The Pickled Bean

What happened?

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 18:58:00 +0000

Thought I would put this on the good old pickled bean since it's a longer story and easy for people to view if they want to.

On Thursday morning I woke up feeling perfectly normal. I did two loads of laundry, prepared for dinner, showered and got the kids ready for school. At about 7:30 I walked out to my office to turn my computer on and set my desk for the upcoming work day. While walking back into the house I started to have chest pain so I sat down next to Taylor and Cooper on the couch and watched the end of sesame street. As I was getting up to get the kids backpacks and lunches I started to have horrific stabbing pain in by back. ( under my left shoulder blade) At that point I thought I had pinched a nerve in my back, so I just kept with my routine. When I took the kids outside I collapsed in the garage trying to get the kids into the car. A neighbor walking his dog saw me on the ground and ran over to help. I told him that I was just not feeling well and that I was going to take the kids to school and drive myself to the doctor. He helped me get Cooper buckled and I left for school. After about 30 seconds of driving I started to get stabbing pains up the left side of my neck and down my left arm. -- Now I was back to thinking I was having a heart attack. I immediately called my sister to tell her that I was on my way to the ER and that I had both kids in the car with me, and that I thought I was having a heart attack or stroke. Dusty was in Vegas attending a solar conference so I didn't have any other options. I was in a complete panic. Allie grabbed her husband and left for the hospital immediately. I called Dusty in route to the hospital as well. ( honestly I don't think Dusty or Allie knew what I was saying since I was so hysterical). When I got the to hospital I parked at the ER and tried to get out of the car. A security guard ran to help me and to get the kids out of the car... and to ask if I had been to east Africa of course.

Allie and Brad arrived at the hospital about 45 minutes later. They had immediately done an EKG and knew I was not having a heart attack. After a chest X-ray they found that my left lung had collapsed and was about 30 percent of normal This is called a spontaneous pneumothorax, spontaneous since no trauma caused the collapse. I received a chest tube and was admitted to the hospital for the next 3 days/2 nights. We were told that this typically happens to tall skinny young individuals. Mostly teenage boys. Dusty made it back to Northern California within two hours. ( I admittedly, scared the hell out of him) Allie took care of the kids while Dusty stayed with me at the hospital. I have been in pretty severe pain and have had a hard time breathing but once they took the chest tube out I have felt much, much better. I am still short of breath and moving like a 90 year old but I am on the mend and so happy to be at home.

It will take me about 1 week to manage the pain and about 3 weeks to get back to normal. What I have learned is that I need to take care of myself while taking care of others. And that I only really need to take care of ( and make an effort with) the people who really care about me. I also have realized who my true supporters are. Yesterday morning while in the hospital I had a wave of calm reflection, I know with the utmost clarity that I need to make some pretty big changes with the people who I allow into my life. With that, I have decided to stop posting pictures and personal updates on my Facebook and will not be using social media as a way to let people think they are part of my life without putting any effort into it. Can you believe that it took a moment where I thought I was dying to figure that out! Silly really.

Even through all of this pain and being so frightened I have felt so positive and happy. I guess things happen for a reason :) I really am so lucky to have the best husband and children. My family is phenomenal and I count my little blessings every day. Love to you all. xo

Ash

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 20:42:00 +0000

The end of an era

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 21:47:00 +0000

I know it has been ages. I have been so busy over the last few weeks, and I have found that this little blog has become less and less of a need for my family. Honestly, I find myself wanting to share very little about my team these days. A good friend of mine said, "if someone isn't willing to ask you personally how your family is doing why do you care to update them online, they obviously don't truly care about you." Although I know that this is true of some people I must say that I know that a lot of our Williams Syndrome family as well as friends who have fallen through the cracks like to check up and see how we are doing.... AND I LOVE THAT.

....here is comes... but..... (and here is the great news.) I have started a new business. I thought I would be doing this very... very part time. I was helping a few friends fill some positions and needed to make things more official with an LLC. So I started Solana Recruitment Services.

My business has ramped up so dramatically over the last month that I have found myself working full time again. It has been a very long time since I was so passionate about the work that I have been doing. I am truly happy, overjoyed really... and I must say my boss is AWESOME. It's amazing when you realize that the hard work that you are doing is benefiting your family and not the pocket book of someone else. My focus is on family first and business second right now, so with that, I feel a need to say a very fond farewell to The Pickled Bean. 5 years of pictures and moments shared with the world has come to an end. I'll keep the website up for another week and then I will be turning it off.

Going forward please feel free to follow me on
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Pinterest

Thank you all so much for being part of this chapter of our lives. This has been a very hard decision for me, but when it comes down to it I just don't have anytime to devote to the site any more. I hope you all wish me luck in this next chapter.

