From The Guys At Crainium

I just had to share this post form the guys over at within the crainium.

Am I Doomed Or Not?

Well, this all started about 5 weeks ago with a really bad case of back pain. I didn't really think much of it because I have had pain in my lower back for as long as I can remember. So, when it started, I just took it easy and laid back. It never got better, it was so bad that I couldn't stand up straight. I couldn't sit down, I couldn't stand up, the only position I could be in that felt good was laying down.

So, I went to the doctor. He wanted me to go get an MRI. A week later, I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my lower back. Here is what the MRI doctor wrote in his findings:

"Mild central disc bulging at L3-L4 with mild impression on the thecal sac (the surrounding membrane of the spinal cord). Central disc herniation at L4-L5 causing a mild compression of the thecal sac and a mild central canal stenosis. Small central disc protrusion at L5-S1 with no mass-effect associated."

For some of the readers of this blog, this diagnosis is all too familiar. Instead of surgery, I am going to give the Disc Decompression treatment a shot. I just found out last night that I am perfect candidate for the procedure. The problem is the cost. This procedure isn't cheap. I am sure it will all work out and I am just counting my blessings that I have the opportunity to undergo this treatment.

Another blessing I have in all of this is the amount of sick time and short-term disability I have. I don't have to worry too much about money through this ordeal, all I have to focus on is getting my back in shape and back to work in the least amount of time.

The reason it took me so long to post the news is because I have been trying to figure out how to get the images of the MRI off the CD I have. I finally figured it out this morning. So here you go.

Bradley's 1st Haircut

We thought it was a good time to get Brad's hair cut. It was getting long and curly, he was starting to get mistaken for a girl. Now, I wanted to take him to my barber. Dad and I have been going to this guy for many years. Mikey goes to get his hair cut there now too. But, we took him to a stylist. I know, dudes get their hair cut by barbers, not stylists. It was okay though, the lady that did Brad hair also gave Mikey his first cut. Sort of a tradition thing you know. Anyway, Tammy is her name, amazing lady if you ask me. She is Christy's biggest fan at church. She never charges Christy when she gets her hair done, didn't charge for Mikey's first cut and didn't charge us for Brads either. So, Tammy, thank you so much and God bless. Here are some pictures of the event. Everything started out okay, but when Brad figured out that he couldn't get his hands out from under the cover... well lets just say he didn't like that much. Enjoy.

A Tooth Is Missing

Mikey lost his first tooth this week. We had been wondering when it was going to be loose enough to pull because the new tooth was starting to crowd it a lot. But, Wednesday he came from school and said it was really loose. I was still really sick and was in bed so Christy pulled it out. Here are some pictures.

Christmas Tree Is Up

We set up the tree this weekend (finally). I got everything down out of the garage last weekend, but of course, this means that I needed to clean up the whole garage. I was able to get the lights on the house last Monday. But, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I ended up getting sick with some stupid virus that Christy and Bradley ended up with. I had to miss one day of work because of it too. Anyway, I came home from work today and got everyone together and put up the tree. As you will see from the pictures, Bradley is a big help.

Our Idea of Black Friday

Who needs all the crazy people, sweet sales, early morning rushes; oh yeah and did I mention crazy people. Anyway, instead of the expected doings on Black Friday, we decided to have our own fun. Cody and I along with both of our Dads went out to a shooting range about 30 minutes north of Bako. Yeah, pretty sad you have to go far out of town just to plink around with a firearm. Well, we traveled, and fun was had all around. We shot through a whole box of clays, about 100 rounds of 9mm, and 4 slugs from Cody’s shotgun. Just it some time and we just might take the commercialism out of Thanksgiving…. yeah right, whom am I kidding. Well it was fun anyway; here are some pictures of the day. (Yes I did shoot, I just ended up taking all the pictures, and no one thought to take some of me)

First Day of School

I had mentioned earlier, that Bradley started at the church daycare. We were thinking it was going to be tragic and world ending, yet it ended up working out very well. The good thing is, he was getting use to the place before he started attending. The reason is it's the same room he goes to for daycare when Christy and I are running around like crazy wild people at church all day Sunday. He seems to like it and get along with the other kids so far. The best thing about it is that it gives Mom some relief through the week and it doesn't cost us anything since Chirsty is a teacher at the school. Here are some more pictures of Bradley's first day of daycare. (We gave the camera to one of the girls in the class and she took pictures for us)

Bradley 18 Months

Yes you read the title right, Bradley is 18 months. Man time flies. Well, I thought I would post some picture of Bradley up to 18 months, just to try and get everyone up to date. The following are pictures of his first trip to Pismo Beach (with his very own Moondoggies hoodie), his first day of daycare from last Thursday (we are trying to give Grandma a brake), and some other random pictures we have taken in the past few months.

We couldn't keep him from running off to the water, he loves its.

That's my boy, who needs the toys when you have a soccer ball.

The car in behind Brad is the new one I bought Christy. I will post some pictures soon.

Just Some Pictures

His First Cake

Mom make Bradley's first birthday cake.  I wouldn't even know where to start in describing it for you so here are the pictures.

Almost 11 Months

We had a bbq the other day at Becky and Cody's house.  Cody's mom had come into town for a short visit.  Good reason for some q if you ask me.  Bradley has started to walk.  He is doing really good.  Before you start screaming for a video, I am working on one right now and should be able to post it shortly.

Cody Jr.

Friday March 14, 2008.  Little Justin Cody Dove Jr. finally graced us with his presence.  Everyone is doing well and Little C is healthy.  Here are a few pictures of the little man.