January 2012 Posts

Prefix
Updated on July 15th 2011
I created this BLOG in hopes that my journey with my mother and her Alzheimer’s can help others. I list my daily posts below. I wanted to explain a little about my mother Alzheimer’s. She has helped me all my life with my journey of cerebral palsy. She is 88 years old and has had Alzheimer’s for at least 14 years now. I first noticed her memory problems back in the fall of 1997. She was able to keep driving and handling her check book until the winter of 2003/2004. She could still go on 2 mile hikes with me into 2005 and ½ mile walks thru 2008, now she mostly can only walk a few yards before her hip starts to hurt her. I moved back into her home in 2005 to help her stay in her house although I have kept my own place thru March 2011. One of the things I feel that has helped her go 14 years and still going is I’ve had people (mostly me) around her quit a bit. This helped her stay engaged with people. In 2003 she averaged people with her @90hrs/wk out of 168 hrs in a week, in 2004/2005/2006 @110hrs/wk, 2007 @125hrs/wk, 2008 @135hrs/wk. Then starting in January 2009 she has had someone with her 24/7. I started using care givers in 2005 to help and to give mom other women to talk to and get use to. Right now she can still dress and undress herself but is starting to struggle with it and needs to be told what to do most of the time. In December 2009 she started to refuse to wash herself now one of the care givers I use sponge bathes her 3 times a week. Right now mentally she is like a 4 to 6 year old girl with just a few seconds of memory. She has started to get confused with the getting undressed and dressed part but can still do it herself. She has also sometimes thought the person she sees in the bathroom mirror is someone else this started in 2010. I started using a diaper pad on mom’s bed in July 2011. She can still walk on her own with no help. Here is a list of the drugs and supplements she takes for her Alzheimer’s
•Razadyne started in 2000 then in 2011 changed to generic Galantamine
•Namenda started March 2005
•Folic Acid started in 2001
•Turmeric started in 2001

Tuesday January 31st 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.   Mom was up dressed and feed by the time I got up and showered.  It was another beautiful day with temps in the mid 60’s.  I left to meet a friend for lunch before my chiropractor appointment.  It was such a nice day I drove over to the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area for a short walk after my appointment before heading back home.  Andrea said mom was affectionate this morning before I left and her word of the day for mom was affable.  Mom was up watching TV when I got home at 3:30pm.  Schatcie said mom was sweet and up most of the 2 hours she was here.  Since it was still nice out I took mom for a drive shortly after I got home.  We drove over to Sioux Passage Park and again today did not see any deer.  Mom talked about the cars in the parking lots and the houses.  During dinner mom was quiet but happy and in good spirits.  I gave mom a snack around 7:30pm and that was the last time she had anything to eat.  We watched TV and laughed the rest of the evening until mom went to bed at 12:30am.  Mom was in good spirits all day and night and was more talkative tonight.  I even had a fairly easy time getting mom to change into her nightgown.  

Monday January 30th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.   Andrea did not get mom washed today.  By the time Andrea was to start mom was already up and her bed made.  Andrea said her word of the day for mom was restive.  Mom was up and feed when I left this morning but only had her pants and nightgown still on instead of her shirt.  It was a sunny and warm day with temps getting to 67.  I went over to the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area and did a little hiking along the Missouri river.  It was just too nice a day not to get out and hike some.  Mom was awake and had her shirt on when I got back home at 3:30pm.  Schatcie said mom was fine the 2 hours she was here.  I took mom for a drive shortly after I got back home it was such a beautiful day.  We drove over to Sioux Passage Park but didn’t see any deer today.  We talked about the houses and number of cars in the parking lots.  We ate dinner a little later tonight and I gave mom a snack around 8pm so that was the last time she had anything to eat.  We spent the night watching TV and mom tried talking more than her normal amount.  She was in a good mood tonight and was fairly easy to get changed into her nightgown when she went to bed at 10pm.    

