A Bettinger Family Easter Celebration!

Did you know that Easter this year is the earliest that it has been since 1913? The last time that it occurred on March 23 was 95 years ago!!! And did you also know that none of us alive today will be around to see it happen again... The next time Easter Sunday will come so early will be in March 2228!! Crazy huh?

Yesterday we had a wonderful Easter Celebration with family. We started off our Easter Sunday by worshiping at church. Mark was in the small drama during the service so we got to giggle at him a bit :) He did great though! Then we heard a wonderful message on the resurrection and the HOPE that we can find in it. I was deeply moved and encouraged by the message.

Then is was off to my house to eat dinner. Mark and I had invited both of our families to our house this year to have Easter dinner. I cooked a non-traditional Easter dinner consisting of:

Meatloaf and mashed potatoes, with gravy
Salad with homemade poppyseed dressing
Homemade whole wheat dinner rolls
Corn
Dessert - brownies with strawberries on top, whipped cream, ice cream and chocolate syrup - yep, it was all fat free too ! ha!

It was really fun to make dinner for everyone! The last time I made a big meal like that was Thanksgiving. I kinda like cooking for big groups :)

Madalyn looked super cute in her Easter dress if I may say so myself! I had gotten some plastic eggs to hide for her but considering it was snowing when we came out of church, we nixed that idea! She played with the eggs inside. Grandma got her an "Easter basket" - consisting of books and some fruit bars. Madalyn loved the books - especially the book called "Where's my belly button?" She's obsessed with bellies and belly buttons so my mom hit the nail on the head when she got this book!

Mark and I hope that everyone had a wonderful Easter this year! We sure did! We are so blessed to have a great family to spend it with and even more blessed to know Jesus, our Lord and Savior, who died for us and rose again!!! Thank you, Lord!

Life Without Mom

Well, I'm officially Mr Mom for today and tomorrow. Jenn left at 6:00 this morning for some time away at a "Hearts at Home" conference in Bloomington. She'll be back tomorrow around 5:00 pm. That means Mads and I are on our own. Oh boy. I woke her up at 6:45 this morning (she was NOT excited about this) and I took her to Jim Gould's for breakfast with the guys. I've been going to breakfast every Friday morning since before Jenn and I got married. It's become a tradition. We had scrambled eggs and pancakes. She WAS excited about this. She did splendid.

We got home and we played. The weather today has been beautiful. First really nice day of the year. She took a nap this morning and I officially took my first step into the world of Day Trading. Let me just say that this is not a small decision for me. I've really thought about it, talked it over with Jenn and considered the pros/cons. I have REALLY done my homework. In case you're curious, here's how I've prepared myself:

1.) I've read about a dozen books on economics, the stock market, budgeting and finances in the last 15 months
2.) I recently subscribed to the Investor's Business Daily newspaper. I also have a Smart Money magazine subscription.
3.) I subscribe to thestreet.com's daily updates (Jim Cramer's "Mad Money" on MSNBC helps too); I research companies and financial charts and how the market works everyday on the internet
4.) I listen to podcasts
5.) I listen to Bloomberg's daily on XM 129 radio along with the Dave Ramsey Show on XM 165 for budgeting tips when I'm on the road.
6.) I've signed up for an E-Trade online account and I signed up for the real time quotes analyzer

To be honest with you, I find this world of finances, FASCINATING. I can see Jenn rolling her eyes now. Although she has actually picked up some lingo lately. I'm cautiously optimistic that she's going to join me in my day trading fun.

I won't tell you what stocks or bonds I'm trading. I wouldn't want to be held responsible for that type of stuff. If you came to me privately I MIGHT and I stress MIGHT steer you to the particular cap and sector I'm currently focusing on. But nothing specific.

There's so much to learn. This stuff isn't rocket science though. If you read and do your homework, you can tell how things will develop. Take for instance the value of the dollar. It's devaluation in regards to the euro is stressing the economy (along with financials that are holding these sub-prime mortgages and bad creditors), so investors go with options that are secure and can compensate for the weakening buck. Look at gold for instance. It is sky rocketing up as the dollar declines. Things like that. Now, I can tell you about these things because I'm not interested in dropping $970 dollars an ounce for gold, even though it's PROJECTED to go up to $1500 an ounce by the time it's over. For $1000 worth of shares, I dare say I can do more than make $500. In less time for sure.

