Daddy asked him what he was doing and AJ quickly turned around and gave that CAUGHT look. Daddy quickly snapped a picture!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Monkey
Daddy was cleaning the kitchen tonight. He had the dishwasher open to load the dishes, but got side-tracked putting a bad in the trashcan. Daddy turned around to get the lid on the trashcan and found Andrew ON the dishwasher door, with his head in the dishwasher.
Daddy asked him what he was doing and AJ quickly turned around and gave that CAUGHT look. Daddy quickly snapped a picture!
Daddy asked him what he was doing and AJ quickly turned around and gave that CAUGHT look. Daddy quickly snapped a picture!
The BIG little Boy
Andrew decided Thursday morning that he was going to see if he could fly....out of his bed! I went in to get him up (he had not started talking to himself or singing, so I did not know he was up) and had quite a scare. There was Andrew....both feet off the mattress - in the air - and his stomach over the side of the crib.
Luckily, when I opened the door - the feet went back to the mattress instead of his head to the floor! He stood back up and started giggling at me.
So....Thursday we went and got a toddler bed. I had JUST posted (I think Wednesday) that soon he was going to try and climb out of his crib - I didn't think it would be the next morning! We were actually planning on NOT getting a toddler bed for Andrew. Bryce went straight to a twin bed and did great, but he was at least 1 when he was out of the crib and he was bigger than AJ is. I really feel AJ is too small, especially for the twin bed we put in his room.
I put it together (took me twenty minutes from when I opened the box to done - IMPRESSIVE) and just let Andrew explore it. He immediately climbed onto it, stood up and started jumping up and down. I told him no monkeys jumping on beds - he kept jumping. He fell off (actually CRAWLED off) the bed a couple of times, hit his head and climbed right back on it.
Daddy was convinced he would NEVER go to bed last night. I went in to check on him after a while and this is what I found:
He went to bed without a problem!
So we thought all was good...
WRONG....
We heard him crying around 11. Paul went to check on him and he was sitting in a ball next to his bed, crying. He had fallen off the bed and was scared. Not only was he in a new bed, but his crib was still in there and the room was crowded and messy.
He ended up sleeping in our bed all night (basically lack of energy to try to get him to go back to bed in his bed).
Tonight, he again went to bed with no problem. Luckily, he likes to sleep. You give him his bottle and blanket - and he does not even attempt to get up (YET).
I CANNOT believe my TEN MONTH old is in a toddler bed! But, it was that or see how long it takes for him to land on his head. That is what happens when your ten month old is a MONKEY!
I took video when he first saw the bed and explored it - I will try and upload it tomorrow.
Luckily, when I opened the door - the feet went back to the mattress instead of his head to the floor! He stood back up and started giggling at me.
So....Thursday we went and got a toddler bed. I had JUST posted (I think Wednesday) that soon he was going to try and climb out of his crib - I didn't think it would be the next morning! We were actually planning on NOT getting a toddler bed for Andrew. Bryce went straight to a twin bed and did great, but he was at least 1 when he was out of the crib and he was bigger than AJ is. I really feel AJ is too small, especially for the twin bed we put in his room.
I put it together (took me twenty minutes from when I opened the box to done - IMPRESSIVE) and just let Andrew explore it. He immediately climbed onto it, stood up and started jumping up and down. I told him no monkeys jumping on beds - he kept jumping. He fell off (actually CRAWLED off) the bed a couple of times, hit his head and climbed right back on it.
Daddy was convinced he would NEVER go to bed last night. I went in to check on him after a while and this is what I found:
He went to bed without a problem!
So we thought all was good...
WRONG....
We heard him crying around 11. Paul went to check on him and he was sitting in a ball next to his bed, crying. He had fallen off the bed and was scared. Not only was he in a new bed, but his crib was still in there and the room was crowded and messy.
He ended up sleeping in our bed all night (basically lack of energy to try to get him to go back to bed in his bed).
Tonight, he again went to bed with no problem. Luckily, he likes to sleep. You give him his bottle and blanket - and he does not even attempt to get up (YET).
I CANNOT believe my TEN MONTH old is in a toddler bed! But, it was that or see how long it takes for him to land on his head. That is what happens when your ten month old is a MONKEY!
I took video when he first saw the bed and explored it - I will try and upload it tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Time for the Jeep to Go!
It appears as though it is time for Andrew to get rid of his Jeep, too. This is what he does when you put him in his Jeep now. He either hangs over the side (which the little monkey is bound to climb out soon) or he walks around the house getting into things he could not as easily get to before.
His crib will also have to retire before too long. Everytime I go in there to get them he is hanging over the side. Since I know he is a monkey, I KNOW out of all of the kids - he will be the one to climb out of his crib. The boys were all out of their crib between 12-18 months. I was going to keep him in a little longer - but he is quickly changing my mind for me~
He REALLY IS a Monkey
Andrew cannot get enough of bananas lately. He eats one at every meal and every snack - no, literally - he ALWAYS wants a banana!
I know, it could be worse - it could be candy or ice cream, etc.
I always call him a monkey - he is just proving it.
Bwootsie
or Bwootshe - that is Andrew's new word. He says it both ways. It is always followed by a wrinkled up face and LOTS of giggling.
We have no idea where it came from. The only thing I can figure is I call him a Stinky Pooxie when he is poopie and I am changing him.
Diaper changes do include lots of tickling - and nose wrinkling!
Guess that means he wants to play.
We have no idea where it came from. The only thing I can figure is I call him a Stinky Pooxie when he is poopie and I am changing him.
Diaper changes do include lots of tickling - and nose wrinkling!
Guess that means he wants to play.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Thunderstorm
You know what is worse than having kids scared of a storm especially when it does not matter what time you put them to bed, if it is going to thunder - it is going to start AS SOON as you get them in bed?
A COCKER SPANIEL THAT IS AFRAID OF THUNDER! Everytime it thunders, Trip runs around the house, window to window, barking!
Does that make him a good guard dog?
I don't know - it usually makes for a irritated Mama that has to calm the dog (or lock him up or kick him out of the house so we can't hear him as loud) so she can calm the kids!
I will try to just remember he is a good guard dog and guarding us from some mean lound something outside!
Guard dog....
Guard dog....
Guard dog....
Useless guard dog - he just got put in his kennel (although he is still barking in there - he is as far away from the kids as he can be and still be inside)!
A COCKER SPANIEL THAT IS AFRAID OF THUNDER! Everytime it thunders, Trip runs around the house, window to window, barking!
Does that make him a good guard dog?
I don't know - it usually makes for a irritated Mama that has to calm the dog (or lock him up or kick him out of the house so we can't hear him as loud) so she can calm the kids!
I will try to just remember he is a good guard dog and guarding us from some mean lound something outside!
Guard dog....
Guard dog....
Guard dog....
Useless guard dog - he just got put in his kennel (although he is still barking in there - he is as far away from the kids as he can be and still be inside)!
Compliments
Isaac and Bryce have been full of compliments today. They keep telling me "You are a sweetie" and "You are a sweet Mom" over and over. Everytime I do something for them, they say thank you, give me a hug and then one of those two phrases.
SO SWEET!
It is so nice to hear things like that FROM THEM every now and then! Now if only the nine year old could say something like that!
SO SWEET!
It is so nice to hear things like that FROM THEM every now and then! Now if only the nine year old could say something like that!
Porky
Porky in 1979:
Porky today:
Porky's story:
As you can tell from the above pictures, Porky is a dog that Paul got for his first Christmas - he is still hanging around. When I was looking through the few baby pictures we have of Paul for a picture of him with his green blankie, I came across this picture. I know I have seen it, but never realized it was Porky in it. If you look at this picture, you will see what Paul used to do with Porky:
Yes, his nose is falling off and if you look closely Porky's fur is all matted down around his nose. That is from Paul's lips. He used to suck Porky's nose.
What is really funny is that I was going through some tubs of stuff and pulled Porky out a few months ago. Porky was still on our bed when I laid Andrew on it one day. Andrew picked up Porky and PUT PORKY'S NOSE RIGHT IN HIS MOUTH and began sucking on it!
Andrew is DEFINENTLY his Daddy's son!
Porky today:
Porky's story:
As you can tell from the above pictures, Porky is a dog that Paul got for his first Christmas - he is still hanging around. When I was looking through the few baby pictures we have of Paul for a picture of him with his green blankie, I came across this picture. I know I have seen it, but never realized it was Porky in it. If you look at this picture, you will see what Paul used to do with Porky:
Yes, his nose is falling off and if you look closely Porky's fur is all matted down around his nose. That is from Paul's lips. He used to suck Porky's nose.
What is really funny is that I was going through some tubs of stuff and pulled Porky out a few months ago. Porky was still on our bed when I laid Andrew on it one day. Andrew picked up Porky and PUT PORKY'S NOSE RIGHT IN HIS MOUTH and began sucking on it!
