Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Congrats.....I recieved my certificate from IU School of Medicine for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. It was along four years but a good four years. I will miss my co-residents the most....Tracy and Gabe were great guys to work with but with all things, life goes on.

GOODBYE SAM PARTRIDGE

SAM WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED!!!!





Goodbye Sam!!!!!
You will be dearly missed!!!!!!
Sam passed away tonight. It was soooooooooooo sad, I am very upset. I think it was for the best, but it is hard to say goodbye to such a good friend. He has been with me for a third of my life, 11 years and some. He was such a great friend. I will miss him dearly! Sam was such a good thing for me in my life. He was more than just a dog, he was a part of this family and a part of me. For 11 years, when people thought of me or asked me how I was, they always thought or asked of Sam!!!!!! He looked peaceful as he went. I loved him dearly and will never forget the joy and companionship he gave me.....a lump in my throat will always accompany me when I think of him!

Two and a half!!!!

Today Anna made me realize she is actually 2 1/2 years old......if you understand that you understand everything!

Cole is six months and learning to eat and eat and eat like a big kid!

Less Than Two Weeks

We are on the count down until we move. I (Lori) will be in Utah with Anna and Cole for the summer, and Corbin will be in Texas. We have anticipated this for awhile and we are both ready for it to happen. I am excited to get settled in our new home in Hinesville. Corbin has worked so hard in his residency the past four years. It is amazing the changes that have happened in our family during this time.
Anna is growing-up. I used to wonder if she would talk, but since she has learned our house is seldom quiet. She is learning so many things every day. It is fun to watch her change. She likes to watch movies and dance to them. She likes to paint and sing songs. She loves to go places in the car. She will love having her Grandmas' around because she loves both of them dearly.
Cole is also growing up. At six months he weighs in at 20 pounds. He is sitting up and loves to play with toys and watch Anna. He is so happy all of the time. He is getting his top four teeth. He is learning to eat food.
Corbin gave me a camera for a gift. I am excited to learn how to use it this summer. He is a great Dad and husband. I will miss him so much this summer.

Cole's Eye Surgery

Cole had surgery today for a blocked tear duct. I took him to the doctor on Monday to have it examined and they were able to fit him at the end of the week. Cole couldn't eat after midnight, so he was hungry in the morning, but he still stayed happy. All of nurses came in to see him, because he was so cute. We went to surgery at 10:00 and was back at 10:30 ready to eat. I fed him and then we went home. Cole was tired when we got home and took a long nap. I am proud of how well he did.

Family Fun

Well, tonight we all went to a Regional Track Meet at North Central High School. It was quite fun. We all got there about 6pm for the start. Lori and Cole had to leave early to get him home and put him to bed but Anna and I stayed for the whole thing. She loved it....she would clap and yell at the runners..."RUN FAST!" It actually took me back to the days when I used to run. Those were good days, however, I would not trade my life now for anything. I feel soooooooo blessed to have Lori and the kids in my life. I do love them dearly...they mean everything to me.

Poopy Experience!!!

Well, it has now been quite the experience....Lori tried to potty train Anna with no luck....however, we have noticed one new aspect that is not so promising....twice now in three days Anna has decided to take manners into her own hands (literally tonight) and either take her diaper off and get crap all over in her room or as she did tonight, run in and grab me from her room to tell me she went #2! Well little did I know that she had been finger painting with the crap that was all over her hands, which she decided to put stick into my mouth before I could realize what had happened....needless to say, that was not very tasty....we are trying, but I think she is winning.

Cole went to the pediatric opthalmologist today, who stated that he needs his tear duct (lacrimal duct) probed, as it is clogged, hopefully we can get that done before we have to split for the summer. He is such a cute little fellow, and there is no doubt about it when you look into his beautiful brown eyes.

We just got back from Utah, as Lori will write about, as Cleve passed on from this life. Lori said he seemed peaceful, and I am happy for that. The trip was nice, under the circumstance and it was nice to see the family and let the families see the kids. Anna and I spent a night with my father in Panguitch, which was a great time. She enjoys Dad and Kaelyn. They enjoy her. Now I think I am just along for the ride, it is all about the grandkids, which is should be.

I posted some cute pictures from this last week.....finger painting, time at the zoo, bath time and little princess.....

Good bye Grandpa Esplin

On Mother's Day I got a call from my sisters saying that my Dad was in the hospital. Each day I would call to check on him and every day it seemed more things were wrong. Wednesday evening, May 11th, I got a call in the evening from my Mom. She said my Dad's blood pressure had dropped and they thought he would die that night. My family was there, except me. I cried and cried that night, because I wanted to be there with my family to say good bye to my Dad. Corbin got tickets to fly to Utah the next afternoon. When I called the next morning they said my Dad was doing better. He was still critical, but his blood pressure was up. We flew out Thursday morning. My family decided to remove all life support that day and we weren't sure how long he would survive. We were about 10 minutes from the hospital and my sister called to say that my Dad had died. Corbin dropped me off and took the kids to my sisters. My mom and sisters were around the hospital bed when I arrived. The first thing I wanted to do was hold my Dad's hand. His left hand is missing the ring finger and was obviously unique to him. I guess I wanted to make sure that was still the same. It was after midnight and the hospital was quiet, except for room 333. We were all laughing and telling stories about Dad. Finally around 2:00 we thought we should go home and get some rest.

