Bella's Newsy Mom

Hoppy Easter 2012

2012-04-09T12:30:00.005-07:00

Photo's to Close Out the Year

2011-12-28T08:05:00.000-08:00

Before 2011 comes to an end, I wanted to post these precious photo's of our Bella. Everytime I view them I instantly smile. Then again, everyone think's there baby is gorgeous. But, mine really is.

A Christmas Wish

2011-12-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

I've done it again. Neglected my blog. My place for peace. My place to be me.

But, in 2012 I vow to be a little more blogable.

Christmas is days away and yet another year to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Each year I'm blessed. This year I'm sharing my top 10 favorite moments of 2011. No particular order of course.

1. Chris survived the 1 year anniversary of the dreaded "C"

2. Bella learned to pee pee in the potty. No more expensive diapers

3. Breaking Dawn the fourth installment of the Twilight Saga hit theatres

4. My new job at Clear Channel Radio

5. My parents continue to be healthy & happy

6. I'm on Pinterest
7. I learned why its important to ask for "help"

8. My green thumb is a success. I maintained a beautiful green lawn all spring & summer

9. I learned why being a mom is the toughest job in the world.

10. I paid it forward in more ways than I can count

We're All Well

2011-07-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

Goodness, its been months since I have been on this blog. I neglected for a while as I didn't know if Chris' condition would improve and the last thing people want to read our bad things happening to our family.

Luckily he beat the dreaded C and God has been with us every step of the way. As time permits I will stay more active and write. I have found writing therapeutic and plan to do more!

Love to all!

We're Still Here

2010-09-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

We're still here. As most of you know Chris was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma Cancer and this week he receives a stem cell transplant. These last few months have felt like years. I feel like I've aged 10 years since the diagnosis. When people tell you Cancer is a family disease, believe them. Our beloved Bella Marie gives us strength.

Love to all.... God grant us strength..

The Dreaded "C"

2010-09-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

The Dreaded C

Cancer, the dreaded “C” word,” it’s become such an epidemic in our society that people are loath to even mention its name. Now, it’s become a detour in my husband’s life. Multiple Myeloma like other “C” begins in cells. Myeloma is an incurable but treatable “C” in the blood and bones. Myeloma begins when a plasma cell becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell divides and makes more abnormal cells and over time collects in the bone marrow.

Our Fear Became Reality

At approximately 3:27pm on May 26th at a hospital in Tucson, Arizona two cancer specialists entered my husband’s hospital room. I sensed they knew one another and worked together before. It was almost a scene from Gray’s Anatomy or one of those drama tv shows. They were polite with respecting smiles. The eldest of the two, was Chief of Medicine at the Arizona Cancer Center. The other was a strikingly handsome man with a Russian accent who introduced himself as the oncologist handling my husband’s case. Each grabbed a chair, sat next to Chris’ hospital bed and probed Chris with personal questions regarding his health. I gazed long and hard. I read their names stitched in white, embroidered on the left hand corner of their white lab coats. My gut turned sour and the voice inside my head began to pray. Suddenly, he was thrown into another universe, a new world called “C”. While Chris handled the diagnosis very well, I wanted answers. I was mad as hell, but couldn’t show Chris how I felt.

Moments later they repeated a gloom sentence, “Mr. Martinez it looks like you have multiple myeloma “Cancer”, announced the eldest doctor. Chris remained stoic. His hands lay folded over his chest. Not a tear fell from his cheek. He paid attention to each word and carefully listened to his diagnosis.

In the seconds, after doctors asked, “Do you have questions?” I transitioned from wife to journalist. I inquired about everything with this disease called Multiple Myeloma “C”.
As they repeated my question with their answer, I quickly absorbed each sentence like a sponge, circling key phrases with my pen on my notebook paper. I made a vow to myself. I was determined to live, eat, and breathe this disease.

We Missed The Signs

We think the “C” started last summer. Chris complained of fatigue and aches in his lower back. He slowly lost weight and each month passed with more pain. Bella’s first birthday arrived and with her celebration came the decision to re-visit our life insurance policies. Our agent scheduled standard tests before the policy was written that included a blood and urine analysis.

When the tests returned Chris needed further testing and our agent couldn't insure him because of what the tests showed. Our agent recommended Chris see his primary care physician. “It’s probably nothing. Just return when he everything looks normal,” the agent said.