Andrew is DEFINENTLY his Daddy's son!
Flexibility
Is there ANY WAY this could POSSIBLY comfortable? This was a short nap - I wonder why! He woke up and laid down on the couch with me and went back to sleep. I guess he needed to stretch out!
Cookie Monster
Have you ever seen a baby with a full beard and moustache (or any at all)? Check this out:
Andrew had oreos for dessert tonight. The sharks (aka dog and cat) were SWARMING all around under him. I think he enjoyed them - what do you thing.
YES - he IS smearing it all in his hair!
Who knew oreos could be so messy and so fun without milk?
Andrew had oreos for dessert tonight. The sharks (aka dog and cat) were SWARMING all around under him. I think he enjoyed them - what do you thing.
YES - he IS smearing it all in his hair!
Who knew oreos could be so messy and so fun without milk?
Mega Cabbage
Caleb's new project for school is to grow a cabbage plant. They sent them home with Bonnie cabbage plants and a chart for charting the watering, growing, etc.
I am all for the kids learning to grow plants and garden. That is something we actually enjoy doing. HOWEVER, Caleb brought THREE plants home. The heads on these grow to be THIRTY to FIFTY pounds EACH!!! Now, if we lived in the country this could be fun, but WHERE am I supposed to plant these cabbage plants to where they can grow that big? The picture on the information stake has a picture of a baby laying in the cabbage. THE BABY LOOKS TINY!
I guess I will keep you updated on the mega cabbage.
Day one (still in their "planter")
I am all for the kids learning to grow plants and garden. That is something we actually enjoy doing. HOWEVER, Caleb brought THREE plants home. The heads on these grow to be THIRTY to FIFTY pounds EACH!!! Now, if we lived in the country this could be fun, but WHERE am I supposed to plant these cabbage plants to where they can grow that big? The picture on the information stake has a picture of a baby laying in the cabbage. THE BABY LOOKS TINY!
I guess I will keep you updated on the mega cabbage.
Day one (still in their "planter")
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
My Keeping Up Appearances Moment
If you are a fan of English comedies, than you know the show Keeping Up Appearances, with the Buckets. Everytime Ms. Bucket goes to see her sister a dog jumps out of a broken down car in the sisters front yard. Ms. Bucket falls backwards into the hedges and her husband must always help her out.
I had a Ms. Bucket moment yesterday.
I was at the Revenue office getting my car registered and Paul's jeep ready to trade in. I got out of my car and opened the door to get Andrew out. About that time, I hear a dog barking and sounded like he was ramming the small window of the truck he was in. I did not "fall" into the car, but I certainly jumped and I am sure anyone who saw got a good laugh.
The window was literally moving. I was scared to death that he was going to go through the window. I grabbed AJ as fast as I could and took off.
Unlike Ms. Bucket, though, I did not react the same way everytime I walked by the truck and the dog attacked the window (which was four times)!
I had a Ms. Bucket moment yesterday.
I was at the Revenue office getting my car registered and Paul's jeep ready to trade in. I got out of my car and opened the door to get Andrew out. About that time, I hear a dog barking and sounded like he was ramming the small window of the truck he was in. I did not "fall" into the car, but I certainly jumped and I am sure anyone who saw got a good laugh.
The window was literally moving. I was scared to death that he was going to go through the window. I grabbed AJ as fast as I could and took off.
Unlike Ms. Bucket, though, I did not react the same way everytime I walked by the truck and the dog attacked the window (which was four times)!
How Does This Look?
This is what we need. No, not the furry little boy....the collar for the little boy. Andrew sucked his thumb so hard that he made a blister. Then he continued to suck it until it popped.
He has been unusually fussy the last two days. I just found the blister this evening. I can't put any medicine on it - he will eat it. I can't put a band-aid on it - he will eat it. I can't put gloves or mittens on it - he will pull them off (or eat through them) to get to the thumb to suck it.
I am thinking I could probably just use his boppy pillow as his collar. It would have to be tight enough that he could not pull it off - because he will try ANYTHING to get to his thumb!
He has been running a low fever (it has stayed under 100 so far tonight) since about 5 this afternoon and pulling on his ear. He ALWAYS sucks his thumb (you should have seen me looking for a current picture WITHOUT his hand at his face for the above pic), but when he is not feeling well, he super sucks his thumb. You can hear it LOUD! Always one sign he is not feeling well!
I guess a month of sucking his thumb like that has caught up to him.
Yes, I know I suck at paint which is how I did the above photo. I also realize there are easier ways to do it, but my warn out Mommy brain cannot try and learn any of that right now.
I am off to do some ADD (or ADHD) cleaning now.
To Those Who Chat with Caleb
HE IS GROUNDED!
If he trys to chat with you in the next week, PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND. IGNORE HIM!
He lied to me today and said he was done doing homework so he could chat. I went in his room a few minutes ago to see what he had been doing. HIS HOMEWORK WAS COMPLETELY BLANK!
So, just to let you all know the rules. When he is UN-grounded, if he trys to chat before 5pm on a school day - again PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND! IGNORE HIM!
If this doesn't work - he won't be chatting (in ANY form - verbal, computer, etc!)
THANK YOU!
If he trys to chat with you in the next week, PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND. IGNORE HIM!
He lied to me today and said he was done doing homework so he could chat. I went in his room a few minutes ago to see what he had been doing. HIS HOMEWORK WAS COMPLETELY BLANK!
So, just to let you all know the rules. When he is UN-grounded, if he trys to chat before 5pm on a school day - again PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND! IGNORE HIM!
If this doesn't work - he won't be chatting (in ANY form - verbal, computer, etc!)
THANK YOU!
THE Green Blanket
Since we got out of the hospital with Andrew, he has grown very attached to the blanket he used while we were in the hospital. It is a very soft, thick sage colored blanket. It is kind of funny because when he started the sucking his thumb with one hand and holding the blanket with the other, he never cared WHAT blanket he was holding. Well, I probably should have used more than one at the hospital - rotated them or something.
Yesterday he cried for 20 minutes after I changed a diaper that hurt his bottom. I could not calm him down. I handed him one of his small blankets (which he used to like to hold while sucking his thumb). He threw it and kept screaming. I got the green blanket to try to put him to sleep. He grabbed the corner to his face, put his thumb in his mouth, and quit crying INSTANTLY!
Today, he is not feeling well. He has been crawling around the house crying. He would find a blanket, start to put it up to his face, scream and throw it and cry some more. His green blanket was on the living room floor. He crawled up to it, put it up to his face and then laid down with it.
I was telling Daddy about it yesterday. Apparently Daddy carried a blanket around until he was SEVEN. Apparently, Daddy carried a GREEN blanket.
It MUST be genetic or something!
Now, I must go buy one (or four or five) replacement blankets. But, since I am sure they must wear evenly to be accepted by his face, I will just rotate them. HOPEFULLY this will work, ESPECIALLY if I have six more years of this! :)
Yesterday he cried for 20 minutes after I changed a diaper that hurt his bottom. I could not calm him down. I handed him one of his small blankets (which he used to like to hold while sucking his thumb). He threw it and kept screaming. I got the green blanket to try to put him to sleep. He grabbed the corner to his face, put his thumb in his mouth, and quit crying INSTANTLY!
Today, he is not feeling well. He has been crawling around the house crying. He would find a blanket, start to put it up to his face, scream and throw it and cry some more. His green blanket was on the living room floor. He crawled up to it, put it up to his face and then laid down with it.
I was telling Daddy about it yesterday. Apparently Daddy carried a blanket around until he was SEVEN. Apparently, Daddy carried a GREEN blanket.
It MUST be genetic or something!
Now, I must go buy one (or four or five) replacement blankets. But, since I am sure they must wear evenly to be accepted by his face, I will just rotate them. HOPEFULLY this will work, ESPECIALLY if I have six more years of this! :)
Caleb's Calander
Caleb brought home a calander that he made a school. It is for the school year, and he has filled in all of the dates and put important dates to him in it. I must share some of these important dates with you. I will write/word them the way he does.
First off, the first Sunday of EVERY month he has put "dohnuts at church" - now I guess that is important to a nine year old!
Dec 7th war on pearl harbor
Dec 18th HOOOT cheerleaders come to school
Dec 20th Isaac's birthday
Jan 11 Milk day
(not to be confused with:) Jan 15th Mlk day
April 11 Andrew's birthday (my brother Andrew not the Andrew at school)
April 12 Civil war begins
April 18th Titanic sink
June 16th Party (don't know what for - just party)
June 20th Bryces birthday
June 25th M&D anivar (NO IT ISN'T, but thanks for thinking about us
I don't remember 3rd grade ever being that exciting or eventful for me. Hot cheerleaders, two wars and a ship sinking in a matter on months! What will happen in fourth grade?
