I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately having pains in the upper region of my stomach. That's where I was having pains when I was diagnosed with stomach ulcers so I thought they were back in action. I knew the pain wasn't as intense but thought I should get it checked out anyway. I made a doctor's appointment and was SO glad when the day arrived so I could get some relief. I gave them a sample of my blood, they took x-rays, found out that I'm anemic and scheduled me for an endoscopy. I had the endoscopy yesterday (Wednesday). The doctor told us that my stomach was ulcer free but I did have a hiatal hernia (where the stomach invades part of the esophagus)and 33% of my esophagus was ate up with acid from acid reflux. I guess that's where the pain is coming from. I received a call from the doctor's office with my blood test results. Iron is low, very low, which is why I've been so tired and wanting to do nothing but sleep. I am now on an iron supplement on top of about 3 anti acid medications. Hopefully, in a few weeks I'll be back to normal. I do have to change my eating habits to help regulate the acid reflux. All the foods I love to eat will be G.O.N.E! Oh well, better that than suffering!
Hiatal Hernia:
GERD:
Ty, Nathan and I took off on our first "official" family vacation! We left Prattville Thursday morning and headed to Pigeon Forge. October is such a beautiful month with the leaves changing and the air nice and cool. I was so excited to get to go! Apparently, other people had the same idea.. there were SOOOOO many people there!! We stayed up late Thursday swimming in the heated pool at the hotel and slept through breakfast Friday. We then ventured into downtown Gatlinburg (a 10 mile drive that took about an hour!) to hit the #1 rated Aquarium. It was a very nice place and Nathan loved seeing all the different kinds of fish. After the aquarium we spent several hours just walking around seeing all the different shops and eating some marvelous yummies. Staying up late again Friday night caused us to miss breakfast Saturday morning too. Saturday was "my day" to spend and what better way than at the Old Mill district. It's such a neat area.. my favorite around. We had lunch and hit all the little shops, watching them make candy and pottery and seeing all sorts of beautiful artwork. We had lunch and dinner at the Old Mill restaurant. =) If you have never been ~ go!! It's DIVINE!! The corn chowder and corn fritters are off the chain! Saturday night we played putt-putt. Talk about fun! Ty and I haven't played in so long and it was nice to be taken aback. We played some arcade games and went out for ice cream. Saturday night we didn't stay up as late because we knew Sunday was the drive home. Nathan slept horrible that night. He kept waking up crying and saying it was time to get up so we didn't miss breakfast!! He was determined weren't going to miss it for the 3rd time in a row! HA!! We took him to eat at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. Yum! Apple Fritters!! We began the venture home along with all our souveniers and the extra 20 lbs we gained! =) Enjoy the pictures ~ 
Nathan 2 years old:
