Wednesday, March 5, 2008
More pics
Here are the pics from my camera.
They all melt my heart. He is really so happy. Hard to believe the little angel came out of brain surgery 48 hours ago! Sorry I am posting so many. You know how I am a photo crazy person (among many other things!)
Enjoy!
Mama and A taking a nap in the PICU Day 1
Sleeping day 2
We are on the main floor, the on the elephant floor (go figure Anderson would be on the elephant floor of the hospital since that is his BIG sister's favorite!!!....check out the elephant's toes! Kaitlyn would be so proud!)
Sleepy man!
They all melt my heart. He is really so happy. Hard to believe the little angel came out of brain surgery 48 hours ago! Sorry I am posting so many. You know how I am a photo crazy person (among many other things!)
Enjoy!
Mama and A taking a nap in the PICU Day 1
Sleeping day 2
We are on the main floor, the on the elephant floor (go figure Anderson would be on the elephant floor of the hospital since that is his BIG sister's favorite!!!....check out the elephant's toes! Kaitlyn would be so proud!)
Sleepy man!
At Home....and Day 2 in Recovery
It's Wednesday.
Thought I would update what is happening back at home in California. Mima Sue is taking care of Ryan and Kaitlyn. She said that the other night at bedtime, Ryan was asking for Mommy and Daddy. Kaitlyn said, "Ryan do not worry buddy. Mommy and Daddy are with Anderson at a special doctor. It is really exciting b/c Popo Jim will be here in a few days and then we will go on a plane with Mima and Popo to Chicago to see Mommy and Daddy". Ryan said, "oh, okay" and went to sleep. ;) So cute!
Yesterday, Ryan had his 2 week post-op follow up with Dr. Camilon. Dr. Cami (as we call him), said that Ryan's ears look great. Typically...Ryan's ears and great do not go in the same sentence....so, we were VERY happy to hear this. Dr. Camilon says everything looks good. Dr. Camilon asked Ryan if he told Mima what he was going to be when he grows up yet? Ryan said, "Mima, I am going to be a "booger doctor" like Dr. Cami." Dr. Cami told Mima that they were planning on going into practice together to make little boys and girls feel better!! You GO Ryan! (PS...Dr. Cami calls himself a booger doctor to Ryan ;) Cute!
Also, yesterday, Kaitlyn got a "2 year" trophy at gymnastics. She called us SO excited and full of pride. You could sense the smile on her face over the phone. She has been taking gymnastics for 2 years and they presented her with a trophy. We did not know that was going to happen yesterday, so bummed we missed it. But, our friend, Lyna took pics for us to see when we get back! Kaitlyn took her trophy to share day today at school.
Now Anderson....things continue to go well. The main floor is so much quieter than the PICU. At this hospital, there is a section of the main floor (where we are) that the nurses are specially trained to take care of Dr. Frim's patients and specifically trained on post-op Chiari patients. Isn't that great? LOVE THIS PLACE! Dr. Frim's NP was telling us last night these nurses think that all of these people are walking around with Chiari and that it is "normal" b/c they see so many children with it. Dr. Frim and his NP's explain that, NO it is rare, most hospitals see around 1o-12 per YEAR. But, at UCChildren's they see 2-3/week sometimes! On average, it is around 1/week...but they can have 2-3/week. WOW! Anyway, it is nice to know that these nurses know what to expect, know how to care for Anderson, and help us understand the expectations post-surgery, etc. Did we mention we LOVE this place? We feel SO lucky to be here and in the best of hands.
Last night was a good night. Anderson slept from 8:30pm-6:30am. He woke up 1 time around 2Am and needed some morphine, but then back to sleep. I slept with him in his "big boy" bed for the 1st part of the night, and then Char and I shared the bed they have in the room the rest of the night.
Anderson is having a difficult time moving as I mentioned in last night's post. This morning he is trying to "roll over". We are trying to stop him from doing this. They want him to try sitting up 1st. When we move him, try to pick him up, etc...he cries. It is hard to see him in so much pain, it breaks our hearts. So, we are taking it slowly, and the doctors told us the same.... Increase the bed elevation a little bit at a time. We need to slowly acclimate Anderson to his "new" CSF flow. The docs told us today if we do it too fast he will get a spinal headache...and from what they understand (from their older patients...obviously, Anderson is to little and is physically unable to tell us), they are VERY VERY VERY painful. So, baby steps...baby steps right now. The surgeons continue to be impressed with Anderson, which makes us happy!
LOVE all of the posts and emails. Thank you...keep them coming, we love reading them.
Sorry these posts are long and detailed, but they are also our way of keeping track to what is happening. I am sure in 1 week we will forget, so this is also our log of events. When Anderson is asleep, I have time to do this. It is too difficult for me to read and concentrate...so I enjoy doing this.
Thanks for checking in and taking the time to read about little Anderson (and Kaitlyn and Ryan too!)
Kristen posted a few new pics below. These are ones I take with my phone and then she downloads for me...thank you! I will try to post some other pics from my camera later today.
Lastly....had to share this with you. This hospital is wonderful for so many many reasons. Dr. Frim is here, the nurses are great, the care is wonderful and the medicine practiced is state of the art. On a less important level, the hospital is 3 years old...so visually it is VERY nice. Everything has been so well thought out. The "gas" lines in the room are hidden behind kid's artwork, ech floor has a theme when you 1st enter it, the color of the lights in the elevator change colors as you approach different floors, kids artwork along the hallways..you get it. Well, in our room we have our own private bathroom. There are several pieces of tile in the bathroom that are pics that precious patients of the hospital drew. Then, there is this 1 tile in our shower where they have a copy of a Shel Silverstein poem. I think it is NO COINCIDENCE we are in this room (and, yes, I checked the room next door...they have different Shel Silverstein poem in their shower....this is our room's poem!!)
Thought I would update what is happening back at home in California. Mima Sue is taking care of Ryan and Kaitlyn. She said that the other night at bedtime, Ryan was asking for Mommy and Daddy. Kaitlyn said, "Ryan do not worry buddy. Mommy and Daddy are with Anderson at a special doctor. It is really exciting b/c Popo Jim will be here in a few days and then we will go on a plane with Mima and Popo to Chicago to see Mommy and Daddy". Ryan said, "oh, okay" and went to sleep. ;) So cute!
Yesterday, Ryan had his 2 week post-op follow up with Dr. Camilon. Dr. Cami (as we call him), said that Ryan's ears look great. Typically...Ryan's ears and great do not go in the same sentence....so, we were VERY happy to hear this. Dr. Camilon says everything looks good. Dr. Camilon asked Ryan if he told Mima what he was going to be when he grows up yet? Ryan said, "Mima, I am going to be a "booger doctor" like Dr. Cami." Dr. Cami told Mima that they were planning on going into practice together to make little boys and girls feel better!! You GO Ryan! (PS...Dr. Cami calls himself a booger doctor to Ryan ;) Cute!
Also, yesterday, Kaitlyn got a "2 year" trophy at gymnastics. She called us SO excited and full of pride. You could sense the smile on her face over the phone. She has been taking gymnastics for 2 years and they presented her with a trophy. We did not know that was going to happen yesterday, so bummed we missed it. But, our friend, Lyna took pics for us to see when we get back! Kaitlyn took her trophy to share day today at school.