Onward and upward!

xoxo
Ashley

Tips for my Team

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 04:20:00 +0000

Favorite song EVER....EVER performed by my favorite group ever....EVER # hippyatheart although this is not there best version.

This week for dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 18:04:00 +0000

Sorry for the lack of posts last week. We had a great week, very busy full of school, after school activities and lots of work. Pictures to follow, but here is one to tide you over.

Sunday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans
Monday: Lemon and garlic braised chicken, rice and asparagus
Tuesday: French Dip Sandwiches and tater tots
Wednesday : Spaghetti and garlic bread
Thursday: Left Overs
Friday:Family Dinner Night Out

Last week -- In Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 16:49:00 +0000

First Day of Preschool

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 16:40:00 +0000

Thanks to summer school I was much more prepared to let this little man start school. He loves his class room and his new teacher adores him ( but who doesn't right!) Now I have a few hours to spend working. Here are his darling pictures.

Can you even handle how cute he is! He makes me so happy.

BEST BIG SISTER!

Candid "off to school picture" Walking to the car.

Coopers darling teacher. Teacher Jenn. He was over my constant picture taking.

Happy Laboring!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 14:00:00 +0000

We have had a wonderful long weekend. Lots and Lots of relaxing and family visits. It was glorious! This week is going to be a whorl wind, Cooper is starting school tomorrow so we will be officially into our fall routine. Gulp. Wish is luck. wink wink

This week for Dinner

Sunday: Rib Eye Stakes, Mashed Potatoes, and Steamed Artichokes
Monday: Turkey Chili ( Coopers favorite since he is starting school tomorrow!!) with all the fixin's
Tuesday: Chicken Taco's, black beans and corn
Wednesday: Chicken and mushroom Rolls, Rice and broccoli
Thursday: Left Overs
Friday: French Dips Sandwiches

Back to School!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 20:12:00 +0000

Taylor started Kindergarten today! Seriously were does the time go? I have to admit that I am heart broken to start this new part of our lives. How did this happen? Boo Hoo Boo.... Sniff Sniff ( okay enough of my mommy pity party)

She was a rock star. She walked right in. Gave her teacher a hug and took a seat next to 3 little girls. She is such a wonderful big girl, and we couldn't be more proud of her. Here is a picture play by play.

Yesterday was Lemonade day. Taylor got to have a sweet drink with her new teacher as well as get to know the class room. It was only an hour but a perfect way to introduce her to her new school.

Enjoying her Lemonade

Monkey Bar Champ!

First day of school gift for her teacher

And of course lots of blueberry muffins for breakfast

First day as a bobcat!!!

Taylor's Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Bertic

Last words of the day " I got this mom"

Coopers' Lemonade day was today and he will start school on the 3rd of September. His sweet pictures to follow!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 16:27:00 +0000

This has been a very hard week for members of the Williams Syndrome community. Two perfect little people went to heaven this week, and I have to tell you that it seems so unfair. I could never imagine the pain of loosing a child and my heart just breaks thinking of these families and the devastation that they must be going through.

Snuggling my babies extra tight these days and we never know what is around the corner. What I do know is that we need to live every single day to it's fullest. Every single moment should be spent making this life better for ourselves and everyone that we come in contact with. Life is to short my friends!

After Cooper was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome. Dusty and I talked about making a family motto, something that we thought of every time we walked through the door or started a new project. MAKE IT COUNT! Whatever it is that you are doing you better make it count. If you plan on spending one tiny moment away from the people who love and support you, you better make it count! I can't think of a time where this motto rings more true

Please send your prayers to our sweet Williams families. Snuggle you babies extra tight today and make it count for goodness sake!!!

This week for Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 19:09:00 +0000

Sunday: Ribs, potato salad and corn on the cob
Monday: Oven baked chicken, mashed potatoes and broccoli
Tuesday: Tuna noodle casserole and peas
Wednesday: Sausage and Veggie fry with a side salad
Thursday: Left Overs
Friday: Taco's

Last week I made the most amazing seafood stuffed enchilada's -- find recipe here:

Seafood Enchilada's -- I added mild green chilies to the sauce on top as well

tips for my team.

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 15:01:00 +0000

when in doubt... dance.

tips for my team

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 15:55:00 +0000

Live a life worth living! Watching TV and playing on electronics does not build a life. Meeting people, exploring nature and going on adventures will lead to a life worth remembering.

tips for my team

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 15:33:00 +0000

Work toward perfection for you not anyone else.

This might help...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 20:52:00 +0000

Would you be willing to be one of my blog followers? Thanks!

What a weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 20:28:00 +0000

We spent the weekend at the hospital with Taylor. She had extreme dehydration and the acid levels in her blood were out of sorts. At first they thought that she had swallowed antifreeze... can you even believe that?!? Lucky they were able to rule that out and after 36 hours we were able to go home. The only guess that the doctors could come up with was that she had a very odd bug and that it was a fluke.
I was so scared and honestly thinking... YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!! don't we have enough going on? It only took 2 hours to get my fat ego in check. Taylor is so healthy and we are so lucky to have our amazing little family.