Chris did see his doctor and tests showed severe dehydration and abnormal protein in his urine. Doctors recommended he drink more liquids and return in a few weeks for a follow-up.

Weeks turned into months and still no change. Month after month his health didn’t improve. He was frail and continued to lose weight. In February, he developed kidney stones and his nephrologist prescribed pain medication to ease discomfort. ,p>

In March, the pain continued. Chris wasn’t able to pass the kidney stones on his own, so the doctor recommended he receive an outpatient procedure called a lithotripsy. A lithotripsy is a medical procedure that uses shock waves to break up stones in the kidneys. After the procedure, the tiny pieces of stones should pass out of the kidneys’ and into the urine. So, Chris attempted to schedule the procedure but was out of luck. The next available appointment was in the middle of April, meaning he would live with the pain a little longer than he anticipated.

The lithotripsy was finally performed, but it was unsuccessful for Chris. Through this entire ordeal Chris had lost 20 pounds and returned home from work, passing out from exhaustion and fatigue each night.

In May, he returned for a follow-up visit. His doctor told him there was nothing more they could do and to re-schedule a follow-up visit in one year. So, Chris moved on. He often thought it was all in his head. Perhaps, he needed more rest. But, in both of your guts we knew something wasn’t right. Finally, I demanded Chris see his primary physician one last time. It was a shot in the dark but we needed some type of solution as to why Chris looked and felt miserable.

His doctor ran the tests and that evening the on-call doctor asked Chris to get to a hospital immediately. He had developed stage 4 kidney failure.

Additional Testing

The road to recovery continues for Chris. Initially, he started all chemo treatments in Arizona. His doctor told us the solution for his disease would be a a stem cell transplant. However, that solution wasn't viable for us. We were told the hospital had several budget cuts and one of them was the specialization of stem cell transplants. Chris would need to go elsewhere in order for him to survive.

We’re Home Honey

While Chris lay in a hospital bed and me on a roll away bed. I researched daily. My laptop and phone near me at all times.

Thankfully, our family and friends in Arizona were there to give us some much needed support. They arrived to the hospital each day listening to our complaints. Even mentoring to both of us, mentioning how God would teach our family a valuable lesson through this trial and suffering. When they would leave it helped us gain courage. Our souls were healthy again. Even if it were just for a few hours.

As I sat in the hospital for two weeks I was determined to get him back to Texas. But, before that could happen Chris would need three types of Chemo. One done intravenously, and the other two given orally at the Arizona Cancer Center.

Chris would also need a doctor to take on his case. That quickly led me to one of the best health facilities in the country, M.D. Anderson in Houston. Long story short they were able to connect with me, instantly taking on his case and immediately setting an appointment with a team of specialists.

What Is A Stem Cell Transplant?

Chris will receive a stem cell transplant beginning this week. The idea behind a stem cell transplant is to destroy “C” cells from his bone marrow with a high dose of chemo. The transplant team will also give him a shot, allowing stems cells to leave the bone marrow and enter the blood stream. A few days later a doctor will draw out enough blood to be used for treatment.

Chris will have his blood cleaned through a dialysis machine, whirled around for four full days until they harvest enough stem cells to freeze. Then the clean blood will be re-introduced into his body through a port, back into the bone marrow, producing healthy blood cells.

Chris will be given a high dose of chemo, instantly killing his white blood cells.

For 8 weeks Chris will stay in Houston. Each week someone will be his caregiver. The first to take the lead is my mom, then Maria, his brother David and then myself. Once the 8 weeks are over without complications, Chris will be in remission. “Remission” will mean Utopia for my husband. It will be the first day of his brand new life- a life without chemotherapy, pills, needles, and sleepless nights.

Right now, as you read this someone is fighting the fight, indeed it might be you trudging chemotherapy.

It’s humbling to know how the hand of God has brought us to where Chris and our family are today. God has taken the worse tragedy in my husband’s life and will turn it into a triumph… this I know is true. Personally, I’ve developed a better relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I’ve gained tremendous respect for doctors and nurses who care for those sick with the dreaded “C”.

What I been most impressed with are the amounts of prayers and love from family, friends, and total strangers. This has been a lonely battle for Chris and each day someone reaches out to him in some way or another. It might be the whisper of prayer or the text to his cell phone reading, “Hang in there.”

The human spirit is powerful and it has kept my husband alive more than you can ever know. God bless all.