Now Anderson....things continue to go well. The main floor is so much quieter than the PICU. At this hospital, there is a section of the main floor (where we are) that the nurses are specially trained to take care of Dr. Frim's patients and specifically trained on post-op Chiari patients. Isn't that great? LOVE THIS PLACE! Dr. Frim's NP was telling us last night these nurses think that all of these people are walking around with Chiari and that it is "normal" b/c they see so many children with it. Dr. Frim and his NP's explain that, NO it is rare, most hospitals see around 1o-12 per YEAR. But, at UCChildren's they see 2-3/week sometimes! On average, it is around 1/week...but they can have 2-3/week. WOW! Anyway, it is nice to know that these nurses know what to expect, know how to care for Anderson, and help us understand the expectations post-surgery, etc. Did we mention we LOVE this place? We feel SO lucky to be here and in the best of hands.
Last night was a good night. Anderson slept from 8:30pm-6:30am. He woke up 1 time around 2Am and needed some morphine, but then back to sleep. I slept with him in his "big boy" bed for the 1st part of the night, and then Char and I shared the bed they have in the room the rest of the night.
Anderson is having a difficult time moving as I mentioned in last night's post. This morning he is trying to "roll over". We are trying to stop him from doing this. They want him to try sitting up 1st. When we move him, try to pick him up, etc...he cries. It is hard to see him in so much pain, it breaks our hearts. So, we are taking it slowly, and the doctors told us the same.... Increase the bed elevation a little bit at a time. We need to slowly acclimate Anderson to his "new" CSF flow. The docs told us today if we do it too fast he will get a spinal headache...and from what they understand (from their older patients...obviously, Anderson is to little and is physically unable to tell us), they are VERY VERY VERY painful. So, baby steps...baby steps right now. The surgeons continue to be impressed with Anderson, which makes us happy!
LOVE all of the posts and emails. Thank you...keep them coming, we love reading them.
Sorry these posts are long and detailed, but they are also our way of keeping track to what is happening. I am sure in 1 week we will forget, so this is also our log of events. When Anderson is asleep, I have time to do this. It is too difficult for me to read and concentrate...so I enjoy doing this.
Thanks for checking in and taking the time to read about little Anderson (and Kaitlyn and Ryan too!)
Kristen posted a few new pics below. These are ones I take with my phone and then she downloads for me...thank you! I will try to post some other pics from my camera later today.
Lastly....had to share this with you. This hospital is wonderful for so many many reasons. Dr. Frim is here, the nurses are great, the care is wonderful and the medicine practiced is state of the art. On a less important level, the hospital is 3 years old...so visually it is VERY nice. Everything has been so well thought out. The "gas" lines in the room are hidden behind kid's artwork, ech floor has a theme when you 1st enter it, the color of the lights in the elevator change colors as you approach different floors, kids artwork along the hallways..you get it. Well, in our room we have our own private bathroom. There are several pieces of tile in the bathroom that are pics that precious patients of the hospital drew. Then, there is this 1 tile in our shower where they have a copy of a Shel Silverstein poem. I think it is NO COINCIDENCE we are in this room (and, yes, I checked the room next door...they have different Shel Silverstein poem in their shower....this is our room's poem!!)
The Voice
There is a voice inside of you
That whispers all day long,
"I feel that this is right for me,
I know that this is wrong."
No teacher, preacher, parent, friend
Or wise man can decide
What's right for you~~just listen to
The voice that speaks inside.
By Shel Sivlerstein
There is a voice inside of you
That whispers all day long,
"I feel that this is right for me,
I know that this is wrong."
No teacher, preacher, parent, friend
Or wise man can decide
What's right for you~~just listen to
The voice that speaks inside.
By Shel Sivlerstein
Crazy, huh? That voice was speaking to Charlie and I for MONTHS AND MONTHS. It is so true...listen to your voice! Coincidence? I do not think so ;)
XOXOXO
XOXOXO
Liz and Charlie
Anderson - You're the Man!
Here are a few more pictures.
Anderson moving to Main floor (more freedom!)
Day 2 in Recovery
Reading with Mama
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Main Floor
It's Tuesday night. We are on the main floor now. The nurses and doctors are not in quite as frequent, overall it is just quieter.
Anderson continues to do well. He is eating well, and not throwing up. The NP felt that we were in the clear at this point. We shall see.....
The only thing that Anderson is having a hard time doing is moving. Understandably! He does not like us to pick him up or move him. Dr. Frim says this is good, this means his CSF is flowing and he does not know what the feeling is, it feels "different" to him. He needs to adjust to this new feeling. In addition, obviously, it is painful for Anderson b/c they just did major surgery on his brain and cut thru the back of his neck to get there.
Anderson was much more alert today, we read books, watched a few cartoons (he NEVER sits still to typically watch Dora!), sang songs, took naps, ate! It was a good day. It's hard to believe he had major surgery 24 hours ago!
I am not sure we will be as spoiled tonight though as we were last night. Aunt Sara and Uncle John and his family bribed the night shift nurses last night in the PICU with pizzas. They told the nurses to take extra care of their nephew ;) Thank you....we did get some extra special treatment last night! ;) What a fun idea!
Good night from us and Our Little Tiger!
Anderson continues to do well. He is eating well, and not throwing up. The NP felt that we were in the clear at this point. We shall see.....
The only thing that Anderson is having a hard time doing is moving. Understandably! He does not like us to pick him up or move him. Dr. Frim says this is good, this means his CSF is flowing and he does not know what the feeling is, it feels "different" to him. He needs to adjust to this new feeling. In addition, obviously, it is painful for Anderson b/c they just did major surgery on his brain and cut thru the back of his neck to get there.
Anderson was much more alert today, we read books, watched a few cartoons (he NEVER sits still to typically watch Dora!), sang songs, took naps, ate! It was a good day. It's hard to believe he had major surgery 24 hours ago!
I am not sure we will be as spoiled tonight though as we were last night. Aunt Sara and Uncle John and his family bribed the night shift nurses last night in the PICU with pizzas. They told the nurses to take extra care of their nephew ;) Thank you....we did get some extra special treatment last night! ;) What a fun idea!
Good night from us and Our Little Tiger!
1st Night
Well, our 1st night is over and it went great. Everyone's comments that see Anderson (the PICU doctors, neurosurgeon doctors, PICU nurses) are the same....HE LOOKS AMAZING. The doctor this morning said, "You make this surgery look easy!" Good for Anderson. We are still on pins and needles waiting to see what happens. We have been warned by our "angels" and the doctors to expect lots of vomit. The place in the brain where they performed the surgery is the "vomit center" of our brain. So, this surgery can trigger vomiting. So far, so good.
