tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26060312024976640112024-02-07T07:44:15.912-06:00These Are The DaysAndreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-59813236866812323742013-11-25T19:28:00.000-06:002013-11-25T19:36:23.912-06:00Mending A Broken Heart<em>"Its time to cut it out."</em><br />
<br />
These were the words uttered with sadness by our beloved cardiologist. <br />
<br />
These were the words I had prayed we would never hear.<br />
<br />
<em>"And soon."</em><br />
<br />
Me: "Soon...like before Christmas?"<br />
<br />
<em>"Soon. Like next week."</em><br />
<br />
Wow. Ok. So this conversation took place after he read Lenay's echocardiogram and examined her. Her heart function had decreased, her blood pressure was up (higher than her normal high), and he had a really hard time finding pulses in her feet. <br />
<br />
This trifecta sealed the deal for Lenay's heart surgery. To remove the device which was put in with the intention never to be removed. It sits in her PDA, which is an extra vessel that some preemies need to have closed between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. The device is made of titanium mesh and designed for the heart tissue to grow through and around it. It was designed to actually become part of her heart. It had fulfilled its destiny up until this point. <br />
<br />
<strong>If only Lenay's aorta had held up its end of the bargain!</strong><br />
<br />
The device was put in when she was 6 months old, and it was the right size and in the perfect placement to plug her PDA. The only problem was that part of the (top hat shaped) device stuck up into her aorta a smidgen. A minor detail, we thought. As time went on it became more apparent that this caused an increased pressure gradient in her aorta, which caused her heart to work harder, her heart to get thicker, and her blood pressure to be higher. The docs anticipated that as she grew bigger, obviously her heart and specifically her aorta would grow as well. In theory, as her aorta grows, the space around that part of the device would get bigger and tada - everything would be good! The problem is that even though she has obviously gotten a lot bigger since she was 6 months old, the pressure gradient has stayed the same.<br />
<br />
The crazy thing about all of this is that not only have they never seen this problem in Peoria, no one has seen it. Our docs have presented her case at several conferences with experts from all over the country, as well as talked with a group of docs specifically from Texas Children's (the leader in pediatric cardiology) and all they can do is speculate what they would do with this patient. The consensus has been to watch her closely with echos and EKGs, manage her BP with meds, and play the waiting game. If her heart began to show more stress, then the time would come to cut out the device.<br />
<br />
And that time has come.<br />
<br />
The other ridiculously crazy thing about all of this is that she has been asymptomatic. After reading her echo and having such a difficult time finding her pulses, he really pressed me: Has she been having headaches? Leg cramps? Belly aches? Is Campbell out running her? Does she get tired after being up for a while? Does she need to sit down a lot?<br />
<br />
No. 1000 times no.<br />
<br />
She's amazing really. <br />
<br />
She has always been asymptomatic. And even when she was a tiny baby with a large PDA, where most kiddos with that kind of diagnosis have lots of respiratory and digestive issues due to lesser bloodflow to those areas, she had none of that. Her sister had a whole mess of those problems (and a closed PDA) - so much that I was convinced they had them mixed up! I had them double and triple check those echos to make sure we were talking about the right baby.<br />
<br />
And now? We just got back from a week at Disney World. My fearless Lenay rode all the rides she was tall enough for. Even a couple roller coasters. And when she wasn't riding, she was off and running. <br />
<br />
My tough little cookie.<br />
<br />
We met with our surgeon, and he was very honest. He has never done this kind of surgery before. Sure, he has gone in and "fished devices out of the heart and lungs that have slipped out of place" (awesome!) but never have they needed to go in and cut one out the heart has scarred in and grown around. That being said, he was very confident that he could do it. I've talked with several mamas of heart kids and everyone says the same thing about him - that he is the best of the best, but he is also the first to admit defeat. So if he didn't believe he could do it, he would be sending us somewhere else.<br />
<br />
There was some discussion about how to approach the surgery - if it should be open heart or thoracotomy - and he decided it would be a thoracotomy. His plan was to go in and try to just cut off the part of the device sticking up into the aorta, and if that didn't work then he would cut out the whole device and stitch up her PDA.<br />
<br />
Surgery lasted about 3 hours. When he met us afterward, he told us that the device was so encapsulated within the aortic wall, and the scar tissue extended around the aorta, that it created only a tiny hole for bloodflow, versus a wide open aorta. His only option once seeing it, was to cut out that section of her aorta and stitch it back together. This is called an aortic bisection, which he does for kiddos who need a coarctation repair.<br />
<br />
He gave us the pictures he took of the section he removed, with the device inside it as well as the scar tissue that not only enveloped the device but also spread around the aortic wall, almost pinching off her aorta. Seeing that tiny opening which all of her blood had been pumping through was simply shocking. And then the realization that her body had adapted to that bloodflow demonstrates the survival instincts which must be built into her very cells.<br />
<br />
<strong>The more I learn about the human body, the more reinforced my belief in our Creator becomes.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
The hours and days after surgery proved to be very exciting. Lenay's color became more vibrant. And not that she ever seemed like a super pale kid to us, but we were just used to her complexion. The pulses in her feet were jumping. Pulses we could barely feel before became "you could feel them through the blanket!" according to our doc :) And as she was laying in her hospital bed, her feet were kicking and moving all the time. It seemed like she wanted to get up and run a marathon or something! And she felt so warm. All that new blood flowing is doing a body good.<br />
<br />
We are once again reminded how very lucky we are to have the Children's Hospital of Illinois with the Congenital Heart Center in our backyard. There are families who drive hours to bring their kids here. We drive 15 minutes. We are so grateful to our cardiologist Dr. Bramlet and our surgeon Dr. Fortuna. They made the call and they got it right. To mend a broken heart. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag5fg-TCEXmoFvT1HQfkNj-r7GttXNkS2jv8yhORGIa4J8Kq2okvkypmMonAY_rGttSmyIc4Nt45_efjpMD7GXqBC8sO-hsTs_RpFiXa16qq2dS66yLi6Z6M-YnAmuodnN0Nynp4GNOgu/s1600/LenayHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag5fg-TCEXmoFvT1HQfkNj-r7GttXNkS2jv8yhORGIa4J8Kq2okvkypmMonAY_rGttSmyIc4Nt45_efjpMD7GXqBC8sO-hsTs_RpFiXa16qq2dS66yLi6Z6M-YnAmuodnN0Nynp4GNOgu/s320/LenayHeart.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-29348515330016666842012-02-05T22:19:00.000-06:002012-02-05T22:19:08.937-06:00Van NostalgiaSo we got a new van this week. Our old van was out of warranty and having some problems, so it was time to trade.<br />
<br />
But I can't help but feel a little sad.<br />
<br />
Its kind of like moving out of your old house into your new house.<br />
<br />
Its exciting to move, but its also sad to leave the memories behind.<br />
<br />
Which of course is silly, because you get to take your memories with you too.<br />
<br />
But still, its easy to slip into the nostalgia.<br />
<br />
We bought our old van in anticipation of the arrival of the twins. Which turned out to be a huge lifesaver! Because as it turned out, both girls needed to travel in carbeds instead of carseats. And had we not had a van, we would have had to go everywhere in 2 cars. (You cannot put 2 carbeds in the same row of seats. They are designed so that they will only fit on the passenger side back seat. So had we not had the third row of seats, they would not have been able to ride in the car at the same time.) The only places we took them were doctor appointments, but trust me we had a lot!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeM-8zQJ68I2ewPEqZNyR1FN7lDN4_S3_sAlHAfe9CX6R6hzs46BNKEbfbofNu70urY_AVssjtLR6tVFpMZSNVa6k9-UUDqe0VMzynMDAiQ39dRP3ZKIfYWUN1KPbHQCCAm1ZdbNr8HTo/s1600/carbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeM-8zQJ68I2ewPEqZNyR1FN7lDN4_S3_sAlHAfe9CX6R6hzs46BNKEbfbofNu70urY_AVssjtLR6tVFpMZSNVa6k9-UUDqe0VMzynMDAiQ39dRP3ZKIfYWUN1KPbHQCCAm1ZdbNr8HTo/s320/carbed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is me getting Lenay buckled her carbed in the day we left the NICU. <br />
<br />
She was 6 and 1/2 weeks old and still only weighed 3 pounds 15 ounces!!! Craziness. I don't know how we ever did that.<br />
<br />
That van helped get our little babies around to the places they needed to be. It not only brought the girls home from the NICU. But when Campbell got pneumonia a month later, it brought her back and she stayed on PIC for a week. It also brought Lenay to the hospital for her heart surgery when she was 6 months old.<br />
