You know you have a high maintenance baby when:
a. You are convinced he has died because he has been in his crib for more than 30 minutes without
a sound
b. You are thrilled that you had a free moment to clean the bathroom
c. You actually feel like logging onto the blog and bragging about it
d. All of the above
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Steroid Cure
Most of you who are faithful followers of this blog know what steroids do to Ian. He turns into Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde. The other morning, he was in an extremely irrational crying mood. I was doing my best to console him but nothing was working. Then, all of a sudden, I had an idea...
My dad had a cartoon he loved as a child. I listened to his very vivid descriptions of the cartoon that he watched and enjoyed. The details he could remember were extremely descriptive and precise. They were so good in fact, that my brother-in-law was actually able to figure out what cartoon it was and find it on you tube.
We also watched it as a family and my kids instantly fell in love with it. It is hilarious. I had him sit down and watch the cartoon. It took all of about 30 seconds until the tears were dry and the corners of his mouth began to turn up into a smile. By the time the cartoon got to the sunshine song, he couldn't resist chiming in and singing along (it's just one of those cartoons).
It took a while to figure out what they are saying but it goes:
"Sunshine, sunshine,
I just love the good old golden sunshine
Sunshine, sunshine
Just the thing to keep you feeling fine."
The transformation from grumpy boy to happy boy was amazing! It is ironic because the cartoon is actually about the happy people versus the sad people. In the cartoon, the happy people prevail and it proved the case in our home too.
Here is the link to the cartoon if you are interested:
It's old and not good quality, but give it a chance and watch the whole thing. You'll be glad you did.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tZKZiIn1Yg
My dad had a cartoon he loved as a child. I listened to his very vivid descriptions of the cartoon that he watched and enjoyed. The details he could remember were extremely descriptive and precise. They were so good in fact, that my brother-in-law was actually able to figure out what cartoon it was and find it on you tube.
We also watched it as a family and my kids instantly fell in love with it. It is hilarious. I had him sit down and watch the cartoon. It took all of about 30 seconds until the tears were dry and the corners of his mouth began to turn up into a smile. By the time the cartoon got to the sunshine song, he couldn't resist chiming in and singing along (it's just one of those cartoons).
It took a while to figure out what they are saying but it goes:
"Sunshine, sunshine,
I just love the good old golden sunshine
Sunshine, sunshine
Just the thing to keep you feeling fine."
The transformation from grumpy boy to happy boy was amazing! It is ironic because the cartoon is actually about the happy people versus the sad people. In the cartoon, the happy people prevail and it proved the case in our home too.
Here is the link to the cartoon if you are interested:
It's old and not good quality, but give it a chance and watch the whole thing. You'll be glad you did.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tZKZiIn1Yg
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Heroes and Halos
This is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Ian, along with the rest of us, spent today at an event that was held for children and their families that are/were battling cancer (heroes) or have lost their fight with it (halos). It was out in Linwood Kansas on a huge farm (it is pretty close to Lawrence where KU is). As I was explaining what were going to do today to Ian, I began to rattle off some names of his friends from the clinic who may be there. I no sooner said, "Patrick may be there" when Ian excitedly piped up and asked, "Will SpongeBob be there too?" Evidently, he doesn't remember Patrick from the clinic as much as I thought he would. It was so hilarious. (Yes I let my kids watch SpongeBob. I will gladly accept my mother of the year award now).
As we began driving out to Eureka, Emma noticed a license plate that said Minnesota on it. She said, "I wonder if they drink a lot of soda in Minnesota?" So between she and Ian, we had some pretty good laughs on the drive up.
We arrived to a farm that was in a remote, peaceful setting. There were tons of lush trees covering the majority of the property; it felt like you were entering the woods more than a farm. The farmhouse was an adorable cobblestone house covered in vines and ivy that sat easily on at least 100 acres of forest.
We found the registration tent where we were all given name tags and gold ribbons. Ian was given a goodie bag with a frisbee, kite, Royals baseball tickets, and many other things. He was asked to sign a big banner that was presented later.
After that, we were free to explore. The first stop for the kiddos was Pony Rides. Ian got to ride on a pony named Spider and he was really excited about it. After that, we made our way over to the 3 firetrucks and the police car. Ian got to sit in both the firetrucks and police car and speak into the radio. He said, "Come out with your hands up!"
There was a path that lead down into a grove of trees into a clearing. As we reached the clearing, we could see that there were 5 treehouses built into the next grove. Each one was different from the other, but they all had beds, as well as swamp coolers. One even had a t.v. in it. The kids thought they were so awesome and Mike and I would have to agree that they were.
Next we headed to the big barn for lunch. The local High School has a culinary arts program so about 10 of the students were there with food they had made. Afterwards, there was a ceremony with a few speakers. One was a young boy maybe 12 or so who told about his journey and survival with cancer. Next was a mother who lost her daughter to cancer and has actively set up lemonade stands to help raise money for cancer research. You may have heard of Alex's lemonade stands and if you haven't, now maybe you'll notice them. The banner that Ian had signed earlier was held up and they began reading the heroes names for them to go up in front so all could see them. Mike explained to Ian that he would need to go up there when they said his name and he nervously looked at me and said, "But I don't know what I am supposed to say." I guess since we had just heard 2 speakers, that he was going to be speaker number 3. Needless to say, he was pretty relieved to learn that all he had to do was stand there.
Tears filled my eyes as they had the families stand who had Halos (children that lost their battle with cancer). One families son passed as recently as last March. I can't even imagine how hard it must be for those families, but they are actively doing what they can to raise money for research so that other children in the future may stand a chance. It made me think of one of my Mom's most favorite quotes (now my favorite):
Two men looked through prison bars;
One saw mud; the other stars.
These are families that instead of wallowing in the mud, are looking to the stars and finding light in even their darkest moments. They are truly inspirational to me.
Several Carnival games were set up and I have to say, they gave out the best prizes of any Carnival I have ever seen. The kids were loving it and they completely scored some good stuff. They will never be able to go to another Carnival again for anything else will seem second rate in comparison.
We took a few turns on the paddleboats and then decided to call it a day.
I am so touched at how many people contributed to make this event so special and wonderful for Cancer patients and their families. I think it needs to be called Heroes, Halos, and Angels.
As we began driving out to Eureka, Emma noticed a license plate that said Minnesota on it. She said, "I wonder if they drink a lot of soda in Minnesota?" So between she and Ian, we had some pretty good laughs on the drive up.
We arrived to a farm that was in a remote, peaceful setting. There were tons of lush trees covering the majority of the property; it felt like you were entering the woods more than a farm. The farmhouse was an adorable cobblestone house covered in vines and ivy that sat easily on at least 100 acres of forest.
We found the registration tent where we were all given name tags and gold ribbons. Ian was given a goodie bag with a frisbee, kite, Royals baseball tickets, and many other things. He was asked to sign a big banner that was presented later.
After that, we were free to explore. The first stop for the kiddos was Pony Rides. Ian got to ride on a pony named Spider and he was really excited about it. After that, we made our way over to the 3 firetrucks and the police car. Ian got to sit in both the firetrucks and police car and speak into the radio. He said, "Come out with your hands up!"
There was a path that lead down into a grove of trees into a clearing. As we reached the clearing, we could see that there were 5 treehouses built into the next grove. Each one was different from the other, but they all had beds, as well as swamp coolers. One even had a t.v. in it. The kids thought they were so awesome and Mike and I would have to agree that they were.
Next we headed to the big barn for lunch. The local High School has a culinary arts program so about 10 of the students were there with food they had made. Afterwards, there was a ceremony with a few speakers. One was a young boy maybe 12 or so who told about his journey and survival with cancer. Next was a mother who lost her daughter to cancer and has actively set up lemonade stands to help raise money for cancer research. You may have heard of Alex's lemonade stands and if you haven't, now maybe you'll notice them. The banner that Ian had signed earlier was held up and they began reading the heroes names for them to go up in front so all could see them. Mike explained to Ian that he would need to go up there when they said his name and he nervously looked at me and said, "But I don't know what I am supposed to say." I guess since we had just heard 2 speakers, that he was going to be speaker number 3. Needless to say, he was pretty relieved to learn that all he had to do was stand there.