So, I guess you are curious as to how I did today. Well, I decided not to sell off at the peak share price (I would have pulled in a little over 9%), I believe next week some of the stuff I'm holding will peak way higher than today's peak. These companies have immense projected earnings, especially on the international front, which is important considering the market in the US. All told, I made 2.56% today. Not bad for a day's work. And, not bad considering our ANNUAL interest in our online savings account is 3.00%!

I'm having a blast. Now, I know there is a real ebb and flow with the market, but I have to start somewhere and I think I'm stepping out on the right foot.

Mads and I went for a walk in our neighborhood this afternoon. Found a mini fridge for free on the corner. Took the truck out when we got home and I picked it up. It's really nice and clean. Still trying to decide if I want to put it down by Fred or sell it on craigslist.com. I think I can fetch $20 bucks for it. Still deciding...

My little Mommy

Mady has always liked dolls and bears. When she was younger and I would ask "Do you love the bear?" she would wrap her arms around the bear (or doll) and move her torso back and forth as if she was hugging it. Then she progressed to giving them kisses and "real" hugs, and then this morning we hit a new milestone with the dolls...

I didn't hear her making any noise so I came out of the bedroom to see what she was up to (or in to!) I found her sitting in the middle of the living room floor with her legs out in front of her and the smallest of her babies between her legs. She had gotten a diaper out of her room, grabbed the package of wipes, and was attempting to "change" her baby's diaper. She would open the diaper very meticulously (which is funny because every time I change her I open the diaper up before I start so that it's ready) and either lay the baby on the diaper or lay the diaper on the baby. She was concentrating on what she was doing and was making sure that everything was just how she wanted it! It was the STINKIN' CUTEST THING ever and I got it on video!!!! She sat there for nearly 20 minutes and played. I eventually opened the wipes package and gave her a wipe. She knew exactly what to do with it - she cleaned the baby's diaper area (and even cleaned the baby's eyes and the floor while she was at it!) Here's two of the videos that I took : the first one is Madalyn putting the diaper on and the second is her using the wipe. You can play both at the same time.

(I'm wondering if this isn't our sign to have another baby? ... Madalyn can change all the diapers then! Ha!)

Communication at its best!

Let me just say that I'm really glad that Mark is home from his 2nd hospital stay. It definitely was a long week without Dad!

Madalyn is really trying to talk now. It's almost as if she figures out something new everyday. Here's a really funny conversation that took place earlier this week. Let me preface by saying that Daddy was really tired so he was still sleeping when Mady and I woke up. I got her changed and got her milk for her. She heard him stirring in the bedroom and this is what was "said" :

Mady. "Mom-meee!" (in a very to-the-point type of way)
Me. "yes, baby?"
Mady. (as she's pointing to the bedroom) "DAD!"

It was just really cute to hear her talking and it was even more amazing that she was actually communicating with me. She knew what she was doing and what she was trying to "say." She was letting me know that her daddy was awake!

It's been really cute to hear her when she talks to Mark and I. I'm always "Mom-mee" now (as opposed to the ole "ma ma ma") and Mark is usually "DAD." She calls for mom when she's wanting something or when she's tired or not feeling well. She calls for Dad when she wants to play. I think all kids are like this :) Sometimes she'll even speak to me from across the room or even another room and she'll say "Mom-mee" to which I answer "yes baby?" Then she usually just points to something or jabbers or signs if she can. It's just neat that she understands how to get my attention by calling for me.

She's also said her version of "Amen." We pray with her every night before bed and during mealtimes so she's definitely heard the word amen. Once she said it plain as day and then another time she was saying "men" back to me over and over.

Another one of Madalyn's latest new things is making animal noises. We were reading her zoo book one night and she pointed at the lion. I said that the lion says "roar." The rest of the night she was "roaring." And the funny things was that the next morning when I went in to get her up, she "roared" at me out of the blue! Definitely cute. It's always unexpected too.. in the car, in a store... she never "roars" when you ask her too. Ha! She can "honk" like a goose and today she started to "ooh ooh ooh" like a monkey. It's definitely a riot!!! She's our little animal.