<br />
It took Noah to swim lessons, soccer practice and games, baseball, basketball. It carted his friends around. It took us to Wisconsin Dells for Spring Break last year.<br />
<br />
So many memorable moments.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRwYGX1KJMtETlCG60QJayIfPIlM0l_EP_UYZtJn9jBosTrlSzJvXUFxKeSOKquQBjf5WeSG1u-LuxTcyz1PrSHuvGidgs1HaBDgGk4S0tvokjSaUWOuPExyp9z4YRDxujNF3NLgyx63A/s1600/713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRwYGX1KJMtETlCG60QJayIfPIlM0l_EP_UYZtJn9jBosTrlSzJvXUFxKeSOKquQBjf5WeSG1u-LuxTcyz1PrSHuvGidgs1HaBDgGk4S0tvokjSaUWOuPExyp9z4YRDxujNF3NLgyx63A/s320/713.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But isn't my new van so pretty?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-53425556459959049432012-01-22T21:56:00.000-06:002012-01-22T21:56:52.633-06:00Hearts, Eyes, and PreschoolWe are heading back to the cardiologist this week. Both girls will be seen. Lenay will have an echocardiogram. I double checked with the doctor, and she doesn't need to be sedated this time. We will be looking at her heart to see if it has grown. To see if there is more space for blood flow. <br />
<br />
We are praying that it has and there is.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZHpqjXeWH-fEJg1r0D9D3nJYEYyu0s2i1UxzbIuFngOERskpJAX_1XOcIqvA9rALkkBzIT42SiUBVFmbeHh8-4W14DqaJGoaUhtHtYBHGqEInoroMcRFamwpCfVBF4ZVH3YScOoo3GVn/s1600/402990_10150474302889756_504779755_8372530_211777671_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZHpqjXeWH-fEJg1r0D9D3nJYEYyu0s2i1UxzbIuFngOERskpJAX_1XOcIqvA9rALkkBzIT42SiUBVFmbeHh8-4W14DqaJGoaUhtHtYBHGqEInoroMcRFamwpCfVBF4ZVH3YScOoo3GVn/s320/402990_10150474302889756_504779755_8372530_211777671_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
She is currently on 3 cardiac meds. One to thin her blood, one to help her heart squeeze harder, and one to lower her blood pressure.<br />
<br />
The blood thinner is actually a quarter of a low dose aspirin. She's been on it since her surgery (when she was 6 months old.) Until a few months ago, we would crush it and dissolve it in water, but now I just give it to her whole and let her chew it up. And she does fine with it. I actually think she likes the taste. Every morning after I draw up the other 2 meds, she asks for her "piece" - its so cute!<br />
<br />
I just realized that I haven't posted anything about Campbell's glasses. She has had them for several weeks now, and she is doing great with them! I have to say I am very surprised. When the eye doctor first told me she would need them, I asked him how the heck I am supposed to keep glasses on a 2 year old's face. And he told me that she would realize that the glasses are helping her to see, and in turn she would leave them alone. I was like, uh yeah right. See, I got my first pair of glasses at age 3, and I constantly broke/lost them, consequently costing my parents lots of money. But the doctor assured me that nowadays, glasses for little ones are made differently. They are more comfortable, fitted just for them. And therefore they leave them on. Really? I was skeptical.<br />
<br />
He was right! At first, she did say, "Hurt. Ear." But after a quick adjustment, they fit her perfectly. The nose piece is made specifically for little ones, and it is very comfortable in case she falls asleep wearing them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZSWkCVus63XQXaW09zgsw0FKTMw2JmDDC1QG0RpyhHdppV99KBGbS5xUkt_PiQcfEyDWHYwC4Rcwac7eldTbIgwg3RUCNYimqLkuQ57brgf8YZT5_3vBswCyNgM7JC90gFpv3e_W3dMq/s1600/cam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZSWkCVus63XQXaW09zgsw0FKTMw2JmDDC1QG0RpyhHdppV99KBGbS5xUkt_PiQcfEyDWHYwC4Rcwac7eldTbIgwg3RUCNYimqLkuQ57brgf8YZT5_3vBswCyNgM7JC90gFpv3e_W3dMq/s320/cam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Her need for glasses has nothing to do with her prematurity. Like the doctor said, it is a result of my bad genes! Which, believe it or not, I find comforting. I was concerned about the fact that she was on oxygen until she was 7 months old, because I had read articles about kids on O2 having eye problems down the road. But he explained that those problems have to do with blood vessels at the back of the eye, and that we are past the window of opportunity for those problems to arise. She is however, farsighted. And her left eye doesn't always track exactly with her right. So these glasses will help both problems. And the doctor thinks they will just be temporary. :)<br />
<br />
A question I am asked constantly is "How can the doctor tell she is farsighted? She can't read an eye chart." Well, the best way I can explain it is that the doctor holds different strengths of lenses up to her eye and shines a light through the lens. He can tell what her prescription is by observing the way her eye reacts to the light through the lens. Pretty nifty, eh? I find it amazing actually. And I have really noticed a change in her activities since she got her glasses. She will sit and color for much longer now. And she looks at her books with new intensity. Being farsighted, she probably feels like she is seeing them for the first time. Before, when she would quickly move from one activity to another, I figured she just had a short attention span. But now after observing her since she got her glasses, I can see that everything seems to hold her interest longer. Plus her OT is already very impressed with the improvement in her fine motor skills! And her PT thinks that the glasses will help with her goal of walking up and down stairs as well. Her depth perception was probably thrown off before. It all makes sense. So grateful for the advances in technology that allow my daughter to see and in turn, progress through her milestones! Go Cam!<br />
<br />
We met for her semi-annual IFSP meeting last week with all of her therapists and her Early Intervention care coordinator, and we learned a little bit about transitioning into preschool. Which just seems crazy! But at age 3, her services will be handled by the school district. So we have an appointment at the school in March, where she will be evaluated for services. <br />
<br />
My babies are just growing up way too fast!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-70172066908411680212012-01-20T14:52:00.000-06:002012-01-20T14:53:34.612-06:00From a Different TimeHello 2012. How did you sneak up on us so fast? When I was in high school (class of '97!) and the underclassmen started wearing letterman jackets (do they still have those?) that said "00" and "01" on them, I remember it looked so WEIRD. I remember it was a hard concept to wrap my small brain around. Yes. Time is marching on. Right into the 21st century. It will be ok.<br />
<br />
Now my 7 year old giggles when I talk about my childhood. You know, back in the 1900s. And I've realized that not only will our kids find us to be the regular kind of old you just automatically think of your parents as being, but throw in the fact that we were born in the previous century. And the previous millenium. <br />
<br />
Yep, we are officially ancient.<br />
<br />
My mom tells this story about her grandma, who was born in the 1890s. She was raising her family in a tiny country town in southern Illinois during the 1920s, when some people came down their road, offering to hook up electricity to the different houses in the neighborhood. And great grandma didn't really think they needed it. I mean, what would they do with it? See it was enough voltage to light ONE LIGHTBULB. Who cares? We have kerosene lamps for that. Duh people. No thanks.<br />
<br />
So Noah is listening intently to this story. He can't imagine it. So my mom is telling him.<br />
<br />
See Noah, they didn't have refrigerators, or phones, or air conditioners, or televisions or computers back then.<br />
<br />
His response?<br />
<br />
"Are you saying they didn't have iPods?!"<br />
<br />
No Noah. Sadly there were no iPods in the 1920s either.<br />
<br />
So as crazy as electricity seemed to my great grandma, Noah found it equally as crazy that great grandma couldn't buy Plants vs. Zombies in the App Store.<br />
<br />
At a recent PTO meeting, we were discussing how to spend certain funds on new technology for the school. And we had a technology expert come and speak to us about our different options. And talking about the future, he said that as crazy as it sounds, down the road he sees our kids having all their textbooks loaded onto an iPad (or similar device.) There would be no need for actual textbooks. No backpacks. No paper. Everything you need is right here on this device.<br />
<br />
I left that meeting thinking - Wow. <br />
<br />
I felt a little closer to my great grandma that night.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-66704272957187606312011-12-02T16:36:00.001-06:002011-12-02T21:00:26.776-06:00Great I AmThere is a song that we sing in church that gets me every time we sing it.<br />
<br />
Its a beautiful song. <br />
<br />
Very powerful.<br />
<br />
Maybe you've heard it.<br />
<br />
Its called "Great I Am"<br />
<br />
And one lyric in particular just pierces my heart. Every single time. In a good way.<br />
<br />
Its a line that, had I not lost my dad, would probably not have much meaning.<br />
<br />
And honestly those who have not experienced a loss like that, might even find those words grotesque.<br />
<br />
But they bring me great comfort.<br />
<br />
<em>I want to see dry bones living again.</em><br />
<br />
I well up just thinking them.<br />
<br />
When I sing those words, I think of my dad and other loved ones lost.<br />
<br />
Living again.<br />
<br />