Tears filled my eyes as they had the families stand who had Halos (children that lost their battle with cancer). One families son passed as recently as last March. I can't even imagine how hard it must be for those families, but they are actively doing what they can to raise money for research so that other children in the future may stand a chance. It made me think of one of my Mom's most favorite quotes (now my favorite):
Two men looked through prison bars;
One saw mud; the other stars.
These are families that instead of wallowing in the mud, are looking to the stars and finding light in even their darkest moments. They are truly inspirational to me.
Several Carnival games were set up and I have to say, they gave out the best prizes of any Carnival I have ever seen. The kids were loving it and they completely scored some good stuff. They will never be able to go to another Carnival again for anything else will seem second rate in comparison.
We took a few turns on the paddleboats and then decided to call it a day.
I am so touched at how many people contributed to make this event so special and wonderful for Cancer patients and their families. I think it needs to be called Heroes, Halos, and Angels.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Drama At Church
The story I am about to post happened 2 weeks ago if that tells you how far behind I have gotten thanks to a little stinkbomb who likes to keep me from getting anything done (he shall remain nameless but his name starts with a C...)
Ian was complaining when he woke up that the Holy Ghost was in his tummy. I guess the Holy Ghost sounded like something scary to him and he was hurting so that was his way of describing it. The pain was in his right side (appendics). My first reaction was to ask him if he needed to use the bathroom. He went, and felt better. We got ready for church thinking all was well. As we went to get in the car, Ian was laying on his stomach on the hot cement on our front porch. I asked him what was going on; was he cold? Tired? Sick? He wouldn't really say so I figured he was just tired. As we were about a minute away from pulling into the parking lot Ian was saying he felt like he was going to throw up and was gritting his teeth because he was in so much pain. We parked the car and Mike carried Ian inside because he couldn't walk.
Lauryn and I went into the chapel and grabbed one of the doctors who is a doctor specializing in newborns (I am spacing on the official name). We found him and told him something was wrong with Ian and he left the chapel with us. I knew at that point it was going to get some attention; but thankfully, we were subtle enough that only a few noticed and came out to see if everything was ok and if they could help. We were worried that it was appendicitis or kidney stones and asked the doc if we were being overly paranoid or should take him to the ER. Based on Ian's health history we decided it would be best if he went in.
It was a long drive to the ER as I wondered how much more my heart could take if there was something seriously wrong. We got to the hospital and he started throwing up which made me even more convinced that it was appendicitis. They drew some blood and did a urine test to rule out kidney stones. Then we went in for an x-ray and waited to hear the results.
Well, it was the best case scenario. He was extremely constipated so it was an easy fix. I didn't realize he could be constipated if he was going- he had just gone that morning, but evidently, you can be. The fecal matter (aren't I proper) was super high up into his intestines. I know that constipation can be a side effect of chemo and we had Mirilax for it, but I wasn't giving him any because I didn't know he was backed up. He had to get an enema (poor thing) but he felt awesome about 5 minutes later. I think he lost a good 3-5 pounds.
Ian saw the picture and is now convinced that there is a dog living in his tummy because of the way the shadows and stuff look on it (I'll admit, it really does look that way). They gave him a copy of his x-ray which he proudly taped on his wall and shows to everyone calling it his "poop picture". I wasn't about to post it to the site, I have a little more class than that (not much) but if you are disappointed, come to our house. Ian will gladly show it to you.
Ian was complaining when he woke up that the Holy Ghost was in his tummy. I guess the Holy Ghost sounded like something scary to him and he was hurting so that was his way of describing it. The pain was in his right side (appendics). My first reaction was to ask him if he needed to use the bathroom. He went, and felt better. We got ready for church thinking all was well. As we went to get in the car, Ian was laying on his stomach on the hot cement on our front porch. I asked him what was going on; was he cold? Tired? Sick? He wouldn't really say so I figured he was just tired. As we were about a minute away from pulling into the parking lot Ian was saying he felt like he was going to throw up and was gritting his teeth because he was in so much pain. We parked the car and Mike carried Ian inside because he couldn't walk.
Lauryn and I went into the chapel and grabbed one of the doctors who is a doctor specializing in newborns (I am spacing on the official name). We found him and told him something was wrong with Ian and he left the chapel with us. I knew at that point it was going to get some attention; but thankfully, we were subtle enough that only a few noticed and came out to see if everything was ok and if they could help. We were worried that it was appendicitis or kidney stones and asked the doc if we were being overly paranoid or should take him to the ER. Based on Ian's health history we decided it would be best if he went in.
It was a long drive to the ER as I wondered how much more my heart could take if there was something seriously wrong. We got to the hospital and he started throwing up which made me even more convinced that it was appendicitis. They drew some blood and did a urine test to rule out kidney stones. Then we went in for an x-ray and waited to hear the results.
Well, it was the best case scenario. He was extremely constipated so it was an easy fix. I didn't realize he could be constipated if he was going- he had just gone that morning, but evidently, you can be. The fecal matter (aren't I proper) was super high up into his intestines. I know that constipation can be a side effect of chemo and we had Mirilax for it, but I wasn't giving him any because I didn't know he was backed up. He had to get an enema (poor thing) but he felt awesome about 5 minutes later. I think he lost a good 3-5 pounds.
Ian saw the picture and is now convinced that there is a dog living in his tummy because of the way the shadows and stuff look on it (I'll admit, it really does look that way). They gave him a copy of his x-ray which he proudly taped on his wall and shows to everyone calling it his "poop picture". I wasn't about to post it to the site, I have a little more class than that (not much) but if you are disappointed, come to our house. Ian will gladly show it to you.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Super Hero School
We weren't quite sure what to do with Ian as far as preschool went this year. I am absolutely terrified to have him enrolled anywhere especially with all the hype about the Swine flu. Two of my cute friends who live down the street from me, have little boys Ian age and they are best buds. We decided to do a preschool between the three of us. They are completely aware of his situation and I don't have to worry about them bringing their kids sick and I don't have to feel like we are wasting money if he gets put into quarantine and can't go.
As we met and the ideas began to flow, we decided to call it the Super Hero School for Boys (no girls allowed except for the moms of course). It has been so fun planning everything around a super hero theme. Sara is too cute and she actually made uniforms for them to wear which is a super hero t-shirt and a cape with their initial on the back. (When all the capes are together the three boys initials spell either BID or DIB.) They all have matching backpacks as well with several super heroes on them.
They had their first meeting Tuesday at Sara's house where she kind of laid down the rules and tested them to see where they were at. The next morning, Ian started bawling when I told him he didn't have school that day. Then on Thursday, we had our first field trip where we went to the Great Mall and had to find things like the letter S, snakes, slides, gumball machines, etc. Needless to say, it was a hit! I am so in trouble! I am going to be the boring teacher, I can already tell:) Ian said he wants to go to the Superhero School for Boys Forever. I guess we have a lot of work to do in order to turn it into a University:)
Four Months Old!!!
It is hard to believe that Caleb is four months old already. He had his well baby visit and all looks good. He came in at 90% for length and 75th for weight. He has started to roll over (from back to front and only to the right). We also can begin to give him rice cereal now. The kids were so excited to watch his first attempt at eating the stuff. He did fairly well at getting it down although he did need a bath afterwards to get the glued on cereal off.
From the nose down, he is all me. The eyes, are definitely Mike. It is crazy to look at a baby that looks like me. He is the first one where I can truly see it. I don't know if I have a warped memory or not but I don't remember my other kids being as high maintenance as he is. Caleb is a huge cat napper. I will just barely get him down and then he is up within 10-15 minutes screaming. He spends a lot of time in a front pack (which I am sure is going to cause me to spend a lot of time at the chiropractor). I guess I am just to loveable. He can't stand to be away from me because I am such an awesome mom:)
The nights have been so beautiful here lately. He was really having a hard time going to sleep so he and I snuggled up in the hammock while the kids fired up the fire pit and roasted marshmallows with Mike. He absolutely loved it and so did I. It was nice to hold and enjoy him while relaxing without worrying about the next thing I needed to get done. We need to lay in the hammock more. You cannot be stressed while hanging out in one. It is too peaceful.