Anderson ate breakfast this morning, so they did go ahead, as a preventative measure, and prescribe anti-nausea medication. If he tolerates his lunch, we will be able to move up to the "regular floor" and out of the PICU. This is exciting for several reasons. 1) We were told to expect to be in the PICU for 2-3 days. This means A is progressing well enough to move up early. 2) In the PICU, the point is to have around the clock care...we have someone in our room (a doctor or nurse) approx every 1-2 hours. It was very difficult for Anderson to get much rest yesterday. Obviously, it is important they were monitoring him so closely, but now they feel he is okay, it will be nice to have someone only every 4 hours instead.
All of Anderson's restrictions have been lifted. He was on STRICT bed rest, we were not allowed to hold him. That was just lifted, and he is sleeping right now, so when he wakes up, we can't wait to pick him up!!! They took out his cath., art-line (IV for blood pressure), and 1 of his 2 IV's came out. SO, now...he only has 1 IV. He feels a little more "free" ;)
The hospital was able to bring in an "adult" size bed this morning. They transferred Anderson into the bed, so I was able to rest next to him and he nursed. Lets say he was a HAPPY camper and fell right to sleep!
Things here are going well. Hope to have more news as Anderson continues to "wake" up more today. He was only awake yesterday about 30 minutes.
I attached some pictures. They are pictures from the night b/4 surgery, Anderson in his surgical outfit with the nurse right b/4 surgery ( I can't figure out how to turn it, sorry)....and then...the best one...a 19 mo old with his own IPHONE. Well, he thought it was....at 4 AM, the only thing that kept him quiet was playing my IPOD from my IPHONE. It made him very happy....whatever it takes!
Happy Tuesday! Keep you posted if and when we move up to the regular floor.
XOXO
Monday, March 3, 2008
SURGEON UPDATE
HI everyone!!
Sorry it took us so long to post. We were waiting to see Dr. Frim tonight to make a post.
Lets start with Anderson. He did an amazing job today. We are so proud of him. The resident surgeon told us after surgery he did great and was so brave. We were able to see him at 12:30 CST. They took us directly to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Understandably, Anderson is on quite a few meds right now. He is on strict bed rest for 24 hours. Sadly, we have not been able to hold him, it is killing us....we are dying to get our hands on him. In the meantime, we hold his hand, sing to him, smile at him, read books with him, kiss him and anything you can do leaning over a bed with a 19 mo old baby! The surgeons, doctors and nurses think he is doing great. He is drinking quite a bit, which is good news! We are in a private room in the PICU, so we are both spending the night tonight with Anderson!!! We are glad we can all be together.
We saw Dr. Frim tonight. He was able to give us some great news. The decompression surgery was quite successful. The 1st goal of the surgery is to open up space and allow more room for cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) flow and brain. When they went into Anderson's C1 (location on his spine) to access the area they needed to work....they were able to visually see pressure being released (can you imagine...just what this could do for him??) Then, they went further into the brain (the dura to be specific) and opened up more room. Again, could see pressure being released.
Once they were in there....Dr. Frim could see that Anderson's cerebral tonsils were asymmetrical. (These tonsils are what was seen herniating down on the MRI) Anderson's left tonsil was significantly herniated more than his right. Dr. Frim was able to perform a procedure on Anderson's left tonsil to make it symmetrical to his right tonsil...this is allowing more room as well!!!!
Dr. Frim told us that Anderson's decompression surgery was "Special". He said, in patients with asymmetrical cerebral tonsils (like Anderson's), the patients tend to respond even more favorably to the decompression surgery!!! THANK YOU GOD! Again, answered prayers!
So, Dr. Frim was even more hopeful this could be the answer to things we have been looking for. We are even more encouraged. We obviously will not know for a long time what this will mean to Anderson developmentally...however, I can only imagine that it has to help the overall way Anderson feels since they were able to visually see pressure being released during the surgery. No more headaches??? ;) We shall see. We believe, We are Hopeful!!
Anderson continues to rest comfortably. We just sit and watch him.
Thanks again and again. As you can see...all of the prayers and support are working!! We are so blessed to have all of you supporting us.
XOXOXOXO
Liz and Charlie
Sorry it took us so long to post. We were waiting to see Dr. Frim tonight to make a post.
Lets start with Anderson. He did an amazing job today. We are so proud of him. The resident surgeon told us after surgery he did great and was so brave. We were able to see him at 12:30 CST. They took us directly to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Understandably, Anderson is on quite a few meds right now. He is on strict bed rest for 24 hours. Sadly, we have not been able to hold him, it is killing us....we are dying to get our hands on him. In the meantime, we hold his hand, sing to him, smile at him, read books with him, kiss him and anything you can do leaning over a bed with a 19 mo old baby! The surgeons, doctors and nurses think he is doing great. He is drinking quite a bit, which is good news! We are in a private room in the PICU, so we are both spending the night tonight with Anderson!!! We are glad we can all be together.
We saw Dr. Frim tonight. He was able to give us some great news. The decompression surgery was quite successful. The 1st goal of the surgery is to open up space and allow more room for cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) flow and brain. When they went into Anderson's C1 (location on his spine) to access the area they needed to work....they were able to visually see pressure being released (can you imagine...just what this could do for him??) Then, they went further into the brain (the dura to be specific) and opened up more room. Again, could see pressure being released.
Once they were in there....Dr. Frim could see that Anderson's cerebral tonsils were asymmetrical. (These tonsils are what was seen herniating down on the MRI) Anderson's left tonsil was significantly herniated more than his right. Dr. Frim was able to perform a procedure on Anderson's left tonsil to make it symmetrical to his right tonsil...this is allowing more room as well!!!!
Dr. Frim told us that Anderson's decompression surgery was "Special". He said, in patients with asymmetrical cerebral tonsils (like Anderson's), the patients tend to respond even more favorably to the decompression surgery!!! THANK YOU GOD! Again, answered prayers!
So, Dr. Frim was even more hopeful this could be the answer to things we have been looking for. We are even more encouraged. We obviously will not know for a long time what this will mean to Anderson developmentally...however, I can only imagine that it has to help the overall way Anderson feels since they were able to visually see pressure being released during the surgery. No more headaches??? ;) We shall see. We believe, We are Hopeful!!
Anderson continues to rest comfortably. We just sit and watch him.
Thanks again and again. As you can see...all of the prayers and support are working!! We are so blessed to have all of you supporting us.
XOXOXOXO
Liz and Charlie
He's Hanging in There!
Here are a couple pictures of Anderson in the PICU today. One of him with his new tiger (thanks to Angie and family!) and one of him reading a book with Mom and Dad.
He looks amazing!!!
Liz still plans to get online after talking with the surgeon tonight and give a surgery update.
(posted at 8:01 CST)
Sleeping Peacefully
Liz sent a text saying that Anderson is doing great and resting peacefully in the PICU.
"He looks great considering. The surgeons said he was so brave and did great!"
She plans to update a bit later today when she has access.
(posted at 3:17 CST)
Anderson is out of surgery!
Anderson is now in the PICU recovering from surgery!! Liz and Charlie will send an update as soon as they are able to.
(posted at 1:05 CST)
UPDATE TO today is the day
Hi again.
Now we had some breakfast, I can type more and think clearer ;)
Anderson has been in now for 2 out of approx 4 hours.
