At lunch the other day....Kaitlyn asks me:
Kaitlyn: Mom, do you know when you feel like someone is watching you, you feel like their eyes are on you and no on is looking at you....DO YOU THINK THAT IS GOD LOOKING AT YOU?
Me: Yes, I do (with a smile on my face)
Kaitlyn: Mom, What does it feel like for God to "carry" you?
Me: What do you mean?
Kaitlyn: Well, in the prayer they say God will carry you. Do you know what that feels like? How does he carry you?
MY SWEET LITTLE KAITLYN!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
MRI UPDATE
Results came back.....everything on the MRI looks good. We will need to fly to Chicago to have a spinal tap and possibly a procedure if they find Anderson has high pressure. GULP!!! He has been so difficult lately, that we are actually hoping they find something so we can at least HELP Anderson right now.....he is having such a hard time. Bless his heart.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
MRI
We made it! Today, Anderson had 3 MRI's. Dr. F wanted to check that everything was "looking" good since surgery.
I emailed Dr. F a few weeks ago b/c I saw a Chinese Medicine doctor who wanted to start scalp acupuncture. We wanted to email Dr. F to check to see what his thoughts were on the subject. He said, no problem with the acupuncture, but wanted to rescan Anderson since he still is nonverbal, ADD, sensory processing, motor planning, and developmentally delayed.
So...today was the day that we did the MRI's. We had a 1:00 in the afternoon appt. Anderson could not eat or drink for 6 hours. YIKES! We fed him like crazy from 6:30-7:00AM. Then, put him in the shower. He had therapy this AM, I had to leave at 8:30 to get there on time.
After the shower, Anderson decided to eat toothpaste. Oh great! He can't even have an ice chip and the kiddo eats toothpaste! Guess what he wanted after that??? Yes, a drink...who would not want a drink? He kept going to the fridge and pulling out the Gatorade. Poor honey.
We went to therapy. I should have taken his picture. I posted a sign on him that read "Do not feed me or give me a drink". It was on the front of his shirt and back of his shirt.
Great therapy sessions.
Drove to the MRI hospital.
Anderson was an angel this whole time!! He never made a peep. Finally at 1:00 PM, we were waiting for the sedation team to come and get Anderson...and he fell asleep in Charlie's arms. Sweet baby.
The sedation team finally came. They had a hard time getting Anderson to sleep. So, they gave him a "bullet" of medicince and it put him to sleep. The MRIs took only 1 hour, and they had told us 2...so that was good news!
In recovery, Anderson would not wake up. I guess that bullet REALLY had him asleep. Finally, he woke up, and they sent us home.
Once again, Anderson was a rock star...and it is all over!
Waiting for the results...........hoping the end of the week???? HOPING!
I emailed Dr. F a few weeks ago b/c I saw a Chinese Medicine doctor who wanted to start scalp acupuncture. We wanted to email Dr. F to check to see what his thoughts were on the subject. He said, no problem with the acupuncture, but wanted to rescan Anderson since he still is nonverbal, ADD, sensory processing, motor planning, and developmentally delayed.
So...today was the day that we did the MRI's. We had a 1:00 in the afternoon appt. Anderson could not eat or drink for 6 hours. YIKES! We fed him like crazy from 6:30-7:00AM. Then, put him in the shower. He had therapy this AM, I had to leave at 8:30 to get there on time.
After the shower, Anderson decided to eat toothpaste. Oh great! He can't even have an ice chip and the kiddo eats toothpaste! Guess what he wanted after that??? Yes, a drink...who would not want a drink? He kept going to the fridge and pulling out the Gatorade. Poor honey.
We went to therapy. I should have taken his picture. I posted a sign on him that read "Do not feed me or give me a drink". It was on the front of his shirt and back of his shirt.
Great therapy sessions.
Drove to the MRI hospital.
Anderson was an angel this whole time!! He never made a peep. Finally at 1:00 PM, we were waiting for the sedation team to come and get Anderson...and he fell asleep in Charlie's arms. Sweet baby.
The sedation team finally came. They had a hard time getting Anderson to sleep. So, they gave him a "bullet" of medicince and it put him to sleep. The MRIs took only 1 hour, and they had told us 2...so that was good news!