The day my dad died, my idea of heaven got a little sweeter.<br />
<br />
I do want to see dry bones living again. <br />
<br />
I desperately do.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/J5CWGi82N7k?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-27895042603720954672011-10-02T18:38:00.002-05:002011-10-02T18:38:36.014-05:00Walking For Our BabiesIts that time of year again. October. Time for pumpkins. Hoodies. Bonfires. <br />
<br />
And the Small Wonders Miracle Walk :)<br />
<br />
Its the annual fundraiser for the neonatal intensive care unit at the Children's Hospital of Illinois. It was started 5 years ago by a group of NICU parents who wanted to give back to the NICU.<br />
<br />
Its hard to describe the connection that we, as parents of NICU graduates, have with the NICU staff. I mean basically, they were like the 3rd parent to our babies at a very critical time in their lives. <br />
<br />
It is a connection that will always be there.<br />
<br />
I can't and don't even want to imagine what our lives would be like today, had it not been for the neonatologists and neonatal nurses who took such awesome care of our babies.<br />
<br />
The Children's Hospital of Illinois NICU is a Level 3. That's the highest level.<br />
<br />
It is one of the best NICUs in the country.<br />
<br />
Do you know that our NICU serves 24 counties in Illinois? <br />
<br />
24 counties!<br />
<br />
That means literally dozens upon dozens of hospitals are sending their smallest and sickest babies to Peoria.<br />
<br />
750 babies come through the NICU each year.<br />
<br />
There are many families traveling long distances. Just to be with their babies.<br />
<br />
How fortunate are we, to have this awesome facility right in our backyard!<br />
<br />
The Small Wonders Miracle Walk and Silent Auction will be Saturday, October 15 at the Riverplex in Peoria. Auction opens at 9am. Walk is at 10. <br />
<br />
We have an amazing silent auction committee that has been working very hard getting donations together. We have Disney tickets! And Continental Airlines tickets! Along with lots of great local business donations too. There's something for everyone :)<br />
<br />
We also have a lot of fun things going on for the kids. We have inflatables. The Unique Twist will be doing balloon creations. Zoo Lady will be face painting. And new this year, the Glitter Fairy will be doing glitter tattoos!<br />
<br />
Its also a really neat opportunity for families to reunite with the doctors and nurses who took care of their babies in the NICU. As you can imagine, this can be a very emotional thing. Its my favorite!<br />
<br />
Money raised through this event will directly fund patient and family centered programming specifically in the NICU.<br />
<br />
Consider this. <br />
<br />
No one ever PLANS on needing the NICU. We certainly didn't. But the moment our babies were born at 29 weeks and 5 days, weighing just 3 lbs and 2 lbs 9 oz, suddenly we DID need it, in a tremendous way. And they were there for us when we did.<br />
<br />
Join us in supporting a wonderful cause.<br />
<br />
Babies. The tiniest and sickest ones.<br />
<br />
If you are unable to come to the event but would like to make a donation, you can <a href="https://dnbweb1.blackbaud.com/OPXDONATE/AddDonor.asp?cguid=49BF60CD%2D36EF%2D430A%2D9900%2DF657563E18D4&sTarget=https%3A%2F%2Fdnbweb1%2Eblackbaud%2Ecom%2FOPXDONATE%2Fdonate%2Easp%3Fcguid%3D49BF60CD%252D36EF%252D430A%252D9900%252DF657563E18D4%26dpid%3D18866&sid=6B2FC66C%2D5057%2D451F%2D9DC1%2DFA2D68C3CA6A">click here.</a>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-72907844381006927312011-09-18T21:39:00.001-05:002011-09-18T21:40:00.874-05:00Floaters<br />
A few months ago, we were out to dinner with friends. You know, having some adult time. And yet, being the parents of small children as we all are, the conversation of course went south quickly. <br />
<br />
To the oh so appetizing topic of pooping in the tub.<br />
<br />
See, our friends' daughter is a notorious tub pooper. And her older brother does not find it amusing. So each night before bathtime, they have a little ritual where they go around and say: Mommy's not going to poop in the tub, no she's not. Daddy's not going to poop in the tub, no he's not. And on down the line. <br />
<br />
So everyone gets the idea that pooping in the tub is not cool.<br />
<br />
As they were telling this story, I was laughing hysterically. I mean, who ever heard of this? It was something we had never encountered before.<br />
<br />
Yet.<br />
<br />
I am not kidding, that very week. I had the girls in the tub. And you know there are lots of things in the tub. I mean, besides 2 girls, you've got washcloths, soap, toys, and books.<br />
<br />
The girls are standing up, sitting down, switching places. You know, standard bathtime fun.<br />
<br />
Well as they were scooting past each other, toys and books were swirling from one side to the other as well.<br />
<br />
And poop.<br />
<br />
<strong>Poop?!</strong> <br />
<br />
Yep. There it was. <br />
<br />
Several turds.<br />
<br />
Just floating along in the bath water. <br />
<br />
Trying to blend in.<br />
<br />
There is poop in my tub!<br />
<br />
I stared in shock. <br />
<br />
What do I do now?!?<br />
<br />
My instinct was to yell: Mom!!!! Help!!!!<br />
<br />
And then it hits me.<br />
<br />
<strong>Oh, wait. I'm the mom.</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Oh poop.</strong><br />
<br />
Get the babies out first. That's the first step.<br />
<br />
Then the toys. Put them in a bucket.<br />
<br />
Then the poop.<br />
<br />
What's the best way to get the poop, you ask?<br />
<br />
A solo cup.<br />
<br />
Do not use toilet paper. Seems like common sense I know, but in a moment of panic, you might instinctively reach for it. <br />
<br />
Bad idea. It disintegrates immediately of course, leaving you with a handful of poop.<br />
<br />
Once the poop is out of the tub, drain the water.<br />
<br />
Break out the bleach. Disinfect the tub and the toys.<br />
<br />
Draw new water. <br />
<br />
Wash the babies (again) and get them the heck out of there before the other one poops!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-33657395732679484292011-09-14T22:26:00.000-05:002011-09-14T22:26:15.771-05:00Recipe: Barbeque MeatballsTrying something new here: posting a recipe to my blog :)<br />
<br />
This recipe, along with many others in my recipe box, comes from my dear friend Kathie Quisenberry, who is one of the best cooks I know. She has cooked many times for my family over the years, including weekly meals when our twins were in the NICU. This recipe is Noah's absolute favorite and the girls love it too.<br />
<br />
Okay so I even took some fancy pictures as I was cooking today, so you can get the full effect. Well, not the full effect I guess, since you didn't get to smell how awesome my kitchen smelled today while they were cooking!<br />
<br />
<u>Barbeque Meatballs</u><br />
<br />
Ingredients: <br />
<br />
2 lbs hamburger<br />
8 oz evaporated milk<br />
2/3 cup old fashioned oatmeal<br />
2/3 cup cracker crumbs<br />
1 large egg<br />
1/2 cup diced onion<br />
1/2 tsp garlic powder<br />
1 & 1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp pepper<br />
1 & 1/2 tsp chili powder<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDU-bnLXpiPoGVlw874q4cpHOROrp35dhMRaQL0mQhLcyGFFF_7SzGln2hIUIgW8b-Rm5tR6MEsgJ6s5rDSIpogESzzGYwI8fMHLyztom2yJMi3I20DglbzRfKr67ChLSABCCbGZYUpQth/s1600/213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDU-bnLXpiPoGVlw874q4cpHOROrp35dhMRaQL0mQhLcyGFFF_7SzGln2hIUIgW8b-Rm5tR6MEsgJ6s5rDSIpogESzzGYwI8fMHLyztom2yJMi3I20DglbzRfKr67ChLSABCCbGZYUpQth/s320/213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mix all together using hands. Roll into balls. Place into baking dish.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaVusmtU10iJS-sAr4BWXsVZX2nkclm80i1Q1ycQ-JWrO3wOXmIx58NYsTLfTDbAvdO5ztgxbD1cih8rPcMzHK2kLZfbWpG0TigIJFC5eGCOUVJYA1lQ8QYLLlsuLNon8xpB0qPj9mMOT/s1600/215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaVusmtU10iJS-sAr4BWXsVZX2nkclm80i1Q1ycQ-JWrO3wOXmIx58NYsTLfTDbAvdO5ztgxbD1cih8rPcMzHK2kLZfbWpG0TigIJFC5eGCOUVJYA1lQ8QYLLlsuLNon8xpB0qPj9mMOT/s320/215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sauce Ingredients:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 & 1/2 cups ketchup</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup diced onion</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 & 1/4 cups packed brown sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp garlic powder</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp chili powder</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1RYu3R3gxCuYn7eXLlOHyfcS7ATJ9ggsuuhIk4Hcmut3GU8ALrKhOpZ80VPRalR8JWza0GdzcCsXZL6-6TEG-NXFR-D4O1T7D5o165X9irawsm7Thq4i75y_HHPS8T8jP82WXhdAc07C/s1600/212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1RYu3R3gxCuYn7eXLlOHyfcS7ATJ9ggsuuhIk4Hcmut3GU8ALrKhOpZ80VPRalR8JWza0GdzcCsXZL6-6TEG-NXFR-D4O1T7D5o165X9irawsm7Thq4i75y_HHPS8T8jP82WXhdAc07C/s320/212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeWtLrA1ICkOPbHa-nr6r5BZqDcjwvzk9LiitvPWD3u7ldukIvMltQovSQ2IlJ12v6s6MBmczhOUMjxmF8cy9VN40GDy4j1nYB65Mjej7GO2YAWaMG_wPal-HgXTXAn3Gu6T6aSDDABAY/s1600/217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeWtLrA1ICkOPbHa-nr6r5BZqDcjwvzk9LiitvPWD3u7ldukIvMltQovSQ2IlJ12v6s6MBmczhOUMjxmF8cy9VN40GDy4j1nYB65Mjej7GO2YAWaMG_wPal-HgXTXAn3Gu6T6aSDDABAY/s320/217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pour sauce over and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And enjoy :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReLkoG3o8wjrtLhOp1bWCEZH9_6rOtyIjL7rfLQOiOkmECEMKn1tUUGX3MZbJcoDkbQ4-Izsje_3MP_GPUOHZRkAhKHvWqHiBzWo1y9f6rofkqkOiISZ2FzRJonBrUar9Z_myHlO9C7uT/s320/219.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1L_Cx9okfUfM89yEYic7fs30Gq3bpzqHpr8fQQo6sKJdzTTvnl8EDZ5PkEz_X8jp8kgQ2Iawf6L0t1YxlMXoDSHna18bRxDY1mJnEu7CdtXh_G-2Jy49sEsVgz4JPROajMzukoblb7Nr/s1600/229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1L_Cx9okfUfM89yEYic7fs30Gq3bpzqHpr8fQQo6sKJdzTTvnl8EDZ5PkEz_X8jp8kgQ2Iawf6L0t1YxlMXoDSHna18bRxDY1mJnEu7CdtXh_G-2Jy49sEsVgz4JPROajMzukoblb7Nr/s320/229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rFfBUk9Nmjs69sBMTzybpuCtOICuMp1mBNbODtrJ2TdxatwLtqsEV_rpuaFENxXHJKaEgb7o8yOGXnUgNSW0cesGMsapg6k9qij_LRLHs1dk5GX36kAwdIkE04-kCXotMvtjv0Q6Xmvo/s1600/223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rFfBUk9Nmjs69sBMTzybpuCtOICuMp1mBNbODtrJ2TdxatwLtqsEV_rpuaFENxXHJKaEgb7o8yOGXnUgNSW0cesGMsapg6k9qij_LRLHs1dk5GX36kAwdIkE04-kCXotMvtjv0Q6Xmvo/s320/223.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReLkoG3o8wjrtLhOp1bWCEZH9_6rOtyIjL7rfLQOiOkmECEMKn1tUUGX3MZbJcoDkbQ4-Izsje_3MP_GPUOHZRkAhKHvWqHiBzWo1y9f6rofkqkOiISZ2FzRJonBrUar9Z_myHlO9C7uT/s1600/219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Couple tips:<br />