Sunday January 29th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  I didn’t have any problem getting mom up this morning at 3am nothing like yesterday.  I got mom up for the day a little after 8am just before I left for church.  I had my friend Patti over to watch mom while I went to church.  I met up with my friends at church and after we had brunch right there at the church.  Mom was up and in the bathroom when I got back home but she was in her nightgown and did not take her pills at breakfast.  Patti said mom was nice just would not take her pills.  So I had mom take her pills over lunch and it was a bit of a challenge.  I then had her get dressed and had some trouble getting her to put her shirt on.  After all this we took a drive to the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area.  It was a sunny day with temps in the 40’s.  We talked about the views and mom talked about her normal amount.  I don’t think though that mom likes this drive as much as the river road drive but then neither do I.  We then watched some ice skating on TV and mom napped some. We took a second drive to Sioux Passage Park before dinner.  We did not see any deer on this drive and mom was fairly quiet.  During dinner mom was quiet but seemed happy I gave her a snack around 7pm so that was the last time she had anything to eat.  We watched TV and napped off and on this evening until mom went to bed at 11pm.  Mom did seem more distant this evening.  I had my normal amount of fussing when it came to mom changing into her nightgown.      

Saturday January 28th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.    I did have a hard time getting mom up this morning around 5am for a bathroom trip.  She fussed getting up then wanted to just walk around because she was mad but I did get her in to the bathroom and she went as so as she got in the bathroom.  I got us up for the day at 11am and had a fairly easy time getting mom to take the pills it just took some time.  I had a hard time getting mom to put her shirt on mom kept on wanting to put her shirt on over her nightgown.  After we got done with all this and a couple bathroom breaks we went for a drive.  It was a sunny day with temps in the 40’s.  Mom and I drove along the river road to the Grafton, IL visitor center.  We didn’t see any boats not even barges on the river.  We did see some people walking along the bike/walk path.  I did not see any bald eagles today.  Mom and I talked also about the houses along the top of the cliffs.  Mom talked about her normal amount on our drive she was fairly engaged as we drove.  I fixed us lunch after we got back then we watched some TV before going on a second drive.  Mom likes figure skating so we watched some on TV this afternoon.  We drove over to Sioux Passage Park and today we saw a dozen deer in the park.  Mom also likes to mention the number of cars in parking lots as a way of starting a conversation.  After our drive I fixed dinner but gave mom a snack around 8pm so that was the last time she ate anything.  She did nap some in her chair after dinner as we watched TV.  Mom went to bed at 10pm and was fairly easy to get her changed into her nightgown.     

Friday January 27th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.   Mom was up washed, feed and dressed when I left for my chiropractor appointment.  Although Andrea said her word of the day for mom was aloof.  Mom slept off and on in her chair the 2 hours Schatcie was here.  Mom was up washing TV when I got back home at 3:30pm.  It was a partly sunny afternoon so I took mom for a drive shortly after I got home.  We drove over to Sioux Passage Park and did see 2 deer in the park.  Mom also talked about the number of cars in the parking lots like she normally does.  I fixed dinner after our drive but gave mom a snack at 7pm so that was the last time she ate.  Mom was getting confused on going to the bathroom and arguing she didn’t need to go but when I got her in there she went.  We watched TV and I acted silly a few times making her laugh until she went to bed at 12:30am.  I had mom brush her teeth around 9pm and had a fairly easy time getting her to do it.  I just had to explain what to do.  I did get some static and fussing when it came to mom changing but mostly because she was confused.    

Thursday January 26th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.   I’m not sure if I mentioned this or not but when I get mom up like at 3am she is in the bathroom for an hour each time.  I think she falls asleep in there since it is so early but I need to get her up every 4 or 5 hours so she doesn’t have a bladder accident.  I slept in since Andrea was having a hard time getting mom to get up, dressed and with her pills.  Mom still had not taken all of her pills and was not completely dressed by the time I left.  It was a rainy day so I just spent time reading over at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area.  Andrea said her word of the day for mom was recalcitrant.  Patti said mom was fine the 2 hours she was here and after moms nap.  Mom was up watching TV when I got home at 3:30pm.  It had stopped raining by the time I got home so I took mom for a drive before dinner.  We drove over to Sioux Passage Park.  We did see 4 deer in the park and also we talked about the number of cars in the parking lots.  During dinner we both were quiet but mom was pleasant.  I thank god she still eats the food I put in front of her.  We did talk to my brother Larry tonight on SKYPE and then spent the rest of the evening watching TV and laughing at me acting silly until mom went to bed at 12:30am.  I had a fairly easy time getting mom to change into her nightgown tonight.             