In recovery, Anderson would not wake up. I guess that bullet REALLY had him asleep. Finally, he woke up, and they sent us home.
Once again, Anderson was a rock star...and it is all over!
Waiting for the results...........hoping the end of the week???? HOPING!
MA
YAHOO!!! Sunday night...Charlie and I had a date night. Yes, to the mall...again. We love to go shopping without the kids and then to dinner. Since Anna will not take a bottle (still....I'm not complaining...does not bother me 1 bit, or Charlie), we take her with us.
As we were at Banana Republic, Charlie was trying on clothes.....Anna says..."MA". Tears filled my eyes......I could not believe it. Anderson is 3 years old and has yet to be able to mutter this sound.
I realize Anna was not saying it to me, but just thrilled to hear the sound come out of her sweet mouth.
I know one day I will listen to Anderson say ma....and it will mean so much to me!
As we were at Banana Republic, Charlie was trying on clothes.....Anna says..."MA". Tears filled my eyes......I could not believe it. Anderson is 3 years old and has yet to be able to mutter this sound.
I realize Anna was not saying it to me, but just thrilled to hear the sound come out of her sweet mouth.
I know one day I will listen to Anderson say ma....and it will mean so much to me!
Monday, August 10, 2009
FINALLY, an update!
So so many things to write about...
1) We have been trying gluten free diet for Anderson the past 6 weeks. We decided to stop on Sunday. We just did not feel it was helping. It has not been hard, per se....just 1 more thing to worry/think about. So, on Sunday....Anderson got to eat his favorite....chicken nuggets. He was a HAPPY boy!
2) Anderson celebrated his 3rd birthday!
3) We have been doing church camp, tennis camp, and nature camp.
4) The kids have been sick....as usual.....strep, pneumonia, ear infections...you name it. The pediatrician still sees us once a week for at least 1 child!
5) Charlie is gearing up to finish school in November, graduate in December with his MBA from Pepperdine.
6) I took a trip back to visit family. I was honored to be Angie's daughters Godmother. Anna and I flew back home for a visit. It was SUCH an amazing time!! Got to see Kristen and surprise her and her 3 week old baby!!!
7) Anderson has 3 MRI's scheduled for tmr morning. GULP. VERY anxious about them...and mixed feelings. Do I "want" something to show up or not? Would would explain the screaming, the no frustration level, etc......but, the thought of another surgery makes me want to cry and puke at the same time! Oh brother.....
Pics to come......
Sorry it has been SO long since the last post!
1) We have been trying gluten free diet for Anderson the past 6 weeks. We decided to stop on Sunday. We just did not feel it was helping. It has not been hard, per se....just 1 more thing to worry/think about. So, on Sunday....Anderson got to eat his favorite....chicken nuggets. He was a HAPPY boy!
2) Anderson celebrated his 3rd birthday!
3) We have been doing church camp, tennis camp, and nature camp.
4) The kids have been sick....as usual.....strep, pneumonia, ear infections...you name it. The pediatrician still sees us once a week for at least 1 child!
5) Charlie is gearing up to finish school in November, graduate in December with his MBA from Pepperdine.
6) I took a trip back to visit family. I was honored to be Angie's daughters Godmother. Anna and I flew back home for a visit. It was SUCH an amazing time!! Got to see Kristen and surprise her and her 3 week old baby!!!
7) Anderson has 3 MRI's scheduled for tmr morning. GULP. VERY anxious about them...and mixed feelings. Do I "want" something to show up or not? Would would explain the screaming, the no frustration level, etc......but, the thought of another surgery makes me want to cry and puke at the same time! Oh brother.....
Pics to come......
Sorry it has been SO long since the last post!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Coke
Ryan is in tennis camp. They ask them everyday what they want to eat for lunch and drink. On the first day Ryan said.....Mommy, I had a Sprite (we do not drink much pop in our house).
Me: Oh, Ryan I bet it was yummy.
Ryan: I did not order a coke.
Me: I am so glad you did not order a coke (gulp).....it is so yucky. It is disgusting actually.
Ryan: OH, really?
NEXT DAY.....
Me: How was lunch Ryan?
Ryan: (with a smirk smile)....guess what I had for lunch??? A turkey sandwich (unusual)....and a COKE.
Me: Trying not to be mad (note: I never told him NOT to order it, just that it was yucky!) Oh, what did you think?
Ryan: UMMMM, I LIKED it Mommy. You said it was yucky...it was delicious.
Me: Glad you tried a new food Ryan.
FEW HOURS LATER:
Me: Ryan, tmr at tennis camp, I think it is best if you do not order a coke...it is not healthy for you. Only big people drink it.
Ryan: OH, I did not know that Mom. How old will I need to be to drink it?
Me: I think 18 seems reasonable.
Ryan: Okay Mom.....that is not too bad!
Me: Smiling to myself.......
Me: Oh, Ryan I bet it was yummy.
Ryan: I did not order a coke.
Me: I am so glad you did not order a coke (gulp).....it is so yucky. It is disgusting actually.
Ryan: OH, really?
NEXT DAY.....
Me: How was lunch Ryan?
Ryan: (with a smirk smile)....guess what I had for lunch??? A turkey sandwich (unusual)....and a COKE.
Me: Trying not to be mad (note: I never told him NOT to order it, just that it was yucky!) Oh, what did you think?
Ryan: UMMMM, I LIKED it Mommy. You said it was yucky...it was delicious.
Me: Glad you tried a new food Ryan.
FEW HOURS LATER:
Me: Ryan, tmr at tennis camp, I think it is best if you do not order a coke...it is not healthy for you. Only big people drink it.
Ryan: OH, I did not know that Mom. How old will I need to be to drink it?
Me: I think 18 seems reasonable.
Ryan: Okay Mom.....that is not too bad!
Me: Smiling to myself.......
Friday, July 10, 2009
Happy 3rd Birthday
Happy 3rd Birthday our little man!!
Anderson, we are so very proud of how much you have accomplished in the last 3 years. You continue to amaze us and teach us. We are so very blessed to be your parents. Thank you for all the gifts you give us. We love you so very much little buddy!!!
XOXOXO
Anderson, we are so very proud of how much you have accomplished in the last 3 years. You continue to amaze us and teach us. We are so very blessed to be your parents. Thank you for all the gifts you give us. We love you so very much little buddy!!!
XOXOXO
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Prayer Today
Ryan: Kaitlyn, do you know what I prayed for this morning when I was getting dress?
Kaitlyn: No, Ryan, what?
Ryan: I prayed to God I would be good today.
Kaitlyn: ME TOO Ryan!
:)
Kaitlyn: No, Ryan, what?
Ryan: I prayed to God I would be good today.
Kaitlyn: ME TOO Ryan!
:)
Jesus Question
Ryan: Kaitlyn, I have a Jesus question.
Kaitlyn: Yes, Ryan, what is it?
Ryan: Is Jesus STILL hanging on the cross?
Kaitlyn: No, Ryan they took him down.
Ryan: Oh, okay. Thanks Kaitlyn
:)
Kaitlyn: Yes, Ryan, what is it?
Ryan: Is Jesus STILL hanging on the cross?
Kaitlyn: No, Ryan they took him down.
Ryan: Oh, okay. Thanks Kaitlyn
:)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Thought of the day.....
I was on my friend's daughter's caringbridge page. Mylee (her web site listed on the side) has Chiari Malformation as well. Mylee is 3 weeks younger than Anderson. Mylee's Mom posted this on her site...I wanted to share it as well.....
WELCOME TO HOLLAND
by
Emily Perl Kingsley.
c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with "special needs" - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there.....
.... but if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland
ONE DAY AT A TIME MY FRIENDS, ONE DAY AT A TIME.....
WELCO
by
Em
c1
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with "special needs" - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
W
Af
"H
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-pace
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there.....
.... but if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland
ONE DAY AT A TIME MY FRIENDS, ONE DAY AT A TIME.....
Friday, June 19, 2009
Catholic School
I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to educate our children in a private Catholic school. It was incredible today to sit in the school's church, FILLED with students K-7 (the 8th graders already graduated), and FILLED with parents...standing room only!!! It was amazing!
The sounds of the children singing the music, and saying the prayers were so heart warming. It was emotional to be there. The students were all so EXCITED it was the last day of school. You could hear it in the songs and their responses. I felt so blessed to be sitting in that room listening to the sounds of the children today. It was such a beautiful scene!
The sounds of the children singing the music, and saying the prayers were so heart warming. It was emotional to be there. The students were all so EXCITED it was the last day of school. You could hear it in the songs and their responses. I felt so blessed to be sitting in that room listening to the sounds of the children today. It was such a beautiful scene!
TOE
This AM....it was Kaitlyn's last day of school! YAHOO! We were waiting for her carpool to pick her up this AM. Anderson decides to close the door on his foot. He screamed more than when he broke his leg (but, hey...the toe is a sensitive spot!) So, I iced it and watched it.
Anna and I went to Kaitlyn's last day of school mass, and then to a pool party at her friend's house. Carley was babysitting and I told her about it.
We got home, and I forgot to ask Carley about the toe b/4 she left. Anderson woke up, his eyes barely open, and he was pointing to his toe. I look at it....its black and green....but...GREEN!!! WEIRD! I call the ped, who tells me to watch for any "odd" behavior, not walking on it, or more green. (keep in mind it is only green at the nail...which I told the doctor). After talking to the doctor 2 times in 10 minutes Anderson bangs his head really hard against the changing table corner, and he falls off the fireplace ledge in our family room. I am counting this as "odd behavior"....so...off to the ped office!! Kaitlyn was at Lyna's house (thank goodness!)...one less child....but, I had Ryan b/c he has that virus thing and 101 temp, Anna with me in case she needs to nurse (they told me I might end up in the ER b/c it was Friday at 5 and might need to be Xrayed!)....we go to the ped's office, they want an xray...I take them next door to the imaging center that closes at 5:30 to find out they do not take my insurance. AHHHH!!! I ask what a toe xray costs...$65. Since my ER visit is $150, I decided to opt for the $65 toe xray with NO wait, and I will save $$!! hA!!
Good news!! Not broken...they said the xray showed a lot of swelling, but no break!
YAHOO!!! That little toe is green/black...but not broken. He is still walking around grabbing at it (again, not typical of Anderson)...it is obviously bothering him. I gave him some tylenol to help.
As Charlie reminded me.....any little thing can "throw Anderson off". He is not use to the pain in his toe, so he thinks about that, and then can't manipulate "typical" things at home.
If love could cure Anderson....he would be better!!! God love that sweet boy. He keeps me on my toes and guessing. I feel I have to continue to error on the safe side with him...things are just hard to "read" with him.
My sweet little Anderson..... :) Love ya!
Anna and I went to Kaitlyn's last day of school mass, and then to a pool party at her friend's house. Carley was babysitting and I told her about it.
We got home, and I forgot to ask Carley about the toe b/4 she left. Anderson woke up, his eyes barely open, and he was pointing to his toe. I look at it....its black and green....but...GREEN!!! WEIRD! I call the ped, who tells me to watch for any "odd" behavior, not walking on it, or more green. (keep in mind it is only green at the nail...which I told the doctor). After talking to the doctor 2 times in 10 minutes Anderson bangs his head really hard against the changing table corner, and he falls off the fireplace ledge in our family room. I am counting this as "odd behavior"....so...off to the ped office!! Kaitlyn was at Lyna's house (thank goodness!)...one less child....but, I had Ryan b/c he has that virus thing and 101 temp, Anna with me in case she needs to nurse (they told me I might end up in the ER b/c it was Friday at 5 and might need to be Xrayed!)....we go to the ped's office, they want an xray...I take them next door to the imaging center that closes at 5:30 to find out they do not take my insurance. AHHHH!!! I ask what a toe xray costs...$65. Since my ER visit is $150, I decided to opt for the $65 toe xray with NO wait, and I will save $$!! hA!!
Good news!! Not broken...they said the xray showed a lot of swelling, but no break!
YAHOO!!! That little toe is green/black...but not broken. He is still walking around grabbing at it (again, not typical of Anderson)...it is obviously bothering him. I gave him some tylenol to help.
