Sleep Apnea.

It's been a road we've travelled for more than 2 years, and an issue we've had for 10+ years.  I say "we" because that which affects Rick's sleep also affects mine. 
Rick's sleep issues started off with pretty mild snoring.  At the start of our relationship, the snoring was limited to only in DEEP sleep, and only on his back.  It progressed to snoring in multiple positions, with myself waking up more often to "nudge" him into a position that he didn't snore in.  Then it was almost constant snoring in any position almost immediately upon falling asleep.  It is really amazing how I adapted to block out the sound- I am a very light sleeper, and although the slightest noise from my daughter will immediately cause me to awaken, I could sleep through the loudest of sawing logs from my husband.
Snoring is one thing....sleep apnea is another issue altogether.
2 years ago Rick's doctor suggested he go for a sleep study, on account he is often fatigued during the day, took frequent naps and had general low energy.  The study found Rick to be a "champion snorer" (no surprise there) and also found him to have moderate sleep apnea.  This means that his throat would often close at night while sleeping, causing him to "wake up" and gasp for breath 10-30 times an hour (= 80+ times a night).  It would bring him out of REM so that his body would not get the rest it needed.  It's a serious condition, and causes stress on the heart and body on a daily basis.  His blood oxygen level would often go below 75%, a critical level. 
Over the last 2 years, I have heard the problem get worse.  In the last few months, I hoped for the nights where I hear the snoring; as opposed to the scary void of breathing- then the huge *GASP* of breath in to start up the oxygen levels again.
There were many ways to treat this condition.  We've tried sleep position manipulation (fail), dental appliance (gag reflex-fail), and the C-PAP breathing machine; designed to create a vacuum condition so that the airway does not close (epic fail).  Nothing helped, so Rick was put on short-list for surgery as a "diagnosed untreated" serious condition.
Bring on scheduled surgery for this summer.  It's a 5 hour surgery consisting of removal of the tonsils, securing the uvula to the top of the throat, tightening the tongue muscles to move it forward, and some other throat procedures all in an effort to widen his airway and prevent collapse during sleep.  There's a 65-70% success rate.
Surgery was today.
The waiting was the worst, seeing Rick post-surgery was second worst.  The surgery went very well according to the doctor.  He was a perfect patient.  You wouldn't think that seeing him, though.  Tubes, breathing apparatus, IVs, swelling, pain.  I felt so bad for my Ricky.  I was only able to spend 15 min with him before visiting hours were over.
Recovery next.

SUMMER starts!

And I fell off the cliff!  (Confused?  Read back to this post) What a first bit it's been.  So busy!

The summer opened up with the usual festivities of Canada Day weekend.  We have a tradition of heading to the Zoo early July 1st with my sister and her family, decked out in Canada Day finest.  :)  It used to be free admission (which started the tradition) but it is no longer.  I actually prefer paying, as it holds back the worst of the crowds!  For our little family of 3, it was under $10, so still a good deal. 
It was fun, but HOT.  Even at 9am, the heat and humidity was impressive.  We saw the butterfly gardens for the first time, feeding time for the tigers, and a variety of other animals.  Erika loved the playgrounds <predictable>, she chased butterflies around, and worried seeing the big cats.  "Will they eat me too, Mommy?"  We were done by 11am, when the heat became too much.  A Slurpee was called for on the way home.

Chasing her butterflies- can you spot it?

Here it is!!

Feeding time...nervous Erika.

So. Hot. Taking the tram saved us.

Our Canada Day finest.  :)



The next few days brought appointments, cleaning house, coping with intense summer heat and trying to catch my breath. I am very happy for the return of trips to the park down the street, and my very good friend Karen's yearly return home. 

Blowing dandelions at our park.  My FAVORITE time to go to this close park is 9:30-10:30am.  There's never anyone there, and a huge tree shades the play structure and slides.  It's our special time together.

Karen's home! Karen and I graduated high school and UofW together, and then she went off to work elsewhere in the world.  Falling in love with Asian living, she is currently living in Shanghai.  Lucky for me, we keep in touch regularly and she comes home to reconnect with friends and family every summer.  I love being able to spend time with her and have a great time.  This year, she brought Erika a lovely dress and other surprises from China.  So fun! 

One evening, it was too nice outside to stay indoors.  Rick went out to "guy time" it up with his group, so Erika and I ventured over to Kildonan Park for the first time this year.  She loves exploring, and surprised me with the things she was willing to try this year.  Tall twisty slides and ladders are no longer scary obstacles for her!  So brave.

What better way to start summer than with a sprinkler! It was again SO HOT, so the grass and the child needed a sprinkle.  She has a blast, and after mowing the lawn, Daddy had fun too.

Wonderful start to the summer!  So many more things are planned; a trip to the States next weekend, a potluck with old friends, swimming lessons, my brother's wedding, and a possible camping trip in my parent's new RV.  I can tell already that these next couple months will fly by.