Wednesday January 25th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.   Mom was up and feed.  Since it was going to be rainy and maybe icy outside I had Andrea leave mom in her nightgown since we would not be going for a drive.  I slept in as normal but did have an appointment to have my van repair estimated.  I ended up getting back home at 1:30pm.  Andrea said the word of the day for mom was somnolent.  Mom and I watched TV and napped some this afternoon a good day for napping with it raining outside.  We were done with dinner a little after 5pm and that was the last time mom had anything to eat or drink.  I napped a little after dinner and then mom and I watched TV and laughed the rest of the night until she went to bed at 10pm.  Tonight I didn’t have to get her changed since she was in her nightgown all day.  I did have to explain what to do when I had her brush her teeth.    

Tuesday January 24th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  Mom was feed and dressed when I left this morning to meet up with a friend for lunch before my chiropractor appointment.  It was a partly sunny day with temps getting into the 50’s.  Andrea said she just had her normal static from mom on taking pills and getting dressed.  Andrea also said mom was sleepy the 5 hours she was her.  Mom slept off and on the 2 hours Shannon was here.  Shannon also said mom was sweet with her.  Mom was awake when I got home at 3:30pm and we went for a drive shortly after I got home.  We drove over to Sioux Passage Park.  Mom talked about the number of cars in some of the lots and the houses she talked about her normal amount.  I fixed dinner when we got back but again gave mom a snack around 7pm so that’s the last time she had anything to eat or drink.  We watched TV and laughed whenever I acted silly.  Mom talked about her normal amount during dinner and this evening.  Again tonight mom did not get restless and spend several minutes walking around the house.  This was nice to see it is 2 nights in a row.  Mom went to bed at 11pm but it was just her normal amount of static tonight on changing.    

Monday January 23rd 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  Mom was washed, feed and dressed when I left today.  Andrea said her word for the day with mom was convivial.  I had a massage today to help my neck then went up and workout until I went back home at 3:30pm.  Shannon was here with mom when I got back home.  It was a partly sunny day with temps in the 40’s.  So I took mom for a drive to Sioux Passage Park shortly after I got home.  Mom talked about her normal amount on our drive.  We had dinner after our drive but I also gave mom a snack around 6:30pm so that was the last time mom had anything to eat or drink.  We just watched TV and talked the rest of the night until mom went to bed at 1am.  Mom didn’t really wonder around tonight like she has the past few nights.  I did get some static when it came to mom changing.

Sunday January 22nd 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  I got mom up at noon after my shower for the day.  Today mom was much better on taking her pills.  It was a foggy day with temps in the 40’s.  After brunch and a bathroom trip we took a drive along the river road to Grafton IL.  We did not see any bald eagles today maybe because of the fog.  We only saw 2 barges on the river and no other boats.  It was so foggy you couldn’t see the cliffs until you were under them.  Mom and I talked about how big the river was and the houses on top of the cliffs as we drove along.  Mom was better today at going to the bathroom in the visitor center.  Overall we both talked less than our normal on this drive but I think mom enjoyed most of it.  I fixed us a snack when we got back and then mom napped a little before going on our second drive of the day.  On this drive we drove over to Sioux Passage Park and it was open so we drove through the park.  Mom was fairly quiet on this drive and a bit distance.  It took me most of the drive to get her smiling.  I fixed our dinner after we got back but gave mom a snack at 7pm so that was the last time she had anything to eat or drink.  We watched TV and I got her laughing some until she went to bed at 11pm.  Tonight I got more fussing than normal when it came to mom changing.  Overall today mom was more distance and quieter than her normal.    

Saturday January 21st 2012
Mom did have a bowel accident overnight mostly because I overslept and didn’t get mom up in time.  She did not get the bed or chuck wet so she had the accident after she got to the bathroom.  I got mom up at 9:30am for a bathroom trip but we didn’t get up for the day until noon.  I then fixed us brunch and mom was a pill when it came to her taking her pills.  I pray tomorrow will be much easier.  It was a cold and cloudy day today and I’m not sure all the icy spots from last night freezing rain melted.  After a bathroom stop we took a shorter drive to Sioux Passage Park so I could get mom back home without stopping anywhere for bathroom break.  Sioux Passage Park and sunset park where both closed this afternoon.  I guess they didn’t get the ice cleared up from last night.  Mom and I talked about the houses and cars in the parking lots on our drive.  I fixed mom and I a snack when we got back then mom took a nap in her bed.  We took a second drive over past Sioux Passage Park before dinner.  Sioux Passage Park was still closed.  Mom was fairly quiet on this drive and during dinner.  We had a snack around 7pm and that was the last time mom had anything to eat or drink.  We watched TV and laughed a few times by me acting silly.  Mom again started to get unsettled around 8pm and walked around the house every now and then for a couple of hours.  Mom went to bed tonight at 10:30pm and was fairly easy to get her to brush but fussed on the changing and taking the pants off. 