<br />
If you follow the recipe as is, it makes A LOT of meatballs. So this is great if you have a large family to feed.<br />
<br />
But for us, halving the recipe works just fine and makes plenty for the 5 of us.<br />
<br />
Also, this is a great recipe for freezer cooking! Sometimes I will make up a whole batch, then only cook half, and freeze the other half. If you are going to freeze the meatballs raw, I would recommend setting them on a cookie sheet and placing them in the freezer overnight. Once they are frozen, just pile them into a freezer bag marked with the date and freeze them for up to 6 months. The sauce freezes great too. Just pour it into a freezer bag and freeze. When you are ready to use it, just thaw it out and cut a corner off the bag to make pouring over the meatballs super easy. <br />
<br />
So that's it! Let me know what you guys think :)<br />
<br />
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-40496709688738014562011-08-30T21:19:00.000-05:002011-08-30T21:19:05.117-05:00Lenay's Little HeartLenay saw her cardiologist this morning.<br />
<br />
We were there for about 3 hours. Luckily I brought lots of snacks! <br />
<br />
She laid very still for her echocardiogram. I was shocked! It takes about 25-30 minutes so thats a long time for a 2 year old to sit still. But they had cartoons on and Mommy was feeding her little princess grapes (literally) so that helped.<br />
<br />
She also tolerated her EKG extremely well. Another shock. A test that should take a total of one minute usually takes more like twenty along with the help of several adults. This time, she acted very interested in the whole process, and then even helped to attach and detach the cables when asked!<br />
<br />
She's such a big girl. But I mean come on, she is two now.<br />
<br />
Our doctor peeked his head in after he reviewed the tests and told me he needed to get more blood pressures on her. He wanted pressures on her arms and legs.<br />
<br />
She has had elevated blood pressure for a while now, due to the increased pressure gradient in her aorta from the obstruction, and we knew this.<br />
<br />
But it dawned on me today that I have never asked what her pressure should be.<br />
<br />
Turns out her top number should be right around 100.<br />
<br />
And hers is consistently in the 130s.<br />
<br />
The good news is that according to the pictures from the echo, her heart is unchanged. It is no better, but it is no worse.<br />
<br />
We thank God for this, because if it was any worse, meaning any thicker, then we would be talking more surgical intervention.<br />
<br />
But since it is no worse, we can continue to play the waiting game.<br />
<br />
Patience.<br />
<br />
And since we are in "uncharted territory" as the doc said today, we can't really know how long it will take.<br />
<br />
He is concerned about her pressures, so he prescribed a blood pressure medicine for her today.<br />
<br />
She is now on 3 cardiac meds.<br />
<br />
We will go back in a week for blood work to see how she is reacting to the new med, and then we will see him again in 2 months to see where we are with her blood pressure at that time.<br />
<br />
The funny thing about Lenay is that you would never know she is a heart baby. I've had several medical professionals read her chart and then tell me they are shocked when they see and observe her. Because she just doesn't let it get her down. We could all take a lesson from her. <br />
<br />
I mean just look at her. Singing and snacking while she waits.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj3iF8nBjLeCwlcpZtf9jU3LIfHZDgPjwQetUxRckQfk9pz8jIhHFQC3eTyHXf0zG8sgevIEVOhKdofrQOGVW6kI7Ytgs8SmKKIF3G3-NzdG-lN_Jv5cWViSEfs53Sjgbyhgw14WYntfG/s1600/187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj3iF8nBjLeCwlcpZtf9jU3LIfHZDgPjwQetUxRckQfk9pz8jIhHFQC3eTyHXf0zG8sgevIEVOhKdofrQOGVW6kI7Ytgs8SmKKIF3G3-NzdG-lN_Jv5cWViSEfs53Sjgbyhgw14WYntfG/s320/187.JPG" width="239" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Love you babe. I am so blessed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-47989047260050545652011-08-29T21:49:00.000-05:002011-08-29T21:49:14.300-05:00Cam's GI updateCampbell went back to see the gastroenterologist last week. <br />
<br />
She gained a pound and a half in six weeks!<br />
<br />
She is now just shy of 20 pounds.<br />
<br />
He said I don't know what you are doing but it is working!<br />
<br />
I said we are doing ice cream three times a day :)<br />
<br />
He thinks that if she continues on this path she may actually be on the growth chart here very soon.<br />
<br />
I am just absolutely amazed by her. A short couple months ago they were talking about putting a g tube in her. And just look at her now! She is doing such a great job eating.<br />
<br />
God is so good. Our prayers were answered :)<br />
<br />
We also saw the pediatrician last week and it was a big day for Miss Lenay. She is now in the 10th percentile for height and weight! Who knew something as simple as gracing the growth chart would be such a milestone? The things we take for granted when we have a healthy baby.<br />
<br />
Lenay goes in to see her cardiologist tomorrow. She will have an echocardiogram and EKG. We will see how that little heart of hers is doing. <br />
<br />
Praying for more good news.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-24340085696042878202011-08-28T20:26:00.000-05:002011-08-28T20:26:15.034-05:00I Will Carry YouI just read the most beautiful book.<br />
<br />
Its called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Will-Carry-You-Sacred-Dance/dp/080546428X">"I Will Carry You" by Angie Smith</a>.<br />
<br />
Angie tells the true story of she and her husband Todd's 4th child, a daughter they named Audrey Caroline, and how they found out during a routine ultrasound that she would not survive beyond birth. She had conditions that were deemed "incompatible with life."<br />
<br />
It was recommended that they terminate the pregnancy. But they made the decision to carry the child anyway.<br />
<br />
Their story was heart wrenching.<br />
<br />
Angie and Todd never wanted to give up on their daughter. Their faith in God was strong as they prayed for a miracle.<br />
<br />
Audrey Caroline lived for two and a half hours after she was born, which was a miracle in itself. She was tiny, weighing in at only a little more than three pounds. And she was beautiful.<br />
<br />
I believe this story would hit home with any mother. <br />
<br />
Unfailing and undying love for your child.<br />
<br />
From the moment it is known that she exists inside you.<br />
<br />
And the grief and loss when the unthinkable and the unexplainable happens.<br />
<br />
It was God's perfect timing that this book was placed in my hands within the week of the anniversary of the loss of our second pregnancy.<br />
<br />
8/28/07. A date I have tattooed on my body in memorial of a baby we never had the chance to meet.<br />
<br />
We sisters in Christ know that we will see our babies again someday.<br />
<br />
Todd Smith is in the Christian band, Selah. And they wrote this song for Audrey.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/J2CnUtVY35o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-26556283039272754372011-08-19T22:28:00.000-05:002011-08-19T22:28:40.843-05:00August ChaosThe most important events in our lives all happen in 9 days. Our three children's birthdays and our wedding anniversary. Throw in a trip to Vegas and the start to a new school year and you can get a glimpse into our crazy life :) Oh, and why not add a CT scan and abdominal ultrasound?<br />
<br />
Noah turned 7 years old. He wears size 10 jeans. The kid is gigantic. :) <br />
<br />
He had his friend party at a Chiefs game. We had 7 kids. And 6 adults. When I was planning this out, I thought that was a good kid:adult ratio. Turns out a few more grownups might have been nice :) The kids had a good time though. Noah got to throw out the first pitch and he thought that was pretty cool. The weather was perfect and it was a fireworks night. So fun :)<br />
<br />