The most DIFFICULT thing about this was "turning Anderson over" to the doctors for surgery. We got to walk him to a "red line" (literally, a red line marked on the floor outside of the operating rooms) and kiss him goodbye. To say this was difficult, is an understatement. We were a complete wreck...and continued to be a wreck for about 20-30 minutes. Once we talked to Dr. Frim, we felt so much better.
** Remember when Ryan had his 2nd set of ear tubes put in almost 2 weeks ago (yes, for those who did not know.....about 2 weeks ago, Ryan had surgery! Yes, we have been crazy busy! He had his 2nd set of ear tubes put in and adenoids taken out)...anyway, I kept saying, taking Ryan to that surgery felt like a trip to Chuck E. Cheese....well, after today...yes, taking Ryan for his ear tubes DID feel like a trip to Chuck E. Cheese ;) compared to this. Not to down play little Ryan's surgery, just different!!! Ryan was VERY brave for his surgery, he did a great job and is feeling better....yes, I digress....
Now, a few hours into surgery, we are anxious to see Anderson again and hold him.
The Ronald McDonald house is SO nice here. We decided to stay there b/c it is only 2 blocks away. Thought it would be convenient to be close to the hospital. Plus, we can leave our things there and stay at the hospital....go back and shower, get things, etc very easy. The Ronald McDonald house (RMH) here was just built in 12/07. It is brand new, approx 30,000 sq ft, 22 rooms, kid's play room, living rooms, fully stocked kitchen (anything you could want to eat)....so so so nice. The resident manager was helpful, nice, and welcoming. He told us that 30% of their residents are Dr. Frim's patients for Chiari...DOES THAT TELL YOU ANYTHING? Made Char and I smile at ech other when we heard this...yes, we are in the right place! He told us that Dr. Frim is internationally known for his Chiari work and they have many, many of his patients stay at the house.
Last night around 8:30 CST I was starting to lose it...the reality was sinking in. Crying, crying, crying...a little after 9:00 CST I started to feel better, feeling more calm. About 1/2 hour later.....I realized something.....did any of you Moms in Orange County get goose bumps?? Yes, at 7:00 PST (9:00CST)....my Moms group from Church held a Rosary dedication for Anderson! Wonder why I felt that calm feeling a little after 9:00 ;) !! Thank you MOMS for hosting that dedication.
Another thing....God is so good....many of you know...we had a cRAZY week of sick kids last week. We were sweating bullets on this one. Anderson got sick last Sunday (Feb 24th.....7 days to get better) with a cold and cough. They would not operate on him if he was sick, they were going to cancel the surgery. So, our ped put Anderson on an antibotic and breathing treatments. Then, Kaitlyn and Ryan got sick. Then, I got sick (now it is Wednesday with 4 out of 5 of us sick). Anyway...Anderson started to get better. Okay, feeling better. Now it is Friday...Anderson got pink eye. I mean, are you kidding me?? Pink eye? Back to the doctor....on Friday, Kaitlyn needs steriod breathing treatments, more breathing treatments for Anderson and now eye drops. Yes, Saturday, I had the pink eye. Saturday night, Kaitlyn and Ryan had it. Oh brother! Needless to say....on Sunday morning when we woke up...Anderson was better, no pink eye, no runny nose or cough...and I was better (oh yeah, did I mention, if I was sick they would not let me in the intensive care unit with Anderson??) and we were off for the plane ride to Chicago......GOD is good. ** Yes, we like to keep things REALLY exciting around here!! ha, ha,ha!
Thank you to EVERYONE for all of the prayers, support, emails, posts, prayer chains that you have started for Anderson. As you can tell from reading above....it's working! If you could have seen how sick our house was last week (or the look on the faces of the surgeons when I told them Anderson had pink eye 3 days ago...they were happy it was 3 days ago and not yesterday!!!) you would know....your prayers are working so far. We feel so lucky that we did not have to cancel the surgery!! Keep the prayers coming!!!! ** Did I say, THANKS for those prayers from all of you yet??? ;) No other way for us to express it.....THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
I know so many of put Anderson on prayer lists, prayer chains, told your friends, told everyone...THANK YOU! You are helping us get thru this right now.
When we get the notes you send, it makes us smile (and me a little teary) to know we have the love of our friends and family. We are so thankful and blessed to have all of you during this time.
** I will continue to update as much as possible during the day. Right now, not much for us to do....just wait. So, I thought I would type a little more. You can scroll down to read previous posts from earlier today. Our friend, Kristen posted a cute pic of Anderson from this AM!
XOXOXO
Now we had some breakfast, I can type more and think clearer ;)
Anderson has been in now for 2 out of approx 4 hours.
The most DIFFICULT thing about this was "turning Anderson over" to the doctors for surgery. We got to walk him to a "red line" (literally, a red line marked on the floor outside of the operating rooms) and kiss him goodbye. To say this was difficult, is an understatement. We were a complete wreck...and continued to be a wreck for about 20-30 minutes. Once we talked to Dr. Frim, we felt so much better.
** Remember when Ryan had his 2nd set of ear tubes put in almost 2 weeks ago (yes, for those who did not know.....about 2 weeks ago, Ryan had surgery! Yes, we have been crazy busy! He had his 2nd set of ear tubes put in and adenoids taken out)...anyway, I kept saying, taking Ryan to that surgery felt like a trip to Chuck E. Cheese....well, after today...yes, taking Ryan for his ear tubes DID feel like a trip to Chuck E. Cheese ;) compared to this. Not to down play little Ryan's surgery, just different!!! Ryan was VERY brave for his surgery, he did a great job and is feeling better....yes, I digress....
Now, a few hours into surgery, we are anxious to see Anderson again and hold him.
The Ronald McDonald house is SO nice here. We decided to stay there b/c it is only 2 blocks away. Thought it would be convenient to be close to the hospital. Plus, we can leave our things there and stay at the hospital....go back and shower, get things, etc very easy. The Ronald McDonald house (RMH) here was just built in 12/07. It is brand new, approx 30,000 sq ft, 22 rooms, kid's play room, living rooms, fully stocked kitchen (anything you could want to eat)....so so so nice. The resident manager was helpful, nice, and welcoming. He told us that 30% of their residents are Dr. Frim's patients for Chiari...DOES THAT TELL YOU ANYTHING? Made Char and I smile at ech other when we heard this...yes, we are in the right place! He told us that Dr. Frim is internationally known for his Chiari work and they have many, many of his patients stay at the house.
Last night around 8:30 CST I was starting to lose it...the reality was sinking in. Crying, crying, crying...a little after 9:00 CST I started to feel better, feeling more calm. About 1/2 hour later.....I realized something.....did any of you Moms in Orange County get goose bumps?? Yes, at 7:00 PST (9:00CST)....my Moms group from Church held a Rosary dedication for Anderson! Wonder why I felt that calm feeling a little after 9:00 ;) !! Thank you MOMS for hosting that dedication.