Friday January 20th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  Mom was washed, feed and dressed by the time I left for my chiropractor appointment.  I then ran some errands and a little walk before coming back home at 3:30pm.  Andrea said she had non problem getting mom to do stuff today and said the word of the day for mom was affectionate.  Shannon also said mom was lovely today.  Mom was up most of the time Andrea was here and slept half of the 2 hours Shannon was here.  It was a cloudy and cold day today and started to freeze a few minutes after I got home so I did not take mom for a drive today.  We watched TV instead until dinner. Mom was sweet during dinner.  I gave mom some soda and a cookie around 7pm so that was the last time mom had anything to eat or drink.  We watched TV and laughed the rest of the evening until mom went to bed at 12:30am.  Mom started to get unsettled around 6pm were she kept on getting up and wondering around the house.  She did this for about 45 minutes before settling back down.  Since all she is doing is walking around the house I just let her and just stay aware of where she is at.  Mom was confused on how to change as normal but overall today mom has been sweet and her normal amount of talking.    

Thursday January 19th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.    Mom was up feed and dressed when I left this morning and ran some errands.  Andrea said the words of the day for mom were confused and cheerful.  Patti also said mom was cheerful the 2 hours she was here.  I got back home at 3:30pm.  It was a cloudy with temps in the 30’s.  I took mom for a drive over to Sioux Passage Park shortly after I got home and before dinner.  We did see some deer in the park and we talked about the houses as well.  I fixed dinner shortly after our drive but then fixed a snack for us so the last time mom had anything to eat or drink was at 7pm and she went to bed at midnight.  We both napped a lot this evening as we watched TV.  I ended up getting my normal amount of fussing when it came to mom changing into her nightgown.     

Wednesday January 18th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.   Mom was up washed, feed and dressed when I left this morning to run some errands.  It was a sunny but cold day more like normal for this time of year.  Andrea said mom was much easier to handle today.  Andrea said the word of the day for mom was chipper.  Patti said mom was nice today as well and was up most of the time Patti was here but mom was sleeping when I got home at 3:30pm.  Mom got up shortly after I got home and we went for a drive.  We drove over to Sioux Passage Park before dinner.  Mom actually talked more than her normal on our drive.  We talked about the houses, cars, sky among other things.  Mom talked more during dinner as well and the last time she had anything to eat or drink was at 5:30pm and she went to bed at midnight.  Tonight mom napped some and started her unsettle getting up and walking around the house at 8pm for an hour or so.  Tonight mom tried to start up more conversations than her normal but was having a hard time remembering her thoughts and what she wanted to say.  I did have more static tonight getting mom to change.  She was just so confused on what to do.  Overall today mom has been chipper, sweet and more talkative.      

Tuesday January 17th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  Mom was up dressed and feed when I left to meet up with a friend for lunch.  After lunch I went to the chiropractor then some errands before getting back home at 3:30pm.  Andrea said mom was somewhat a handful and said the word of the day for mom was malevolent.  Schatcie said mom was fine while she was here and up most of the 2 hours Schatcie was here.  I took mom for a drive shortly after I got home.  It was a cold and cloudy afternoon but we drove to Sioux Passage Park so mom could get outside.  We talked about the houses, yards, number of parked cars in the parking lots and the clouds in the sky.  Mom talked about her normal amount many a little more than normal.  I fixed dinner after we got back but then gave mom a box of raisins around 6:30pm so that was the last time she had anything to eat or drink.  We watched TV and laughed a few times before mom went to bed at 10:30pm.  Mom was fairly easy to get to brush and change.  I just had to explain what to do thank god she can still do it herself.  Overall with me mom has been fairly cheerful.