Eric and I celebrated our anniversary by going to the Miss Marigold Pageant rehearsal (super romantic I know) and out to dinner at Granite City, my fave. We also celebrated the week before by going to Las Vegas with 6 of our closest friends. We had a lot of fun, but were glad to get home. Especially since the flight home was a little scary. On our descent into Peoria, the guy across the aisle from us had a seizure and passed out. People were panicking but luckily there was a nurse on board to help. Keep in mind this is happening while we are going down. I think the pilot may have been a little rattled by this medical emergency, and we hit the runway hard (I don't want to say we crash landed...but it was rough) and then the pilot was putting on the brakes but we were still racing down the runway at what seemed like full speed. We were looking out the window at everything flying by, thinking are we ever going to stop?! We did, just in time, but it was seriously frightening. Never so glad to be back on the ground and in one piece :)<br />
<br />
Lenay and Campbell turned 2 years old. 2 years old! We did a family party for all three kids. I said gifts were optional, yet now my house is somehow filled with new toys? Its crazy how spoiled my kids are.<br />
<br />
I made a new video for the girls' birthday and put it on youtube. You can view it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKmzZQing9I">here.</a><br />
<br />
Noah started the first grade this week. He loves his teacher, loves going to school all day, loves riding the bus, loves lunch and recess, and loves earning "Kober Bucks." I'm so glad :) I just pray that it continues.<br />
<br />
Last week I went in for my CT scan and abdominal ultrasound. I was thankful that Eric was able to get time off work to go with me. The ultrasound was no big deal. <br />
<br />
Have you ever had an ultrasound before? The tech asks me as I pull up my shirt.<br />
<br />
Um, tons.<br />
<br />
This was different than anything I've had in my life though.<br />
<br />
As she starts the sono, Eric leans over to her and says:<br />
<br />
There better not be a baby in there.<br />
<br />
We laughed.<br />
<br />
Next was the CT scan. They had to start an IV, which is never easy. They ended up calling in the veteran, and she got it on the first try.<br />
<br />
They told me that when they inject the dye, I would feel a warm sensation all over, and it would feel like I peed my pants. Nice.<br />
<br />
I went through the machine 3 times. Once before the dye, once with a little dye, and once with the bulk of the dye.<br />
<br />
What a weird feeling. I mostly felt it in the back of my throat.<br />
<br />
We went out for bagel sandwiches and headed home.<br />
<br />
I got a call the next day from my doctor. When I saw the caller ID, I was initially worried. See they had told me it would be 3-4 days before I would hear back since it was such a specialized scan, and I know from past experience that when they get back to you right away with results, it can be bad news.<br />
<br />
I was wrong.<br />
<br />
No aneurysms!! Woo hoo :)<br />
<br />
We've got more craziness coming up. The girls will see the pediatrician, Campbell sees her gastroenterologist, and Lenay will see the cardiologist for an EKG and echocardiogram.<br />
<br />
Will keep you posted.<br />
<br />
<br />
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-44624496223628724172011-07-24T21:32:00.000-05:002011-07-24T21:32:44.654-05:00AneurysmThat's a scary word.<br />
<br />
And its become all too familiar a topic of conversation in our house here in recent times.<br />
<br />
In the last four years, four of my family members have had aneurysms. Three of which were cerebral, one aortic. All from my mom's side of the family.<br />
<br />
The first one was a shock. My uncle, 4 years ago.<br />
<br />
The second seemed all too familiar. My aunt, 2 years ago. <br />
<br />
The third happened right after the second. My other uncle, 2 years ago. <br />
<br />
And the fourth was perhaps the most concerning. My 22 year old cousin, this year.<br />
<br />
So, when I saw my doctor for my annual physical last week, we discussed my concerns about this family history I now have. And she told me she would like to have a look at my own brain and aorta.<br />
<br />
Let me tell you this is not good for my hypochondria.<br />
<br />
My dad died of AML at age 57. And you should know that because of that, every time I get a bruise of any sort, I watch it like a hawk to make sure it disappears. <br />
<br />
Kind of morbid, I realize.<br />
<br />
So I am looking forward to getting some peace of mind in regards to this aneurysm threat. In 2 weeks, I am scheduled for a CT scan of my brain and an abdominal ultrasound to check my aorta.<br />
<br />
My mom has been tested, and everything checked out okay. What a huge relief.<br />
<br />
I'll be okay too.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-24199936077327908352011-07-16T21:19:00.000-05:002011-07-16T21:19:11.956-05:00Prepared for a Throw DownCampbell has been doing great with her eating! <br />
<br />
I am so proud of her :)<br />
<br />
We've been having ice cream at least 3 times a day.<br />
<br />
Even so, I've been dreading her gastroenterologist appointment.<br />
<br />
This would be the first time we would see him since the surgical consult, when the other doc vetoed his decision that Cam needs a g tube.<br />
<br />
He wouldn't be happy about this.<br />
<br />
And honestly, I'm a huge chicken. I made sure Eric could meet me so I didn't have to face him alone.<br />
<br />
We went in prepared. Prepared to be told off. Prepared to tell him off. Prepared to walk out of his office, never to return.<br />
<br />
As we waited in the exam room, I had some weird thoughts.<br />
<br />
<em>Do we still stop at the desk on our way out after we have our big throw down?</em><br />
<br />
<em>Will the other patients hear us screaming at each other through the walls?</em><br />
<br />
<em>Is Eric going to physically assault this doctor?</em><br />
<br />
<em>Do we need a lawyer?</em><br />
<br />
Just then, there was a familiar knock at the door. Eric and I looked at each other and put our game faces on. Expecting the worst.<br />
<br />
And we could not have been more wrong.<br />
<br />
He came in, Campbell's chart in hand, smiling from ear to ear.<br />
<br />
<strong>Well, I don't know what you are doing, but you are doing something right!</strong><br />
<br />
I stared at him, dumbfounded.<br />
<br />
I also heard, <strong>I am so proud of her!</strong><br />
<br />
And pinching her arms, <strong>Look at this fat!</strong><br />
<br />
Not a word was mentioned about the surgeon. Not a word about the g tube. Not a word!<br />
<br />
He shook our hands like five times I swear.<br />
<br />
He said to keep up the good work, and come back and see him in six weeks.<br />
<br />
Eric and I walked out of his office smiling and laughing.<br />
<br />
Pretty much the opposite of what I had pictured in my head :)Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-68458685280870631152011-07-04T22:07:00.000-05:002011-07-04T22:07:38.632-05:00Sweet ReliefWe went to the surgeon's office first thing Thursday morning.<br />
<br />
Campbell was weighed.<br />
<br />
I held my breath. As I do everytime I set her on a scale.<br />
<br />
The digital scale was flashing as it calibrated her weight.<br />
<br />
<em>Blink.</em><br />
<br />
<em>Blink.</em><br />
<br />
<strong>18 lbs 12 oz.</strong><br />
<br />
Two weeks before, she weighed 17 lbs 11 oz.<br />
<br />
I let out the breath as my slow brain was registering the math and the shock.<br />
<br />
That is over a pound in just 2 weeks!<br />
<br />
That is huge!<br />
<br />
Amazing.<br />
<br />
God is so good.<br />
<br />
I breathed a little deeper as we walked to the exam room to wait for the doctor.<br />
<br />
Eric and I were armed with 3 things.<br />
<br />
Campbell's growth chart, courtesy of our pediatrician.<br />
<br />
Her speech evaluation, which Campbell scored very high on for her actual age, not adjusted. (This is a big deal for a preemie. Preemies are measured by their adjusted or corrected age until they turn two. So the fact that she is doing so well for her actual age is very exciting for us.) This would help to prove she has good cognitive function.<br />
<br />
Her developmental evaluation. While she does have a couple delays, she has improved greatly since her last eval a year ago. Last summer, her adaptive care domain was at 100% delay. Now, it is only at a 35%. And in order to even qualify for Early Intervention services, kids must present with at least a 30% delay. Therefore, 35% is very low on the spectrum. This eval would show that she is really coming along with her milestones and catching up.<br />
<br />
(I do want to point out that it really was God's perfect timing in all this. We had these evaluations scheduled months in advance because Campbell's annual IFSP meeting is coming up in July. It just so happened that her PT, DT, and speech evals fell right in between the gastro appt and subsequent surgical consult?? Evals that would provide crucial and imperative information regarding her development?? Looking back on all this now, I am just completely amazed by how He worked all that out for us.)<br />
<br />
The surgeon came in. He remembered Eric right away from when he operated on Lenay almost 2 years ago. He repaired her inguinal hernia when she was still in the NICU. I found it absolutely amazing that he remembered him since he has literally operated on over 15,000 kids.<br />
<br />
He studied Campbell. He studied the paperwork we presented him. He looked at her growth chart for a long time.<br />
<br />
<strong>Well, she's not excelling in her growth now is she?</strong><br />
<br />
Definitely not, I said.<br />
<br />
I explained that she had been sick before her last gastro appointment. And we pointed out her whole pound gain in 2 weeks.<br />