On Monday we drove to Mt. Carmel. I went to Kanab to help my family dress Dad for the viewing. That evening we had a family viewing and burned the brand on his casket. Everyone told stories about things they remembered about Dad. I told about how Dad would bring home doggy lambs for me to feed. We would keep them in a box by the stove to keep them warm and I would give them warm cow's milk several times during the day and night. I guess Dad thought this was something I was good at, because I seemed to be the family member how always got this job.

Tuesday was the funeral. I got a chance to see so many people that I had not seen in a long time. It was really good to find-out where people were at and what they were doing. Ann, Eric, and Kline talked. They all did a great job. We buried Dad in the Mt.Carmel cemetry under a pine tree facing the mountains. I think Dad will like this spot.

The rest of my family had to go back home after the funeral, but Corbin and I were able to stay with my Mom for a couple of days. It was nice for me to spend some time with my Mom. I have often felt like I didn't know what to do for the family when someone dies, but having my Dad die has helped me see how to help others. People were so kind to our family. People provided food, cards, kind words, flowers, hugs, and telephone calls. All of them were appreciated. We will miss Dad, but I know he is happy where he is at.

I ran the Half Marathon Today!!!!

Well, today I did it, I ran the mini-marathon in Indianapolis. It was quite an experience. I am not in running shape AT ALL. I have to admit, I am in pretty decent shape as I do the stairmaster for 40-50 minutes four or five times a week but that is far short of being in shape for the mini!!!! I ran it with one of my co-chief residents at the OMFS program and I did finish it in 2 hours and four minutes, however, the last 80 minutes of the run was totally in pain as my feet were killing me. There were two problems that I noted:
1. My shoes are five years old and have many stairstepping miles on them
2. I have not run forever!!!!

Eventhough that was the case I finished it out, however, every muscle in my body now aches, I don't look forward to tomorrow!..

New Teeth

This week we discovered that Cole has his two bottom teeth. He likes chewing on anything he can get his hands on. He likes to swing and got for walks in his stroller. He is trying to roll from his back to his stomach, but he can't quite get there, yet. Anna's new thing is playing the drums. She likes to pound on anything that makes a sound and pretent she is playing music. She plays the drums on the trash can, the sidewalk, and the car. She also thinks Dad can fix anything. If anything is broken she thinks Dad will fix it. This includes pretzels, noodles, pictures, and the list goes on.

Great Weather

Well, the weather has finally turned "nice" as Anna would say.....this weekend was sooooo beautiful. Anna and Dad went to Purdue University to Springfest, which is a big thing they put on with bugs and animals. Anna had sooooo much fun. She got to do so many things. She went to two types of petting zoos. One that was of big BUGS and the other of animals. She loves adventure. She is such a great little gal, we had soooooo much fun being on a daddy daughter date. The big thing for her was when we were feeling inside a stomach that the Vet School had created and the cow went "pupu." She has not gotten over that yet. It is great!

Cole and I had some quality time together yesterday as we put up the old swing on the front porch and he just would swing back and forth, laughing as he always does. Now at church we get to spend it all together as Lori is now assigned to nursery....better her than me!


Life is going by fast.....what can I say, the weather is nice and we are happy!

Welcome Back SAM!!!

Well, today Anna and I went and got Sam from Martinsville. Anna loves Sam now, he is her buddy, all day since we have picked him up, it has been Sam this and Sam that....it is soooo cute. Sam has not missed a beat. As soon as we got back, he slowly moved (as he does) upstairs to lay down beside the bed as he does....I have to admit, I am soooo glad to have him back. I have totally missed the little guy. He looks great, has lost some weight and seems as happy as ever.

Today was the first day that we broke out the old lawnmower, it was quite a chore just to get it running. I did however and got the lawn mowed. Nothing like the first day one mows the lawn and the smell of freshly cut grass!!!! Welcome back spring!

Moving On

Well, it has been quite a time these last few weeks! We did get the house sold and were ready to move when at closing, the lady who bought our house offered us the opportunity to stay in the house for a few extra months. This was great!!!! This was great because we will be saving about three thousand dollars and only having to move once instead of twice. Also, it is actually cheaper than when we were paying a mortgage, as we are now only paying her mortgage.