Monday January 16th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.   Mom was up washed, feed and dressed by the time I left today.  Andrea said mom was somewhat of a handful today and said her word for mom on the day was puerile.  Mom was up most of the time Andrea was here but slept about half of the 2 hours Shannon was here.  Shannon said mom was fine when she was here.  It was a warm and partly sunny day with the temps getting near 70.  I had to run several errands today and didn’t get a chance to get in a hike.  Mom was up when I got home at 3pm.  It was cloudier but still great temps so I took mom for a drive shortly after I got home.  We drove over to Sioux Passage Park.  We talked about the houses and views.  Mom was about her normal talkativeness.  Now remember when I say talkativeness mom doesn’t say complete sentences normally just a word or two at a time.  I fixed dinner when we got back and mom talked about the wind blowing outside.  I did fix some popcorn as a snack for us and gave her a soda so the last time mom had anything to eat or drink was at 7pm.  Mom did get a little restless for a few minutes tonight around 5:30pm.  Mom then started getting unsettled again at 8pm for a couple hours.  We spent the rest of the evening watching TV and laughing until mom went to bed at 1am.  I received the normal amount of fussing when it came to changing into her nightgown.         

Sunday January 15th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.   Patti had car problems today so I didn’t go to church but I did get more sleep so it was a tradeoff.  I got mom up every 4 to 5 hours like normal at night but we didn’t get up for the day until 10:30am.  I had mom change out of her nightgown without too much trouble then we ate breakfast.  Today she was much better taking her pills and as normal she ate her breakfast right down.  It was a sunny and warmer day a good day for a drive.  After a couple bathroom trips we drove along the river road over to the Grafton IL visitor center.  Like I have said before I do like this drive it is like driving between my 2 loves.  The climbing on the cliffs and sailing on the water.  Today we saw some bald eagles flying around just past Alton IL.  You can always tell when there are bald eagles around because there are several cars parked along the side of the road.  Mom and I talked about the houses on the top of the cliffs and birds.  Mom was more talkative today than on the drives yesterday.  I also had less trouble getting mom into the restroom at the visitor center.  We did not see any boats on the river today except for 2 barges.  After our drive I fixed us some lunch then mom napped a little in her chair before our second drive.  It was such a nice day we had to take a second drive over to Sioux Passage Park.  Today we got back before dusk really set in and we didn’t see any deer.  Mom was also quieter on this drive than the first drive.  During dinner mom was also quiet and the last time she had anything to eat or drink was at 6:45pm and she went to bed at midnight.  This evening mom talked about her normal amount as we watched TV and laughed.  Tonight around 8pm mom started to get restless and wanted to walk around the house for about 45 minutes.  I had less fussing tonight from mom on brushing and changing into her nightgown.  Overall today mom has been cheerful and her normal amount of talking and confusion.              

Saturday January 14th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.   Mom and I got up late around 10am for breakfast.  Getting mom dressed and taking her pills was somewhat difficult.  Mom this morning at least was being cantankerous for the second morning in a row.  Mom took a short nap after breakfast then we took a drive.  It was a partly sunny and warmer day with temps getting into the mid 30’s.  We drove over to the Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area stopping at the visitor center for a bathroom break then heading over to Sioux Passage Park.  Mom was being difficult about getting out of the car at the visitor center.  We talked about the views but mom was fairly quiet on the second half of the drive.  I fixed us lunch after we got back home then mom napped in her chair before we went for a second drive.  We drove over to Sioux Passage Park at dusk.  Mom talked more on this drive and we saw some deer before we got to the park and several in the park.  The deer are more active around dusk and you have to be careful not to hit any.  We watched some TV then before dinner and the last time mom had anything to eat or drink was at 6:30pm.  We then just watched TV and laughed the rest of the evening.  Mom did get restless around 8pm for a couple hours.  She was getting up every 5 minutes walking around the house the sit back down.  Mom went to bed at midnight and I had my normal amount of trouble getting her to change.       

Friday January 13th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  Andrea said mom was difficult to get washed, pills down and dressed she said the word of the day for mom was cantankerous.  As normal I slept in late and mom was up feed and dressed by the time I finished my shower.  I left fairly close to the time for my chiropractor appointment.  I did get in a little drive before my appointment then ate lunch and went grocery shopping before heading home.  I got back at 3:30pm and Shannon had said mom was up most of the 2 hours she was here and fairly nice.  Shannon did say mom was a bit unsettled and kept on wanting to walk around the house.  It was cold but the sun had come out by the time I got back home so I took mom for a drive to Sioux Passage Park before dinner.  We talked about the different houses and mom talked about her normal amount on our drive.  During dinner we talked about the Xmas plant.  We finished dinner by 6pm but I fixed us some ice cream at 7pm so that is when mom had her last thing to eat.  We watched TV and laughed a few times until mom went to bed at 11pm.  I received my normal amount of static and confusion when it came to mom changing into her nightgown.  Overall with me mom was her normal talkativeness and fairly cheerful.    