First off, the first Sunday of EVERY month he has put "dohnuts at church" - now I guess that is important to a nine year old!
Dec 7th war on pearl harbor
Dec 18th HOOOT cheerleaders come to school
Dec 20th Isaac's birthday
Jan 11 Milk day
(not to be confused with:) Jan 15th Mlk day
April 11 Andrew's birthday (my brother Andrew not the Andrew at school)
April 12 Civil war begins
April 18th Titanic sink
June 16th Party (don't know what for - just party)
June 20th Bryces birthday
June 25th M&D anivar (NO IT ISN'T, but thanks for thinking about us
I don't remember 3rd grade ever being that exciting or eventful for me. Hot cheerleaders, two wars and a ship sinking in a matter on months! What will happen in fourth grade?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
My Housecleaning Dilemma
I have noticed, lately, I have a problem with housecleaning. Other than the normal I-don't-have-the-time-or-energy-issues of housekeeping, I have a more severe issue I have noticed.
I have an ADD (or ADHD - whichever) problem when it comes to housekeeping. This is how my housecleaning attempt went this morning.
I started in my bedroom making the bed. I get the clothes off the bed and the comforter pulled back and AJ starts crying. On the way to see what his problem is I pick up a piece of trash from the kitchen floor. I go (with the trash) to see what Andrew's problem is. He has a dirty diaper. I notice some toys on the living room floor so I pick them up and I pick up Andrew (I still have the trash in my hand too) and take him to his room to change his diaper.
I drop the toys in the toy box and change AJ's diaper and throw it in the trash. When I finish and get his pants back on, I put him back on the floor to go back to playing. I start straightening his room up. I took some stuff to the bathroom to put away. I notice that someone had a bloody nose last night - BIG time. Three white washclothes SOAKED with blood. I start cleaning the countertop - which is also covered in toothpaste (the boys have each brushed their teeth about 5 times today!). I am still carrying the trash from the kitchen (why didn't I throw that away when I threw his diaper away?).
I take the red washclothes to the laundry room (no, I did not finish taking care of the bathroom OR Andrew's room). I started a load of laundry in my (broken) washer. I decided that the washclothes were so bad that if I washed them with other laundry it would all be covered in blood (had that happen before), so I went to throw them away. That took me to the kitchen. I loaded the breakfast dishes into the dishwasher. I started to clean the countertops and the phone rang. I went into the office to answer the phone and started cleaning the desk.
I heard Andrew getting in trouble and went to see what he was doing. He was QUICKLY making his way to my room. This, of course, brought me BACK to my half-made bed.
NOT ONE ROOM GOT COMPLETELY CLEAN!
And I wonder why I can't stay caught up on this stuff!!!
Welcome to life with five boys and a crazy schedule!
I have an ADD (or ADHD - whichever) problem when it comes to housekeeping. This is how my housecleaning attempt went this morning.
I started in my bedroom making the bed. I get the clothes off the bed and the comforter pulled back and AJ starts crying. On the way to see what his problem is I pick up a piece of trash from the kitchen floor. I go (with the trash) to see what Andrew's problem is. He has a dirty diaper. I notice some toys on the living room floor so I pick them up and I pick up Andrew (I still have the trash in my hand too) and take him to his room to change his diaper.
I drop the toys in the toy box and change AJ's diaper and throw it in the trash. When I finish and get his pants back on, I put him back on the floor to go back to playing. I start straightening his room up. I took some stuff to the bathroom to put away. I notice that someone had a bloody nose last night - BIG time. Three white washclothes SOAKED with blood. I start cleaning the countertop - which is also covered in toothpaste (the boys have each brushed their teeth about 5 times today!). I am still carrying the trash from the kitchen (why didn't I throw that away when I threw his diaper away?).
I take the red washclothes to the laundry room (no, I did not finish taking care of the bathroom OR Andrew's room). I started a load of laundry in my (broken) washer. I decided that the washclothes were so bad that if I washed them with other laundry it would all be covered in blood (had that happen before), so I went to throw them away. That took me to the kitchen. I loaded the breakfast dishes into the dishwasher. I started to clean the countertops and the phone rang. I went into the office to answer the phone and started cleaning the desk.
I heard Andrew getting in trouble and went to see what he was doing. He was QUICKLY making his way to my room. This, of course, brought me BACK to my half-made bed.
NOT ONE ROOM GOT COMPLETELY CLEAN!
And I wonder why I can't stay caught up on this stuff!!!
Welcome to life with five boys and a crazy schedule!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Andrew's Drs Appt
You know, three dental appointments at one time was not enough, so we threw in a trip to the pediatrician as well.
I finally got to talk to the GI drs office the end of last week. I gave them an update on how Andrew was doing and also asked about getting full allergy testing done. I know this is a horrible, very unpleasant experience and I don't WANT him to have it, but at the same time we can not keep playing guessing games - which is what we have been doing thus far. The nurse talked to the dr and was told that AJ probably has an intolerance not an allergy, so allergy testing would be pointless.
When we were in the hospital, everytime I said lactose intolerance to the dr, she corrected me saying he could have a possible ALLERGY. So, when they said he had an intolerance, I immediately called Paul to verify what was said at the hospital. I brought this up with the pediatrician today. He said that she is probably saying that he is NOT lactose intolerant, but has an intolerance to the milk protein - NOT necessarily an allergy.
He did agree that it was too big of a guess for everything we are doing and that we should go see an allergist - to at least get her opinion. He is also agrees that we can no longer afford to play guessing games at this point. He asked when we were supposed to go back to see the GI dr. I told him on the 10th. "OF NEXT MONTH?" was his reply (well OBVIOUSLY, since it is the 18th of THIS month!). He was not happy with us waiting a month from the time we got out of the hospital to the time we see a dr again (which we weren't either). So, we are going back to see the pediatrician in two weeks.
This is why I LOVE our pediatrician. He is one of the few that really LISTENS and often goes with Mom's intuition! I feel like the GI dr (and her nurse) always come in with their pre-conceived ideas of what is going on, and no matter what I say or how many times I say it - it is not going to change what they think. Our pediatrician has NEVER been that way. He will sit there and talk with you for an hour if that is what it takes for us to all be in understanding of what is going on. That is why I don't mind waiting an hour after our appointment time to see him. I know he is giving other parents the same time and respect I want from him (unlike many drs where you wait an hour and they spend 2 minutes with you).
So, I am feeling a little better about things. We are at least attempting a little more to find out what is going on so it can be fixed. We will go from here!
Weight: 17 pounds 11 ounces
Still not where we were pre-illness!
Also, I FINALLY found something other than his formula he will drink! Maybe next time he gets sick we can keep him hydrated with this stuff. Gerbers Fruit Splashers. It is purified water with fruit juice. It is only 40% juice and has 40% less sugar than juice. I am concerned with giving him juice because with his tract - I don't think his tummy will handle it well and then we will start with the bottom issues again!! He really likes this stuff and it doesn't seem to be bothering him. The GI dr does not want him getting more than 30 ounces of formula a day (which seems odd since we want him gaining weight), but that was not working with Andrew because it meant he couldn't drink anything when he was eating. We got the okay from the pediatrician today for him to drink this stuff between formula. He also, by the way, questioned why she was limiting his formula to only 30 ounces a day - he was thinking he should maybe be getting more calories from it.
I finally got to talk to the GI drs office the end of last week. I gave them an update on how Andrew was doing and also asked about getting full allergy testing done. I know this is a horrible, very unpleasant experience and I don't WANT him to have it, but at the same time we can not keep playing guessing games - which is what we have been doing thus far. The nurse talked to the dr and was told that AJ probably has an intolerance not an allergy, so allergy testing would be pointless.
When we were in the hospital, everytime I said lactose intolerance to the dr, she corrected me saying he could have a possible ALLERGY. So, when they said he had an intolerance, I immediately called Paul to verify what was said at the hospital. I brought this up with the pediatrician today. He said that she is probably saying that he is NOT lactose intolerant, but has an intolerance to the milk protein - NOT necessarily an allergy.
He did agree that it was too big of a guess for everything we are doing and that we should go see an allergist - to at least get her opinion. He is also agrees that we can no longer afford to play guessing games at this point. He asked when we were supposed to go back to see the GI dr. I told him on the 10th. "OF NEXT MONTH?" was his reply (well OBVIOUSLY, since it is the 18th of THIS month!). He was not happy with us waiting a month from the time we got out of the hospital to the time we see a dr again (which we weren't either). So, we are going back to see the pediatrician in two weeks.
This is why I LOVE our pediatrician. He is one of the few that really LISTENS and often goes with Mom's intuition! I feel like the GI dr (and her nurse) always come in with their pre-conceived ideas of what is going on, and no matter what I say or how many times I say it - it is not going to change what they think. Our pediatrician has NEVER been that way. He will sit there and talk with you for an hour if that is what it takes for us to all be in understanding of what is going on. That is why I don't mind waiting an hour after our appointment time to see him. I know he is giving other parents the same time and respect I want from him (unlike many drs where you wait an hour and they spend 2 minutes with you).