Anna and Cole are growing up and Lori is such a good teacher to Anna. I can't believe the new things she says everyday and the new things she can "only do herself." She is quite the gal, does not like to miss out on anything, especially at night at bedtime. Cole is starting to maintain his growth as I think now he will just start to lose some of those rolls and lengthen a little bit. It is exciting to see them grow.

As far as Lori and I are concerned, we are doing great, we don't get alot of time together, however we try hard. We went out to the "Bonefish" and ate after closing on the house. It was for sure the best meal we have had in awhile. We both got the Ahi Tuna and it was very nice. We are excited about moving on as I have only two and a half months left! Good stuff.

Home Alone

Corbin is in South Carolina for an exam, so Cole, Anna, and I have been home alone. Corbin has only been gone since Saturday night, but I already miss him. I will be excited to see him Monday night. I was hoping to be able to go for a walk today, but it is so cold outside. We didn't do much today except go to church. I talked to Corbin and he said his exam went well. He loves Charleston. It makes me more and more excited to move. We have had a good week. Anna is really growing and changing. She is talking a lot more and is starting to like Cole a little. Cole is so happy. He loves to be right where things are at. He is afraid something might happen without him. I took him to the doctor last week and he weighs 15 pounds 10 ounces. He is a big, solid kid. He is very handsome. I love to take him places, because people always comment on how cute he is.

Family Pic Day!

Sunday Sunday!

Anna loves puppies! She is a good girl and she has so much fun at church. When we ask her in the morning if she wants to go to nursery she replies with a very loud YESSSSS, like why even ask that!

Basketball Games and Taco Night

Well, this morning, we all woke up and Anna and I went to the sectional semifinal at Hinkle Fieldhouse at Butler University. That is the place that they filmed Hoosiers, I love that place. I think that is the actual reason I like Indiana as much as I do. They were good games, however, Anna had soo much fun playing and running around the gym that it was crazy. I hope she sleeps well tonight because she is going to need it after the way she played on those bleachers today.

It is rough putting Anna down at night, it is always a struggle as she generally fights it until the last moment. At times I feel like an inadequate parent because she is so against going to bed that it frustrates me. I guess this is normal two year old stuff and I have to say I win the battle because she does go to her room and does go to bed. Cole is just quite the cheerful little kid, he sure likes his mom and when she is not around, watch out, because he knows it and gets alittle upset....tough sometimes for him I guess not to be with her 24/7.

I saw a funny picture today that Ann sent from when Lori and the kids were in Utah, it is at the bottom of this entry and boy oh boy, can Anna be any messier eating her pasta? Funny stuff!!!! The other pics are of Taco Night that we have started doing, as we go to this cute little cafe in Nobelsville for Taco Night and Anna has alot of fun...and she loves the cookies after she eats...what else, her noodles. Coles hat and Anna helping Lori bake cookies....good stuff!

snowing and cold

It is snowing and cold today. I think spring has to be coming any day now. It has been a good day, though. Corbin and I got a babysitter and went to a movie this afternoon. We saw "Million Dollar Baby". It was a very good movie and nice to be able to spend time with Corbin. We found out today that we can't close on our house until the 31st of March. This is fine with me because we can stay in our house longer. Corbin and I are so excited to move to Savana, but I am not excited for the 6 months until September. The time is going so slow right now. It has been fun to have the week off with Corbin. We haven't done much but pack and work-out, but it has been good to be together as a family.

Snowing Again!

Well, we did not make it to the waterpark/hotel as Anna is coming down with a cough and we felt like it most likely would not be a good idea to get her wet in this weather. Anna and I went to lunch instead to her favorite place, "nothing but noodles." When we ask her what she wants to eat she says, "Anna, eat noodles." Crazy, but that is what she likes and when she wants noodles, one better get them now! Used to be, that we could not get her to eat, now when she says eat, she wants to have it NOW!!!!

Cole is quite the kid, always smiling and always laughing. He likes to laugh and smile and loves contact! His mom is sooo good to him, I love to watch her with him. She is such a good mom. Anna knows this too, whenever anyone holds Cole besides mom, she wants only her mom to have Cole. Well, another day will go on!

Sold Sign in the Yard

Well, we woke up this morning and wouldn't you know it, there was a GREAT sign out front that said "SOLD" in big red letters...this is very exciting as we will be closing in two weeks. Obviously the inspection went very well with nothing to do from our standpoint. We all kind of slept in as I am on vacation this week, therefore, Lori went to the gym this morning then I went later this afternoon. In the meantime, I packed alot of stuff and got everything off the walls and packed it. The house looks very bare, but that is good, however, I have to admit, it is very sad as this is the place where we initially started our family of two kids (and that will be it, just in case you wanted to know).

The rest of the week is ours to do as what we please with it! I think we are going to go to the Holiday Inn ("Caribbean Cove Indoor Water Park"), which has this awesome new indoor waterpark with huge water slides......it will be awesome...we have to get a room in order to do it, however, we are willing and we are able! GOOD STUFF!!!!