Mrrph.

Well, I *was* going to wait until we'd told our Actual Local Families, but as doing so is taking this side of forever... (and this is why *I* thought we should just send out one mass email, but no, vetoed on that one...)

As some of you already know, if all goes well and as planned, we're having a baby in late April, right around the time Serenity comes out. I'm extra-spacy, extra-sleepy, and occasionally extra-cranky at the moment. Oh, yeah, and I'm off caffeine. And completely failing to glow.

I had my first ultrasound this week, which means I got to see the squirming, living blob-thing, which greatly reduces, but does not totally get rid of, my paranoia about the state, so any "Blob, stay put for the next 29/30 weeks"-ma is greatly appreciated.

Health-ma for Hubby, please. He's going in for an arthroscopic test of his spine tomorrow to see if what his doctor fears is actually happening, ie, a cascading failure of the discs in his spine from the site of the last surgery up. We're fairly sure this is what's happening, and the surgery is already pencilled in for Jan 5. His neurosurgeon is the head of the department and probably the best in the state, except for maybe Doc's brother. Doc's father is a legendary surgeon, retired, who drops in every now and then to make sure his boys are holding up the family honor. Hubby's in the best of hands--it's just that those best hands have a lot to deal with with Hubby.

Also, Hubby sprained his ankle tonight, but that should be fine by morning, if it follows the course of the previous sprains. However, it means tonight's sleep is a symphony of pain and discomfort, which he doesn't need before a major test.

Sanity-ma for me would be pleasant, too.

While Connie's Hubby is home this evening and relatively sound, Connie herself has been admitted to the hospital with some sort of bacterial infection; congestive heart failure has not been ruled out. As this has been a day of firsts (first wheelchair ride, first IV, first oxygen line, first shot of Demerol), I thought I'd log on for the first time in a while and let all of you know. If I learn anything else, you'll hear it soon afterwards.

Update: the diagnosis as of this morning is bacterial pneumonia combined with congestive heart failure. Connie is comfortable, bored out of her mind (no cable, no computer) and has no idea when she's going to be released: while her insulin levels have stabilized, her blood pressure is still very high and her potassium levels very low, and the drugs have only begun to deal with the infection.

If you want to call: 1.801.357.7850 (I have that number memorized. I wish I didn't), room 775. Don't be surprised if you're shunted to the nurse's station and they tell you to ask me or Connie's Hubby: the contact and visiting hours on that floor are restricted. (If you have Connie's home number, please don't ring there: her Hubby is still on bedrest.)

If you want to send something, write me off-line for Connie's home address.

She sends her thanks for the kind wishes.

I finally downloaded pictures from my camera tonight. Apparently, Nilly's trip to Boston was still there. So, I'm finally sharing my few pictures: Nilly in Boston.

Hi, there!

Still in hospital. Wondering if doctors really talk to each otehr or if they throw darts at bulletin boards. The doctor this morning said nothing about my heart or my lungs, except to say "Oh, that's nothing" (my lungs disagree). His diagnosis: old fashioned blood poisoning (Hubby, reading over my shoulder, insists on the word scepticemia). I let some cuts get infected and ignored them, and now I'm wearing baggy clothes and have an IV in my writing hand. I may be in here until Tuesday, which means I have been very stupid about taking care of myself in being worred about Hubby.

Hey. I'm in Greece. No internet access as of yet - I'm borrowing someone's computer. -ma to all as needs it, and a small request for "Get a house for Raquel"-ma for me.

I haven’t been around much lately because I’ve had a lot of personal stuff going on. I was diagnosed with diabetes a couple months ago and had to make some immediate significant lifestyle changes. (The diabetes is a result of my wonderfully inactive lifestyle and the fact that I’m significantly overweight.) Fortunately, I’ve been accepted into year long weight management research study at the local heart hospital. It deals with the basics – diet and exercise. But it was designed for significantly overweight people with joint pain. So I’ve spent a month doing physical therapy, and today I officially started the program. I am thoroughly committed and excited beyond words.

Could I get debatema for my brother as well as Edwards? He's got a big one tonight.

I'll be dark for the next few days as I attend Bouchercon. See you Monday!