So, I am feeling a little better about things. We are at least attempting a little more to find out what is going on so it can be fixed. We will go from here!
Weight: 17 pounds 11 ounces
Still not where we were pre-illness!
Also, I FINALLY found something other than his formula he will drink! Maybe next time he gets sick we can keep him hydrated with this stuff. Gerbers Fruit Splashers. It is purified water with fruit juice. It is only 40% juice and has 40% less sugar than juice. I am concerned with giving him juice because with his tract - I don't think his tummy will handle it well and then we will start with the bottom issues again!! He really likes this stuff and it doesn't seem to be bothering him. The GI dr does not want him getting more than 30 ounces of formula a day (which seems odd since we want him gaining weight), but that was not working with Andrew because it meant he couldn't drink anything when he was eating. We got the okay from the pediatrician today for him to drink this stuff between formula. He also, by the way, questioned why she was limiting his formula to only 30 ounces a day - he was thinking he should maybe be getting more calories from it.
Personalities
I was thinking earlier of everything that Isaac and Andrew have been through in their short lives. I feel bad for them because it seems like EVERYTHING happens to those two, but they just keep smiling and dealing with it.
This is why God gave them the personalities that He did. I honestly think if Caleb was going through this constant one thing after another he would have given up. He gets frustrated SO easy, that I don't know if I encouraged him 24/7 it would be enough!
Let this just be a lesson and proof that God DOES know what he is doing! There is no other way that a 10 month old could be in a hospital for a week and a half attached to tubes the whole time and still always have a HUGE smile on his face! Or a 3-6 year old could have four or five surgeries by the time he is five and still LOVE drs! They are definently special kids (so are the others, don't get me wrong).
Bryce would probably make it through anything.....he is just that stubborn (he gets that from his DADDY!!!)!
This is why God gave them the personalities that He did. I honestly think if Caleb was going through this constant one thing after another he would have given up. He gets frustrated SO easy, that I don't know if I encouraged him 24/7 it would be enough!
Let this just be a lesson and proof that God DOES know what he is doing! There is no other way that a 10 month old could be in a hospital for a week and a half attached to tubes the whole time and still always have a HUGE smile on his face! Or a 3-6 year old could have four or five surgeries by the time he is five and still LOVE drs! They are definently special kids (so are the others, don't get me wrong).
Bryce would probably make it through anything.....he is just that stubborn (he gets that from his DADDY!!!)!
How WE Celebrate President's Day...
All of the boys go to visit the dentist!!!
The boys all went to the dentist today. They have not been in a while because I did not like the dentist they were seeing. We recently had a Pediatric dentist move into the same area as our pediatrician, and I heard he was a great dentist, so I called and scheduled appointment for them all!
We will start with the best news....or maybe we should save the best news for last. Lets do that.
So....we will start with Isaac. POOR ISAAC! He cannot catch a break! Isaac was seen second. I told them before he went back about the damage he had done when he fell and knocked one tooth out and loosed four or five. The two top front permanents have come in, and don't look too great, so I have been concerned about them. Little did I know - that would be the LEAST of my concerns!
They decided to do a full xray on him. The dr looks at the xray - and I COULD TELL!!! He called me over and started pointing the "shadows" out on the xray. This xray does not typically show cavities and decay - it is mainly used to see where his permanent teeth are and how they are coming in. His teeth are so bad that this xray showed decay - even in teeth that have not come in yet.
The dentist asked if he had ever had a high fever or taken a lot of medicine. Well, if you know Isaac, you know he has been to the ER several times for spiked fevers and has had too many ear infections to count (which he has to be put on antibiotics for). The dentist said he had severe enviromental damage to his teeth. He said most likely the fevers and/or medicine are to blame. There was nothing we could have done to prevent it from happening. His back/side teeth are so bad that if you were to poke his teeth with something sharp - it would most likely go THROUGH his tooth.
So, plan of action at this point. He will basically have to have most of his side/back teeth capped and some pulled. Several of the teeth, the decay has almost reached the nerves. When his six year molars finish coming in, they will be removed. The hope is that by removing his six year molars as soon as they come in, his twelve year molars will move into the spot of the six year and his wisdom teeth will take the place of his twelve year molars. Then he will not have to have wisdom teeth removed.
Worst case scenario, Isaac may have MANY years of lots of dental procedures to save what we can and get them in decent condition. He is being put on flouride toothpaste to try and strenthen the teeth.
Caleb - next to worst - first to be seen. He did great. He has a few cavitites that need to be addressed with a light filling. They are in baby teeth and his xray showed he would probably be losing all of the remaining baby teeth in the next year. They are going to have to pull at least two - maybe four - of his teeth (two on top two on bottom) due to overcrowding. His teeth are not coming in straight right now. Hopefully doing this will cause the ones that are coming in wrong to correct themselves and the ones that will be coming in to come in straight. If this doesn't work, he will be getting braces probably next year.
Bryce - PERFECTION!!! Not even the beginning of a cavity! He still has straight, beautiful teeth! Let's hope he is lucky enough to keep them.
Oh yeah, Caleb is very proud - he is now using a "BIG PERSON" tooth brush! No more cutsy tooth brushes for him!!
The boys all went to the dentist today. They have not been in a while because I did not like the dentist they were seeing. We recently had a Pediatric dentist move into the same area as our pediatrician, and I heard he was a great dentist, so I called and scheduled appointment for them all!
We will start with the best news....or maybe we should save the best news for last. Lets do that.
So....we will start with Isaac. POOR ISAAC! He cannot catch a break! Isaac was seen second. I told them before he went back about the damage he had done when he fell and knocked one tooth out and loosed four or five. The two top front permanents have come in, and don't look too great, so I have been concerned about them. Little did I know - that would be the LEAST of my concerns!
They decided to do a full xray on him. The dr looks at the xray - and I COULD TELL!!! He called me over and started pointing the "shadows" out on the xray. This xray does not typically show cavities and decay - it is mainly used to see where his permanent teeth are and how they are coming in. His teeth are so bad that this xray showed decay - even in teeth that have not come in yet.
The dentist asked if he had ever had a high fever or taken a lot of medicine. Well, if you know Isaac, you know he has been to the ER several times for spiked fevers and has had too many ear infections to count (which he has to be put on antibiotics for). The dentist said he had severe enviromental damage to his teeth. He said most likely the fevers and/or medicine are to blame. There was nothing we could have done to prevent it from happening. His back/side teeth are so bad that if you were to poke his teeth with something sharp - it would most likely go THROUGH his tooth.
So, plan of action at this point. He will basically have to have most of his side/back teeth capped and some pulled. Several of the teeth, the decay has almost reached the nerves. When his six year molars finish coming in, they will be removed. The hope is that by removing his six year molars as soon as they come in, his twelve year molars will move into the spot of the six year and his wisdom teeth will take the place of his twelve year molars. Then he will not have to have wisdom teeth removed.
Worst case scenario, Isaac may have MANY years of lots of dental procedures to save what we can and get them in decent condition. He is being put on flouride toothpaste to try and strenthen the teeth.
Caleb - next to worst - first to be seen. He did great. He has a few cavitites that need to be addressed with a light filling. They are in baby teeth and his xray showed he would probably be losing all of the remaining baby teeth in the next year. They are going to have to pull at least two - maybe four - of his teeth (two on top two on bottom) due to overcrowding. His teeth are not coming in straight right now. Hopefully doing this will cause the ones that are coming in wrong to correct themselves and the ones that will be coming in to come in straight. If this doesn't work, he will be getting braces probably next year.
Bryce - PERFECTION!!! Not even the beginning of a cavity! He still has straight, beautiful teeth! Let's hope he is lucky enough to keep them.
Oh yeah, Caleb is very proud - he is now using a "BIG PERSON" tooth brush! No more cutsy tooth brushes for him!!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Another Word
Andrew is saying another word! When he sees or wants food he says "Dee" or "Deat" and reaches for the food!
Bryce Goes BACK to School
Since I am no longer babysitting, I went yesterday to see if there was space in Mothers Day Out for Bryce to go back. There was not space in the class he was in, but there was a spot in the other class.
I was not going to let him start yesterday because I knew they were doing Valentine parties, and noone knew he would be there. They asked him if he wanted to stay though, and he got REALLY excited - so I let him. I ran to the store and got him candy and Valentines. Then I took them up there and sat at the signin sheet filling the cards out. I guess I shouldn't have done that! All of the valentines he got just had the "from" filled in. Oh well!
He is only going one day a week - but it will be good for both of us!