We are a nerdy computer family. I think pretty much anyone who knows us will concur with that. My kids can conquer Lego Star Wars pretty much the day they can walk. We have more computers than family members (ok, slight exaggeration, but pretty stinking close). Caleb is already being primed as he sits in the crook of Mike's arm watching the screen while he programs (as you can see in the above posted picture). A perfect example of just how ingrained the computer is into our life is Ian. It was his turn to pray at dinner and he folded his arms and sat there quiet for a few seconds before he said, "I forgot the password. I need help."
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Ian had an appointment on Tuesday. He was in a a great mood and it was adorable to listen to him singing "You Are My Sunshine" and "Pearly Shells" all the way to the hospital. The second we got there, he was completely silent and avoided making contact with all of the nurses and Dr. Max. He was brave though and opted to sit alone with me holding his hand as they accessed his port. It was just a routine injection of Vincristine, labwork, and then we were done.
The big event of the week was we took the training wheels off his bike. He instantly took off and was riding! Ian was so excited and proud! He only needs a little help getting started and then he is good to go. I am sure he will be totally proficient at starting alone in no time at all.
He hit the jackpot today and got about a 100 hot wheel cars from a friend of mine. She is soon sending her baby off to college and was cleaning out her garage and they were so sweet to think of Ian. We went over there so he could pick out his favorites. I was blabbing and not really paying attention, but evidently, they were all his favorites as there was not a car that didn't make it into the box we took home. He spent all day lining them up in a perfect straight row and then, sorting them into piles according to color. He had everything from an orange pile, to red, to silver, and camoflauge. Now, if we could just channel those organizational skills into his bedroom...
In addition to scoring the cars, he also scored 2 GI Joe's (Barbie size) and HUGE Hummer that they fit in. I was cracking up to see that he had rounded up 2 of the girls Barbie's and put them in the back seats so that each of the GI Joe's could have a girlfriend.
Caleb is growing like a weed. He gets more and more interactive by the day. We just discovered he is ticklish now and laughs hysterically at all the dumb faces and noises we make at him. He has gotten so strong and is really close to turning over.
It is so hard to believe that the summer is almost over. School starts in about a little over a week. I don't know what I am going to do when the girls leave. They have been such a big help to me. We just got to go and see their new school. It is so nice! Can a school be beautiful? Because, it really was. It is so open and spacious and there are HUGE windows everywhere you go. I think the power could go out and they would barely notice a difference as far as the lighting is concerned. They are so excited to start now. We will find out on Thursday who their teachers are and which friends are in their classes.
The big event of the week was we took the training wheels off his bike. He instantly took off and was riding! Ian was so excited and proud! He only needs a little help getting started and then he is good to go. I am sure he will be totally proficient at starting alone in no time at all.
He hit the jackpot today and got about a 100 hot wheel cars from a friend of mine. She is soon sending her baby off to college and was cleaning out her garage and they were so sweet to think of Ian. We went over there so he could pick out his favorites. I was blabbing and not really paying attention, but evidently, they were all his favorites as there was not a car that didn't make it into the box we took home. He spent all day lining them up in a perfect straight row and then, sorting them into piles according to color. He had everything from an orange pile, to red, to silver, and camoflauge. Now, if we could just channel those organizational skills into his bedroom...
In addition to scoring the cars, he also scored 2 GI Joe's (Barbie size) and HUGE Hummer that they fit in. I was cracking up to see that he had rounded up 2 of the girls Barbie's and put them in the back seats so that each of the GI Joe's could have a girlfriend.
Caleb is growing like a weed. He gets more and more interactive by the day. We just discovered he is ticklish now and laughs hysterically at all the dumb faces and noises we make at him. He has gotten so strong and is really close to turning over.
It is so hard to believe that the summer is almost over. School starts in about a little over a week. I don't know what I am going to do when the girls leave. They have been such a big help to me. We just got to go and see their new school. It is so nice! Can a school be beautiful? Because, it really was. It is so open and spacious and there are HUGE windows everywhere you go. I think the power could go out and they would barely notice a difference as far as the lighting is concerned. They are so excited to start now. We will find out on Thursday who their teachers are and which friends are in their classes.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Branson Baby!
It has been a year since we went anywhere on vacation. We desperately needed a break but with our current situation of a newborn and Ian, we didn't want to go too far. There are so many places around us to explore that we have never been to before so we decided to check out Branson. It is about a 3 1/2 hour drive to get there so we figured we could handle it with the kids. Ian and the girls were so excited to go! They packed up their bags several days in advance. I made them empty thier bags out to see what they had and to make sure that they hadn't forgotten anything. Ian's suitcase was so cute. He had put a bunch of shirts (all orange in color) some shorts, a toothbrush, an orange flashlight, and an orange tooth holder (in case he lost a tooth) . I guess it was fresh on his mind since Lauryn just lost one and Emma was pretty close. He was convinced he would lose one too.
I got to drive on the way there while Mike somehow figured out a way to tether his phone so he could have internet connection and do some work the whole way there. The kids did really well. They all had their head phones on and were watching Harry Potter 1 which they haven't seen for a really long time, so they were completely into it. Mike and I didn't hear a word from them for 2 hours. It was almost like we were on a trip by ourselves.
We arrived in Branson and went straight to Silver Dollar City. The weather was in the high 70's, low 80's the whole time we were there and there was very little humidity so it was perfect. The park is very clean and pretty. There are so many trees around that most of the tracks on the roller coasters are completely hidden. I was unsure how Ian would feel about the rides, but there was not a roller coaster big enough or fast enough as far as he was concerned. He couldn't do them all, but he was a good sport about sitting out even though he really wanted to join the girls. We spent 2 days there since there was a deal on tickets where you buy one get one day free. It was a lot of fun. We hit all the rides and saw a magic show among other things.
The condo we stayed in was really nice and clean. We figured it would be a better bet than a hotel as far as germs go, and it completely surpassed our expectations. It made us feel like we were at home almost and it was nice to be able to cook and not have to eat out every meal.
We set Sunday aside to check out Branson since we spent Friday and Saturday at Silver Dollar City but since our kids weren't too interested in watching the shows, we headed home after checking out.
It took us a lot longer to get home than getting there. Caleb, was not too happy about being locked up in his car seat for that amount of time so I found myself sitting next to him rubbing his head, holding his hands, and talking to him to try to give him something to do other than staring at the ceiling (I can see why he would be bored). Plus, our navigation system had us take another route home which mile wise was shorter, but the speed limit was slower so it actually took longer.
It was a much needed and enjoyed trip. It was short and sweet. It will be fun to go again when Ian can do everything!
I got to drive on the way there while Mike somehow figured out a way to tether his phone so he could have internet connection and do some work the whole way there. The kids did really well. They all had their head phones on and were watching Harry Potter 1 which they haven't seen for a really long time, so they were completely into it. Mike and I didn't hear a word from them for 2 hours. It was almost like we were on a trip by ourselves.
We arrived in Branson and went straight to Silver Dollar City. The weather was in the high 70's, low 80's the whole time we were there and there was very little humidity so it was perfect. The park is very clean and pretty. There are so many trees around that most of the tracks on the roller coasters are completely hidden. I was unsure how Ian would feel about the rides, but there was not a roller coaster big enough or fast enough as far as he was concerned. He couldn't do them all, but he was a good sport about sitting out even though he really wanted to join the girls. We spent 2 days there since there was a deal on tickets where you buy one get one day free. It was a lot of fun. We hit all the rides and saw a magic show among other things.
The condo we stayed in was really nice and clean. We figured it would be a better bet than a hotel as far as germs go, and it completely surpassed our expectations. It made us feel like we were at home almost and it was nice to be able to cook and not have to eat out every meal.
We set Sunday aside to check out Branson since we spent Friday and Saturday at Silver Dollar City but since our kids weren't too interested in watching the shows, we headed home after checking out.