I've not been teaching her very many new signs lately so I was surprised when she signed "drink" at the dinner table tonight. I checked out a couple of board books at the library on signs for babies and she loves to look at them. Yesterday she kept turning to the drink page and I would say "drink" and do the sign. Tonight at dinner I asked her if she wanted a drink and the little scoot signed it. It just goes to show that babies pick up on everything whether you think they do or not!

It's fun to be able to start communicating with Mady. I'm looking forward to some exciting times ahead!!!

An afternoon at the Spa! (and dinner later!)

All I can say is now I know why women love the spa so much!

My mother-in-law surprised me with a facial and a massage at a relatively new spa in Charleston, IL. She made the appointment for yesterday afternoon. I dropped Madalyn off at my cousin's house (who has an in-home daycare) and I headed down to Charleston. I was so nervous but it was AMAZING.

I have had a massage before - while I was pregnant and in my 2nd trimester with Mady. Mark got me a 30 minute massage for Mother's Day. However, I wasn't very impressed. It was at a place here in town and it was a good quality massage but I was discouraged by the fact that my "30 minute massage" started the minute I walked in the door. I think I only got a good 15-20 minutes of massage. The place I went to yesterday was completely the opposite. I had the massage first and she did a wonderful job! I had every inch of my upper body massaged on a heated table - even my fingers and my head. I tend to get knots in my shoulders and upper back so this was the main focus but I have to say there is something nice about having the palms of my hands massaged! Who knew? And when she was massaging my head, I was starting to fall asleep... reminded me of when I was little and my mom would rub my head. (I think all moms do this and I'm sure all children love it! Mine does!) The other fun part was the hot towel she gave me afterward to clean off the oil. She pulled it out of this refrigerator looking contraption and it was steaming hot. It felt so nice though - until it cooled off and I got cold! :)

Next, I was off to my facial. I was really nervous about this and I honestly wasn't sure it could get any better than the massage. I was wrong! I LOVE facials. That was my first one ever and I'm already looking at making another appointment. I laid in a reclining (& massaging) chair while she "facialed" away. Lots of stuff being rubbed into my face, wiped off with super warm cloths, a massage of my shoulders, hands, fingers, face, a mask was applied and then warm cloths over my entire face to heat it, steam was applied, an ozone treatment to get rid of bacteria, and of course moisturizers. Now I obviously don't know in what order all that was done and I really don't care but when I was done my face felt softer than my baby's bottom and I must say she has a pretty soft one!!! She gave me some tips on keeping my skin clean and I'm going to go back so she can help me get a clearer complexion. I'm really looking forward to the changes I might see.

http://parkhillsspa.com/

So, yeah, I had a great afternoon. If anyone wants to go with me, let me know and we can ride together. The prices are extremely reasonable - I was even surprised that the cost was as low as it was. And the facility is immaculate!

On another note, Madalyn and I went to dinner with some friends last night at Chili's. I consider them my "mom and dad away from home" and they were watching out for me while Mark was away. It was really fun. Mady did great. Ironically, the lady sitting next to me who leaned over to tell me my daughter was beautiful turned out to be a cousin whom I haven't seen in at least 10 years! She lives in Charleston and we ran into each other at Chili's! Crazy!

15 month check up!

Well, Madalyn had her 15 month check up today. I was dreading it as I don't like to be by myself when she gets her shots (i cry as much as she does!) but I was also looking forward to seeing how much she weighs. Here are her stats:

Weight: 21lb (she's in the 19th percentile)
Length: 32'' (87th percentile)

Percentiles rank the position of an individual by indicating what percent of the reference population the individual would equal or exceed. So, in weight, Mady weighs the same or more than 19 percent of the reference population. On the other side of that, she weighs less than 79 percent of that same population. She's always been on the lower side of the weight charts but is definitely a tall little girl.

The doctor said she's doing great. He said that cognitively she's very smart (I think she gets that from her daddy!) She was keeping him entertained which was funny. She's such a ham. I asked him about her possibly being in a growth spurt now and he said that because she's a little small in weight that she could always be in a "growth spurt." I asked this because she has been sleeping A LOT lately. Yesterday she took 2 naps. I woke her up from her 2nd at 5:15 and then she went to bed at 7pm. She didn't wake up until 9AM this morning!!!! I told Mark this and his reaction was "Daddy leaves and everyone decides to go on vacation!"