I was not going to let him start yesterday because I knew they were doing Valentine parties, and noone knew he would be there. They asked him if he wanted to stay though, and he got REALLY excited - so I let him. I ran to the store and got him candy and Valentines. Then I took them up there and sat at the signin sheet filling the cards out. I guess I shouldn't have done that! All of the valentines he got just had the "from" filled in. Oh well!
He is only going one day a week - but it will be good for both of us!
Andrew Update
Well, Andrew is completely off of milk now! FULL ON PREGESTIMIL!! We had been commenting that we were noticing a difference - and he had not been completely off the regular formula yet. Then this morning, with his VERY first Pregestimil only bottle - he has been throwing up. His bottom had cleared up, and was only bleeding and looking bad when he had a dirty diaper instead of all of the time, now it is red all of the time again. So, I don't know if I am giving him something that has milk in it, or if it is something else. I will just continue our food diary and see what happens now that he is off the formula.
Unfortunately, the dr and I keep crossing paths with phone calls. I used ALL of my minutes on my cell phone (first time in almost 2 years I have even come close), so I am only giving them my home number - and I have been taking Paul to and from work, kids to and from school, plus doing three weeks worth of errands - so I have not had much time at home this week! The boys are out of school today and Monday, so I am trying to get a message in this morning for them to call me!
I am going to ask them to just go ahead and do full allergy testing on him - including wheat (which I hear is a seperate test from the other allergies). I don't want to just play the guessing game and putting off taking care of whatever the problem might be!
I must say, though, AJ has tried some new foods out of this and he is LOVING many of them. We found this stuff called Cheetas Puffcorn. It is in the shape of popcorn kernals, but it is puffy like cheeto puffs. They are (artificial) butter flavor and both Paul and Bryce say they taste just like popcorn. He is pretty limited to the types of chips he will be able to have (I think it is just some plain potato chip flavor and some bbq flavored) so this was a nice find for him. He doesn't really eat potato chips much yet, but he will be soon I am sure!
I have made an "Andrew safe" shelf in our pantry - the only food allowed on this shelf is food that Andrew can eat. This just makes it easier on Paul and I while we try to learn the different ingredients that he has to avoid. After spending an hour and a half grocery shopping just for Andrew, I don't want to have to dig and read labels everytime I go to fix him something to eat!
So, this is a definent learning experience for all of us. That is what having kids is all about, right? Hopefully, we have found the reason for the problems. I am not putting too much into the reflux this morning or the red bottom just yet. His system had been cleared out until Saturday, so it kind of explains why symptoms are just now getting bad again. Hopefully, now they will completely clear and he will be doing MUCH better.
Let's see what the next week holds for us (hopefully a lot less than the last couple!!!).
Unfortunately, the dr and I keep crossing paths with phone calls. I used ALL of my minutes on my cell phone (first time in almost 2 years I have even come close), so I am only giving them my home number - and I have been taking Paul to and from work, kids to and from school, plus doing three weeks worth of errands - so I have not had much time at home this week! The boys are out of school today and Monday, so I am trying to get a message in this morning for them to call me!
I am going to ask them to just go ahead and do full allergy testing on him - including wheat (which I hear is a seperate test from the other allergies). I don't want to just play the guessing game and putting off taking care of whatever the problem might be!
I must say, though, AJ has tried some new foods out of this and he is LOVING many of them. We found this stuff called Cheetas Puffcorn. It is in the shape of popcorn kernals, but it is puffy like cheeto puffs. They are (artificial) butter flavor and both Paul and Bryce say they taste just like popcorn. He is pretty limited to the types of chips he will be able to have (I think it is just some plain potato chip flavor and some bbq flavored) so this was a nice find for him. He doesn't really eat potato chips much yet, but he will be soon I am sure!
I have made an "Andrew safe" shelf in our pantry - the only food allowed on this shelf is food that Andrew can eat. This just makes it easier on Paul and I while we try to learn the different ingredients that he has to avoid. After spending an hour and a half grocery shopping just for Andrew, I don't want to have to dig and read labels everytime I go to fix him something to eat!
So, this is a definent learning experience for all of us. That is what having kids is all about, right? Hopefully, we have found the reason for the problems. I am not putting too much into the reflux this morning or the red bottom just yet. His system had been cleared out until Saturday, so it kind of explains why symptoms are just now getting bad again. Hopefully, now they will completely clear and he will be doing MUCH better.
Let's see what the next week holds for us (hopefully a lot less than the last couple!!!).
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Paul's Jeep
Well, we met with the ladies insurance company (the lady that hit Paul). She met us at the shop where he was getting his muffler fixed. They took pictures of his Jeep and the damage. She found even more damage than we saw this morning!
She said the damage to the Jeep is nothing compared to the damage to the other womans car. She had just left from getting pictures of her car. While we were standing there looking at different things on the Jeep, Paul reached under the Jeep and pulled out several pieces of the other ladies car. The insurance woman said the metal bumpers were really nice (as far as not doing as much damage to the vehicle the bumper is on).
As of now, he will be getting a new fender, bumper, possibly hood (there is minimal damage so they may just try and rebend and paint, there is possible suspension damage, definent alignment damage.
Also, when I was going to get in the car to get Paul, I noticed a couple of big spots of grease or oil that had leaked after he got hit and pulled back into the driveway. I was taking a closer look and noticed a piece of metal in the pile. I picked it up in a ziploc bag and took it with me. We showed a guy at the muffler shop and he said it looked like it could be a piece from his steering something or another. So there might be damage there too.
Paul has taken it to the shop and is picking up a rental car. They OFFERED a rental car - we said nothing about one. Since the Jeep is going to one of their preferred shops, they will pay for the rental until the Jeep is completed!
So, while still a major pain in the bootie to deal with, so far it has gone quick and smooth. Hopefully it will continue that way.
Our neighbor across the street, who also came and talked to the police when they were here, called the street department today. We had asked what needed to be done to get a center strip or speed bump or something put in. The police said to email the mayor who will probably send us to the street department. The neighbor skipped the mayor - went straight to the street department and they said they could do something with the curve. Now, hopefully, they will!
She said the damage to the Jeep is nothing compared to the damage to the other womans car. She had just left from getting pictures of her car. While we were standing there looking at different things on the Jeep, Paul reached under the Jeep and pulled out several pieces of the other ladies car. The insurance woman said the metal bumpers were really nice (as far as not doing as much damage to the vehicle the bumper is on).
As of now, he will be getting a new fender, bumper, possibly hood (there is minimal damage so they may just try and rebend and paint, there is possible suspension damage, definent alignment damage.
Also, when I was going to get in the car to get Paul, I noticed a couple of big spots of grease or oil that had leaked after he got hit and pulled back into the driveway. I was taking a closer look and noticed a piece of metal in the pile. I picked it up in a ziploc bag and took it with me. We showed a guy at the muffler shop and he said it looked like it could be a piece from his steering something or another. So there might be damage there too.
Paul has taken it to the shop and is picking up a rental car. They OFFERED a rental car - we said nothing about one. Since the Jeep is going to one of their preferred shops, they will pay for the rental until the Jeep is completed!
So, while still a major pain in the bootie to deal with, so far it has gone quick and smooth. Hopefully it will continue that way.
Our neighbor across the street, who also came and talked to the police when they were here, called the street department today. We had asked what needed to be done to get a center strip or speed bump or something put in. The police said to email the mayor who will probably send us to the street department. The neighbor skipped the mayor - went straight to the street department and they said they could do something with the curve. Now, hopefully, they will!
When it Rains...
It pours. Right now, it is pouring elephants!!
To add to the muffler going out on Paul's jeep, Andrew being in and out of the hospital for two weeks, the food poisoning we all had weekend before last, the washer going out, trying to learn this milk-free diet and....well, I think that was it...Paul was in an accident this morning!
Luckily, he was in the jeep, and the kids were not with him or home. I had left to take the kids to school and Paul was taking his Jeep to get fixed. I was going to meet him at the shop and take him to work.
He pulled out of the driveway and started to go around the curve in front of our house. A lady was looking at the ice (that was not even in the road) and driving in the wrong "lane" (we do not have lines in the street). Paul came to a stop, but by the time he honked it got her attention enough for her to look up as she hit him. She did not even brake!
Paul has a metal bumper and she was in a little Suzuki car, so Paul got the least amount of damage. Her front right corner is pretty much gone (in our yard at the moment). She was able to slowly drive it the couple of blocks home (although I think she left a trail of falling off pieces!). His bumper will have to be replaced. She also hit his left fender and it kind of buckled in a couple of places. The metal bent and the paint chipped. The worst damage is that he is now having to hold his steering wheel almost half turned to go straight. She REALLY screwed up his alignment!
So, we meet with her insurance company this afternoon at the muffler shop. Paul has already found a dealership that can fix it and is not backed up, we just need to get it up there.
Bryce was VERY excited. He keeps telling everyone he had a policeman in his yard this morning because there were broken cars in our driveway and street.