It took us a lot longer to get home than getting there. Caleb, was not too happy about being locked up in his car seat for that amount of time so I found myself sitting next to him rubbing his head, holding his hands, and talking to him to try to give him something to do other than staring at the ceiling (I can see why he would be bored). Plus, our navigation system had us take another route home which mile wise was shorter, but the speed limit was slower so it actually took longer.
It was a much needed and enjoyed trip. It was short and sweet. It will be fun to go again when Ian can do everything!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Great Appointment Today
Ian had his LP today bright and early. Mike took left the house with him at 6 am. His little face was heartbreaking! He was trying to hard to be brave and his bottom lip was quivering as he asked, "Do I have to get a poke?" I wish so badly I could do it for him. He has gone through more than any 3 and 4 year old should have to go through. He did great though. They had a video game for him to play so he played it the whole time while they accessed his port and it didn't even phase him. When he was drugged up for his LP he thought he was playing and that his man was moving around even though he wasn't doing anything.
He got a nice big pancake breakfast when he was done and then I showed up with the girls and Caleb to pick him up.
I was worried he would be delayed getting his meds today because he has a cold, but it actually made his ANC go up to help his body fight it. As long as he doesn't run a fever, we should be just fine.
Ian spent most of the day sleeping. I think he took a 5 hour nap. He woke up in a great mood though asking to go swimming so we took him to the pool after dinner for a little night swim where he was impressing us with his "flips" and cannonballs.
I am amazed at how much energy he has with all that he is going through and I am so grateful he is doing so well.
He got a nice big pancake breakfast when he was done and then I showed up with the girls and Caleb to pick him up.
I was worried he would be delayed getting his meds today because he has a cold, but it actually made his ANC go up to help his body fight it. As long as he doesn't run a fever, we should be just fine.
Ian spent most of the day sleeping. I think he took a 5 hour nap. He woke up in a great mood though asking to go swimming so we took him to the pool after dinner for a little night swim where he was impressing us with his "flips" and cannonballs.
I am amazed at how much energy he has with all that he is going through and I am so grateful he is doing so well.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
I talked last time about the grandparents coming in for Caleb's baby blessing but I didn't post the pictures from it. Is that any indication of how tired I am? So, here they are from his blessing on June 7th.
Caleb's appointment on Monday went well (yes it took me nearly a week to write about it). He came in at a whopping 13 1/2 pounds which put him in the 90th percentile so he is right on track to hit 20 pounds by the time he turns 6 months old like all the other kids. Poor little guy had to get shots. Ian sat by watching and got a little teary eyed. He has so much compassion for everyone with all that he has been through. He did inform me later though that Caleb wasn't brave because he cried when he got his shots.
Ian has a LP on Tuesday. He seems as though he is coming down with a cold so I don't know if he will be able to get his chemo or not. The last time we were there, he was right on the border of an acceptable ANC range so he may have plummeted with this cold and we will be back in quarantine mode. I really hope not but I'll find out for sure in two days. I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Caleb is Two Months Old!!!
As of yesterday, Caleb is two months old! He has gotten so much bigger and chunkier (which I love) since last month. I have been asked several times how much he weighs. I honestly have no idea; he was just over 10 pounds a month ago so I am guessing he is somewhere around 13 pounds or so. I will know for sure on Monday when his doctor visit is so if I am not a slacker, I will post it for you.
We were lucky enough to have both sets of grandparents in for his baby blessing. I was so glad they could come; it was definitely not the most convenient timing for either of them.
I was joking with my mom that Caleb would start smiling the second she got on the airplane. Well, I was pretty close. The next day of course, the smiles kicked in. I tried to get him to smile in a picture but he doesn't perform on command.
He is awake for a good part of the day now making cute gurgling sounds in addition to the smiles. He can hold his head up really well and gets stronger each day. I am so glad that someone invented front packs. Caleb is a bug snuggler and does not like to be alone so he spends a lot of his time in a pack so I can attempt to get stuff done.
The kids still adore him. Ian comes into my room every morning asking to hold Caleb. He even comes in first thing when he is on steroids before getting breakfast, so you know that Caleb is loved when as hungry as Ian is on steroids, he will forego food to hold him.
Ian is continuing to do well with his treatment. The chemo makes him really sensitive to the sun so unfortunately, we haven't gone out a lot. I took him to the pool yesterday at 5 slathered in sunscreen thinking he'd be o.k. but he still ended up with a rash. We have to be cooped up in winter for the germs and now we have to be cooped up because of the sun. Bummer. It won't last forever. We are getting really creative with things to do indoors. I should write a book on it:)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Caleb is One Month Old
I cannot believe how quickly this last month has passed. Caleb is getting cuter by the day. His little cheeks and thighs are getting some chub on them and he doesn't seem quite as fragile which is a good thing. He had his one month appointment today and he is at 10 pounds which put him about 55 percentile for weight and 22 1/2 in length which is the 75th percentile. The kids still adore him and fight over who gets to hold him.
Caleb is super snuggly and doesn't like to be alone so he gets held a lot and I get very little done. It is only for such a short time that he will be this way so I am trying to enjoy every minute of it.
We spent Memorial day sleeping in. It is a good thing it doesn't happen to often. I figured the kids are perfectly capable of pouring a bowl of cereal or toasting a bagel so they'd be fine. I came downstairs to find that the kids had had ice cream sandwiches, pretzels, along with who knows what else for breakfast. Aw well, one day won't kill them right?
I have updated one month old pictures that I will post soon. Mike has the computer my memory card goes into so I have to wait til he brings it home. Check back soon!
Caleb is super snuggly and doesn't like to be alone so he gets held a lot and I get very little done. It is only for such a short time that he will be this way so I am trying to enjoy every minute of it.
We spent Memorial day sleeping in. It is a good thing it doesn't happen to often. I figured the kids are perfectly capable of pouring a bowl of cereal or toasting a bagel so they'd be fine. I came downstairs to find that the kids had had ice cream sandwiches, pretzels, along with who knows what else for breakfast. Aw well, one day won't kill them right?
I have updated one month old pictures that I will post soon. Mike has the computer my memory card goes into so I have to wait til he brings it home. Check back soon!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Pictures Finally!!!
So I just spent the last 30 minutes writing and uploading pictures only to realize when I was done, that it posted to my sister's blog account (she must have logged on to our computer when she was here and I didn't think to check). So, unfortunately or fortunately for you, depending on how much you like or dislike my ramblings, I am annoyed and lacking energy to post now so I will keep it short.
Caleb is a really good baby. The kids absolutely adore him and are so helpful. He looks alot like Ian did but he is a darker version. He fortunately has Mike's good dark skin and his hair is dark for now, although it looks like his roots are blonde so it could lighten up.
It has been so fun to have a baby in the house again even though I am a zombie (hence the delay in posting pictures.)
Caleb is now 2 1/2 weeks old and the novelty is beginning to wear off. Emma's room is right next to ours and we opened our door to find a note that said, "Mom, could you please tell Caleb to be quiet?" Evidently he was keeping her awake with his mild fussing that night.
Anyway, I am out of motivation and energy to write more. Here are a few pictures that Brooke took when she was in town. Enjoy.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
New Baby Brother - Caleb
I'm tired so I'll make this short.
Caleb William Crabtree was born today at 5:59AM. Caleb weights in at a whopping 7lb 10oz while sporting a height of 20 inches. The delivery was, yet again, another text-book delivery by Corie.
We successfully banked the cord-blood which will be stored for future use should Ian ever relapse and need a stem-cell/marrow transplant.
Ian, Emma, and Lauryn are all very excited for the new addition to the family. Ian thinks it's funny that the baby was born without wearing any clothes.
I'm going to get some rest and I'll post more later.
Caleb William Crabtree was born today at 5:59AM. Caleb weights in at a whopping 7lb 10oz while sporting a height of 20 inches. The delivery was, yet again, another text-book delivery by Corie.
We successfully banked the cord-blood which will be stored for future use should Ian ever relapse and need a stem-cell/marrow transplant.
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| Ian (4) and Caleb |
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| Emma (6) and Caleb |
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| Lauryn (9) and Caleb |
Ian, Emma, and Lauryn are all very excited for the new addition to the family. Ian thinks it's funny that the baby was born without wearing any clothes.