You now what will humble you? Listening to a little girl in the bed next to your daughter who has been in the hospital for 3 months after a tragic car accident learn how to put in her own catheter. Or the boy across the hall at the ER who blew his knee out and can't play his final season on high school football. Listening to this sobbing 16 year old tell his mother that " now he will never be able to get out of Oakland" that " this was his only chance to make something of himself" and to hear that same mother agree with him.

I left that hospital with a pit in my tummy. All the time I have spent feeling sorry for our little family. When truly we are so very blessed.

Here are some pictures of the weekend.

Friday: day two of hanging at home with tummy problems. Cooper wouldn't leave her side.

Guess what will get you the first bed at the ER? Barfing on the checking staff. Taylor was a sleep before we put her in the bed.

and she was so sick that she slept while they gave her the IV.

4 IV bags later we are headed from the ER to the main floor.

Little lady slept for 3 days total

Day four. Starting to feel like her old self again.

Lucky for MR Cooper. Allie and Brad wisked in to take care of him. We are so lucky to have family in the area. Seriously, can you handle his cuteness?

Feeling good now! Ready to get out of this place.

Walking out of the hospital!

Tips for my Team

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 20:02:00 +0000

8. Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t. -- Margaret Thatcher

Hello Lovely

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 19:17:00 +0000

I say this every year but I feel like it needs repeating. I adore the fall. I mean REALLY adore it. As soon as summer starts I am counting the minutes to cool days and crisp nights, cozy sweaters and slow cooking in the oven. I love the start of school and starting brand new and I LOVE football. This week was a real first taste of fall in the bay area. ( although I know it won't last) the high was in the low 70's, Cooper was in summer school and we started a lot of our fall activities. I'm counting the minutes until September 3rd when both babies are in the public school system and we are back to a steady routine. These next few weeks can't go fast enough.

Have a great weekend!!!

I realized yesterday when I was cleaning up my desktop that I hadn't shared this darling picture. My little team snuggling there Nana. Doesn't this just warm your heart!

Tips for my team

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 00:18:00 +0000

7. Read, Read, Read

and a few more throwbacks for your Thursday....

tips for my team

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 23:24:00 +0000

4. "Just keep swimming" -- thanks Dori

5. When a guy says that "you will never find another boyfriend like me" Say: THAT'S THE POINT! {Advice I wish I would have listened to when I was in my mid twenties}.

Flash Back ( Cooper at 9 months old)

6. Choose to be happy. Wake up every day and choose to be gloriously happy. Don't let anyone take that way from you.

Truth

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 19:59:00 +0000

This week for Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 19:33:00 +0000

Last week we had chicken and broccoli pockets. Find link to recipe here. They were so yummy, and the kids loved them.

Back to School Wreath

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 16:29:00 +0000

A little crafty fun. I have been on the hunt for a cute back to school wreath but alas everything was lame. So a tossed together this 6 dollar beauty. 2 dollar cardboard wreath from Michael's. and a 4 dollar box of crayons from Target. A little hot glue and poof --

Taylor loved helping me place the crayons and picking the color order. Easy Peasy = cute colorful entry piece for the Dunaway house.

Summer Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 15:17:00 +0000

Now that we are back on a routine I have been able to fill our days with some fun summer outings. We are also back into our lessons. Here are some pictures from the last few days.

Back to the steam trains. Cooper has been obsessed with his train set so we thought we would try to ride the train again. I'm sure you remember that his 2nd birthday was a hot mess since he wouldn't ride the train with the rest of his guest.

This time was a huge success!

woo woo!

Riding the ponies!

Taylor found one that looked like Tess ( my parents puppy)

Cooper started swimming lessons this week.

His instructor has been very successful teaching kids with disabilities. Cooper loves it!

Bath time fun. 1 dollar glow sticks from Michael's take bath time to new heights

Tips for my Team

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 19:47:00 +0000

When I was younger I had a really hard time taking advice from my parents... well any adult figure really. For the last 6 months I have been keeping a journal with quick tips/advice for my team that I wish I would have known when I was young. Some still very much apply for me today. My hope is that my little team can look back and hopefully take something from them.

I realized while I was traveling this summer that this would be fun to share on the Pickled Bean as well. Plus, it's a nice quick reference. I'll post as few every week as they come to me, as well as share what I have put together for the past few months.

How about 3 to get us started.

1. Hold tight to your personal integrity. If at any point you feel as though your integrity is being compromised do what is necessary to get back on track.

2. Family has more to do with loyalty then is does blood.

3. and of course my favorite quote and personal theme for the last 2 years. -- thanks Mr COB for that tip!

Look for more of these coming to a pickled bean near you.