She's also apparently getting her molars which could be part of the reason for all the sleeping. She's had a bit of a runny nose and not been eating well, all of which are teething symptoms also. So, who knows...

She got some vaccines today also. She cried pretty hard during the shots and then the nurse told me that she could pick out a sticker afterwards. We went over to the desk and the nurse started rattling off "here's Big Bird, Dora...." There was no reaction from Mady and she asked me if Mady watched tv and knew any characters. I told her that she doesn't watch tv and that the only character she might know is Elmo because she has a couple of Elmo books. Sure enough the nurse pulled out an Elmo sticker and Mady's eyes lit up and she smiled. She also got a big bird one to take home. She proudly held one in each hand until we got out of the parking lot. It was cute.

Hospital Part II

Monday 2/25 3:20 pm Well, "here we go again." I got up at 4 am this morning to drive to Chicago for my pre-screening appointment (I was exhausted as I couldn't get to sleep till after midnight). I realized that I couldn't find one of my inhalers (Jenn ended up finding it down by Fred...evidently he was feeling a little yucky), so I called WalGreens at 4:15 to put in an order for a refill. Of course, I had used up my last refill, so the pharmacist asked me if I had a home number for my physician so that he could call in a refill? Want to make a doctor's night? Call him at 4:15 am because you are stupid and lost your inhaler and that you are leaving for Chicago in 45 minutes. I explained this to the pharmacist and he said he could do one more refill, after he asked me if I'd been to my dr recently. I was like, of course. He told me some people do what I've done and they haven't been to their dr in years. This was not a conversation that I wanted to be having at this time of day.

I ended up packing up, kissing Jenn and Mady goodbye, stopping by Walgreen's and hitting the road by 5 am. Traffic was horrible, and it took me 3:15 to go 160 miles, but I made it. Prescreening went ok. Found out that I absorb 40% of my fat intake (Dan only absorbs 30%. He was the one that told me this, so I figure I'm not breaking a HIPAA violation, since Mindy told Dan my lab levels. Comes around goes around. I'll probably be the one getting in trouble!) So, I felt pretty good about that. Mindy asked if I wanted to stay on the drug for a year again. Said I could go up to 3 enzymes per meal. Nah, not really. I did ask her about TOBI, the antibiotic inhaler. That study sounds really interesting. We're looking into it. I'm finding that these studies although a nuisance, can be a source of really decent side income.

Met Dan and Katie at IHOP. Had a cup of coffee with them. They're heading home for the night. Katie is coming in on Wednesday to stay. Dan is bringing is Wii for the week that we are in the hospital.

Stopped by UIC to meet with my supervisor/co-workers. Things are going well. We're getting inspected this week, so I didn't hang around too long. Got updated on pertinent information, and was only there about an hour. I was able to give my co-worker a bottle of Goji. He's a health nut and I've been talking to him about the MLM product that I've been involved with for about 2 years now. Once he heard about the health benefits and the amazing residual income and potential, he's signing up as a distributor. I haven't had time to work the business for a while now, so it will be nice to start to ramp things up again from the plateau where it's been at for a couple of months.

Hanging out at Caribou coffee now, taking advantage of the free internet (for those of you that have read previous blogs, you'll know what I've gone through to get free internet).

Staying with Joseph and Esther Reisinger tonight in Oak Park. He was my head usher in our wedding. Great guy. I've known him for about 15 years and call him a dear friend. We haven't hung out as much since we've both gotten married, so it will be cool to reconnect.

Jenn sent me a text picture this morning. Madalyn learned how to climb on her wooden rocking horse this morning without assistance. I miss them horribly already. I hate it that I miss these precious moments...Jenn taught Mady how to "greet people" today...things like that.

Tuesday 2/26 12:48 pm Well this morning went infinitely better than the last time that I came to the hospital. I ended up getting to bed at about 9:00 last night, set my alarm for 5, and was able to pop up out of bed. Left Joseph/Esther's by 5:15 and, boy did it snow last night. It was windy and my car was covered. No problems though.

I left an hour and 45 minutes early because I thought the traffic was going to bad, and the weather wouldn't help. I cruised the entire way here. It took me 1/2 as long to get here as before and it was more than 2x the distance. Go figure. Got here at 6:10 am, which was nice because I didn't pull into the parking lot with an ulcer, and I could relax getting unpacked. I walked into the hospital and they already knew which room I was going to be in (before, I had to wait awhile to get a bed). I got in, got all unpacked and settled. Dan pulled in at 6:30, and he had the same experience.