A Thousand Thanks

2010-05-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

A Thousand ThanksMother's Day brings to mind
The thousands of things you did for me
that helped make me happier,
stronger and wiser,
because I had you as a role model.I'm grateful for all the times
you healed my hurts
and calmed my fears,
so that I could face the world
feeling safe and secure.I'm thankful for all you showed me
about how to love and give--
lessons that now bring
so many blessings to me
each and every day.Your sacrifices and unselfishness
did not go unnoticed, Mom.
I admire you, I respect you,
I love you.
And I'm so glad you're my mother!Happy Mother's Day!

Eclipse, Get a Sneak Peak

2010-04-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

I've read all the books front to back and listened to the audio version of the books from Arizona to Texas twice on my IPOD. Some of my friends, even my family say I'm a nut about the Twilight Saga. I agree. I am. So, while this has nothing to do with our own "BELLA." I'm hoping in the years ahead, Bella will be able to read this blog and get an idea of what her mother enjoyed while being a mommy.

So, whether you are Team Jacob or Team Edward, this new trailer for TWILIGHT: ECLIPSE is blowing everybody's minds.

Not only is it full of the romance of the pending choices Bella has to make, but, of course, there's that underlying tension about the real life romance of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. And, of course, there's Taylor Lautner.

Is this movie going to blow the last one out of the water? The studio certainly seems to be placing these teasers so that fans will be pushing one another into the streets to buy the first tickets when they go on sale.

Four Generations of Women

2010-04-13T17:09:00.000-07:00

Our hands in a circle, life symbols…… both perfect and profound.
The women of our family, young and old in love are bound.

We are born into our circle---sweet, delicate dimpled hands.
Loved and held by the generations, the miracle of life we understand.

As we move throughout our lives, our hands speak our heart.
Touching, loving, comforting. All God’s work of art.

Our hands entwine for games & prayers. They clap with joy and pride.
They tremble with anger and sorrow, soothe broken hearts and babies cries.

Our hands shape, guide and teach, nourish, support and share.
At times swift, deft, and purposeful at times imperfect and impaired.

We are called home from our circle, a life story engraved on our hands.

Loved and held by the generations, the beauty of life we understand.

Together we share our journeys, the generations both now and then.
The women of our family are a circle of love that never ends.

The Easter Egg-periment

2010-04-08T22:24:00.000-07:00

Easter was by far my favorite recognized holiday when I was a child.

Traditionally, the festivities would begin at my grandparents home in Hondo,Texas. I would quickly change out of my pajamas and into my grandfather "OPA's" shirt. Then run outside and hunt the eggs the Easter Bunny left for me.

As an adult at Easter I pay more attention to the birth, life, atonement, death, and ultimately the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This year was Bella's second Easter and so she attended two "Easter Egg Adventures".

The first of two excursions were held at St. John Church in Hondo and then at Marc and Janet's home.

Bella was remarkable!

She seemed so grown up hunting along with the 5 and 6 year old children, a real tear-jerker for mommy and daddy, who still can't believe God provided us our very own miracle each day. Bella, I love you my darling.

Bubble Girl

2010-03-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Bella loves bubbles.

Specifically, Mr. Bubbles! We fill the bath tub full of water and Bella picks at each bubble and then throws it in the air, which eventually lands on her head and face. She also likes blowing the bubbles and those usually end up on the floor, which I wipe up with a towel. I don't mind though, Bella enjoys herself and if she has fun and learns at the same time then its alright with Mommy and Daddy!

Spring Time in Texas

2010-03-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

Spring time in Texas is magnificent. The countryside is blooming with wildflowers, just in time for Bella to enjoy the ranch during Spring Break. My parents kept her all week long and while she was there she picked up a few phrases and words: "What is It?" "Up." and "Papa." to name a few.

Each morning she had malt o' meal for breakfast and in the afternoon Shi Shi would take her into town or go outside and play. When Popi would get home they would eat dinner and make their way outside to work in the garden.

Bella really enjoyed the time spent with them. However, I think Popi and Shi Shi enjoyed it more.

Dancin' Queen

2010-03-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago we went to Maw Maw's house in Fort Stockton, Texas. Bella and my mom played the piano and in between song's Bella would get down from sitting near the piano and burst out with some cool dance moves!

What To Do-What To Do

2010-03-02T19:41:00.000-08:00

This age is by far the best-- Yep, at 18 months, our little Bella is engaged in so many activities. The tiny sparkles in her eyes learning and observing life's smallest creatures brings delight to our family. Each day Bella is fascinated with what life will bring.