As Charlie reminded me.....any little thing can "throw Anderson off". He is not use to the pain in his toe, so he thinks about that, and then can't manipulate "typical" things at home.
If love could cure Anderson....he would be better!!! God love that sweet boy. He keeps me on my toes and guessing. I feel I have to continue to error on the safe side with him...things are just hard to "read" with him.
My sweet little Anderson..... :) Love ya!
Kinder Graduation
On Wednesday of this week...Kaitlyn "Graduated" from Kinder into 1st grade. It was so cute!! What a fun day it was for Kaitlyn, she was so very happy! Hard to believe Charlie and I have a little one in FIRST GRADE!!!
Whew.....just a virus!
Thanks to all those that called, emailed, and stopped me to ask....Anderson is doing okay. Our worry was that his head was starting to bother him. But, luckily...there was another explanation to all of the chaos in his little body. All our kiddos had/have some virus (Ryan still has it, Anderson at the end of it, and Anna just starting it).....it starts in their throat, and then moves to their bellies! It is lasting 7-10 days. YIKES! So.....we are VERY happy and relieved it is a virus and nothing to do with his Chiari causing the set backs and screaming.
The screaming has improved dramatically!!! Thank goodness!! And, he is signing his words as usual and having more "typical Anderson" days.
Whew! Anderson always keeps me on pins and needles!
The screaming has improved dramatically!!! Thank goodness!! And, he is signing his words as usual and having more "typical Anderson" days.
Whew! Anderson always keeps me on pins and needles!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Not just me.....
OKAY, I AM FEELING BETTER about yesterday! Thank all of you for your SWEET emails of support, I needed them!!!
So....Today, Anderson's therapist came out at the end of the 2 hours and asked...how Anderson had been behaving at home...I asked her...oh, do you mean.....like he cried yesterday the ENTIRE day he was awake?? She said...yes...exactly.
She noticed him toe walking the ENTIRE session, she noticed him doing the "toe curl" (when he curls his toes under and walks) the entire time...even while he was sitting he was trying to get that input, he would not sign...the 1 time he signed more, he did it "fisted" rather than fingertips to fingertips. WEIRD. So, the therapist and I Are wondering if he has an ear infection coming on, some illness, etc. It would tie together with what I saw yesterday. He was up today at 5:45 AM...and Char left for an EARLY meeting today (he left at 5:30)...so, I have been up with Anderson since then...so.....
Anyway, I need to take Anna back to Dr. for her yeast infection, her little bottom is RAW...we are currently on med #2 trying to treat it...and her skin is Raw, no other way to explain, hopefully, they will give me something that will work "magic" on her sweet little bum.
Guess where we are headed this afternoon?? Yep, our weekly appt to the ped office!
I am secretly hoping they find an ear infection or something in Anderson...it would explain a lot.
So, it was not "just me" who noticed Anderson being "off". WHEW, I feel so MUCH better about that!
So....Today, Anderson's therapist came out at the end of the 2 hours and asked...how Anderson had been behaving at home...I asked her...oh, do you mean.....like he cried yesterday the ENTIRE day he was awake?? She said...yes...exactly.
She noticed him toe walking the ENTIRE session, she noticed him doing the "toe curl" (when he curls his toes under and walks) the entire time...even while he was sitting he was trying to get that input, he would not sign...the 1 time he signed more, he did it "fisted" rather than fingertips to fingertips. WEIRD. So, the therapist and I Are wondering if he has an ear infection coming on, some illness, etc. It would tie together with what I saw yesterday. He was up today at 5:45 AM...and Char left for an EARLY meeting today (he left at 5:30)...so, I have been up with Anderson since then...so.....
Anyway, I need to take Anna back to Dr. for her yeast infection, her little bottom is RAW...we are currently on med #2 trying to treat it...and her skin is Raw, no other way to explain, hopefully, they will give me something that will work "magic" on her sweet little bum.
Guess where we are headed this afternoon?? Yep, our weekly appt to the ped office!
I am secretly hoping they find an ear infection or something in Anderson...it would explain a lot.
So, it was not "just me" who noticed Anderson being "off". WHEW, I feel so MUCH better about that!
One of those days....