I'm going to get some rest and I'll post more later.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Apointment Aftermath
Ian is not feeling too great. The heavy chemo from Tuesday is hitting him plus they doubled the amount he has to take orally at home. On top of that, he is taking steroids so it is making him extra grumpy. Poor little guy. He has already taken a nap today and it isn't even lunchtime yet.
The effects will probably lessen in the next day or two but until then I have plenty of excuses to spoil him. I just hope I don't go into labor in the next week. It would be miserable for whoever gets to stay with him (not too late to back out Linda:)).
I have a feeling we will be playing lots of Lego Star Wars and Indiana Jones in the next few days:)
The effects will probably lessen in the next day or two but until then I have plenty of excuses to spoil him. I just hope I don't go into labor in the next week. It would be miserable for whoever gets to stay with him (not too late to back out Linda:)).
I have a feeling we will be playing lots of Lego Star Wars and Indiana Jones in the next few days:)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Ian's Appointment Yesterday
Yesterday was an appointment for Ian. I haven't been sleeping well at all between random contractions and having to go to the bathroom every hour so thankfully Mike took Ian in so I could get an extra hour and a half of sleep. I got the girls on the bus and headed up to Children's Mercy after that.
They had just finished when I got there (which I am actually glad of. I have a really hard time being in there when they do the LP's). It's such a big needle. They have to give Ian the twilight drugs so he won't remember anything. It's pretty funny to see him come out of it; he's so loopy. I guess one of the Child life specialists had read him a book or something but he couldn't remember the end of it because of the medicine so he kept looking around for her so he could hear the end. Thankfully, Mike was there because he staggers when he walks after getting the medicine and there is no way I would have been able to carry him out to the car. We would have been waiting around for a while til it completely wore off.
His counts were really high again so we are back on full dose of medicine instead of it being cut in half like the last month. We also get to start steroids again so that will definitely bring some entertainment as he flip flops between Dr. Jeckyl to Mr. Hyde.
It is so hard to believe it has pretty much been a year now since Ian was diagnosed. It seems like it was forever ago yet at the same time it feels like just yesterday.
The next 2 years should continue on pretty much the same as it is now; a monthly appointment for vincristine, oral chemo at home, and then an LP every 3 months.
He is doing great and I am so grateful. Thank you for all your continued love and support.
They had just finished when I got there (which I am actually glad of. I have a really hard time being in there when they do the LP's). It's such a big needle. They have to give Ian the twilight drugs so he won't remember anything. It's pretty funny to see him come out of it; he's so loopy. I guess one of the Child life specialists had read him a book or something but he couldn't remember the end of it because of the medicine so he kept looking around for her so he could hear the end. Thankfully, Mike was there because he staggers when he walks after getting the medicine and there is no way I would have been able to carry him out to the car. We would have been waiting around for a while til it completely wore off.
His counts were really high again so we are back on full dose of medicine instead of it being cut in half like the last month. We also get to start steroids again so that will definitely bring some entertainment as he flip flops between Dr. Jeckyl to Mr. Hyde.
It is so hard to believe it has pretty much been a year now since Ian was diagnosed. It seems like it was forever ago yet at the same time it feels like just yesterday.
The next 2 years should continue on pretty much the same as it is now; a monthly appointment for vincristine, oral chemo at home, and then an LP every 3 months.
He is doing great and I am so grateful. Thank you for all your continued love and support.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Snow in March
I hope you don't mind if I start to include family blurbs on this blog isntead of just keeping it about Ian. I don't have the energy to keep up two sites.
I just about put away all of my kids gear last week when it was in the 70's thinking winter was done. I am glad I didn't. I am sure the snow will probably all be melted by this evening, but it isn't going to stop them from enjoying the last (hopefully) snowfall of this season. I think the look on their faces say it all.
Yet Another Miracle
I have been constantly humbled during this past year at the many miracles that have happened in our life since Ian's diagnosis. While it has been the hardest, most stressful trial that I have ever had to go through, at the same time there have been some of the best moments as well. I have never seen prayers answered so quickly and obviously. I have felt the hand of the Lord in our life more than I ever have to lift and give me the strength that I needed to get through. I have been touched at the many outpourings of love and service on our behalf not only by friends and family, but perfect strangers as well.
The stroke Ian had that caused him to be paralyzed on his left side, has no lasting damage much to the disbelief of the doctors and Physical Therapist.
We have had a fairly sick free winter. Every year it seems that someone has been hit with something every other week. This winter, it has been significantly less and despite Ian's lowered immune system, he amazingly hasn't picked any of it up. That is a huge miracle in and of itself.
The latest miracle has to do with Ian and the new baby. One of Mike's co-workers casually asked if we were going to have the cord blood banked in case Ian needed the stem cells. We hadn't thought of it at that point but I immediately began to look into it. The benefits of stem cells are amazing and I couldn't believe that neither Ian's doctor nor mine had suggested it. It is a pricey thing to do; over $2000 just for the initial costs, and then $125 a year to keep it stored. That may not seem like a lot to some of you, but to us, who already have enough money owed to the hospital that once it's paid off we could own a wing of it, it is.
I really felt that we needed to do it anyway in case Ian relapses. They would use these before attempting a bone marrow transplant which would be so much simpler for everyone. I was casually chatting with a mom that I know from the Hemoc clinic online one night. I don't know why I even mentioned it; I don't think we were even on the subject, but I told her I was going to get the baby's cord blood banked. She told me that if you go through Viacord and you have a sibling that is need of it, they will bank it for free. Of course that is something that they don't advertise anywhere so I never would have known had she not told me.
I called the next day and asked about it, and sure enough, if you have one of the sicknesses on their list (there were lots of cancers, sickle cell anemia, etc) then you qualify. They sent a form to Ian's doctor and I got the kit I need to take to the hospital with us about a week later.
To many of you, it may not seem like that big of a miracle. But to us, it is. It is such an added blessing to have that extra peace of mind. I hope and pray we will never need it, but if we do, I won't be kicking myself for not having done it.
The stroke Ian had that caused him to be paralyzed on his left side, has no lasting damage much to the disbelief of the doctors and Physical Therapist.
We have had a fairly sick free winter. Every year it seems that someone has been hit with something every other week. This winter, it has been significantly less and despite Ian's lowered immune system, he amazingly hasn't picked any of it up. That is a huge miracle in and of itself.
The latest miracle has to do with Ian and the new baby. One of Mike's co-workers casually asked if we were going to have the cord blood banked in case Ian needed the stem cells. We hadn't thought of it at that point but I immediately began to look into it. The benefits of stem cells are amazing and I couldn't believe that neither Ian's doctor nor mine had suggested it. It is a pricey thing to do; over $2000 just for the initial costs, and then $125 a year to keep it stored. That may not seem like a lot to some of you, but to us, who already have enough money owed to the hospital that once it's paid off we could own a wing of it, it is.
I really felt that we needed to do it anyway in case Ian relapses. They would use these before attempting a bone marrow transplant which would be so much simpler for everyone. I was casually chatting with a mom that I know from the Hemoc clinic online one night. I don't know why I even mentioned it; I don't think we were even on the subject, but I told her I was going to get the baby's cord blood banked. She told me that if you go through Viacord and you have a sibling that is need of it, they will bank it for free. Of course that is something that they don't advertise anywhere so I never would have known had she not told me.
I called the next day and asked about it, and sure enough, if you have one of the sicknesses on their list (there were lots of cancers, sickle cell anemia, etc) then you qualify. They sent a form to Ian's doctor and I got the kit I need to take to the hospital with us about a week later.
To many of you, it may not seem like that big of a miracle. But to us, it is. It is such an added blessing to have that extra peace of mind. I hope and pray we will never need it, but if we do, I won't be kicking myself for not having done it.
Friday, March 27, 2009
My Sniper
One thing that I don't like about our house is that my bathroom doors do not lock. This is a simple remedy, yet I have never gotten around to changing the knobs. If I had though, I wouldn't have this story for you.
Ian usually sits in my bedroom and watches t.v. while I take a shower because he doesn't like to be downstairs alone. I shut the bathroom doors, and very seldomly does he come in.