I had to fast this morning because I had to do the 3 hour starch tolerance test again. I eat 4 pieces of bread, and then they take my blood every 15 minutes to see how the sugars are converted in me. Good thing they put in an IV for the blood draws, it's a lot of sticks otherwise.

Finally had breakfast at noon today. I think I had too many carbs, as I'm about ready to take a nap. Already finished one book I brought, would like to finish the other 3 I've started at home recently and get a good jump reading through the Old Testament. Jenn just called. Mady has her 15 month doctor's check up today. She's going to get some shots. I wish I was there to support her.

Wednesday 2/27 9:57 am Had a good night's sleep last night. I think I was pretty tired and I'm just getting over a cold of sorts (I did 3 breathing treatments yesterday). Woke up at 5:30 this morning. I read a good portion of Deuteronomy. I'm about 2/3 of the way through. I would like to be done with Joshua and started on Judges by the time I leave here. Working on finishing Boundaries by Henry Cloud and my 2 investing books I've started.

Watched "A Year to Remember" chronicling the 04-05 Illini basketball team last night. It brought a tear to my eye they were so good. Oh, the glory days.

Started my restricted diet this morning at 9 am. I was really hungry (the theme for the next 3 days). Took the blue dye caps to start the study. Yah for me.

The internet computer in the children's lounge is still being fussy. Hence the reason that emails are delayed right now, as I have to go down to the business center.

I had an awesome idea a couple of days ago. We have decided to go to Columbia, South Carolina to visit some friends, probably in May. We will also go to Myrtle Beach, maybe head up to Charleston. I dunno, just take some time away as a family. I looked into the cost of flying vs driving, and it will a better deal if we drive (we want to leave before Memorial Day, before the gas costs skyrocket, considering they hit an ALL-TIME high in the last 48 hours.) I also have Marriott reward points, so we can stay a few nights free there. For 2 plane tickets, even now, it was over $1400 for us to get to Columbia. We would still need to rent a car too. So, my great idea is to do a research study through the Columbia Hospital, so that they will pay our travel/hotel expenses. I did this when I was in college and wanted to go to Baltimore (I did a study at Johns Hopkins). It's brilliant. Simply brilliant. They currently have a study open for CF patients, I just need to wait a month after this study is over before entering a new one. As long as they will accept me into the study. We'll see.

Thursday 2/28 10:27 Dr Boas came in this morning for my daily check up. He asked me how things were going. I told him that I was getting stopped up and experiencing the same signs and symptoms as last time. We both think that I am on the placebo. He told me if I start to get distended or constipated, he will pull me off the study, as it's not worth the risks, since my lab results will be identical to the last time I was in.

Got a few phone calls from old friends in the last day or so. An old buddy I've known for 15 years called this morning. He and his family live here in Chicago. He obviously didn't know the details of the study, as he asked if I was portable and could come over for dinner. "Yes, yes I can." I would LOVE to go over for dinner. I can't of course, since I'm on a scientific diet. Last night I had one small chicken breast, some dry egg noodles with broccoli added. To really spice it up, they give me a tiny little bowl of Parmesan cheese. A container of peaches, and I called it a night. Yummy.

Dan brought his Wii with him this week. We finally broke it out last night. It was a blast. He killed me in Tennis but redemption was sweet when we played Baseball.

Other than that, doing a bit of work here and there and trying to get as much rest as I can. We are working out the details of my new contract with my new job transfer into sales/consulting. They are putting the cart in front of the horse a little, so I had to slow them down a little bit until I have the contract in writing and can evaluate it, without going on hear say.

For what it's worth, I'm feeling better now than when I came in. Have had a great amount of time to think about life and the value of family. Boy, I sure do miss them something fierce. I'll probably not do something like this study again. It's not worth being away from them for so long in the name of science.

Friday 2/29 10:11 Whew, only another 2 days to go. Things are moving right along and I'm getting into a pretty good rhythm now. Jenn had a good day at the spa with my mom last night and she was treated to Chili's by some friends of ours. I'm jealous. I asked her to tell me everything that she had, leaving out no details. Dan and I watched a movie yesterday (3:10 to Yuma - something I wouldn't normally watch, and don't recommend) afternoon and then I took a long hot shower. Before dinner, I was getting so sleepy that I took about a 45 minute nap. That was a mistake as I couldn't get to sleep until 11:30 last night.

