Swirling Vortex of Chaos Meet Game Plan

So it's not like we have a lot going on right now or anything.

We're just...  Having a baby.

And navigating Carotid Paraganglioma-ville and other 'lumpy issues'...  Which includes surgery on the other side of the country when most of our familial support system (who are being SO awesome and traveling to our side of the country to help us) are located in the middle of the country.

And then, you know...  there's the *little* detail of Andrew's Shore Duty coming to an end and making the decision to stay Navy....  which means that we're preparing for Sea Duty and awayness a lot. 

And well, you know...  Babies don't come with game plans.

And Paragangliomas...  Well their game plans take a while to develop when you are fighting for information and education and the best treatment possible.

And the Navy....  HA.  There's NEVER a game plan with the Navy.  At least not one that gets translated to the service members and families in question in a timely manner.

That's not overwhelming or anything.  Really.  Especially not with crazy pregnancy hormones and the beginning chapters of sleep deprivation (from umpteen trips to the bathroom, and heartburn at 2 am, and the mental dedication it takes just to turn over at night, you understand).

Ok, I've been freaking out just a little bit. 

Today NIH called and I again had a really encouraging and empowering conversation. 

And I got a glimpse of the game plan with some fantastic news:  It's not going to be TWO trips to NIH.  It will only be one.  Scans the first week, surgery the second (maybe a little later, but still pretty quickly), and then we come home until follow-up time. 

That sounds so much easier than two trips and coordinating two times away from my sweet big girls.  That makes things feel like they're falling into place.  And like this game plan might just be workable. 

Tomas--get ready, your eviction notice is likely coming in January.  We'll celebrate the beginning of my 3rd decade by getting rid of you and finding out if we need to be on the lookout for any of your relatives down the line. 

A girl with a plan can look at the swirling vortex of chaos that has been frustrating me as of late with more confidence.  Heck.  I think I'll even level it with the famous Val stare-down.  Not even Tomas is immune to that.