On this particular day, I had just gotten out when I heard the door open. I turned around expecting to see Ian but all I saw was the door cracked ever so slightly. I continued on drying off and starting to get dressed when all of a sudden I hear the familiar whoosh sound from his nerf dart gun. Before it could register, I felt a thud on my back followed by a 4 year old who was laughing so hard, he could barely breathe. It was an amazing shot and a hard one to make at that. Those suction cup darts typically do not stick to skin but mine must have stuck because of the water or something. It was completely hilarious. He tried to shoot me repeatedly after that hoping for the same effect, but it was all to no avail. That first shot was one of a kind.
Ian usually sits in my bedroom and watches t.v. while I take a shower because he doesn't like to be downstairs alone. I shut the bathroom doors, and very seldomly does he come in.
On this particular day, I had just gotten out when I heard the door open. I turned around expecting to see Ian but all I saw was the door cracked ever so slightly. I continued on drying off and starting to get dressed when all of a sudden I hear the familiar whoosh sound from his nerf dart gun. Before it could register, I felt a thud on my back followed by a 4 year old who was laughing so hard, he could barely breathe. It was an amazing shot and a hard one to make at that. Those suction cup darts typically do not stick to skin but mine must have stuck because of the water or something. It was completely hilarious. He tried to shoot me repeatedly after that hoping for the same effect, but it was all to no avail. That first shot was one of a kind.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
My Swimmer
For nearly a year now, it has been just Ian and me at home. He hasn't gone to preschool, he wasn't signed up for anything extracurricular, and for several months, he was completely quarantined and couldn't have any play dates. Now that his counts are better, I recently signed him up for swimming lessons. I figured it would be a good activity for him since it is in chlorinated water and therefore, hopefully low on germs. He has LOVED it. He woke up first thing this morning and before I even knew he awake, his swimming shorts and rash guard (he won't swim without one) were on as wll as diving torpedos in hand. It is an impossible task to try to explain to a 4 year old that we still have to wait 2 hours until it is time to go but I did my best. The only distraction he had from asking me if it was time to leave yet, was a search for his googles which unfortunately he found in about 3 minutes ( I thought it would take him longer since he hasn't seen them since last summer).
When we arrived, his grin was spread from ear to ear as we placed his shoes and towel in a locker and he waited for his teacher to come and get him.
There is a waiting area where the moms can sit that is on the other side of the pool, but the pool is encased in glass so we are able to see the whole time. Every move, every skill, every jump, was followed by Ian looking out to see if I saw it and an occasional wave or a thumbs up from both myself and him.
It was such a wonderful sight; to see him so full of energy, so full of color, so full of life. No one else there has any idea of what we have been through the last year. He is doing great and looks like a healthy, normal, four year old and I am so grateful.
I had a few bittersweet moments as I sat there thinking about how our lives are going to shortly change in the next 6 weeks. I will no longer be able to give 100% of my attention to him during the day as I have been. I have really bonded with him through this whole experience and enjoyed the time we've had with just the two of us. At the same time, I couldn't help but to be excited about the new baby and how great of a big brother he is going to be. Then I started to realize that I am probably the only person who sits there and gets emotional over a swimming lesson (gotta love the pregnancy hormones.)
When we arrived, his grin was spread from ear to ear as we placed his shoes and towel in a locker and he waited for his teacher to come and get him.
There is a waiting area where the moms can sit that is on the other side of the pool, but the pool is encased in glass so we are able to see the whole time. Every move, every skill, every jump, was followed by Ian looking out to see if I saw it and an occasional wave or a thumbs up from both myself and him.
It was such a wonderful sight; to see him so full of energy, so full of color, so full of life. No one else there has any idea of what we have been through the last year. He is doing great and looks like a healthy, normal, four year old and I am so grateful.
I had a few bittersweet moments as I sat there thinking about how our lives are going to shortly change in the next 6 weeks. I will no longer be able to give 100% of my attention to him during the day as I have been. I have really bonded with him through this whole experience and enjoyed the time we've had with just the two of us. At the same time, I couldn't help but to be excited about the new baby and how great of a big brother he is going to be. Then I started to realize that I am probably the only person who sits there and gets emotional over a swimming lesson (gotta love the pregnancy hormones.)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Ian's Latest Appointment
Ian's appointment today was pretty much the same as his last few appointments. We showed up at 9:30 where they drew blood and gave him a dose of Vincristine. His counts were high these past few times and if they had been high today, then they would have upped his chemo. Instead, he was pretty low. Not quite low enough to go into quarantine but about 150 points away from it so we are cutting his chemo in half this week to see if it helps. I don't know how it can change so much when we aren't changing his chemo regimen at home. I guess alot has to do with how his body is processing everything.
We had to go up to the new floor again. It is pretty boring up there. The old floor had a big playroom, wii's, crafts, and you could socialize with the other moms and kids while you waited for your medicine and bloodwork results to come back. On the new floor, everyone is isolated in their own rooms and all you have to do is pretty much play with the things you brought with you or watch t.v. Time goes by a lot slower.
Emma came with us this time since it was spring break. Lauryn couldn't come because she has had a high fever for the past 4 days and can't be around the ALL kids with lowered immune systems. She stayed home resting where she pretty much chatted online nonstop with Mike, or on the phone with me. The poor girl has been quarantined up in her room the past few days to try to not pass anything on to Ian so I just took her in to the Doctor and found out she has mono. I was pretty surpised to hear that diagnosis! I didn't know you could get it so young. I told her to quit kissing so many boys but she really didn't like that comment:)
Between Ian just getting chemo and Lauryn being wiped out from mono, we are taking it easy this week. It's Spring Break so it's a bummer we can't do as much as we wanted to, but at least Lauryn won't have to miss school or anything.
We had to go up to the new floor again. It is pretty boring up there. The old floor had a big playroom, wii's, crafts, and you could socialize with the other moms and kids while you waited for your medicine and bloodwork results to come back. On the new floor, everyone is isolated in their own rooms and all you have to do is pretty much play with the things you brought with you or watch t.v. Time goes by a lot slower.
Emma came with us this time since it was spring break. Lauryn couldn't come because she has had a high fever for the past 4 days and can't be around the ALL kids with lowered immune systems. She stayed home resting where she pretty much chatted online nonstop with Mike, or on the phone with me. The poor girl has been quarantined up in her room the past few days to try to not pass anything on to Ian so I just took her in to the Doctor and found out she has mono. I was pretty surpised to hear that diagnosis! I didn't know you could get it so young. I told her to quit kissing so many boys but she really didn't like that comment:)
Between Ian just getting chemo and Lauryn being wiped out from mono, we are taking it easy this week. It's Spring Break so it's a bummer we can't do as much as we wanted to, but at least Lauryn won't have to miss school or anything.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Things Kids Say
Ian has been taking a little speech class once a week. I had him tested because I thought he could improve in a few areas, and the speech therapist has been helping out. I think she is getting used to how he speaks and the substitutions of letters that he makes. That may not be a good thing. She told me on Wednesday when they met, he said, "When my mom and dad got married, my dad kissed my mom on her lipstick." Too funny. I have no idea where that came from. I hope if he says anything else too embarrassing no one will be able to make out what he is saying.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Ian's Appointment this Week
I am far behind! Ian had his appointment on Monday. He had three appointments that day so we were there pretty much all day long. Ian was totally brave as he got his chemo and we were in and out pretty quickly with that part of it. Basically, the routine will be the same for the next 2 years. One appointment with a big dose of chemo a month and oral chemo every day. We are almost a third of the way there. It seems far but it is better than a fourth of the way.
After that, we had about an hour to kill before we had to go up to Radiology. There is a little park right outside the hospital so we had some lunch and then went out to play. Fortunately it was somewhat warm so we could enjoy it more than we would have in the freezing cold. It cracks me up to see how different he has become these past few months. He is still a huge mama's boy but he is much more outgoing. About 6 months ago I took him to a birthday party and it took him about 20 minutes before he would even pick his head up out of my shoulder to look at anyone. I know a lot of it was from everything he'd been through with hospitalizations and being quarantined from the world but still, he seemed like a completely different kid. He was the complete opposite, talking to the kids right away and becoming instant friends with them.