Had a long chat with Mindy, the research nurse yesterday afternoon. I found out that when I did the 3-hour starch challenge test, that all the results came back normal. This is good, as it's a determinant for diabetes (much like the 3-hour glucose tolerance test that pregnant women undergo to test for gestational diabetes). In the starch test, I spiked after the 4 pieces of bread and then my glucose came back down to normal within the expected time, so my pancreas and corresponding insulin reacted normally, so for now, no diabetes in the future. Diabetes has a 10% prevalence rate in patients with CF due to scarring in the pancreas. This was really good news to me, as more than 50% of the fellow CFers I know have CFRD. Also found out I only absorb/digest 49% of my total fat intake. (Sorry girls!) Hence the reason I have a hard time gaining weight. If I stay on the study drug for a year, I will only need to take 2 enzymes with each meal as opposed to 6 of my old ones, but I'll have to come back up here 6 more times in the upcoming year. I don't know. We'll see.

I finished up Deuteronomy and I started on Joshua this morning. I really have been enjoying the book of Joshua. It's a much easier read than the Pentateuch. God's Sovereignty is so divine and awesome. We serve an incredible God.

Other than that, there wasn't a whole lot to report in the last day or so. I'll keep this one short and to the point.

Saturday 3/1 10:30 Ah, only one more day to go. We watched Hoosiers yesterday. It was the only full movie that I brought with me, and I've seen it many times, but it's great each time. Had a good day of work yesterday. Found out that I officially landed my first account. (I'm not even fully in sales yet!) I have one that I'm still trying to close and 4 more that gave me a verbal commitment, which I should finalize in the next week. It's pretty exciting. It made my day.

I started to read one of the legal thrillers that I brought with me, and I was only 3 pages into it and he started dropping the f bomb, so that was the end of that story. Of all the books that I could have (or should have) brought, I chose that one. Oh well, I still have one book that I'm working on right now, so at least I have that. Besides, Dr Boaz said that he would try to be in by 9 am to release me tomorrow. We shall see.

I took the blue dye cap with my breakfast this morning. Yah, which means that I am officially off of the restricted diet, so I can eat whatever I want to. I think Dan and I are going to go out tonight and see the town. I'm looking forward to it, this hospital is about to make me go mad. I'm absolutely looking forward to holding Mady and Jenn tomorrow. Jenn put Mady on the phone today and she said "Mom-eeee" and DAD!" Mommy is more whiney and Dad is Very emphatic. It was hilarious. Made me smile...I'm smiling as I write this.

Jenn got her card that I sent yesterday. I hope that I don't ruin the surprise, but if she looks real hard, there will probably be another one in the mail today (I just called her, it didn't come, so it will come on Monday...argh!) I always try to do little things when I have to be gone to let her know that I'm thinking of her. The card I sent for today's delivery is cool. I'll let Jenn tell you about it if she wants. I had fun picking them out at the gift shop. It was kinda funny though, at the counter, these 2 blue haired ladies had little signs up all over the place: "No $100 bills accepted. No 50$ bills accepted. No 20$ bills accepted. No checks allowed." Then, I went to buy a stamp, and they said I couldn't buy a single stamp, I had to buy a whole book. I think I got them mad when I said that all I wanted was one stamp, and I only had a $20...they were not amused. I bought a book of stamps with it...hey, you win some, you lose some.

I had a good talk with Dr Boaz this morning. I'm really happy to be done with the study. Unfortunately, I lost 6 pounds in the last week (sorry ladies). Just got a call from Jenn. The CF Institute sent us a nice gift card to Best Buy for our participation at the conference. That was very, very nice of them. I really appreciated it.

Sunday 3/2 Dr Boaz came in around 9:00. We talked about the possibility of me coming up to the CF Institute once a year just to do a thorough exam of my treatment protocol. He left around 9;30, I packed up, left at 9:45, was home by 12:15, and enjoyed the afternoon with my two favorite girls. I only have to go up to Chicago 2 more Saturdays, and the study will be over! Thank you Jesus!