Whew....it is EARLY on Tuesday morning....here's hoping that today is a better day with Anderson than yesterday. I was in tears by 4:30 yesterday, calling Charlie at work. It was a day where I felt like a complete failure as a mother. Anderson can have some REALLY challenging days...and yesterday was one of them. He screamed almost the ENTIRE day...and I mean SCREAM and I mean ENTIRE. I literally FELL on the couch at 8:30 and was ASLEEP.
My new house helper, Amelia.....looked at me yesterday and said....Anderson having a "BAD" day today. Yes....she was right!
Not sure why he had such a hard day yesterday....but I am hopeful that today is going to be a much better day. He was up at 5:45 AM....golly...what a start! HA!! He has therapy today, which is exhausting for him....but he will take a rest and I will be able to play with Ryan.
Ryan - 1 more day of school left
Kaitlyn - 9 more days and counting...
I CAN'T WAIT for them to get out for the summer....I am looking VERY forward to hanging out with them and spending time. YAHOO!!!
Almost there!
My new house helper, Amelia.....looked at me yesterday and said....Anderson having a "BAD" day today. Yes....she was right!
Not sure why he had such a hard day yesterday....but I am hopeful that today is going to be a much better day. He was up at 5:45 AM....golly...what a start! HA!! He has therapy today, which is exhausting for him....but he will take a rest and I will be able to play with Ryan.
Ryan - 1 more day of school left
Kaitlyn - 9 more days and counting...
I CAN'T WAIT for them to get out for the summer....I am looking VERY forward to hanging out with them and spending time. YAHOO!!!
Almost there!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Boyfriend?
Tonight.....after dinner...Kaitlyn turns to me and says....
Kaitlyn: Luke told me he liked me today
Me: (thinking...thank goodness Daddy did not hear this!) Oh really?
Kaitlyn: WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT MEANS HE WILL DO TO ME?
Me: I am not sure, do you think he wants to be your boyfriend? (We were talking a few days ago about her boyfriends at school......it was Joey, but she overheard Joey ask Chelsea to play with him, so Kaitlyn thinks Joe broke up with her...oh brother! Are these kids in Kinder? YIKES!)
Kaitlyn: I am going to have to ask him tmr what he means!
Luke and Joe would both make excellent boyfriends from a Mom's point of view...not sure Charlie is too keen on ANY of this!
Kaitlyn: Luke told me he liked me today
Me: (thinking...thank goodness Daddy did not hear this!) Oh really?
Kaitlyn: WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT MEANS HE WILL DO TO ME?
Me: I am not sure, do you think he wants to be your boyfriend? (We were talking a few days ago about her boyfriends at school......it was Joey, but she overheard Joey ask Chelsea to play with him, so Kaitlyn thinks Joe broke up with her...oh brother! Are these kids in Kinder? YIKES!)
Kaitlyn: I am going to have to ask him tmr what he means!
Luke and Joe would both make excellent boyfriends from a Mom's point of view...not sure Charlie is too keen on ANY of this!
Cookies?
Friends of ours had a rough day last week. Their 1 year old son had eye surgery. So, as a surprise, I dropped off a bottle of wine and bought these DELICIOUS cookies from this deli that is known for their YUMMY cookies. I left them on the front porch so they would have a great surprise when they got home from the hospital.
Anyway, when I was at the deli picking up the cookies...I MIGHT have purchased some for our family to enjoy!
We had a great dinner, and then a special dessert (we typically do not have dessert in our house). We were all sitting around the dinner table, eating our cookies (Kaitlyn, Ryan, and Anderson had an iced cookie....Charlie and I split the toffee and the oatmeal raisin).
(note: Charlie was holding Anna)
Charlie takes a bite of the toffee cookie and said, "did you notice this cookie smells like a dirty diaper?"
I responded (as I smelled the cookie)....No, mine smells good.
Charlie insisted again...his smelled like a dirty diaper.
5 minutes pass by.....
Charlie goes to change Anna's "wet diaper"....but, to his surprise it was DIRTY. HA!! It was not the cookie!
I am LOL typing this recalling this story from last Thursday! I am not sure how funny it will seem to others reading this, but it was down out hilarious. My stomach was hurting when Charlie realized it was Anna's diaper and not the cookie! Ohhhh...it was funny!