I wish I had more time to blog all about Bella's little adventures. Lately, I come home from work and let out a great big sigh of relief as my life at work keeps me busy or
also known as: occupied, employed, unavailable, assiduous, not to mention exhausted!

But, we get through it day in and day out.

Hopefully, Chris will find employment in Texas soon. We sure miss Daddy. Lately, I've taken Bella on a few excursions.

A few weekend's ago we went to George West and visited with old friends. We also went to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. During the work week we watched cousin Matthew's basketball game and if that wasn't enough we celebrated cousin Caroline's 2nd birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza.

Of course, we always spend time with Nana in San Antonio as well as the ranch at Shi Shi and Popi's in Uvalde--- It's amazing to see the interaction with Bella and her grandparents.

It gives me a nice warm fuzzy inside.

18 Months

2010-03-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

Bella's Favorite Things at 18 Months:

Coloring with Mommy before bedtime
Picking flowers on the ranch
Watching Daddy thru Skype
Bubble Baths
Tortilla's
Saying the number "8" and "9"

Favorite Things

2010-01-11T19:31:00.000-08:00

Bella's favorite things at 16 months:

Mrs. Lucy's cooking
Playing with Melanie and Alexis during the week
Riding in her toy car she got for Christmas from Aunt Ala and Becki
Watching Dora
Drinking Iced Tea from Popi's glass
Sitting in her polk-a-dot chair like a big girl
Coloring
Long ranch rides with Shi Shi & Popi
Brushing her teeth
Putting puzzles together

My Wish

2009-12-31T09:34:00.001-08:00

Dear Bella,

Happy 2010 my beautiful 16 month-old! I cannot believe how much you have changed my life. My eyes are already welling up with bitter-sweet tears.

Your father and I have nurtured you since you were a newborn and each day it is a blessing to have you in our life.

We have already shared so much: Mommy talks, dancing in our pajamas, visiting Shi Shi and Popi on the ranch, trips to Sedona, sleepless nights, countless earaches, trips to the pediatrician, prayers, sippy cups, books read aloud, wiping noses and tushes, eating solids, saying no-no, walking in Nana's kitchen in our click-click's, hugs and kisses and lots and lots of laughs.

My wish for you this coming year is to learn more about yourself, the world, and why its so important to love Jesus Christ.

From the first moment I first held you I knew you would change my life. You have such a deep and loving laugh and when daddy tickles you my heart just melts.

2009 has been quite a year for your mommy and daddy. Not only have we both had to make some big decisions in our life, we have always kept you first and we hope those decisions will make you a strong and gentle adult someday.

I love you so much Bella Marie!

Blessings This Christmas

2009-12-30T14:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009 was awesome!

We had such a wonderful weekend at Ci Ci and Popi's home on the ranch. Christmas morning we opened presents (more than 1/2 which were Bella's). Then Oma arrived just before Breakfast and we had some yummy homemade cinnamon rolls. Shortly there after we enjoyed one another's company and fixed Christmas lunch. Of course it was all gone by 2pm. We then wrapped up the evening laughing at Miss Priss and enjoying the beautiful weather outdoors.

Another blessing in 2010. May it bring all of you healthly hearts, happiness and few fortunes along the way!

Cheers!

Mrs. Claus Wants Her Hat Back

2009-12-30T07:34:00.000-08:00

Early Christmas morning the reindeer police called Shi Shi's house and wanted Bella to give Mrs. Claus her hat back! giggle! giggle!

This hat was actually mine when I was a baby and mom pulled it out of the closet and decided Bella should wear it Christmas Eve! What a cute little thang!

Bella Meets Santa

2009-12-20T19:20:00.001-08:00

My mom and I took Bella to see Santa at the North Star Mall in San Antonio. Boy, was it a flop!
As you can tell from viewing the photo above, Bella didn't make nice with Santa. However, there's always next year.

She had a better time once she got off Santa's lap and started to run around a bit.

Merry Christmas Everyone

2009-12-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

Gracias Bella

2009-12-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

Bella is growing up fast these days, walking, talking and telling me gracias every time I hand her a cheerio. She's dabbles with her spoon and loves to play games inside and outside.

She points at her books and every time she grabs one for me to read, she snuggles right next to me and plops her bottom into my lap.
Our life has quickly changed these past 15 months.