Thursday January 12th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  Mom was up and feed by the time I finished my shower.  Since it was snowing outside and loads of accidents I just spend the day mostly sleeping while Andrea was here.  Andrea had said mom was slow at doing things today like eating, taking pills and getting dressed.  Andrea said the word of the day for mom was befuddled.  Mom mostly slept off and on while Andrea was here and the first hour after Andrea left until the pastor came at 2:30pm.  He stayed today for about 45 minutes talking and saying some prayers.  Then mom and I watched some TV until dinner time.  Since the temps were in the teens and snowing we stayed inside.  I didn’t want to take mom out in this weather.  During dinner mom was quiet.  We both napped some in our chairs after dinner then I fixed us a snack around 8pm so the last time mom had anything to eat or drink was at 8:30pm and she went to bed at 11pm.  We spent the evening watching TV and laughing.  Mom was confused when it came to changing into her nightgown.      

Wednesday January 11th 2012
Mom did have a bowel accident this afternoon just after I got home.  She did not have any clean panties but she did put on depends that was in the bathroom.  I had some trouble getting her to then take off her wet pants but after some fussing she did.  Andrea said mom was her normal self when it came to washing her, getting the pills down and getting mom dressed.  Mom swore more today than she normally does.  Andrea said her word of the day for mom was querulous.  Mom was up when I left this morning for my chiropractor appointment.  I then meet up with a friend for lunch before heading back home.  Mom was napping in her chair when I got home at 1:30pm.  Mom had her bowel accident shortly after that.  Since it was such a nice day today we took a drive shortly after getting mom cleaned up and watching some TV.  I took mom over to Sioux Passage Park were we saw 3 deer.  Other than that we both were fairly quiet on our drive mom was being bothered by the sun on parts of the drive.  We watched some TV before fixing dinner.  The last time mom had anything to eat or drink was at 5:30pm and she went to bed at 10:45pm.  We both napped some after dinner and then watched TV the rest of the evening.  Tonight mom was confused she would get up to go to the bathroom then forget when she got there.  She did this several times tonight.  I did have to explain several times for her to take off her pants after she put the nightgown on.  Overall today was a off day for mom.     

Tuesday January 10th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.   Mom was up feed and dressed when I got up.  I ended up leaving late and just caught up on some errands and grocery shopping.  It was another sunny warm day.  Andrea said for her mom was nice she said the word for the day was amenable.  Schatcie agreed mom was the same for the 2 hours she was here.  I got back at 3:30pm and shortly after that took mom for a drive to Sioux Passage Park.  We did see 3 deer in the park which mom enjoyed.  Mom didn’t talk a lot on our drive but was responsive when I talked to her.  Mom was having trouble blocking the sun out of her eyes on part of the drive.  We then watched some news before dinner the last time mom had anything to eat or drink was at 6:30pm.  We then just watched TV and laughed the rest of the evening until mom went to bed at 10pm.  Mom was restless for 30 minutes after first going to bed and getting up every few minutes but then settled in by 11pm.  I did get some fight on changing but not too bad.  

Monday January 9th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  Mom was up washed, feed and dressed when I got up and finished my shower.  Andrea said the word of the day was biddable.  Mom was fairly easy to wash, take her pills and to get dressed.  Shannon and Schatcie both said mom was pleasant with them as well.  I left this morning and had a chiropractor appointment then meet up with my brother Tom for a few hours.  I felt better after the chiropractor appointment and received a few more exercises to do.  I also had a good talk with Tom.  I got back home at 4:30pm and mom and I watched TV until dinner.  During dinner mom was quiet and the last time she had anything to eat or drink was at 6:30pm.  We ended up not going for any drives today and spent the evening watching TV and laughing a few times until mom went to bed at 1am.  Mom was fairly easy to get changed and was cheerful the time she was with me.     