EVENTUALLY this black cloud will move from over our heads.....Right?
To add to the muffler going out on Paul's jeep, Andrew being in and out of the hospital for two weeks, the food poisoning we all had weekend before last, the washer going out, trying to learn this milk-free diet and....well, I think that was it...Paul was in an accident this morning!
Luckily, he was in the jeep, and the kids were not with him or home. I had left to take the kids to school and Paul was taking his Jeep to get fixed. I was going to meet him at the shop and take him to work.
He pulled out of the driveway and started to go around the curve in front of our house. A lady was looking at the ice (that was not even in the road) and driving in the wrong "lane" (we do not have lines in the street). Paul came to a stop, but by the time he honked it got her attention enough for her to look up as she hit him. She did not even brake!
Paul has a metal bumper and she was in a little Suzuki car, so Paul got the least amount of damage. Her front right corner is pretty much gone (in our yard at the moment). She was able to slowly drive it the couple of blocks home (although I think she left a trail of falling off pieces!). His bumper will have to be replaced. She also hit his left fender and it kind of buckled in a couple of places. The metal bent and the paint chipped. The worst damage is that he is now having to hold his steering wheel almost half turned to go straight. She REALLY screwed up his alignment!
So, we meet with her insurance company this afternoon at the muffler shop. Paul has already found a dealership that can fix it and is not backed up, we just need to get it up there.
Bryce was VERY excited. He keeps telling everyone he had a policeman in his yard this morning because there were broken cars in our driveway and street.
EVENTUALLY this black cloud will move from over our heads.....Right?
Monday, February 11, 2008
Pictures from the Hospital
Thursday, the only day I left the hospital, I stopped at Walmart to get some snacks for me and some entertainment for Andrew. He needed some tshirts (we did not want to put onesies on him because it was pushing his diaper up against his diaper rash) and this happened to be the first one I saw. It was TOO fitting, so I had to get it!
Saturday, February 09, 2008
HOME AT LAST!!
Well, we have been home for about 20 minutes. Andrew was so excited when Daddy put him on the floor to play! He has been going non-stop, laughing and squealing!
After talking for quite a while with the dr about what we need to do with him, we have decided (with the dr) that we are going to change his diet (at least temporarily). While we were in the hospital he was put on a lactose free formula. He did not have reflux one time while we were there. I asked about whether that could be a sign that he is lactose intolerant. She said she does not think he is lactose intolerant because he does not ALWAYS have diarrhea, which he would if he was intolerant. She said it is possible that he could have a milk allergy though. She started naming some symptoms of milk allergy and he had several of them.
So, we are going to just try some different things. We are going to transition him to the lactose free stuff we were using at the hospital. We are curious if maybe his reflux was not as bad there because of the fact that he was getting about an ounce an hour instead of 8 ounces in minutes. Because he does not do well actually drinking a bottle that is not what he is used to, we will transition him over the next week to get him used to the different taste.
This will be a difficult experiment. Trying to avoid milk is much harder than avoiding yogurt, cheese, milk, ice cream, etc. It will mean reading labels on EVERYTHING. Milk is even used as a filler in things like hot dogs. IF this takes care of his reflux issues, it will be worth it though.
He has had one bottle orally today (it has all been through the feeding tube up to then). So far he has not had any problems and the dr does not think he will. She did however send me home with her phone number - but asked that I did not call between 7 and 9 tonight because she would be at the symphony (unless it is life or death of course). She set up for us to talk with a nutritionist before we left to discuss what changes we would need to make and she also got us some formula to take home to try out. The formula is prescription only so I have to call her office and get set up with a formula distribution company (and make sure insurance will pay for the formula).
Now that we have him getting well again, we will be working actively to get to the bottom of his issues. We are not going to wait until he is a year old like we had previously planned (to see if he would outgrow the reflux). We are on the same page with the dr and will be working closely with her to get him straightened out so this does not happen every time he gets sick and he does not lose anymore weight!
After talking for quite a while with the dr about what we need to do with him, we have decided (with the dr) that we are going to change his diet (at least temporarily). While we were in the hospital he was put on a lactose free formula. He did not have reflux one time while we were there. I asked about whether that could be a sign that he is lactose intolerant. She said she does not think he is lactose intolerant because he does not ALWAYS have diarrhea, which he would if he was intolerant. She said it is possible that he could have a milk allergy though. She started naming some symptoms of milk allergy and he had several of them.
So, we are going to just try some different things. We are going to transition him to the lactose free stuff we were using at the hospital. We are curious if maybe his reflux was not as bad there because of the fact that he was getting about an ounce an hour instead of 8 ounces in minutes. Because he does not do well actually drinking a bottle that is not what he is used to, we will transition him over the next week to get him used to the different taste.
This will be a difficult experiment. Trying to avoid milk is much harder than avoiding yogurt, cheese, milk, ice cream, etc. It will mean reading labels on EVERYTHING. Milk is even used as a filler in things like hot dogs. IF this takes care of his reflux issues, it will be worth it though.
He has had one bottle orally today (it has all been through the feeding tube up to then). So far he has not had any problems and the dr does not think he will. She did however send me home with her phone number - but asked that I did not call between 7 and 9 tonight because she would be at the symphony (unless it is life or death of course). She set up for us to talk with a nutritionist before we left to discuss what changes we would need to make and she also got us some formula to take home to try out. The formula is prescription only so I have to call her office and get set up with a formula distribution company (and make sure insurance will pay for the formula).
Now that we have him getting well again, we will be working actively to get to the bottom of his issues. We are not going to wait until he is a year old like we had previously planned (to see if he would outgrow the reflux). We are on the same page with the dr and will be working closely with her to get him straightened out so this does not happen every time he gets sick and he does not lose anymore weight!
Such an Amazing Little Boy
I have four amazing little boys really, but....
Andrew just blows me away. He has always been such a happy, calm and quiet little boy. These last two weeks have REALLY shown his true colors! It amazes me that has horrible as this poor baby has felt and as many tubes as he has had running in him, he can continue to put on the biggest, cutest most truthful and honest smile ever. When he was at his worst, fever-wise, he would just lay there but he would still look you straight in the eye and give a smile. Now, he is flirting with all the nurses and loving all of the attention and the "you are SO adorable" and "you are so handsome" and "look at those blue eyes" (as he bats them at the nurses). He is eating it ALL up!
He is also being so patient. Not only does he still have a tube in his nose, but he isn't really getting to be mobile - which is hard for any little kid, but especially hard on one that started walking handsfree right before he got sick. He has been sitting in his stroller playing with his toys since 8 this morning.
It really makes it hard to complain that I am having to sit at a hospital. As much as I hate it! When I start getting cabin fever (which I am A LOT lately) I look at this sweet baby who is not feeling well and has tubes from his nose to his small intestines and one in his foot and I see him smiling and sitting patiently - with very few, if any complaints - and it REALLY puts things in perspective! Makes it MUCH easier to be here in our little closet.
I will say this, when I left for a couple of hours Thursday - the sun was literally blinding me! My eyes were REALLY hurting because I am on the side of the room here with no window! I will have to adjust to no longer seeing only flourescent lights!
Andrew just blows me away. He has always been such a happy, calm and quiet little boy. These last two weeks have REALLY shown his true colors! It amazes me that has horrible as this poor baby has felt and as many tubes as he has had running in him, he can continue to put on the biggest, cutest most truthful and honest smile ever. When he was at his worst, fever-wise, he would just lay there but he would still look you straight in the eye and give a smile. Now, he is flirting with all the nurses and loving all of the attention and the "you are SO adorable" and "you are so handsome" and "look at those blue eyes" (as he bats them at the nurses). He is eating it ALL up!
He is also being so patient. Not only does he still have a tube in his nose, but he isn't really getting to be mobile - which is hard for any little kid, but especially hard on one that started walking handsfree right before he got sick. He has been sitting in his stroller playing with his toys since 8 this morning.
It really makes it hard to complain that I am having to sit at a hospital. As much as I hate it! When I start getting cabin fever (which I am A LOT lately) I look at this sweet baby who is not feeling well and has tubes from his nose to his small intestines and one in his foot and I see him smiling and sitting patiently - with very few, if any complaints - and it REALLY puts things in perspective! Makes it MUCH easier to be here in our little closet.
I will say this, when I left for a couple of hours Thursday - the sun was literally blinding me! My eyes were REALLY hurting because I am on the side of the room here with no window! I will have to adjust to no longer seeing only flourescent lights!
Just One More Thing To Our LONG Couple of Weeks...
Paul stayed home last night during Parents Night Out (instead of coming back to the hospital) to try and tackle the two weeks of VERY bad laundry we have. He was gathering laundry to take it all to the laundry mat, and had one load in the washer.
MY WASHER BROKE!!!