<br />
He asked about her milestones, and we pointed to the evals, showing that she is making strides and catching up.<br />
<br />
He looked down at the chart again. Then took a long look at Campbell, who was chomping on a Ritz.<br />
<br />
<strong>Well, I think she's bought herself a pass.</strong><br />
<br />
I felt myself sit up a little straighter as the weight lifted up off my chest.<br />
<br />
I wanted to kiss this man.<br />
<br />
<strong>Now, she has no margin for error. She needs to continue to gain weight at a steady rate in order to keep me away.</strong><br />
<br />
Got it. No offense, but we hope we never have to see you again.<br />
<br />
<strong>None taken. I get that a lot.</strong><br />
<br />
He thanked us for bringing in the paperwork. He had referred to it throughout our visit as being very helpful information.<br />
<br />
We walked out of his office in complete and utter relief. <br />
<br />
No g tube for this girl.<br />
<br />
And so we headed down to the Spotted Cow to buy her a big cream cheese cinnamon roll.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-5534671460342383072011-06-19T21:12:00.000-05:002011-06-19T21:12:38.096-05:00Clutch PlayerA few days have passed and this g tube idea just doesn't seem any better.<br />
<br />
A few things to report:<br />
<br />
1) Campbell went to the Children's Hospital yesterday to get some labs drawn. <br />
<br />
BMP, T4, TSH, CBC<br />
<br />
Our pediatrician will get the results, and if anything seems funky then the endocrinologist will see her.<br />
<br />
2) We have our second opinion scheduled with another pediatric gastroenterologist in Peoria.<br />
<br />
It will be the same day as the surgical consult. Please pray for us on June 30!<br />
<br />
3) We have been doing our best to stuff Campbell with calories. Milkshakes, ice cream, hamburgers, things with butter, you name it. We stopped giving her juice and replaced it with yogurt smoothies instead. Juice is an appetite suppressant and it has little calories. Also, her gastro doc put her on a higher calorie pediasure. Didn't even know they made such a thing. He gave us quite a few samples so that should last us a couple weeks. Then I will have to figure out where to buy the stuff, since I know they don't carry it in stores. Pharmacy or online I would suppose. I'm sure its not any cheaper. <br />
<br />
But we'll do anything to keep a tube out of her!<br />
<br />
Campbell has physical therapy and feeding therapy this week. I'm anxious to talk to our speech path about the g tube to see what she thinks and if she has any ideas for us. They will be doing both a PT eval and a speech eval (she's never had one of those before) so we can see where she is developmentally in those areas.<br />
<br />
Eric is confident that Campbell will pull it our here when it counts, like she always does.<br />
<br />
He says she is a clutch player. <br />
<br />
The Anti-Lebron, if you will.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-80984478538773092652011-06-15T16:46:00.000-05:002011-06-15T16:46:32.650-05:00Just When You Think You Are Out Of The WoodsCampbell saw her gastroenterologist yesterday. She had lost about half a pound since last month. She has been sick with a cold and ear infection, so I wasn't surprised that she hadn't gained weight. But I was surprised that she had lost that much.<br />
<br />
He then told me that he would schedule an appointment with the pediatric surgery team so they could discuss a g tube placement for her.<br />
<br />
Um. What? She's been sick. That's all. She'll gain it back, I said.<br />
<br />
He then produced her growth chart and told me that she falls far below the growth curve, and she's been leveling out over the last few months, rather than climbing.<br />
<br />
He went on to explain more about the g tube, the pump, feedings in the night, etc.<br />
<br />
I stared in disbelief.<br />
<br />
She's just been sick. She's better now, I said.<br />
<br />
She needs the g tube, he said. We've done everything we can to increase her calories. We've given her enough time.<br />
<br />
You really feel this is necessary??<br />
<br />
I absolutely do, he said. If we don't do this, then we run the risk of long term brain development problems.<br />
<br />
I just couldn't believe what I was hearing.<br />
<br />
Long term brain development. Those words got my attention.<br />
<br />
He told me the nurse would be in to schedule our surgical consult. He left the room, and I sat holding my baby. <br />
<br />
Crying.<br />
<br />
She's been doing so great. We've been seeing him for the past year, along with our feeding therapist. And in that time, Campbell has made tremendous strides. A year ago, she was fighting through her bottles and refusing anything on a spoon. She actually enjoys eating now. I mean, I recognize that she doesn't eat as much as her sister, but I feel like the pediasure and duocal should be making up the difference.<br />
<br />
And her energy level is high. I always say she is my cat napper. Honestly she sleeps no more than 40 minutes at any given nap. And she's always the first one up in the morning. 5:30 anyone? She's been walking all over the place lately, and she's just a very active toddler. <br />
<br />
I made sure he knew all this. <br />
<br />
He just kept saying: she needs the g tube.<br />
<br />
I left his office with 2 words on my mind:<br />
<br />
Second. Opinion.<br />
<br />
I immediately called our pediatrician. After all, he had referred us to this GI doc. I wanted to pick his brain to see if there was anyone else he would recommend.<br />
<br />
He suggested making a referral for Campbell to get an endocrinology consult in Peoria. See if there is an underlying metabolic problem.<br />
<br />
I was told it takes 48 hours to hear back from the endocrinologist's office, so we are waiting to hear. If we can't get in soon, then we will be heading to Chicago Children's Memorial or St. Louis Children's Hospital for more answers.<br />
<br />
We have a surgical consult scheduled for June 30. Its the same surgeon who performed Lenay's hernia repair when she was just 3 pounds in the NICU. We are going to keep this appointment and talk with him about her growth. We'd also like to know more about the surgery and the g tube.<br />
<br />
We want to get some answers so we can make an informed decision. We just want to do what is right for our little girl.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-15369010505520368972011-06-09T22:15:00.000-05:002011-06-09T22:15:28.332-05:00I'm Hitting the Road Jack :)Summer has begun! Noah is out of school and I'm out of a job :) <br />
<br />
Yes I quit my job 2 weeks ago. I was only supposed to work there for 6 months while I finished my last semester of college, and somehow I ended up staying 24 times longer (12 years!) What is up with that.<br />
<br />
So we are pretty busy. Noah is playing baseball in 2 different leagues. He is taking swim lessons. He has basketball camp. <br />
<br />
And I am his chauffeur :)<br />
<br />
Swim started this week. Lessons are every day Mon-Thurs. The pool offers Toddler Time at the same time, so I figured that would be a good way for the babies and I to hang out while we are waiting for Noah. <br />
<br />
Sure beats sweating to death while staring longingly at the water.<br />
<br />
After spending a half hour in the toddler area at the pool with my two babes, I learned that my life is about to get a lot more complicated.<br />
<br />
Lenay likes the water. She was a little timid at first because the water was a little cool, but she walked right up to the water table and pretty much parked herself there for the rest of our time there.<br />
<br />
Campbell has more discriminating tastes. :) She prefers that I hold her on my hip where she can live vicariously through her sister. I could tell she was interested in the whole water table idea, but actually standing hip high in the water just wasn't something she was willing to sacrifice.<br />
<br />
I did finally get Campbell to sit in the 0 depth area and splash a little bit in the cool water. She seemed to not hate it :) Just about that time, Lenay lost her balance and fell face first into the water. She stood up immediately, but she took in some water and was obviously terrified. She was frantically looking for me, and I couldn't get to her fast enough, even though I was only a few feet away. Luckily Campbell was content to sit while I dashed over to scoop up her sister.<br />
<br />
Whew!<br />
<br />
Just then Noah finished his lesson, and we piled into the family changing room. <br />
<br />
