Sweet Smells and Delectable Dining
So here's a fun fact for many of you: did you know that my sinuses have been so bad for, oh about 15 plus years that most of the time I struggle to taste and smell? I've never lost those senses completely, but when my sinuses are acting up (which is probably 10 months out of the year), I really have to work hard to taste food and a lot of the time I can't. Smell was always better for me in that I didn't have to force it as much but I don't think I've ever really smelled things the right way.

I've worked on trying to cure these problems for a long time with medicines, nasal sprays, allergy shots, etc. but have never had much success. I came to realize this was just a way of life for me -sinus infections, sinus headaches, sinus pressure...It would get to the point where I had to stop to think if I DIDN'T have a headache because I literally always had one. It didn't really interfere with my life too bad because I was used to it and didn't know life any other way. Enter Dr. Jaindl.

Last summer I started seeing a new ENT doctor because I was fed up. Pregnancy actually "cured" my problems for awhile. He said it was due to large hormonal shifts, but I can't use that as my cure. (Although if I could I would :) Dr. Jaindl suggested I have sinus surgery to permanently open the paths and to also clean everything. I always knew this was a possibility, but never thought I'd do it because I was scared to "go under". Well, we figured this Fall was the best time to do it based around pregnancy, breastfeeding and allergy seasons. If I didn't do it now, I might not have another chance for a few years.

Today I am officially two weeks post-op and I feel like I have superhero powers. I can taste and smell and it is amazing! I haven't had a headache in two weeks (except from the internal swelling), I can do a cartwheel and not feel lightheaded (seriously, I was doing them in the backyard with Anna tonight), and I can breathe! Life is good. My taste and smell senses are already incredible right now and the doctor said they won't even peak until five to six weeks post-op. Woo hoo! I feel like a new person.

I know this is a strange post and maybe too much information for a friendly blog where you really only care about my children, but I had to share. I didn't know anyone who had this surgery and I want people to know that I highly recommend it. The doctor said I will still be able to get sinus infections but I may never have a sinus headache again (I do get migraines though from other triggers although those should slow significantly). My quality of life has already changed so much and I can't wait to see if the no-headache thing is true. Looks like I'm heading in the right direction (ha, ha!).

First Day of School

Now that Anna is three, I am finding so many new activities for us to do together and for her to experience alone. Thanks to our good friend Maria and Josie, we were recently introduced to "Nature School" at a Cincinnati park. They have a ten week program every season and we signed Anna and Josie up for the class along with our friend Christa's son Sam. They meet 2 hours every week in a montessori type environment with their teacher and about 12 other children. Anna absolutely loves it. She gets to walk the trails, explore the woods, catch bugs, dig in dirt, make arts and crafts, sing songs, and learn by experiencing nature. This alone time for Anna also means one on one time for me and Megan. I have greatly welcomed this rare occasion and Megan has too. This week we spent it hiking with Maria, Carden and their dog Moose.

Megan enjoyed exploring the classroom too.

Anna took her collecting jar and immediately starting collecting when they ran outside.

Enjoying a picnic after the first day of school!Carden found the hike a little too relaxing.Carden and Megan have fun playing without their big sisters.

Go Warrior Tigers!

Anna officially started playing soccer last month. Her first game was mid-August and she will play through mid-October. Independence has a really good soccer program with a large Under 4 league. We got Anna on a neighborhood team and she plays all her games at the park right next to our house.

Matt and I have been waiting for this day for about three years because we knew how much fun it would be to watch our kids play organized sports (and yes, this is a pretty organized league even with 3 and 4 year olds!) Matt was so excited that he actually turned cleat and shinguard shopping into a nice Saturday morning daddy-daughter date complete with a trip to Dunkin Donuts. Do you know how cute preschool soccer gear is?! Size 8 Umbro cleats, extra small pink shin guards, and a black Umbro soccer bag - that's what Matt found. Anna fell in love with these items immediately and carried or wore them around the house for days.

The first game day arrived, we had a whole cheering section ready to greet her (grandparents and uncles and their girlfriends). She got all psyched up in her gear, she had her water bottle ready, her headband on. She walked right on that field and started warming up with coach Kris and the team....and then she burst into tears. Matt had to be the assistant coach and hold her hand on the field. It was quite funny. Anna is definitely the youngest on the team with a July birthday so we figured she just needed to warm up and "mature" a bit :) We were right; By game two, she was out there having a blast and by game three she became a true Warrior Tiger elbowing and pushing kids when they take the ball from her. I think maybe she watched some old films of her mama on the basketball court :)

P.S. Warrior Tigers is the combination name the kids came up with when asked what they wanted to call their team. One boy said warriors and Anna said tigers. The coach actually has the kids put their hands in a huddle and scream, "Go Warrior Tigers!" It's pretty awesome!

Another Baby - The Blazejewski name continues!
Matt and I don't have any news to share, but Matthew and Kasey do! Luke Janusz was born on August 22 in South Bend and is a very healthy, beautiful baby. We have had the chance to meet him over webcam and will head up to wrap our arms around him by the end of this month. Myla is a very proud big sister and mommy and daddy are doing well too :) We don't have our own pictures to share, but you can check him out on www.blazebaby.blogspot.com