Merrylog

My mom went in for triple bypass this morning and we were much relieved to see a happy, smiling doctor walking towards us nearly a full hour early, to tell us that everything had gone swimmingly and that my mom was in the ICU. We only got to see her for a few brief minutes but it was a big relief to see her, even though she was hooked up to every tube imaginable and still on breathing machines.

The pug is definitely doing a happy dance tonight. I know she can’t wait to see her Grandma and play with her again soon.

All, I can’t begin to tell you what it has meant to me and my family to see your words of support and best wishes pouring in. My dad’s been faithfully printing off all of your comments to share with my mom, even up to a few minutes before her surgery. You made her row just a little easier to hoe, knowing there were so many folks out there who cared. I can’t ever repay all of you. But thank you, so much, all the same.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your amazing comments on yesterday’s post were enormously appreciated by my family. My mom has not only been reading printouts of all the new comments as they come in, they’re the first thing she wants to do when we arrive at the hospital, and she won’t do anything else until she’s read all of your inspiring words.

My Mom’s bypass surgery is scheduled for Monday morning, and it’s your kind supporting words, to a lady you’ve all only met through this blog and even then secondhand, that will help her to keep stiff spine and hold tight to her survivor spirit as she goes through this… adventure. :)

It has been two days of a lot of running around, sitting at the hospital, getting scary news, doing errands, and being the kind of crazily busy that only seems to happen when someone you’re very close to is in the hospital. But my wonderful fiance, two fantastically supportive stepkids, and the pug we all know and love came down today for a visit. It was just the medicine I needed. :)

The fantastic staff at the hospital even allowed us to bring the pug in for a very brief visit with my mom – and that helped to lift her spirits as well, though it tired her quickly. But she did, indeed, get her puggy licks and kisses… which as we all know, are the best medicine of all.

Merry and I are both a little worried today for my mom, who’s in the hospital undergoing an angiogram and a possible angioplasty today. I know my Pop will be reading this when he gets home – take care, Dad, and tell Mom that her Grandbaby sends licks and snuggles. We’re all thinking of you guys today and just know that everything will go just fine. My mom’s the toughest lady I know – she can get through anything (and has).

Update, 1:30pm: I’ve just gotten word from my Pop that Mom will actually need full bypass surgery – possibly double, possibly triple. I’m not sure yet when this is scheduled but they’ve said they’ll be admitting her until the surgery so, presumably soon. You guys were so great in offering hope and prayers last time Merry’s grandparents were in crisis; it would mean a lot to us to hear from you again. Even in good times, my folks read the Merrylog several times daily and I know that your support would mean a lot to them. I’m off to see my folks in an hour or two, so posting may be sporadic for a while; I’ll do what I can.

Oh, how Merry loves prancing up and down our street. Everyone, it seems, knows her by name and many folks go out of their way to ensure she gets all the loving, pats and attention that she so richly deserves. :) I think they also get a kick out of all of the outfits and collar combos – always matching, natch – because most of the folks in our ‘hood own one or two clothing items for their pets… if that!

Merry and I were playing around in the studio the other day. The life of a model, you know – tough stuff. Sleep, eat, pose, treats, play. (I’m totally coming back in my next life as my dog.)

My fiance and I took the pumpkin on a nice loooong walk yesterday, enjoying the last of the nice weather before fall hits with a vengeance. :) The lighting under a bridge was super – she was lit well from the reflections, but the pavement was dark dark dark…. I thought it made a nice photo!

She was so funny hanging out on her couch this morning after our walk; she kept closing her eyes and swaying a bit with sleepiness. I had to grab a picture. :)

Can’t you just hear her repeating that over and over to herself? :) I laughed out loud when I saw how this shot came out!

The princess will do anything for a cookie – even roll over again and again for the camera in hopes I can catch her mid-roll. See the buggy eyes? That’s cookie anticipation, folks. ;)

The other exciting news I have to share is about our BIGGEST photo contest ever:

Over $4000 in prizes! Crazy. I know most of you “Merryloggers” have your own pooches, so get out the camera and start snapping!

For more info, visit the contest site.

Okay, the outfit was so cute I had to post another one of the princess in it. I can’t help it. You stare at puppy clothes all day and not fall in love with the cuteness. I dare you. :)