And just so you know, 1 adult and 3 wet, wiggly kids take approximately 30 minutes to simply get into dry clothes.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-38322160047749299632011-06-02T22:14:00.000-05:002011-06-02T22:14:24.279-05:00Friends from (before) the Beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lenay and Campbell have known their friend Ella since they were born. Literally. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ella made her grand entrance into this world prematurely as well. She shared a room in the NICU with Lenay and Campbell. I wish we had a picture of the three of them in the NICU together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ella's mom and dad and I have also known each other since we were born (it seems anyway!) The three of us actually started in the same kindergarten class at Marquette Elementary, and continued to be in the same accelerated classes all the way through grade school and middle school (with the exception of 5th grade, when they did something funky with our classes that year.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Time marches on, and God made sure that I was reunited with Jeff and Kelley in the NICU in 2009 with our little miracle babies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kelley and I have gone through a lot together with these babies, and I'm so grateful for our renewed friendship! We've had to lean on each other in times when no one else could relate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ella is an amazing little person who has been through a lot in her little life! You can read more about Ella's story at <a href="http://bradfordjkce.blogspot.com/">Fairy Tale Endings</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've taken pictures of the girls over time, and most recently just this week. Its amazing to see them grow and to look back and see how far they've come.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFL8CJMUpNIfbbENhhyphenhyphen_wVOjc3MCq2Gyu6fkQBo62h3HBy_WCEtwVhhfBWGeU8BiXaaulM7RpNPOavcea5-NNAr-c6yhWciUz29Q-aT0mMu3tk5ATMKByQvCmHvdxxNjDYSgUgp4tHvN-/s1600/ella1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFL8CJMUpNIfbbENhhyphenhyphen_wVOjc3MCq2Gyu6fkQBo62h3HBy_WCEtwVhhfBWGeU8BiXaaulM7RpNPOavcea5-NNAr-c6yhWciUz29Q-aT0mMu3tk5ATMKByQvCmHvdxxNjDYSgUgp4tHvN-/s320/ella1.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNafz5XF4MMOHrahQW2c6vXcoUT3zLB8rmD9W1CoNyID0sCZJzVhQ-n_yYNcUH8tKT3I91R4JY8qypq_KOSIqJIMKgRCb0SWMsSQWOlSOjXbkC26ySVJkGnfW6sxqw-SFxYTjB8TxJi5t/s1600/Ella2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNafz5XF4MMOHrahQW2c6vXcoUT3zLB8rmD9W1CoNyID0sCZJzVhQ-n_yYNcUH8tKT3I91R4JY8qypq_KOSIqJIMKgRCb0SWMsSQWOlSOjXbkC26ySVJkGnfW6sxqw-SFxYTjB8TxJi5t/s320/Ella2.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWi6oOLLRTW2qRJiv4gk9W0kVcLEfUer5BimS-i3Q6_0naOT8kKZ4j6arGvLk33tAmtXeIRqJgNeJLD7jybrfO-qstt1F2g74ecs9ReDWAly1FAWTKuX0JcPEIU0ywe94ZjQKPMuaSqdA/s1600/ella3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWi6oOLLRTW2qRJiv4gk9W0kVcLEfUer5BimS-i3Q6_0naOT8kKZ4j6arGvLk33tAmtXeIRqJgNeJLD7jybrfO-qstt1F2g74ecs9ReDWAly1FAWTKuX0JcPEIU0ywe94ZjQKPMuaSqdA/s320/ella3.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBlfEBil6xZldD8dxcb5PuzYCeVcz2VxSLF2njTSI0Yah4ehnmWxTRkEPXZRFcp5e70EpJBIThalSkxZJhkHacdGHlExPRafczegDUGHFt_hnk0LMG4SK18R9zkPEDuZO-7XUDlLpP4uF/s1600/643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBlfEBil6xZldD8dxcb5PuzYCeVcz2VxSLF2njTSI0Yah4ehnmWxTRkEPXZRFcp5e70EpJBIThalSkxZJhkHacdGHlExPRafczegDUGHFt_hnk0LMG4SK18R9zkPEDuZO-7XUDlLpP4uF/s320/643.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-7116386314792582622011-05-22T21:44:00.000-05:002011-05-22T21:44:25.898-05:00The TeamCampbell has had a busy few weeks. Its a good thing she has me to run her around to all her appointments!<br />
<br />
We saw her physical therapist. He was very impressed with her walking, of course. :) He says she is roughly at about 12-15 months for her gross motor skills. (She is 21 months old, 18 months adjusted.) We will only continue to adjust or correct her age until her 2nd birthday, which will be coming up here before too long. He also recommended that she get orthotics for her tiny pronated feet. Her low tone contributes to the fact that her ankle bones are rolling down, so these orthotic inserts will help to keep her feet in a neutral position. Daddy went out and bought her a new pair of shoes for the occasion (We've actually never bought shoes for the girls before! We've been so lucky to have so many given to us that we've never needed to.) They are Nikes and they are very cute. The orthotics fit right in, and no complaints from her so far!<br />
<br />
Then we saw her gastroenterologist. He was not happy to find that she had only gained 4 oz in 2 months. She did however grow 2 inches (give or take) so that counts for something. The reason I say give or take is because I find their height measurements to be very subjective, depending on who is doing the measuring. Not just at this particular office, I'm talking at all of the different doctors we go to. Getting the girls measured so much and so often, I've actually witnessed them shrink at times. Even when the same person is measuring them time after time, its not always consistent. <br />
<br />
I walked into the GI office with some extra cans of Duocal, the caloric supplement Campbell no longer takes, thinking that I would donate it to the office so another patient could use this extremely expensive stuff. Well, that visit didn't end the way I envisioned it. Not only did he send the cans back with me, but he also sent us home with some more free samples. Which I appreciated, but just the idea that she has to go back on this stuff is discouraging. We add it to her food, either by mixing it in or sprinkling it on top, to help her take in additional calories. I feel like she is doing so much better with her eating, so it is disappointing when we aren't seeing results. <br />
<br />
Her next appointment was with her speech pathologist for feeding therapy. She was very happy to see Campbell eating so well, and in turn she was also disappointed to hear that she was back on the Duocal. She said we could talk to the doc about a possible dietician referral. She thought a dietician might be able to help us pack in more calories (in a healthy way I mean - we can't just slather everything in butter you know. We don't want to give the child high cholesterol!) and then maybe we could get off the supplement. Our speech path is also trying to come up with creative ways to get Campbell to drink more from the cup. She does drink some, but she is still getting 2-3 bottles a day as well. Next month, she will do a speech evaluation on Campbell to see where she is developmentally with that.<br />
<br />
I just got a call from Campbell's developmental therapist, and we scheduled her bi-annual evaluation for June. She hasn't seen Campbell in 6 months, so I'm anxious to see what she thinks.<br />
<br />
Our IFSP meeting is scheduled for July. This is when we meet with Campbell's entire Early Intervention care team, which consists of her physical therapist, occupational therapist, developmental therapist, speech pathologist, and our case worker. And us of course. We are considered part of the team too :)Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-27678136253221069542011-05-17T21:53:00.001-05:002011-05-17T21:55:19.167-05:00Today Is Brought To You By The Number 12<div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">Twelve.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">Thats the number of scars.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">The number of scars that Campbell has.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">The number of scars that Campbell has from IVs, transfusions, and PICC lines.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">Wow, right?</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">But wait.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="body">That's just her right arm.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">That's not counting her other arm, her head, and her legs.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">It just occurred to me the other day. That I had never counted them. We were sitting by the window. Daylight was streaming in. The tiny white spots appeared illuminated on her delicate skin. I noticed. And I started counting.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">I lost count a couple times and gave up. </span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">It literally took my breath away.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">These are battle wounds from the NICU.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">These are the wounds you acquire when you are fighting for your life.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">Lenay has countless scars also. And both girls have lumps on their heels, reminders of the many heel sticks they received in the NICU.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">Scars and heel lumps are common among preemies.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">I have this great book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Preemie-Parents-Companion-Essential-Premature/dp/1558321357/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1305685957&sr=8-1">The Preemie Parent's Companion</a>, which talks about these scars, and how they grow bigger and become more obvious in the first 2 years of life. It goes on to say that in the next couple years, they will fade and become less conspicuous.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><em><span class="body">There is something beautiful about all scars of whatever nature. A scar means the hurt is over, the wound is closed and healed, done with. ~ Harry Crews</span></em></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-7227253595763264542011-05-09T22:04:00.000-05:002011-05-09T22:04:52.574-05:00WaitingSo this morning I got the much anticipated call from our cardiologist.<br />
<br />
As soon as I saw the caller ID, my own heart jumped.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Lenay's heart surgeon attended a national conference and presented Lenay's case to the top specialists from the US and Europe for advice on how to proceed with her little heart.</em></strong><br />
<br />
I was about to find out if:<br />
<br />
A) Lenay is having major surgery.<br />
<br />
B) Lenay is having minor (yet still heart) surgery.<br />
<br />
C) We are waiting and seeing.<br />
<br />
I held the ringing phone in my hand and took a deep breath.<br />
<br />
Here we go.<br />
