Still Alive But Still Infected

So, I'm doing OK. I still have this blasted infection at my port site. I saw my surgeon on Tuesday, and he put me on yet another round of antibiotics, this time for 10 days. He said if this doesn't take care of it, we need to talk about a quick surgery to clean things up at the port incision, whatever that means. I did ask if this meant general anesthesia, and he told me I would just go under twilight sleep, like with my endoscopy. Other than that, not too much news on the band front. I had lost only 1.5 lbs in the four weeks since I last saw him, but this infection and pain has curbed by exercise, so I know that is a big factor. Who am I kidding? I have eaten a ton of Halloween candy over the past two weeks--that's why.

Not much else to share. I was watching my niece and nephew last week, as my husband's family business had a conference in Chicago; this means I had them over Halloween Week. God bless all you working mothers out there....I don't know how the heck you juggle those schedules. Spirit Week at Evie's school meant a series of "crap-we-need-to-find-you-a-camouflage-outfit/favorite-literary-character-costume/crazy-socks/crazy- hair-something-to-wear" moments. Also, my nephew Michael is 12, and is really struggling in school. He is so bright, but has a real lack of focus. Plus, sixth grade math is HARD! My biggest laugh of the week came when Evie told me that one of her friends at school told her that trick-or-treating was really about worshiping the devil. Evie said "But I told her, it's really not about devil worship. It's just about having a good time and getting some candy".

The family arrived home on Saturday night, so I did not take the kids out trick-or-treating. We live out in the boonies, and don't get any costumed visitors from the 'hood, so I always make my nieces and nephew stop by...

This shot is of nephew & niece Michael & Evie and their parents (my BIL & SIL) plus three Estonians, who experienced American trick-or-treating for the first time:



This one is is of nieces Katie and Elisabeth (kids of my husband's other brother). The poses are totally unsolicited:


Oh, I opted in on the Holiday Challenge. I hope I wasn't too late! I love me some competition!