Energetic Jen returns

We are back from our amazing New York City Love-venture.  It was awesome; everything I hoped it would be and more.  I’m exceptionally grateful as so many people came together to make this trip for us; I really do have the most amazing village.  And, more and more, I know that life takes a village.  Maren and I will treasure many special moments about the trip for the rest of our lives.

Having the four of us back under one roof is awesome.  On the way home from the airport I was literally fidgeting the whole way home–I was so excited to see Greta.  Maren and Brad were equally excited, I think.  And Greta’s reaction didn’t disappoint: she is masterful at flinging her entire body at you with enthusiasm and passion.  I love that willful confident leap as she jettisons into my arms: she knows I’ll catch her and sweep her into my arms for a giant hug.  Greta really does give the best hugs; she’s not one for a sideways squeeze, she is all in every time.  That pretty much sums up Greta, she does everything with a whole lot of gusto!

It’s hard to believe the week is half over: we are busy!

I’m working on organizing the photos from our NYC trip and working to put them in a book.  (Fun project.)  I’m reorganizing the girls things and clearing out as they grow up and out of some of their things.  (Not as fun project.)  I’m also going through our file cabinet.  (Not fun project.)

I went on my first run/jog yesterday; I loved being out there doing it, but I didn’t love the view from the bottom as I start the long uphill climb back to fitness.  Ouch.

I have a tiny bit of hair.  It’s super soft and there’s not enough of it to determine color yet.  I’m crossing fingers I get my curly red hair back, but I’m saving my prayers for praying that my cancer stays away.  I can handle whatever hair I get and I’ll always be a redhead at heart!

My lymphedema is acting up, probably from the recent airplane travel, and exacerbated by Energetic Jen who is doing a lot of catch-up work around the house.  My left arm/hand is swollen and puffy.  It’s not painful (yet) but it’s something I need to keep a close eye on.  I have two compression sleeves/gauntlets from LympheDIVAs (a fantastic company if anyone is looking for lymphedema products), but if I’m going to be wearing them 24/7 like I have since I got home Sunday night, I’m going to need some more!  (I have mild lymphedema in my left arm as a result of my 8/2012 mastectomy surgery where I also had lymph nodes removed from under my left arm; air travel and exercise/activity can exacerbate the condition.)

I have no doctors appointments this week.  It’s the first week since October since that’s happened!  Its a blessing to have the energy to do normal things like go to both Costco and Kroger in the same day.  To do laundry and clean up the toys in the same day.  Actually, it’s pretty amazing to just be able to do several activities in a row, without having to take a nap/break/rest in between.  The difference is hard to put into words, but I definitely am feeling stronger.  Hopefully my energy will continue to increase as the days go by.  In the meantime, I’m a busy, happy wife and mama.  I’m planning my daughter’s birthday parties, impatiently waiting for my daffodils to bloom, and spring cleaning.  These days are happy days.  Love!