<br />
Hello?<br />
<br />
I closed my eyes as I braced myself for the news.<br />
<br />
<em>The consensus is that we just need to be patient.</em><br />
<br />
Some of these doctors have actually seen this problem before, and they said as long as there isn't any progression, there is no need to intervene. <br />
<br />
Her heart will grow. And the pressure gradient will go down. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, she will be watched closely with echocardiograms and EKGs.<br />
<br />
I felt so much lighter as I hung up the phone!<br />
<br />
Its not like we can get a better opinion. I mean, we've had doctor after doctor, expert after expert, reviewing her case. From all over the world. <br />
<br />
And they are all saying the same thing.<br />
<br />
Just wait. Be patient. And see.<br />
<br />
We gladly will :)Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-35532424448172377362011-05-08T12:04:00.000-05:002011-05-08T12:04:49.660-05:00Mama BearSo there's this neat blog network made for and by Moms of Multiples (MoMs) and its appropriately called Multiples and More. Each week they pose a question for other MoMs to answer. <br />
<br />
This week's "Question Of The Week" is: What is your favorite thing about being a MoM?<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://multiplesandmore.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss293/lanik58/Mulitples%20and%20More/QOTW-button.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
This is such a good question. I think I can speak for many mothers, and not just mothers of multiples, when I say that my children have given me an enormous sense of empowerment.<br />
<br />
(Sidenote: I'm kind of on an empowerment kick today because this weekend I was able to take all the kids out on a major shopping outing and to church this morning <strong>all by myself</strong>, and we all survived. I feel I can do anything!)<br />
<br />
As a parent, and I mean from the moment you find out you are carrying a child (or 2 ) you automatically become an advocate for that child. You're not just looking out for #1 anymore. That protective Mama Bear instinct kicks in and you know you will do anything for your cubs. <br />
<br />
In my case, I became a protective Mama Bear when my son Noah was on the way. I had no problem asking many a stranger to put out his cigarette. :)<br />
<br />
5 years later, our twins were born premature, which brings us to an interesting point in our journey as their parents. They spent a lot of time in the NICU, which in many ways, makes parents like us feel powerLESS. It is as if the hospital is the parent, and we are just friends of the family. They do their best to help us not to feel this way, but it is a difficult thing when you are leaving your precious babies in someone else's care.<br />
<br />
Cut to: now. <br />
<br />
20 months later. Both girls have been in and out of the hospital. Both are still being followed by specialists. I have copies of their medical charts and let me tell you, I could fill a bookshelf with them!<br />
<br />
When a child has a medical condition, the Mama Bear becomes more fierce. <br />
<br />
She needs her questions answered. She does research. She seeks out advice. She gets to know the doctors better than she ever thought she would.<br />
<br />
All in the name of her children.<br />
<br />
Empowerment.<br />
<br />
My answer is empowerment. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVYwgPDWHP26YARiQFaVta0GdK85TXUbLfRC01J4THvt1BlzwN46zb6p9zXHqUGdlzY9nWxBr7kH1KBKfV0EKxBiqSi06ZuBbh0RZZDmcoSEbOma9UYyNZXEBcsrxZEF-4NXKI4hYOake/s1600/286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVYwgPDWHP26YARiQFaVta0GdK85TXUbLfRC01J4THvt1BlzwN46zb6p9zXHqUGdlzY9nWxBr7kH1KBKfV0EKxBiqSi06ZuBbh0RZZDmcoSEbOma9UYyNZXEBcsrxZEF-4NXKI4hYOake/s320/286.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-88033754986815768782011-05-06T09:55:00.000-05:002011-05-06T09:55:43.396-05:00Your AngelOnce upon a time there was a child ready to be born.<br />
<br />
The child asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to Earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"<br />
<br />
<strong>God replied, "Among the many angels, I chose one for you. Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."</strong><br />
<br />
The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."<br />
<br />
<strong>God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you everyday. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."</strong><br />
<br />
Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"<br />
<br />
<strong>Again God replied, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."</strong><br />
<br />
"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"<br />
<br />
<strong>God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and teach you how to pray."</strong><br />
<br />
"I've heard that on Earth there are bad men. Who will protect me?"<br />
<br />
<strong>God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."</strong><br />
<br />
"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."<br />
<br />
<strong>God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way to come back to me, even though I will always be next to you."</strong><br />
<br />
At that moment there was much peace in heaven, but voices from Earth were heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."<br />
<br />
<strong>"Her name is not important. You will simply call her MOM."</strong><br />
<br />
~Author Unknown<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WG2Rs0NMmbQ0CWkCEwhEOX45rHv_Pkm9SQFh0k2poQMh9MEfKuaw0vYrsLkTHlnxCP6zXdduBTI5LG4KgXQo7nTXEUlpWjLALpA8JdpKWj36LYV2fZUePg_z0qh90ff8OdB8XYdx9KJZ/s1600/feet.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WG2Rs0NMmbQ0CWkCEwhEOX45rHv_Pkm9SQFh0k2poQMh9MEfKuaw0vYrsLkTHlnxCP6zXdduBTI5LG4KgXQo7nTXEUlpWjLALpA8JdpKWj36LYV2fZUePg_z0qh90ff8OdB8XYdx9KJZ/s320/feet.bmp" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Happy Mother's Day to all the angels in my life :)Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2606031202497664011.post-77027731260059099362011-05-03T10:19:00.000-05:002011-05-03T10:19:44.044-05:00Once Bitten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycZxn8qYt3JgQe6dT-fMxn93GnBtB9LfEm3Ym8aYXlRaf4jQ3wEcrMR1SdtkFEUbumfV02DKvnnTL6Res-oB9W-R2-9ueTbz9STUrzLahFdBPf3ZfKVFOEVnhBMc7zKuEz_oLBPwbNk8u/s1600/piranha-lake-havasu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycZxn8qYt3JgQe6dT-fMxn93GnBtB9LfEm3Ym8aYXlRaf4jQ3wEcrMR1SdtkFEUbumfV02DKvnnTL6Res-oB9W-R2-9ueTbz9STUrzLahFdBPf3ZfKVFOEVnhBMc7zKuEz_oLBPwbNk8u/s320/piranha-lake-havasu.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
Campbell didn't get her first tooth until she was 16 months old.<br />
<br />
And now, at 20 months, as far as I can tell she has 6, including 2 molars.<br />
<br />
...and she is learning how to use them.<br />
<br />
<em>By taking bites of her sister.</em><br />
<br />
So, Noah never bit anyone (to my knowledge) and so I've never had to deal with this particular kid thing before.<br />
<br />
Let me paint a picture for you. So last week, we were just hanging out at home. I was cleaning things up at the sink after lunch when suddenly I hear a blood curdling scream come out of Lenay. I look over, and not only has Campbell bit Lenay, but her jaws are still completely locked down on Lenay's poor little arm. She's like a pitbull! Lenay was standing there in complete and utter shock, her pleading eyes locked on mine. <br />
<br />
Help! <br />
<br />
Apparently, they were having a little spat over who got to play on the dragon ride on toy, and Campbell decided to end the argument abruptly by munching on her sister. I scooped her (Campbell) up, told her no biting, and put her in timeout. <br />
<br />
Which lasted about 10 seconds.<br />
<br />
And thats ok. The separation is enough for her to understand that she doesn't like being taken away from the fun. And maybe biting is a bad idea if that's where she ends up.<br />
<br />
Cut to: an hour later.<br />
<br />
We are all playing, laughing, having a good time. Lenay and Campbell are playing with the multitude of empty buckets they received on Easter. Buckets are fun. You can stack them, put toys in them, carry them by their handles. Fun. Until Lenay made the lethal mistake of picking up the bucket that Campbell was getting ready to grab. <br />
<br />
Uhhhh! Campbell yelled, and this time I saw the whole thing. In slow motion. <br />
<br />
At the same time, it happened so fast I didn't have time to intervene. And I was sitting right there with them.<br />
<br />
Campbell leans way over, her mouth open at the ready, bottom jaw jutted out. Her head is shaking in a no-no fashion and her eyes are wide with frustration. She clamps down on Lenay's (other) arm, and bears down with all she's got. Lenay screams bloody murder, and looks over at me with that same "help me!" expression.<br />
<br />
Once I pried the little piranha off her sister, she got another no biting! and timeout.<br />
<br />
10 seconds later, everything was cool.<br />
<br />
Well, its been a week since the 2 bites incident. And even though the skin wasn't broken, Lenay still has matching welts on both arms. Campbell has actually done remarkably well since then. There have been a few times where I was able to anticipate and diffuse the situation before any chomping occured. But then last night when I got home from work, Eric told me she struck again.<br />
<br />
Its like living with a vampire. <br />
<br />
Did they cast for Renesmee yet?Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208599392125911951noreply@blogger.com2