stop crying for anything-bottle, paci, hugs, rocking-Nothing works until she gives up! We finally made it home and both Girls were so excited to see Daddy...I think he was just as excited as they were though. The drive took FOREVER it seemed both ways and I was so glad to be home. Now to set up the PT and get stuff done for work! February and March are always busy months!!!

5 years

Shelby's cake I made...supposed to be a princess crown--She totally picked the colors

Tinkerbell Themed "party"

Opening gifts with the cousins

Opening more presents

We had Shelby's 5th Birthday Party on Sunday. Friends and family came over for cake, ice cream and present opening. There was also a short fashion show from a couple of the girls. Shelby was so excited that so many people came (Thanks to everyone who came). It was a very special day. The kids had a blast and that is the best thing to see.
Of course, now that Shelby is 5 she is a "really big girl"....they grow so fast! Better not blink or you may miss something!

New Addition to the family

Poor Things don't know what they are getting into-LOL!

Shelby with Marley and Kit Kat

These would be the new additions to the McWilliams Family. Yes, we said that we were only going to get one kitty, but that changed once we saw them and Shelby had a hard time picking one. Brad said he didn't care, so that opened the door for me to say "Oh Okay". LOL
Marley is the lighter Grey one with the longer face and Kit-Kat is more black with the fatter face.
They are adorable and LOVE Shelby...they let her carry them around all over the place. If one gets down, so goes to find the other one. We will see how it goes with two, but so far, so good. We do close the door to upstairs at night with Alexis...Marley is very cuddly, and I don't want him in the crib with Alexis. We will be getting them neutered and de-clawed once we know for sure they will stay (at this point, they will).