I have too many flaws to be perfect, but I have also have too many blessings to be ungrateful!

Shew, what a week!  We had four full days of school (five for Ella!), Grayson started preschool, Kermie and I met a new surgeon, Ella started piano, Kermie worked hard/late almost every night and actually became the contact for a new job, I had what I hope to be my last surgery, and a few other odds and ends here and there (I think my anniversary may be tomorrow!).

So, in regards to school, this year is off to a wonderful start for Ella and me both.  She loves her teacher, Mrs. Smedley, and I love my new group of fifth graders.  I actually had one of my kiddos come up to me out of nowhere, in the middle of class, and say, "Mrs. Donovan, can I give you a hug?  I'm so glad you're my teacher."  Of course the answer was yes and my heart was happy.  They all seem so very sweet and eager to please... I'm hoping it stays that way!

The first half of the week was a little stressful, but for no reason.  I'm certain that Kermie and I both worked ourselves up about Grayson going to preschool for no reason at all.  On Monday, he went to his orientation and I believe meeting his teacher and seeing where he would be during the day made the biggest difference for sure.  On Wednesday morning, he woke up fairly easy, got his clothes on, and seemed pumped about his day!  The whole family (Ella, Kermie, and I) dropped him off.  Since Kermie and I have to be at work at the break of dawn, drop off for us is around 6:45 or 7:00 and is not in his actual preschool room.  I thought this might be hard on him, but no, not at all.  He walked right in and barely stopped for a picture.  He remained on my mind ALL day long, and as soon as the dismissal bell rang, we were on our way to PCA to see our "big boy."  His after-school teacher (He stays all day on Monday and Wednesday because transportation mid-day is hard for us to come by!) said he did wonderful all day!  It actually took a bit to get him to leave because he was showing Ella everything in the room.  What a relief!  I was so proud and can't wait to see how this next week goes.

I think I already mentioned in previous posts that we were going to check out another eye surgeon to get a second opinion about possible little touches to my bottom eyelid.  I still don't have an actual eye rim or lashes on two-thirds of the bottom lid, and after initially being told those things would happen, I was kind of let down when my previous surgeon stopped.  Don't get me wrong because I totally think he did a fabulous job and would recommend him to anyone, but neither Kermie or I wanted to stop without knowing for sure we had done everything possible to get me back to "me."  Dr. Cowen, the new guy, was awesome to say the least.  Very personable, professional, and thorough.  He was also impressed at my progress, but said that everything that had be done up to this point was working.  He quoted the phrase, "If it's not broke, don't fix it!"  The things I want (rim/lashes) are minor compared to the big picture and doing more could potentially reverse or hurt things that are currently working for me.  He explained that I have a nice, curved lower lid; a healthy eye minus the dryness that I continue to address; and even a nice upper lid minus the droop from the weight.  He explained that there is no perfect when you experience such trauma and that at the time, he was pretty amazed.  So, both good and bad news I guess.  I am happy about the progress, but was hopeful for those final little touches.  Dr. Cowen said that eyeliner or tattoo in the future could cosmetically enhance the eye if I chose to go that route, but the important thing was keeping my eye healthy.  The only places he said he could possibly help would be inserting a plug into my tear duct to keep the drops and ointment  from draining and doing electrolysis on those few lashes I do have that rub against my eye. The first would help keep my eye lubricated longer and the second would prevent abrasion to the eye since it is numb.  Kermie and I haven't really talked about it any since coming home, but they are definitely things to consider in the future.

On to my girl!  Recently, Ella has been obsessed with the keyboard in her room.  She's going to be much like her daddy and able to pick up things by ear, so I asked her if she wanted to try taking lessons.  It just so happens that a mother of one of my students gives lessons, so we did our very first lesson Thursday.  Ella was excited all day and is still just as excited.  Her and Linda explored the piano by learning the names of the white keys and even put together enough notes to learn two songs.  Linda hadn't told her the name of the song as she was playing the notes, but wanted to see if she could figure it out as she played.  I loved the way she taught it like that.  Ella has some homework until our next lesson and I'm hoping this is something she keeps up with!

And, now the husband!  He really has been working super hard and loves his job.  He loves building, learning, the whole business thing, and the "experiences" he has with all of my family!  I know that he wants to make this a career and prove to my dad/grandpa that he's serious about his work and after this week, I'd say his dedication is starting to pay off.  I beat him home every night and I even got home late each night!  He always beats me to work and I have to be there by 7:15!  On Thursday, he and my dad met with a new set of clients and dad introduced Kermie as the contact.  I wasn't really sure what that meant, but now I understand that he's the go to man for the whole house.  I'm sure that's hard for my dad to relinquish all that control because it would be for me too!  He and my grandpa built the business themselves and to trust your life's work to someone else is tough!  I am praying this is only the beginning of something great!

Instead of going to work today, Kermie and I headed to Good Samaritan Hospital for my "hopefully last" surgery!  Dr. Patel was going to fix the scar below my eye by cutting the tissue out, anchoring it to the cheek, and stitching it back together.  Before heading back to the OR, he talked about possibly revising the scar that continues down my cheek, but wouldn't know for sure until he got a better look.  I told him I trusted that he knew what would look best and to have at it!  After all, he is responsible for putting me together back in December.  Anyone who saw me that morning knows how great of a job he did!  As I was waking up today, not only was I loopy from the meds, but I became confused when I heard the nurses talking about the work done on my forehead and cheek!  Apparently, Dr. Patel excised the scar under my eye, left the other smaller one alone, and decided to go ahead with the scar on my forehead.  He told Kermie that when he worked on the first scar, the stretching made the cheek look better.  It can be something we can revisit in the office if need be later on.  Overall, I feel pretty good.  I was kind of sick before going with allergies/sinus stuff, so that along with surgery isn't the best.  I'm hoping to take it easy the next two days and head back to school Monday.

Speaking of taking it easy the next two days, tomorrow is our eleven year anniversary.  I'd have to admit I'd much rather be back in Florida or the tennis tournament, but letting Kermie take care of me isn't all that bad!  He's pretty spectacular at it and time to rest is probably best any way... or at least that's what I'm telling myself!  Happy Anniversary, Kermie!  I love you.