Sunday January 8th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  I had my friend Patti over this morning so I could go to church and be baptized afterwards.  Mom was still sleeping when I left.  Patti said mom took her pills with no problem and said mom was pleasant.  Patti feed mom breakfast and lunch.  My brother Tom his wife Bonnie and 2 of her sisters Mary and Donna meet me at church and went to my baptism along with my friend Dan and his mom.  We had brunch at church after my baptism.  Then Tom and his gang came over to moms house and visited for about an hour.  After they left mom and I took a drive over to Columbia Bottom Conservation Area.  It was a sunny warm day.  We talked about the views along the drive.  We watched a little TV before dinner.  During dinner mom talked about how pretty the table cloth was.  We had a late dinner and didn’t finish until after 6:30pm.  We did take another drive around 8pm to see if there were any Xmas lights still up and really only saw about 2 houses with some lights still up.  We watched TV the rest of the evening and we both feel asleep in our chairs around 11pm and not waking up until 1am and then we went to bed after a bathroom break.  Mom actually woke up at 1am to go to the bathroom and that is what woke me up.  Mom was fairly easy to get changed and was in good spirits most of the day.     

Saturday January 7th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.    Mom and I got up for the day at 10am.  Today at breakfast mom fought taking her pills harder than ever before.  The rest of breakfast was fine but the pill taking was very difficult.  Mom napped for about an hour after the pills.  I had a much easier time getting mom dressed although I did have to explain several times what to do.   After a couple bathroom trips we took a drive.  It was a sunny day with temps in the 50’s.  We drove along the river road to Grafton Il visitor center.  There were a few bald eagles out and one just sitting high on a branch right next to the visitor center.  So there were several people around taking pictures.  We did see a few people out riding their bikes along the river road but the only boats we saw were the barges.  Mom and I also talked about the houses on the sides of the cliffs as we drove.  I fixed lunch for us when we got back then watched a little TV before taking another drive.  Our second drive was to Sioux Passage Park.  We saw 3 deer in the park and talked about the pretty sunset.  I fixed dinner around 5:30pm and talked about the tree lights.  I’m also now trying to give mom some food in the evening and so far mom hasn’t had any bladder or bowel accidents so the new bladder pill is helping.  Tonight we had a snack around 7pm before our third drive.  We took this drive around 8pm and almost all the Xmas lights are down only a few left.  Mom was very quiet and nonresponsive on this drive.  We watched TV the rest of the evening until 10:30pm when mom went to bed.  It was fairly easy getting mom to brush and change tonight.  Except for the pills overall mom has been her normal self.       

Thursday Friday January 5th and 6th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  On Thursday mom was still sleeping when I went off to class.  Andrea said mom was wicked that morning but then when Patti was here mom was cheerful.  I had an appointment with the chiropractor Thursday afternoon after class but got home at 3:30pm.  Mom and I went for a drive to Sioux Passage Park when I got home.  It was a sunny day with temps getting into the 60’s a great day to get out.  We ate dinner when we got back then went on a second drive Thursday night at 8pm to look at the Xmas lights.  There were very few still up.  The rest of the evening we watched TV.  I did give mom some cookies at 9pm and that was the last time mom ate and went to bed at 11:30pm.  On Friday mom was sleeping when I left for my last day of tax preparing class.  Andrea was just finishing washing mom.  It was another sunny warm day with temps reaching 70 very warm for this time of year but I will take it.  Too bad I was spending the day in class.  Today both Andrea and Shannon said mom was pleasant for me mom has been mostly cheerful and her normal talkativeness the past 2 days.  I got home at 3:30pm and took mom for a drive shortly after getting home.  The past 2 afternoons on our drives we have talked about the number of cars and the houses.  After our drive we had dinner with mom talking about the table cloth liking the colors and flowers on it.  She has actually been commenting on the pretty table cloth several times over the past few nights.  We then sat around watching TV and laughing until mom went to bed at 12:30am.  Tonight mom tried talking more than her normal which was nice.  I did get some fussing and confusion on the changing into her nightgown.     