Another thing....God is so good....many of you know...we had a cRAZY week of sick kids last week. We were sweating bullets on this one. Anderson got sick last Sunday (Feb 24th.....7 days to get better) with a cold and cough. They would not operate on him if he was sick, they were going to cancel the surgery. So, our ped put Anderson on an antibotic and breathing treatments. Then, Kaitlyn and Ryan got sick. Then, I got sick (now it is Wednesday with 4 out of 5 of us sick). Anyway...Anderson started to get better. Okay, feeling better. Now it is Friday...Anderson got pink eye. I mean, are you kidding me?? Pink eye? Back to the doctor....on Friday, Kaitlyn needs steriod breathing treatments, more breathing treatments for Anderson and now eye drops. Yes, Saturday, I had the pink eye. Saturday night, Kaitlyn and Ryan had it. Oh brother! Needless to say....on Sunday morning when we woke up...Anderson was better, no pink eye, no runny nose or cough...and I was better (oh yeah, did I mention, if I was sick they would not let me in the intensive care unit with Anderson??) and we were off for the plane ride to Chicago......GOD is good. ** Yes, we like to keep things REALLY exciting around here!! ha, ha,ha!
Thank you to EVERYONE for all of the prayers, support, emails, posts, prayer chains that you have started for Anderson. As you can tell from reading above....it's working! If you could have seen how sick our house was last week (or the look on the faces of the surgeons when I told them Anderson had pink eye 3 days ago...they were happy it was 3 days ago and not yesterday!!!) you would know....your prayers are working so far. We feel so lucky that we did not have to cancel the surgery!! Keep the prayers coming!!!! ** Did I say, THANKS for those prayers from all of you yet??? ;) No other way for us to express it.....THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
I know so many of put Anderson on prayer lists, prayer chains, told your friends, told everyone...THANK YOU! You are helping us get thru this right now.
When we get the notes you send, it makes us smile (and me a little teary) to know we have the love of our friends and family. We are so thankful and blessed to have all of you during this time.
** I will continue to update as much as possible during the day. Right now, not much for us to do....just wait. So, I thought I would type a little more. You can scroll down to read previous posts from earlier today. Our friend, Kristen posted a cute pic of Anderson from this AM!
XOXOXO
TODAY IS THE DAY!!
Well, we made it. Sorry I did not post last night when we arrived in Chicago. I could not figure out the WI-FI at the Ronald McDonald house where we are staying.
Everything in California was great when we left. Kaitlyn was a little nervous on Saturday night b/4 bed about us leaving. She said....Mommy, I need a picture of you so I can remember you when you are away. I told her we have a picture, not to worry. Then, she said I do not want you to go. I told her....Kaitlyn, we are taking Anderson to a special doctor, he is going to help Anderson feel better, this is REALLY exciting for our family. She simply smiled and said, okay Mommy....you should go! SO SWEET!
The trip here was uneventful, which was perfect. We got to the Ronald McDonald house, 2 blocks from the hospital and ordered pizza. We packed our hospital bags and tried to get some sleep ;) Anderson slept with us, and woke at 3 AM...wanting to nurse (yes, he still nurses!) B/c of the surgery, he could not have anything to eat or drink, so after 2 hours of trying to rock him to sleep, Charlie walking him around the room to sleep, etc...we went for a drive around Chicago. We drove around and around and around. We did find a Starbucks at 5:55AM!
Our dear friend, Kristen, posted the cute pic of Anderson (see below)...I took it while he was sleeping in the car this morning.
Well, it is 8:35 AM CST and we JUST got done speaking to the surgeon, Dr. Frim. Dr. Frim was on his way into surgery. So, they just started surgery. They took Anderson at 7:50 AM to start prepping for surgery. We felt so much better after we saw Dr. Frim! They said it would be approx 4 hours.
We will post again, or Kristen will to keep you updated....
Keep the prayers coming!!! We appreciate ALL of you!
LOVE,
Liz and Charlie
Everything in California was great when we left. Kaitlyn was a little nervous on Saturday night b/4 bed about us leaving. She said....Mommy, I need a picture of you so I can remember you when you are away. I told her we have a picture, not to worry. Then, she said I do not want you to go. I told her....Kaitlyn, we are taking Anderson to a special doctor, he is going to help Anderson feel better, this is REALLY exciting for our family. She simply smiled and said, okay Mommy....you should go! SO SWEET!
The trip here was uneventful, which was perfect. We got to the Ronald McDonald house, 2 blocks from the hospital and ordered pizza. We packed our hospital bags and tried to get some sleep ;) Anderson slept with us, and woke at 3 AM...wanting to nurse (yes, he still nurses!) B/c of the surgery, he could not have anything to eat or drink, so after 2 hours of trying to rock him to sleep, Charlie walking him around the room to sleep, etc...we went for a drive around Chicago. We drove around and around and around. We did find a Starbucks at 5:55AM!
Our dear friend, Kristen, posted the cute pic of Anderson (see below)...I took it while he was sleeping in the car this morning.
Well, it is 8:35 AM CST and we JUST got done speaking to the surgeon, Dr. Frim. Dr. Frim was on his way into surgery. So, they just started surgery. They took Anderson at 7:50 AM to start prepping for surgery. We felt so much better after we saw Dr. Frim! They said it would be approx 4 hours.
We will post again, or Kristen will to keep you updated....
Keep the prayers coming!!! We appreciate ALL of you!
LOVE,
Liz and Charlie
A Little Nap Before the Big Day
This is Anderson taking a snooze as Mom and Dad drive around Chicago.....very, very early in the morning. (he woke up and was not able to eat or drink)
Is he not the cutest??? :)
As I am posting this, they are already at the hospital....had to be there and checked in by 6:30 am CST.
There will be postings throughout the day as well.
(posted at 6:47 am CST by Kristen Scherer kscherer@nationalrsi.com)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Anderson's Surgery - March 3rd
Okay.....if you notice, I basically started this blog, and one my last "regular" posts was November 26th (I was getting on a roll until then). However, on November 28th, Anderson was diagnosed with CHIARI 1 MALFORMATION and our whole world changed.....Google and I have been attached at the hip ever since!
Let me give some background....in my heart, I just knew something was wrong with Anderson and I have known for a long time. At 3 months of age, Anderson was diagnosed with torticollis. This means his head was "tilted" to 1 side. He started physical therapy (PT) 2 times a week at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). He was achieving milestones, but they were not with the same precision as Kaitlyn and Ryan. Then around 1 year we started to notice his fine motor skills were falling behind and his gross motor skills were as well. At this point, his torticollis seemed to be resolved, but we had these developmental delays that we were dealing with. His gross motor, fine motor and speech were all affected. At 1 year of age (and still today)...Anderson had NO SPEECH. He does not utter 1 word, or even babble "da, da, or ma, ma". And, Anderson was not walking at 12 mos.
We contacted the state for an evaluation. We had a complete evalu done. Anderson's delays were significant enough that the state said Anderson needed physical therapy (PT), and occupational therapy (OT). However, he was too young for speech therapy. At 15 mos of age, and no progress in speech, we went back to the state and our wonderful case worker got the state to approve Anderson for speech therapy as well (Anderson was the youngest person our case worker has ever seen get approved.)
During these months, Anderson had all of us confused. The only thing his PT and OT would say was they saw a bit of hypotonia (a medical condition of low muscle tone). Then one day, Anderson's OTherapist told me she thought Anderson needed to see a neurologist. GULP. So....off we went. The 1st of November we saw the neurologist.