I'm living here in San Antonio with Bella, while Chris continues to live in Tucson. We're crossing our fingers he gets a transfer to San Antonio soon as Bella misses her Daddy and I miss my husband.

Thanksgiving was a blessing though- Thanks to all our family and friends for sharing your time with us this past Holiday.

Warmest Wishes to all of you this Holiday season.

Cutest Little Butterfly, You've Ever Seen

2009-11-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

Our little Bella turned 14 months today. "Isn't she the cutest little butterfly you've ever seen!"

Halloween was this past weekend and we spent it in Hondo and Uvalde. Oma, Mom & I took Bella trick-or-treating to the Hondo Catholic Church Carnival.

We had a lot of fun and enjoyed watching our little Be Be walking around in her cute little costume. The night ended early though, Miss Bella needed her lovey and went nite-nite by 8pm.

13 Months

2009-10-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

"She's going to be a handful," Chris exclaimed. Tonight she took a bag of cookies to the living room where she stomped all over them and started laughing. Today, Bella turned 13 months.

The little munchkin is so darn cute! She babbles constantly and all Chris and I can say is ,"Really!" and "No way, tell me more Bella!"

We have no idea what she's saying but it must be important if she's talking to us.

What cracks me up the most lately is when she shrugs her shoulders to any male figure. I think she gets a little bashful. Especially around my dad or AKA Popi.

Next week my parents come to Tucson to help us move back to Texas. I feel overwhelmed, anxious, excited, & exhausted about the move---but, realize the payoff will be well worth it.

Both Chris' family and my side of the family get so giddy when they see Bella. I think seeing and playing with her keeps them young at heart. My dad just loves Bella and really enjoys taking her in the golf cart on the ranch--meanwhile, my mom can't get enough kisses and hugs.

We're Coming Home

2009-09-28T21:12:00.001-07:00

After six long years in Tucson, we're finally going home, that's right you read the first sentence correctly.

Chris and I moved to Tucson six years ago where I took a job working as a tv news reporter and he accepted a job with the University of Arizona and KUAT Television.

We initially planned to stay for just two years, then we found ourselves enjoying life in the southwest and coping with triple digit temperatures in the summer. Then after being married a little over a year we decided to try and conceive a child. It took a few months and eventually we were pregnant but shortly after 8 weeks I miscarried our first child. Then a few months later another miscarriage and then another. Chris and I were devastated. I quickly wanted to solve the problem and went in for testing and saw a fertility specialist. After several surgeries and lots of tests. Doctors concluded I had endometriosis and conceiving a child would be unsuccessful without the help of fertility drugs. So, in the meantime Chris and I went on with our lives all the while wondering if we should or should not look for jobs back in Texas. Perhaps, heading back home would help heal our pain after the loss of several pregnancies.

Of course God always has a plan.

And, the good Lord allowed us to build a home, and keep us successful in our careers. Throughout this time Chris mastered his editing and shooting video skills. Enough to get him several Emmy nominations. Also, enough for him to run a sustainable side business shooting weddings, and other major events in the Old Pueblo.

If that wasn't enough success already, I chose to leave Live news reporting and mid-night ambulance runs for a career change in television and internet sales advertising with KOLD. Sure, I still do some on-air promotions, spots and LIVE shots. But, I was off on weekends and early mornings. It was a chance for me to have a 8-5 job with benefits of finally having a family.

Then in 2007 Chris and I still hoped to move home and be closer to family. But, we opted to see our RE once more and dig into our hearts and pocketbooks to pursue fertility tests in hopes we would one day have a child.

Undergoing fertility testing wasn't easy. Chris and I both had to administer injections into my hips and abdomen for months each morning and evening. If that wasn't enough we had doctor appointments at all hours of the day and my body had turned into a human pincushion from all the daily shots.

Finally, after months of needles, drugs, and sharp abdominal pains. We received some life changing news, on our way home from a Mt. Lemmon trip with my parents the news said to me, "Are you ready to be a mommy because you're pregnant!"

From that point on Texas was on the backburner and we would put ourselves second and our child first.

Fast-forwarding a bit and a year later it was time for a career change. I had reached a peak at KOLD and Texas was on my mind. The rest is history and the details are big but all you need to know now is that we're finally coming back to the Lonestar state and once again God has answered our prayers and set us up for yet another amazing journey.