We went up to Radiology to have a follow up ultrasound on his kidney. He was born with a kink in his ureter and it causes his kidney to be enlarged. He has had so many ultrasounds done now that he actually was asking me, "When are they going to call me in?" He wasn't nervous at all. In fact, he kind of likes that they are rubbing it on his back; it's like a free massage. We had to wait nearly an hour and a half so it dragged on but we finished just in time for our next appointment so it worked out.
After the ultrasound, we headed up to see the urologist to get his results. The last time we were there a few months ago, his kidney had enlarged nearly 3 times so they were pretty worried about it and wanting to see if it had improved at all. The doctor came in and said, "He has the weirdest kidney I have ever seen." My heart just dropped and I waited to hear what was next. He then continued, "It looks completely normal. Not only has the swelling gone down, you would never even know that he has had problems with hydronephrosis. Come back in 6 months. I want to follow it still." I was so relieved when he said that! I hope it continues on this way.
After that, we had about an hour to kill before we had to go up to Radiology. There is a little park right outside the hospital so we had some lunch and then went out to play. Fortunately it was somewhat warm so we could enjoy it more than we would have in the freezing cold. It cracks me up to see how different he has become these past few months. He is still a huge mama's boy but he is much more outgoing. About 6 months ago I took him to a birthday party and it took him about 20 minutes before he would even pick his head up out of my shoulder to look at anyone. I know a lot of it was from everything he'd been through with hospitalizations and being quarantined from the world but still, he seemed like a completely different kid. He was the complete opposite, talking to the kids right away and becoming instant friends with them.
We went up to Radiology to have a follow up ultrasound on his kidney. He was born with a kink in his ureter and it causes his kidney to be enlarged. He has had so many ultrasounds done now that he actually was asking me, "When are they going to call me in?" He wasn't nervous at all. In fact, he kind of likes that they are rubbing it on his back; it's like a free massage. We had to wait nearly an hour and a half so it dragged on but we finished just in time for our next appointment so it worked out.
After the ultrasound, we headed up to see the urologist to get his results. The last time we were there a few months ago, his kidney had enlarged nearly 3 times so they were pretty worried about it and wanting to see if it had improved at all. The doctor came in and said, "He has the weirdest kidney I have ever seen." My heart just dropped and I waited to hear what was next. He then continued, "It looks completely normal. Not only has the swelling gone down, you would never even know that he has had problems with hydronephrosis. Come back in 6 months. I want to follow it still." I was so relieved when he said that! I hope it continues on this way.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
My Altered Ego
Have you ever wondered how long it takes for your children to get over your absence? Well, I found out this past weekend and the results were pretty depressing.
I went to California to spend a few days with my mom. I was sad to leave the kids but excited to see her and my family. It was the first time I have ever been home alone without the kids in over 10 years. The night before, Ian was crying hysterically telling me, "I am going to miss you so much" over and over again. It was about enough to make me stay home. I didn't know how he was going to survive without me there.
The morning of the flight, we woke up the kids and all loaded into the car. Everyone was happy and cheerful as we drove to the airport. About 10 minutes before we got there, Ian made a comment about him seeing Dr. Max. He had thought because we woke up early that we were on our way to the hospital and he was totally being a stud about it. No complaints, no tears. I told him we weren't going to the Doctor, we were going to the airport. His little face about broke my heart and he held in the tears until we got there. He lost it once I took my bags out of the car. I hugged him and the girls goodbye (Mike too) and walked inside feeling really guilty. I just knew he was going to be in the depths of despair all weekend long. Well, I called Mike a few minutes later to see how he was doing, fully expecting him to still be crying and upset. I was told it only took him 2 minutes to forget all about it and start fighting with Emma. TWO minutes, that's all. What was I worried for?
I did call home that night and he wouldn't talk to me because he was mad at me so I guess I can tack a few more minutes on for that. He talked to me the other times I called though so it wouldn't be too many more minutes.
He also informed me today that I don't look like Barbie. Right out of the blue he said, "Barbie is pretty. Mom, you don't look like Barbie at all." Good to know. So much for that dream-LOL. Kids sure know how to make you feel loved don't they?
I went to California to spend a few days with my mom. I was sad to leave the kids but excited to see her and my family. It was the first time I have ever been home alone without the kids in over 10 years. The night before, Ian was crying hysterically telling me, "I am going to miss you so much" over and over again. It was about enough to make me stay home. I didn't know how he was going to survive without me there.
The morning of the flight, we woke up the kids and all loaded into the car. Everyone was happy and cheerful as we drove to the airport. About 10 minutes before we got there, Ian made a comment about him seeing Dr. Max. He had thought because we woke up early that we were on our way to the hospital and he was totally being a stud about it. No complaints, no tears. I told him we weren't going to the Doctor, we were going to the airport. His little face about broke my heart and he held in the tears until we got there. He lost it once I took my bags out of the car. I hugged him and the girls goodbye (Mike too) and walked inside feeling really guilty. I just knew he was going to be in the depths of despair all weekend long. Well, I called Mike a few minutes later to see how he was doing, fully expecting him to still be crying and upset. I was told it only took him 2 minutes to forget all about it and start fighting with Emma. TWO minutes, that's all. What was I worried for?
I did call home that night and he wouldn't talk to me because he was mad at me so I guess I can tack a few more minutes on for that. He talked to me the other times I called though so it wouldn't be too many more minutes.
He also informed me today that I don't look like Barbie. Right out of the blue he said, "Barbie is pretty. Mom, you don't look like Barbie at all." Good to know. So much for that dream-LOL. Kids sure know how to make you feel loved don't they?
Friday, February 6, 2009
Fourth Graders in Cali
I went to the mailbox the other day and imagine my surprise to find a big manilla envelope with Ian's name on it. It was from a fourth grade class in California (their teacher is friends with my mom). They had all made Ian the most adorable handmade cards and they have all been recycling as a class for him. I was amazed to find a check for hundreds of dollars from the cans and plastic bottles they've kept. (Anyone know of a recyling place in KS?) The other really interesting part of the story is it was for an odd amount and it was the same exact amount to the penny of a bill that we paid the day before. It was a reminder to me that we are indeed being looked over and blessed; by friends, by family, by strangers, by God. I am so grateful and touched by everyone's continual thoughtfulness on Ian's account.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Bilingual
Ian's nurse practioner at the Hemoc clinic said that one of the things they recommend is to get an early education evaluation scheduled. This evaluation covers things like hearing, eyesight, motor skills, social skills, and speech. They recommend this test to everyone since sometimes the chemo can slow down their motor skills and such.
Ian went in about two ago to have this done. He was super nervous and I kept promising him he was seeing a teacher not a doctor so there would be no shots. I didn't know how things were going to be and I assumed it would just be the two of us with the evaluator so when he asked me to stay with him I told him I would.
We showed up and there were about 20 other kids there in a room at different stations with evaluators coming up to them for the various tests. They wouldn't let me go in and my heart sunk after I had just promised him I'd stay with him. He was upset, but tough, and let the evaluator take him by the hand and lead him in the room. Ian was tested for about an hour and then they brought him out to me. He did really well on everything except for the speech portion so they wanted to do further tests.
We went on Thursday to meet one-on-one with the speech therapist. She began to test him and said he was doing much better than the week before. I guess he was so nervous that he was mumbling or not answering her at all so she needed to see if it was due to nerves, or not knowing the answer. There came a part where she put out some objects and asked him to count them. Ian immediately began to count them in Spanish. It completely took both of us by surprise and I couldn't help but laugh. Once again, the love of Diego and Dora the Explorer come shining through.
Ian went in about two ago to have this done. He was super nervous and I kept promising him he was seeing a teacher not a doctor so there would be no shots. I didn't know how things were going to be and I assumed it would just be the two of us with the evaluator so when he asked me to stay with him I told him I would.