The neurologist said she saw a bit of hypotonia as well, which is what probably caused his torticollis at 3 months (the weak muscles caused his head to tilt to 1 side). The neurologist told us there would be over a 50% chance of NEVER knowing why Anderson had hypotonoia and these developmental delays. However, she wanted to order a MRI and send us to a geneticist. The MRI was scheduled for the end of November, and we went to the geneticist.
Our geneticist told us the same as the neurologist, we probably would not find anything on the MRI, typically these delays go "undiagnosed". However, she felt that Anderson had global hypotonia. Meaning....Anderson has low muscle tone thru his whole body causing the delays in gross motor, fine motor and speech. GULP AGAIN. This doctor told us that the hypotonia was secondary to a bigger condition...which could be 1 million different things. The geneticist also referred us to a metabolicist. So....our search continued.
We had the MRI on November 27th. I received a call from the neurologist on November 28th that told me to call her by the end of the day (NEVER a good sign!) When I called her she told me Anderson had Chiari 1 malformation. My first response was....could you PLS spell it? ;) Then, the doctor told me we needed to go to a neurosurgeon.
I called the neurosurgeon, (who typically takes 3+months to get into), and we got an appt in 6 days...again, not a good sign.
Now let me back track a little bit here.....6 weeks prior to Anderson's diagnosis, I told Charlie I thought Anderson was getting headaches. Anderson would bang his hand against his head, rub his head in "odd ways". In addition, Anderson is a "fussy" baby. He will just cry and cry. I will try everything to soothe him, nothing works...except if I give him Tylenol. Then, 10 minutes later, Anderson would be happy again....hmmmmm....
We met wit the neurosurgeon who explained Chiari to us (well, I will be honest, Char and I were googling the HECK out of it ourselves!) It is a rare condition and not well researched. Basically, Chiari means that in the back of our heads, we all have a hole in our skull. In this hole we should have our brain stem and spinal cord. In Anderson's case (and other Chiari patients), his brain is herniating thru this hole. His brain is being compressed against his skull with ech heartbeat, and it is compressing his spinal cord and brain stem. The #1 symptom....headaches!!! (YES, refer above!) The treatment is surgery...there is NO CURE, just treatment!
This neurosurgeon thought it could be contributing to Anderson's gross motor delay, but that was about it. He wanted to wait and see, give Anderson the benefit of the doubt.
He said if we saw Anderson start to bang his head more, plateau in his development or regress in development...then come back.
Okay....now it is the end of December....we have a diagnosis of global hypotonia and Chiari 1. We are just "waiting and seeing". We start to notice that Anderson is not progressing in his development, still not walking (17 months old) and still not talking (at all...no babble!)...Anderson was "plateauing".
So, in beginning of January, Char and I decide we need to go back to our neurosurgeon. We make an appt, and I decide we can't be the only family out there with this.... I am going to start seeking families with kids with Chiari. I found 2 support groups, I made a post on ech one....within 24 hours, I had over 25 emails with people who had children with hypotonia, developmental delays and Chiari!!! We felt like we hit the jackpot.
In addition, in January, we see the metabolicist. Basically, he said he felt that all of Anderson's delays and hypotonia were b/c of his Chiari and this doctor told us to pursue the Chiari.....
One of the common lines b/w all of the people who emailed us was...find the BEST CHIARI doctor, not the BEST NEUROSURGEON. Chiari is so rare, you really need to have an interest in it and study it specifically.
Thru the support groups, we located a pediatric neurosurgeon in Chicago who has a special interest in Chiari. I emailed the doctor, Dr. Frim, and he said that in deed these delays could all be connected and that we needed to come see him.
Here is a list of some of Anderson's symptoms at this point:
headaches
gags on his food 1-2 times per meal
weak arms
does not raise his arms up
delay in fine motor
weak grasp
poor balance
lack of speech
hypotonia
delay in gross motor - still not walking
On February 12th, Charlie, Anderson and I made the trip to Chicago. On February 13th, Anderson had 3 more MRI's to rule out other complications that Chiari can cause. February 14th, we met with the doctor and he did recommend surgery. The good news...the additional MRI's came back clear and normal! YAHOO!
Dr. Frim said he sees children with Anderson's problems. Chiari CAN CAUSE hypotonia and other items listed above. Finally...the link we have been looking for!!! In some cases surgery will help, some cases, it does nothing...but he was willing to try if we were willing to do the surgery. Charlie and I feel that if it simply relieves Anderson's headaches and makes him more comfortable, it would be worth it!
The neurosurgeon here in Orange County performs this decompression surgery approx 1/month, Dr. Frim does this surgery approx 1/week!!! BIG DIFFERENCE to us. We wanted someone who had the most experience with children and with Chiari! We feel we found our Chiari doctor.
Surgery is scheduled for Monday, March 3rd. We need to be there at 6:45 AM central time. Surgery will be approx 5 hours. We will be at the University of Chicago's Comer's Children's Hospital.
My Mom will be coming to California to be with Kaitlyn and Ryan for 1 week. Then, my mom and Popo Jim will fly them to Chicago once Anderson is out of the hospital and recovering. We need to be in Chicago for 2 weeks for Anderson's post-op appt. Charlie's parents are on call and ready to go and come help us in Chicago when we feel we need it. Charlie's Mom will be coming out to California the 3rd week when we get back from Chicago. We are so lucky to have our family and friends to support us!
The kind people across the country that took the time to answer my posts are our little angels. They took the time to share their stories and experiences with us and have led us to where we are today. We are so thankful for them and everything that has happened. We finally feel like we have something we can do to try and help Anderson after all of these months of searching! We could have possibly found a reason that we were told would be 1 in 1 million and over 50% chance we would never know!
I have such mixed feelings about all of this. One minute I am strong and ready to go, the next I am crying and crying. We are excited, nervous, anxious, hopeful, etc...I am sure you can imagine the thoughts you would have if your child were going under brain surgery.....
Because I believe in the power of prayer and positive thinking, I am sharing this with all of you. We feel so blessed to have such a great team of therapists at CHOC and an incredible doctor, Dr. Frim, watching over Anderson. I am SO HOPEFUL and I BELIEVE in my heart this is the answer we have been searching for......
We will continue to update this blog during Anderson's surgery and recovering. Feel free to check back to see what is going on with us! THANK YOU for all of your support.
Boofs
Ryan is so funny. You never know quite what he is going to say...latest....boofs. He says to Charlie one day.."Daddy, boys do not have boofs". As Charlie looks at Ryan not understanding, Ryan continues with, "You know Daddy, girls have boofs where babies nurse, boys do not have boofs". Yes, Ryan you are right.