Could not have come at a worse time! I knew it was going out. It is OLD and I have been having to put laundry through a couple of times to get all of the water out of the clothes. But, when someone is trying to make a small dent in a bad laundry situation (one that really could not be avoided since noone has been home the past two weeks) - well, that is not really the time for your washer to be breaking!
So, he went and spent TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS at the laundry mat to wash all of the clothes. This on top of the expense that I need to buy new sheets for ALL of the boys (due to the food poisoning episodes where the sheets were to bad to save - and since the clothes have been sitting there for a week - I am REALLY glad we just threw them all away!!!) - this has turned into and expensive couple of weeks!
Oh, and did I mention in a previous post that Paul's muffler went out on his jeep when he was coming home to take Andrew to the hospital with me?
Keep piling it on!
MY WASHER BROKE!!!
Could not have come at a worse time! I knew it was going out. It is OLD and I have been having to put laundry through a couple of times to get all of the water out of the clothes. But, when someone is trying to make a small dent in a bad laundry situation (one that really could not be avoided since noone has been home the past two weeks) - well, that is not really the time for your washer to be breaking!
So, he went and spent TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS at the laundry mat to wash all of the clothes. This on top of the expense that I need to buy new sheets for ALL of the boys (due to the food poisoning episodes where the sheets were to bad to save - and since the clothes have been sitting there for a week - I am REALLY glad we just threw them all away!!!) - this has turned into and expensive couple of weeks!
Oh, and did I mention in a previous post that Paul's muffler went out on his jeep when he was coming home to take Andrew to the hospital with me?
Keep piling it on!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Andrew Update
Andrew is doing well today. The IV got disconnected today, although it is still actually in his foot - one less tube to get tangled up in! His feeding tube is still in, for now. He is supposed to reach his goal with that tonight and if he continues to do well we will have the tube removed in the morning.
The dr came in this morning and was pleased with his progress. She said that if he keeps up the way he is going now, we will be out tomorrow evening. She put him back on his normal solid food diet. He is allowed to have anything - as long as it does not have dairy in it. He had spagetti, mashed potatoes and a banana for lunch. I had to make him stop eating for fear he would get sick - and he was not happy about it! He ate about a third of the plate of spagetti and 2/3 of the banana and a couple of bites of potatoes. He was very excited to have some "real" food. It is still very sad when they come in to pour a bottle of formula in his bag - he cries when he sees the bottle - because he wants to DRINK the bottle!
Our neighbors in our room got to go home today. I had gotten used to the poor babies pulse monitor going off CONTINUOUSLY!! It is just me and AJ right now - and boy is it quiet....well, maybe inactive would be a better word! I am on the infant and toddler unit so between the babies and the nurses quiet probably is not a fitting word.
I have taken some pictures today and yesterday. If I can find the necessary cables in Paul's bag, I will post some pictures so you can all feel even more sorry for the poor boy!
The dr came in this morning and was pleased with his progress. She said that if he keeps up the way he is going now, we will be out tomorrow evening. She put him back on his normal solid food diet. He is allowed to have anything - as long as it does not have dairy in it. He had spagetti, mashed potatoes and a banana for lunch. I had to make him stop eating for fear he would get sick - and he was not happy about it! He ate about a third of the plate of spagetti and 2/3 of the banana and a couple of bites of potatoes. He was very excited to have some "real" food. It is still very sad when they come in to pour a bottle of formula in his bag - he cries when he sees the bottle - because he wants to DRINK the bottle!
Our neighbors in our room got to go home today. I had gotten used to the poor babies pulse monitor going off CONTINUOUSLY!! It is just me and AJ right now - and boy is it quiet....well, maybe inactive would be a better word! I am on the infant and toddler unit so between the babies and the nurses quiet probably is not a fitting word.
I have taken some pictures today and yesterday. If I can find the necessary cables in Paul's bag, I will post some pictures so you can all feel even more sorry for the poor boy!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Andrew Back in Hospital
We went Tuesday morning to the GI dr, expecting just a regular check-up. After going over everything that we had gone through last week while in the hospital and me getting lectured because I did not call her while we were at the hospital, she told us we were going back for a week to two weeks. So, here we are - at Children's.
Basically, Andrew's intestine and stomach linings are really screwed up right now. He apparently had some pretty serious virus that did not have any symptoms (other than the fever). Between that virus, not eating well, the diarrhea from the antibiotics he was on, etc. etc. etc. - he had no hope!
He was only taking 8-12 ounces of formula the few days we were home. He was just doomed! It was going out one end as quick as it was going in the other. The dr was really concerned about the amount of weight he had lost and just his overall condition.
So, I went home, got Lilah picked up and Paul home and we went to the hospital. He was taken off food and put on an IV. Wednesday they put a feeding tube down his nose and started drip feeding him. They are slowly weaning him back onto his normal amount of formula, but on a lactose free formula for the time being. If he can get back up to his normal amount of formula with the feeding tube, and not have any diarrhea, they will take the tube out and let him start with bottles again.
Today they also let him start solids again. He is allowed to have yellow vegetables, potatoes and cheerios (GOTTA HAVE THE CHEERIOS!!!). The cheerios are proving somewhat troublesome with the tube though, but he still wants them! He was happy about getting to eat again!
At this point the dr is very happy with his improvement. His bottom looks MUCH better! He has, however, started spitting up again today. Hopefully this will not be too much of a problem, since he has reflux. She has said that if we keep up this was we should be able to go home by Sunday. We are HOPEFUL! It may take me a while to get over the past couple of weeks. I think when God is done CARRYING me through this, it will REALLY hit and hard! Between him being sick, the hospital last week, food poisoning last weekend, and the hospital again (this time with no bed - just a fold out chair) - eventually I will pass out!
I left the hospital for a couple of hours today to take Bryce to MDO, go home and shower and get some more clean clothes and ran to Walmart to get some snacks and some new (exciting) toys for Andrew. Since he is feeling better - boredom is setting in. When I got back to the hospital, I noticed the stroller in the back of the car and grabbed it! Two weeks of holding Andrew almost non-stop has gotten to both of us! So, he is sitting in his stroller next to me, playing, as I type.
I will try to keep you updated as I can. I have not had a computer with me until today, so as long as I have it here and can get service I will try to give daily updates. Thank you to EVERYONE who has helped us the last few days with the kids and for all the prayers and support we have received. Please continue to pray for him until he completely pulls through this and returns to himself.
Basically, Andrew's intestine and stomach linings are really screwed up right now. He apparently had some pretty serious virus that did not have any symptoms (other than the fever). Between that virus, not eating well, the diarrhea from the antibiotics he was on, etc. etc. etc. - he had no hope!
He was only taking 8-12 ounces of formula the few days we were home. He was just doomed! It was going out one end as quick as it was going in the other. The dr was really concerned about the amount of weight he had lost and just his overall condition.
So, I went home, got Lilah picked up and Paul home and we went to the hospital. He was taken off food and put on an IV. Wednesday they put a feeding tube down his nose and started drip feeding him. They are slowly weaning him back onto his normal amount of formula, but on a lactose free formula for the time being. If he can get back up to his normal amount of formula with the feeding tube, and not have any diarrhea, they will take the tube out and let him start with bottles again.
Today they also let him start solids again. He is allowed to have yellow vegetables, potatoes and cheerios (GOTTA HAVE THE CHEERIOS!!!). The cheerios are proving somewhat troublesome with the tube though, but he still wants them! He was happy about getting to eat again!
At this point the dr is very happy with his improvement. His bottom looks MUCH better! He has, however, started spitting up again today. Hopefully this will not be too much of a problem, since he has reflux. She has said that if we keep up this was we should be able to go home by Sunday. We are HOPEFUL! It may take me a while to get over the past couple of weeks. I think when God is done CARRYING me through this, it will REALLY hit and hard! Between him being sick, the hospital last week, food poisoning last weekend, and the hospital again (this time with no bed - just a fold out chair) - eventually I will pass out!
I left the hospital for a couple of hours today to take Bryce to MDO, go home and shower and get some more clean clothes and ran to Walmart to get some snacks and some new (exciting) toys for Andrew. Since he is feeling better - boredom is setting in. When I got back to the hospital, I noticed the stroller in the back of the car and grabbed it! Two weeks of holding Andrew almost non-stop has gotten to both of us! So, he is sitting in his stroller next to me, playing, as I type.
I will try to keep you updated as I can. I have not had a computer with me until today, so as long as I have it here and can get service I will try to give daily updates. Thank you to EVERYONE who has helped us the last few days with the kids and for all the prayers and support we have received. Please continue to pray for him until he completely pulls through this and returns to himself.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Another Bad Week
This week is not starting out any better than last week. After watching the GIANTS win the SuperBowl, Caleb got up sick - followed by Isaac and Bryce. I will save the nasty details, but we all came down with either food poisoning or a virus. I am leaning towards food poisoning because it is not likely that we ALL get the virus at the exact same time!