We showed up and there were about 20 other kids there in a room at different stations with evaluators coming up to them for the various tests. They wouldn't let me go in and my heart sunk after I had just promised him I'd stay with him. He was upset, but tough, and let the evaluator take him by the hand and lead him in the room. Ian was tested for about an hour and then they brought him out to me. He did really well on everything except for the speech portion so they wanted to do further tests.
We went on Thursday to meet one-on-one with the speech therapist. She began to test him and said he was doing much better than the week before. I guess he was so nervous that he was mumbling or not answering her at all so she needed to see if it was due to nerves, or not knowing the answer. There came a part where she put out some objects and asked him to count them. Ian immediately began to count them in Spanish. It completely took both of us by surprise and I couldn't help but laugh. Once again, the love of Diego and Dora the Explorer come shining through.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Today's Appointment
Ian had an appointment bright and early this morning. In the past, he has woken up in a horrible mood especially once he knows where we are going so I expected it to be the same. I went in to wake him up and he said with a groggy smile, "Is it to see Dr. Max? Ok." He got ready without any complaints and was in a great mood on the drive up. There were a few snow flurries and he said, "It's snowing! That makes me so happy!" (We definitely do not share the same opinion on that one).
We got to the hospital and I was dreading it. I knew the tears and the looks for me to not let the Doctors poke him had to be coming. The nurse came in to access his port and he held his shirt up and barely cried at all. He had to have a LP done today (chemo put in the spine) and he usually gets really weird and weepy on the meds they use to knock him out. Today there were no tears. He just laid on his side, nearly asleep holding my hand and watching tv. When the meds wore off, he was happy and all he cared about was when his breakfast was going to be there (he has to be fasting to have the procedure done).
Ian's immune counts actually came in really high which isn't a bad thing but we may need to increase his daily chemo levels a little more. Everything thing else looks great. We get to go through another 5 day pulse of the steroids so we are in for a week!
He did the best with this appointment that I have ever seen him do. I had nothing to dread after all.
We got to the hospital and I was dreading it. I knew the tears and the looks for me to not let the Doctors poke him had to be coming. The nurse came in to access his port and he held his shirt up and barely cried at all. He had to have a LP done today (chemo put in the spine) and he usually gets really weird and weepy on the meds they use to knock him out. Today there were no tears. He just laid on his side, nearly asleep holding my hand and watching tv. When the meds wore off, he was happy and all he cared about was when his breakfast was going to be there (he has to be fasting to have the procedure done).
Ian's immune counts actually came in really high which isn't a bad thing but we may need to increase his daily chemo levels a little more. Everything thing else looks great. We get to go through another 5 day pulse of the steroids so we are in for a week!
He did the best with this appointment that I have ever seen him do. I had nothing to dread after all.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Ian's New Show
I have desperately been trying to get Ian to enjoy something besides Dora the Explorer or Diego. I start to crawl out my skin from the second I hear the theme song all the way through her talk yelling through the episode. Don't get me wrong, I know it teaches some; it is cute to hear him walk around counting in Spanish or saying "Sube or vuele" (which I finally figured out the meaning to). I seriously can't handle the chick that does the voice for her though.
I don't let Ian sit around and watch t.v. endlessly either, but since we do play a good part of the day, I let him watch and entertain himself while I take a break from playing and get a few jobs done.
For all of you moms who know what I am talking about (I know there are plenty of you out there) I recently stumbled upon a solution by accident. I was flipping through the channels and came to Discovery Kids where they were airing "Trading Spaces." It is the same as the other show, but it is all for kids and they do amazing stuff just in kids rooms. He was completely sucked in and instantly loved it. Now, that is a show I can deal with having on in the background! Who knows, my kids might get lucky and get a cooler room out of it if I am feeling inspired. Ian has already decided that his green room painted fresh about 6 months ago, is out and he needs an orange room now. Not going to happen. He'll change his mind after the next episode I am sure. Who knew? My little designer.
I don't let Ian sit around and watch t.v. endlessly either, but since we do play a good part of the day, I let him watch and entertain himself while I take a break from playing and get a few jobs done.
For all of you moms who know what I am talking about (I know there are plenty of you out there) I recently stumbled upon a solution by accident. I was flipping through the channels and came to Discovery Kids where they were airing "Trading Spaces." It is the same as the other show, but it is all for kids and they do amazing stuff just in kids rooms. He was completely sucked in and instantly loved it. Now, that is a show I can deal with having on in the background! Who knows, my kids might get lucky and get a cooler room out of it if I am feeling inspired. Ian has already decided that his green room painted fresh about 6 months ago, is out and he needs an orange room now. Not going to happen. He'll change his mind after the next episode I am sure. Who knew? My little designer.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Sweetest Letter to Santa Ever
Ian got a letter in the mail today from his Nana. She sent him a copy of a letter that his 7-year old cousin Reese wrote to Santa. I was so touched at the sincerety and sweetness of it. Here is what it said:
Dear Santa,
Ian has to have 3 shots per day so I am wondering if you can send him a T.V. too. If your elf can than that would be good. He doesn't have to. If yes, wrap it with your fun bow and paper.
Love,
Reese
P.S. I love Christmas
Dear Santa,
Ian has to have 3 shots per day so I am wondering if you can send him a T.V. too. If your elf can than that would be good. He doesn't have to. If yes, wrap it with your fun bow and paper.
Love,
Reese
P.S. I love Christmas
Friday, January 2, 2009
Ian's Christmas
I apologize for being so far behind in my posts; the holidays really threw me off. We had a wonderful Christmas. We didn't have any family come in town so we just did our own thing and spent it with our many friends out here that have become like family to us.
Christmas Eve was spent at my friend Valerie's house who was brave enough to put on a nativity with 23 kids. They all looked darling and it was a fun way to help the kids learn the Christmas story. Ian was a shepherd and was totally excited to be dressed up and participate but because he hasn't been around other kids for a while, especially that many, he kind of freaked out. He took off his costume and kind of hid the best he could. Afterwards, we headed home and opened our traditional Christmas Eve present (pajamas).
Christmas Day the kids were so excited. I heard Ian run into Emma's room at 4:3o in the morning and we had to convince them to go back to bed. Somehow, we got to sleep until 8:00 and then we all headed down to open presents.
The kids played with their toys for an hour or so and we all loaded up in the car and drove to Children's Mercy Hospital. I am over a group of girls ages 8-11 at church, and they made 14 fleece blankets. I realized the hard way it was too many for me to deliver on my own when I was there for Ian's last appointment, so we took them as a family. Ian was so excited to go to the hospital and give his "friends" a new blanket on Christmas. My mom had also made some hide and seek bags with some kids and we took those as well. Being in the hospital on Christmas has to be the ultimate bummer so hopefully, it helped to cheer them up a little.
We are so grateful for all the wonderful friends, family, and neighbors we have. We can never express enough thanks for all the acts of love and service that have been done for us this year. We have truly been blessed and had our share of miracles.
Christmas Eve was spent at my friend Valerie's house who was brave enough to put on a nativity with 23 kids. They all looked darling and it was a fun way to help the kids learn the Christmas story. Ian was a shepherd and was totally excited to be dressed up and participate but because he hasn't been around other kids for a while, especially that many, he kind of freaked out. He took off his costume and kind of hid the best he could. Afterwards, we headed home and opened our traditional Christmas Eve present (pajamas).
Christmas Day the kids were so excited. I heard Ian run into Emma's room at 4:3o in the morning and we had to convince them to go back to bed. Somehow, we got to sleep until 8:00 and then we all headed down to open presents.
The kids played with their toys for an hour or so and we all loaded up in the car and drove to Children's Mercy Hospital. I am over a group of girls ages 8-11 at church, and they made 14 fleece blankets. I realized the hard way it was too many for me to deliver on my own when I was there for Ian's last appointment, so we took them as a family. Ian was so excited to go to the hospital and give his "friends" a new blanket on Christmas. My mom had also made some hide and seek bags with some kids and we took those as well. Being in the hospital on Christmas has to be the ultimate bummer so hopefully, it helped to cheer them up a little.
We are so grateful for all the wonderful friends, family, and neighbors we have. We can never express enough thanks for all the acts of love and service that have been done for us this year. We have truly been blessed and had our share of miracles.
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