Today, at school.....a cute teacher, Mrs. Munro is pregnant. We were telling Ryan how 1 of his favorite teachers is going to have a baby, we were pointing to Mrs. Munro's belly explaining it to him. He turns to me, points to my "boofs" and says...."There are not babies in those boofs". ;)
Today, at school.....a cute teacher, Mrs. Munro is pregnant. We were telling Ryan how 1 of his favorite teachers is going to have a baby, we were pointing to Mrs. Munro's belly explaining it to him. He turns to me, points to my "boofs" and says...."There are not babies in those boofs". ;)
Treasure Hunt
Yesterday, our friends...Elaine and Ella came to the door, they were on a walk. We decided to go on a walk with them.....we call our walks "treasure hunts". We take a small ziploc container with us b/c you NEVER quite know what you will find (snails, rocks, rolly polly's, etc).
Anyway, as we were walking, Kaitlyn, Ryan and Ella SQUEAL with excitement. Elaine and I look up in the sky and there are 2 planes leaving a "tail" behind them. (you know how that looks). Kaitlyn says, "Look, it looks like they are making a cross (as the 2 planes make a cross). " Kaitlyn continues to say, "This reminds me of Jesus"....then those tails start to fade away and there is 1 plane headed in a "downward" direction making a trail behind him (hope you are following this). Kaitlyn then says, "Look Mommy, they are reminding us that Jesus died on the cross for us, and now it is a tear drop, it reminds us that Jesus died and there is a tear!"
WOW! To think she is only 5......she is SO wise beyond her years!!
Anyway, as we were walking, Kaitlyn, Ryan and Ella SQUEAL with excitement. Elaine and I look up in the sky and there are 2 planes leaving a "tail" behind them. (you know how that looks). Kaitlyn says, "Look, it looks like they are making a cross (as the 2 planes make a cross). " Kaitlyn continues to say, "This reminds me of Jesus"....then those tails start to fade away and there is 1 plane headed in a "downward" direction making a trail behind him (hope you are following this). Kaitlyn then says, "Look Mommy, they are reminding us that Jesus died on the cross for us, and now it is a tear drop, it reminds us that Jesus died and there is a tear!"
WOW! To think she is only 5......she is SO wise beyond her years!!
TOO long again
Okay, it has been WAY too long again...my days on the computer are now spent "googling" Chiari for Anderson.
Anyway, today on the way home from school...Kaitlyn said some of the cutest things. She was telling me about her day and she said, "Mommy, some of the kids in class were not using their manners. Jesus would not be happy with the choices they were making. They need to find Jesus in their hearts and make better choices". WAY TO GO KAITLYN! SO cute!!
Anyway, today on the way home from school...Kaitlyn said some of the cutest things. She was telling me about her day and she said, "Mommy, some of the kids in class were not using their manners. Jesus would not be happy with the choices they were making. They need to find Jesus in their hearts and make better choices". WAY TO GO KAITLYN! SO cute!!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Anderson
Last night, we were playing after dinner. All of a sudden, Anderson was just standing in the middle of floor. Kaitlyn yells, "Mommy and Daddy...look, look!!" We turn around to see Anderson just standing there. Then, he bends down, picks up a block and stands back up!! HOLY COW!!!! It is the 1st time ever! We were all cheering and yelling! Anderson was smiling ear to ear!
Kaitlyn said to us, "Mommy, I just KNEW you would not want to miss that!"
Then, tonight, Anderson was playing at the coffee table, he turned around, and took a step. Charlie and I both saw him, it was like it was in "slow motion". It was so surreal! Again, lots of cheers for Anderson!!
Anderson's metabolic appt went okay today. Basically, he does not have a metabolic problem. Seems like the answers to Anderson right now may lie with his Chiari. We are excited and anxious to see Dr. Frim in Chicago! Officially, less than 1 month away!
Kaitlyn said to us, "Mommy, I just KNEW you would not want to miss that!"
Then, tonight, Anderson was playing at the coffee table, he turned around, and took a step. Charlie and I both saw him, it was like it was in "slow motion". It was so surreal! Again, lots of cheers for Anderson!!
Anderson's metabolic appt went okay today. Basically, he does not have a metabolic problem. Seems like the answers to Anderson right now may lie with his Chiari. We are excited and anxious to see Dr. Frim in Chicago! Officially, less than 1 month away!
Bedtime
You just never know what the kids will say.....tonight at bedtime:
Kaitlyn - "I try to be the nicest and smartest girl in the whole world, even if my friends are not nice to me." (God love her!)
Ryan - As we look at the 1001 Pirate things to spy book....Ryan says "10 Mummies....just like you Mommy ;)"
Kaitlyn - "I try to be the nicest and smartest girl in the whole world, even if my friends are not nice to me." (God love her!)
Ryan - As we look at the 1001 Pirate things to spy book....Ryan says "10 Mummies....just like you Mommy ;)"
Friday, January 11, 2008
LONG TIME!
Okay....here I go again....not writing things down. 100 things have happened since I last wrote and of course I can't remember them all. Char and I will try to think of them tonight. Kids say the craziest, funniest things!! They CRACK US UP!!! Will try to catch you up on the last few months.
It has been a great, busy, hard, emotional few months. Christmas was great, the kids LOVED every second of it. We certainly had our fun. Santa left his "toy" bag in our fireplace, so we mailed it back to the North Pole ;) Hope he does not leave it with us next year. Mima Lois and Popo Larry came out to celebrate with us, what fun!
New year's was fun. We went bowling with our friends Bridgit, Neil and their 4 children, and Bridgit's 3 siblings and Mom. Then, we went to Bridgit's house for pizza and dessert and a game of charades. Fun was had by all.....
It is a NEW YEAR and we are feeling great about this year. Good things will come this year, we just know it!
It has been a great, busy, hard, emotional few months. Christmas was great, the kids LOVED every second of it. We certainly had our fun. Santa left his "toy" bag in our fireplace, so we mailed it back to the North Pole ;) Hope he does not leave it with us next year. Mima Lois and Popo Larry came out to celebrate with us, what fun!
New year's was fun. We went bowling with our friends Bridgit, Neil and their 4 children, and Bridgit's 3 siblings and Mom. Then, we went to Bridgit's house for pizza and dessert and a game of charades. Fun was had by all.....
It is a NEW YEAR and we are feeling great about this year. Good things will come this year, we just know it!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Steps
HOLY COW!! Anderson took his 1st few steps with a walking toy this weekend!! On Sunday...November 25th!!
He did a GREAT job!! Way to go Anderson! We are so proud of you and your hard work!
He did a GREAT job!! Way to go Anderson! We are so proud of you and your hard work!
Purse
Okay, I am copying my friend's Kristen's blog on this one....she listed out what was in her purse a few months ago..I was laughing, thinking are you kidding me? UNTIL..I cleaned out my purse. This is what I found:
NO wallet
NO sunglasses
Kaitlyn's headband
a pen that barely works
empty ziploc bag
list of pediatricians from Children's Hospital
Anderson's shorts
pic of Ryan from Chuck E Cheese
hairbrush
toy car
lip gloss
sunglass case holder (still with no sunglasses)
Anderson's socks
hairtie x 2
Advil
toothpaste
tooth cleaner (for my braces)
hairclip
diaper
pic of a volunteer dog from Children's Hospital
empty raisin container
empty cracker wrapper
floss
lego man
toothbrush
more crackers
hairtie for me (opps, this now makes 3, I think)
Peanut Butter Crackers - crumbled to pieces (or actually powder)
2 more pens
My headband
** all of the above listed as found ;)
HA! Who knew this would all fit in my little purse (not a diaper bag, purse!)