We have not eaten much today, although everyone seems to be feeling better (just want to make sure!!). Paul made some soup tonight for dinner. As soon as we sit down to eat, Andrew throws up everywhere.
Monday night of last week is when everything went South and we ended up in the hospital for three days. I sure hope this is not a sign of what is to come this week.
The good news, since everyone stayed home today and Paul was feeling better than me, I spent the entire day in bed. It was nice to catch up on all the sleep I did not get last week!
We have not eaten much today, although everyone seems to be feeling better (just want to make sure!!). Paul made some soup tonight for dinner. As soon as we sit down to eat, Andrew throws up everywhere.
Monday night of last week is when everything went South and we ended up in the hospital for three days. I sure hope this is not a sign of what is to come this week.
The good news, since everyone stayed home today and Paul was feeling better than me, I spent the entire day in bed. It was nice to catch up on all the sleep I did not get last week!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Awesome Hubby
Daddy came home from LA when AJ had to go to the hospital. He was awesome this week. When he got in, he came by the hospital to check on Andrew and bring me some dinner. Then he went and picked the kids up and got them dressed and to school the next morning. I had left all of Caleb's jeans in the washer and did not go grocery shopping - so it was a long morning of trying to get things going. He got everyone to school on time, with a lunch and school bags, etc.
Then he brought me some clothes and stuff to the hospital. When I found out AJ had to go to the hospital, I came home and got Lilah picked up, and my boys taken care of for the day, then rushed out the door. I did not pack ANYTHING for myself, knowing that we would be there for at least 24 hours. Mommy brain, I guess!!
Daddy stayed with us until the boys had to be picked up from school. Bryce was also there - and behaved VERY well! I was able to walk around for a little while and get a break for a little while. When they left to get the other boys, it was our understanding AJ would be released that day. I sent my bag with Paul so I did not have as much to carry. We soon found out that AJ was NOT getting released and I was again, with nothing! So, when Chrisanna got off work, she took the boys long enough for Paul to bring me some PJs and clothes and toilitries. After laying in bed in my jeans and sweater all day and then all night the first night - I was ready for some fresh clothes and comfort.
AJ and I neither one got much sleep. They had to come in pretty frequent and check his temperature so we were constantly being awakened. He slept pretty decently last night. He was not waking up from feeling bad all night and actually slept through all the vital checks and IV alarms. I was SO glad to see that. I am sure we will both sleep WELL tonight!
I took a couple of pictures with my phone, but I have to figure out how to get them on the computer, so I will post them later.
Then he brought me some clothes and stuff to the hospital. When I found out AJ had to go to the hospital, I came home and got Lilah picked up, and my boys taken care of for the day, then rushed out the door. I did not pack ANYTHING for myself, knowing that we would be there for at least 24 hours. Mommy brain, I guess!!
Daddy stayed with us until the boys had to be picked up from school. Bryce was also there - and behaved VERY well! I was able to walk around for a little while and get a break for a little while. When they left to get the other boys, it was our understanding AJ would be released that day. I sent my bag with Paul so I did not have as much to carry. We soon found out that AJ was NOT getting released and I was again, with nothing! So, when Chrisanna got off work, she took the boys long enough for Paul to bring me some PJs and clothes and toilitries. After laying in bed in my jeans and sweater all day and then all night the first night - I was ready for some fresh clothes and comfort.
AJ and I neither one got much sleep. They had to come in pretty frequent and check his temperature so we were constantly being awakened. He slept pretty decently last night. He was not waking up from feeling bad all night and actually slept through all the vital checks and IV alarms. I was SO glad to see that. I am sure we will both sleep WELL tonight!
I took a couple of pictures with my phone, but I have to figure out how to get them on the computer, so I will post them later.
SO Glad To Be Home!!!
REALLY! Andrew went to bed on Monday at about 5:30pm. He sometimes goes down for a nap for about an hour. I went to get him up, and he did not want to get up. Tuesday morning he got up, took a six ounce bottle and seemed fine. Shortly after he started running a fever. He has had a cold off and on for a while, so I did not rush him to the dr, since they can't do anything for it. By four in the afternoon, his fever was 104.4. I called the drs office to see if and when to take him to the er, because he would not eat. He had had six ounces since the previous day.
They set up an appt for Wednesday morning, and told me what to watch for and when to go to the er. We made it through the night, kinda. We did not go to the er, but his temp kept spiking and he would not eat or sleep. We went to our appt Wednesday morning, they did a flu test and exam. Flu swab came back negative. The only thing they could find was a red ear. No other symptoms - just a HIGH fever.
We were sent to the hospital. He was so dehydrated that he cried hard for 20 minutes, not a tear. His lips were dry and shrivled. His mouth was dry. The drs office had put numbing cream on his hands and feet for the iv. After trying 6-8 different places, they could not get a vein for the iv. He was that dehydrated. They put the iv in his HEAD!!
We were planning a 24 hour stay. IV and antibiotics for the ear infection (before it got bad). As of yesterday afternoon, we were going home as soon as he got another round of IV antibiotics. By yesterday evening, the dr called me back and apologized for her "whishy-washyness" and said she would really prefer that we stay. He was still spiking fevers and not drinking well.
He was fever free throughout the night last night. This morning, about five, the IV alarm started going off. THere was pressure building on the IV line. We had been having a problem with the line kinking, but it was not kinked. She tried to flush the line and couldn't. It did not appear that the needle had come out, so we were not sure what was going on. THe nurse talked to the dr before he came and saw us this morning. He told us that the IV was going to have to come out, since they could not find the problem with it. He could either have it put in somewhere else, or we could try going home and see how he did. We opted to come home.
He is on antibiotics still. He took a bottle this morning with no problems and is still fever free. As long as he will continue to eat, we should be fine. We have to go see our dr next Friday - assuming there are no problems before then.
Andrew was VERY happy to come home (so was I). I could barely even go to the bathroom while I was there. Andrew would not lay in the crib, so I have been holding him - non-stop - since Wednesday morning. I got him to go in the crib one time, so I could use the bathroom, and came out to him eating the metal rails!! YUCK!! I never put him in the crib again. I would wait until he was asleep in the big bed to run to the bathroom or change, etc.
Daddy came home Wednesday night. He got the next flight out of Louisiana as soon as he heard AJ was going to the hospital. Chrisanna was a life saver and handled six kids until 10:30 or 11 pm Wednesday night until Paul got there to get them. Then she kept them again for a little while last night so he could bring me some clothes and stuff. THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU CHRISANNA!!! You are awesome!
They set up an appt for Wednesday morning, and told me what to watch for and when to go to the er. We made it through the night, kinda. We did not go to the er, but his temp kept spiking and he would not eat or sleep. We went to our appt Wednesday morning, they did a flu test and exam. Flu swab came back negative. The only thing they could find was a red ear. No other symptoms - just a HIGH fever.
We were sent to the hospital. He was so dehydrated that he cried hard for 20 minutes, not a tear. His lips were dry and shrivled. His mouth was dry. The drs office had put numbing cream on his hands and feet for the iv. After trying 6-8 different places, they could not get a vein for the iv. He was that dehydrated. They put the iv in his HEAD!!
We were planning a 24 hour stay. IV and antibiotics for the ear infection (before it got bad). As of yesterday afternoon, we were going home as soon as he got another round of IV antibiotics. By yesterday evening, the dr called me back and apologized for her "whishy-washyness" and said she would really prefer that we stay. He was still spiking fevers and not drinking well.
He was fever free throughout the night last night. This morning, about five, the IV alarm started going off. THere was pressure building on the IV line. We had been having a problem with the line kinking, but it was not kinked. She tried to flush the line and couldn't. It did not appear that the needle had come out, so we were not sure what was going on. THe nurse talked to the dr before he came and saw us this morning. He told us that the IV was going to have to come out, since they could not find the problem with it. He could either have it put in somewhere else, or we could try going home and see how he did. We opted to come home.
He is on antibiotics still. He took a bottle this morning with no problems and is still fever free. As long as he will continue to eat, we should be fine. We have to go see our dr next Friday - assuming there are no problems before then.
Andrew was VERY happy to come home (so was I). I could barely even go to the bathroom while I was there. Andrew would not lay in the crib, so I have been holding him - non-stop - since Wednesday morning. I got him to go in the crib one time, so I could use the bathroom, and came out to him eating the metal rails!! YUCK!! I never put him in the crib again. I would wait until he was asleep in the big bed to run to the bathroom or change, etc.
Daddy came home Wednesday night. He got the next flight out of Louisiana as soon as he heard AJ was going to the hospital. Chrisanna was a life saver and handled six kids until 10:30 or 11 pm Wednesday night until Paul got there to get them. Then she kept them again for a little while last night so he could bring me some clothes and stuff. THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU CHRISANNA!!! You are awesome!
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