Wednesday January 4th 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.   Mom was still in bed when I left today for my tax preparing class.  It was a sunny day with temps in the 40’s but I spent my time away in class then grocery shopping.  My neck was sore again today after reading out of the book so I’m not sure if I will be able to do this job yet.  Andrea said mom was evil when it came to washing, taking pills and getting dressed.  Then the rest of the time Andrea was here mom was sweet.  Mom was up sitting in the living room looking at the tree when I got home at 2pm.  We watched TV as I made some phone calls until 3:30pm when we took a drive.  We drove over to Sioux Passage Park and talked about the houses and yards.  During dinner we talked about the tree lights and moms Xmas shirt.  We finished dinner by 6pm but I gave mom some cookies at 9pm.  Tonight we didn’t take a drive.  We both did take a short nap after dinner then just watched TV the rest of the evening.  Mom went to bed at 12:30am and fussed some on brushing her teeth but was fairly easy to get changed I just had to explain a few times what to do.  Overall with me mom talked about her normal amount and was very cheerful.        

Tuesday January 3rd 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  Mom was still sleeping this morning when I left to go to my tax preparing class.  Both Andrea and Shannon said the word for the day was sweet.  I’m not sure how much mom slept today but she was up when I got back home at 3:30pm.   I also had a appointment at the chiropractor this afternoon and got a few more stretches to do at home.  My neck was getting sore by the end of my class I hope I don’t need to turn down any job offer.  It was sore after looking down and reading out of the book for 4 hours.  I setup another appointment for Thursday afternoon.  Shortly after I got back mom and I went for a drive over to Sioux Passage Park.  It was a cold but sunny day.  Both mom and I were quiet on our drive more so than normal I think we both were tired.  I did talk to my brother Tom this afternoon and found out he and his wife Bonnie will be coming in town to go to my baptism this coming Sunday.  I fixed dinner after we got back and we talked about the tree lights.  After dinner we both napped a little in our chairs as we watched TV for about an hour.  I fixed us some ice cream at 7pm and gave mom a few raises at 9pm so the last time mom had anything to eat or drink was at 9pm and she went to bed at 11pm.  We took a drive tonight at 8pm to look at the Xmas lights and almost all were down by now.  We then just watched TV and laughed the rest of the evening.  Tonight was fairly easy getting mom to change into her nightgown so my routine worked great tonight.  Overall today mom has been quiet but sweet.        

Monday January 2nd 2012
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  Andrea was here today feeling good.  Andrea was able to get mom washed and said mom was sleepy, confused and sweet the time she was here and mom slept most of the time Shannon was here.  Mom was still sleeping when I left today.  Today was my first day of my tax preparing class that will be a 5 days.  It was a sunny day with normal temps for this time of year.  Mom had gotten up just before I got home at 3:30pm.  Since it was a sunny day we took a drive to Sioux Passage Park before dinner.  Mom and I were both quieter than normal.  We talked about the lights on the tree during dinner and I acted silly making mom laugh.  The last time mom had anything to eat or drink was at 5:30pm.  Mom has been sweet this afternoon and this evening.  Mom napped in her chair for about an hour after dinner.  Then we watched TV and laughed until she went to bed at 10:45pm.  I had my normal amount of fussing tonight when it came to mom changing into her nightgown.   

Sunday January 1st 2012 New Years Day
Mom did not have any bladder or bowel accidents overnight or today.  I had my friend Patti over while I went to church.  Patti feed mom breakfast but could not get mom to take her pills.  Mom also slept most of the 4 hours Patti was here.  I had Patti keep mom in her nightgown until I got home.  I meet up with my friends at church for brunch after the services.  I’m thinking of doing the baptism at the church next Sunday. I was baptized as a baby but this time it will be my decision.  Today I had the hardest time yet getting mom to take her pills.  It was much easier getting mom to put her clothes on.   After a bathroom trip we took a drive.  It was a sunny day but much colder more like normal temps for this time of year.  We drove over to Columbia Bottom Conservation Area and back home without needing a bathroom stop.  We talked about the views and houses on our drive.  Mom then slept most of the time in her chair until dinner.  During dinner mom was quiet but so was I.  I had mom go to the bathroom before dinner but not after.  Mom napped for about an hour off and on after dinner.  We finished dinner by 5:30pm but we had ice cream at 6:15 so the last time mom had anything to eat or drink was at 6:30pm.  We talked to my brother Tom and his wife Bonnie tonight on SKYPE for a little more than an hour.  Mom was getting a little mad towards the end every night is different.  We then took a second drive to look at the Xmas lights and there was even less lights tonight but mom still enjoyed it.  We then just watched TV until mom went to bed at 11pm.  It was fairly easy tonight getting mom to change into her nightgown thank you god.  Overall mom has been somewhat sleepy and more moody than her normal but we did get in some laughs together by me acting silly.

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