NO wallet
NO sunglasses
Kaitlyn's headband
a pen that barely works
empty ziploc bag
list of pediatricians from Children's Hospital
Anderson's shorts
pic of Ryan from Chuck E Cheese
hairbrush
toy car
lip gloss
sunglass case holder (still with no sunglasses)
Anderson's socks
hairtie x 2
Advil
toothpaste
tooth cleaner (for my braces)
hairclip
diaper
pic of a volunteer dog from Children's Hospital
empty raisin container
empty cracker wrapper
floss
lego man
toothbrush
more crackers
hairtie for me (opps, this now makes 3, I think)
Peanut Butter Crackers - crumbled to pieces (or actually powder)
2 more pens
My headband
** all of the above listed as found ;)
HA! Who knew this would all fit in my little purse (not a diaper bag, purse!)
Ryan Puke update
Okay...well, Ryan's no puking streak has come to an end. Today, Nov 26th at midnight...he had his 1st puke. He made it to our bathtub (yes, bathtub...but, hey, I'll take it...easy to wash down!) And, why am I complaining? My SWEET hubby handles the pukes while he is home b/c I puke right next to the kids while they are puking, I puke...can't handle it! I am hoping by the time they are...oh, lets say 18,I can handle it!
PS - Kaitlyn ended up with it too. The end weekend count was :Anderson 10 AM Saturday, Kaitlyn 1 AM Sunday, Ryan 12 AM Monday, oh yeah...and then Anderson again 5 AM Monday (not sure what that was about!)
PS - Kaitlyn ended up with it too. The end weekend count was :Anderson 10 AM Saturday, Kaitlyn 1 AM Sunday, Ryan 12 AM Monday, oh yeah...and then Anderson again 5 AM Monday (not sure what that was about!)
Saturday, November 24, 2007
SNOW IS WHITE
Everyday Kaitlyn dresses herself. I have to say, she does quite a great job. Sometimes it gets a little "wild", but for the most part, just great. Well, last week, she got dressed for school wearing a pink and white skirt, white shirt, white socks, etc. She wanted to wear her WHITE SHOES with the outfit. (For those not checking, it is WAY past Labor Day!) I tell her that white shoes are not meant to be worn in the winter, those shoes are Easter shoes, and we wear them in the Spring Time.....winter we wear black. Kaitlyn looks right at me ands says, "But Mom, SNOW is WHITE, I do not understand WHY I can't wear WHITE shoes in winter time".
Well, then Kaitlyn, you have made a very VALID point...go ahead, wear your WHITE shoes to school today ;)
Well, then Kaitlyn, you have made a very VALID point...go ahead, wear your WHITE shoes to school today ;)
Signing
This is incredible.....
We have been trying to teach Anderson sign language for about 6+ weeks now. The therapists want me to only give him a few pieces of food at 1 time so that he is forced to ask for "more". So we have been signing more with him. Last week, Char was in NY, the kids and I sat down for lunch together. I gave A only a few pieces of grilled cheese. RYAN actually noticed A's tray was empty. Ryan asked Anderson "Do you want more little buddy?" (As Ryan says this, Ryan is signing "more" to him). WOULD YOU BELIEVE that ANDERSON signed more RIGHT BACK TO RYAN?? Kaitlyn, Ryan and I were SCREAMING with delight. IT was wonderful. Makes me teary thinking back to that moment. It was terrific!
The following day, I was leaving Children's Hospital with Anderson. He had a sippy cup in hand. I had to take it to buckle him in the car seat. He started screaming. I said, "A, tell Mommy MORE". ( I DID NOT SIGN IT THIS TIME). Next thing I know, Anderson is signing more to me!! HOLY COW, I was THRILLED!!!
We have been trying to teach Anderson sign language for about 6+ weeks now. The therapists want me to only give him a few pieces of food at 1 time so that he is forced to ask for "more". So we have been signing more with him. Last week, Char was in NY, the kids and I sat down for lunch together. I gave A only a few pieces of grilled cheese. RYAN actually noticed A's tray was empty. Ryan asked Anderson "Do you want more little buddy?" (As Ryan says this, Ryan is signing "more" to him). WOULD YOU BELIEVE that ANDERSON signed more RIGHT BACK TO RYAN?? Kaitlyn, Ryan and I were SCREAMING with delight. IT was wonderful. Makes me teary thinking back to that moment. It was terrific!
The following day, I was leaving Children's Hospital with Anderson. He had a sippy cup in hand. I had to take it to buckle him in the car seat. He started screaming. I said, "A, tell Mommy MORE". ( I DID NOT SIGN IT THIS TIME). Next thing I know, Anderson is signing more to me!! HOLY COW, I was THRILLED!!!
New Tricks
Anderson has SO many new tricks since I last wrote. I am going to try and remember them all and make a list:
1) Climbs on our child chairs in the playroom, stands up, turns to you, you say "1, 2, 3 JUMP" and he will jump to you
2) Saying "Da, Da"...very clear, loud (thru the grocery store), and 2 Das together
3) Points to a dog and says "D", "D", "D"
4) SIGNING MORE!!!! That is another blog entry to come!
5) "Walks" up the stairs while someone supports his trunk (he takes these BIG steps up ech stair)....always with a HUGE smile!
6) Tries to climp the ledge in our family room
7) Floats at swim lessons for more than 10 seconds (it is actually long time)...he screams while he does it, but he floats!
8) Turns pages in a book
9) Starting to "release" toys into a bucket
All I can think of now. Will add more later if I think of them.....But, LOTS of new things going on around here!
1) Climbs on our child chairs in the playroom, stands up, turns to you, you say "1, 2, 3 JUMP" and he will jump to you
2) Saying "Da, Da"...very clear, loud (thru the grocery store), and 2 Das together
3) Points to a dog and says "D", "D", "D"
4) SIGNING MORE!!!! That is another blog entry to come!
5) "Walks" up the stairs while someone supports his trunk (he takes these BIG steps up ech stair)....always with a HUGE smile!
6) Tries to climp the ledge in our family room
7) Floats at swim lessons for more than 10 seconds (it is actually long time)...he screams while he does it, but he floats!
8) Turns pages in a book
9) Starting to "release" toys into a bucket
All I can think of now. Will add more later if I think of them.....But, LOTS of new things going on around here!
1st Pukes
Okay, I have been VERY behind on my blog. LOTS and LOTS of great stories to catch up on. The 1st for tonight is our day today. Whew. Poor little Anderson. His 1st stomach flu. Poor honey woke up from a morning nap with it all over his bed and himself. then, continued about 6-7 more times. Finally went back down for another nap, and woke up ready to go and ready to eat. Had to be careful what we fed him. Funny how a 16 mo does not understand that ;)
Note that Kaitlyn was over 3 before she had her first pukes. Ryan TO DATE has NEVER puked!! WHEW! LUCKY
Note that Kaitlyn was over 3 before she had her first pukes. Ryan TO DATE has NEVER puked!! WHEW! LUCKY
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