Anyway, when I was at the deli picking up the cookies...I MIGHT have purchased some for our family to enjoy!
We had a great dinner, and then a special dessert (we typically do not have dessert in our house). We were all sitting around the dinner table, eating our cookies (Kaitlyn, Ryan, and Anderson had an iced cookie....Charlie and I split the toffee and the oatmeal raisin).
(note: Charlie was holding Anna)
Charlie takes a bite of the toffee cookie and said, "did you notice this cookie smells like a dirty diaper?"
I responded (as I smelled the cookie)....No, mine smells good.
Charlie insisted again...his smelled like a dirty diaper.
5 minutes pass by.....
Charlie goes to change Anna's "wet diaper"....but, to his surprise it was DIRTY. HA!! It was not the cookie!
I am LOL typing this recalling this story from last Thursday! I am not sure how funny it will seem to others reading this, but it was down out hilarious. My stomach was hurting when Charlie realized it was Anna's diaper and not the cookie! Ohhhh...it was funny!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Heaven
After we dropped Kaitlyn off at school this morning...my conversation went like this with Ryan:
Ryan: Mommy, I can't wait to be a Grandpa. I will be a Dad, then I am excited b/c I will be a Grandpa.
Me: Ryan, I am so excited too!
Ryan: Mommy, you will be dead then.
Me: (Gulp) Yes, you are right.
Ryan: But, mommy, do not worry...NO matter HOW old I am... I will ALWAYS be your baby...even after you die.
Me: Ryan, you are right. You will ALWAYS be my baby, and I will be an angel watching over you forever!
TEN MINUTES DOWN THE ROAD:
Ryan: Mommy, WHAT DOES HEAVEN LOOK LIKE?
Me: (Gulp again!) Ryan, no one is sure....it is whatever is in your mind and heart. I picture it as a beautiful and peaceful place with a lot of flowers.
Ryan: Me too, I think there are a lot of gardens there.
Me: I agree little buddy.
Ryan: I even think they have SNAKES there Mommy. They have angel snakes in the garden.
Me: (smiling and driving)...I bet you are right little buddy, bet you are right!
WOW!! What a conversation to have with your 4 year old at 8 AM!!
Happy weekend!
Ryan: Mommy, I can't wait to be a Grandpa. I will be a Dad, then I am excited b/c I will be a Grandpa.
Me: Ryan, I am so excited too!
Ryan: Mommy, you will be dead then.
Me: (Gulp) Yes, you are right.
Ryan: But, mommy, do not worry...NO matter HOW old I am... I will ALWAYS be your baby...even after you die.
Me: Ryan, you are right. You will ALWAYS be my baby, and I will be an angel watching over you forever!
TEN MINUTES DOWN THE ROAD:
Ryan: Mommy, WHAT DOES HEAVEN LOOK LIKE?
Me: (Gulp again!) Ryan, no one is sure....it is whatever is in your mind and heart. I picture it as a beautiful and peaceful place with a lot of flowers.
Ryan: Me too, I think there are a lot of gardens there.
Me: I agree little buddy.
Ryan: I even think they have SNAKES there Mommy. They have angel snakes in the garden.
Me: (smiling and driving)...I bet you are right little buddy, bet you are right!
WOW!! What a conversation to have with your 4 year old at 8 AM!!
Happy weekend!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Bird
Last Thursday, while our cleaning lady was here....I left one of the french doors open for Anderson to play outside...I was straightening the house, Anderson was going in and out of the french doors, playing in the backyard (yes, it is fully fenced in...in case you were wondering!)
All of the sudden...Ryan says..."Mom, there is a bird in the house." (in Ryan's...matter of the fact voice).
I am thinking, yeah, right..."Ryan, where is the bird?"
Ryan: "Right there Mom".
Me: (in my mind)....HOLY #$Y%^^!!!! Then calmly said, "You are right Ryan".
The bird flies into the living...all over the place, as it is a 2 story living room with about 6 windows in it. The bird perched itself in our fake tree in the living....hopped around my "CLEAN" clothes that I had been folding in the living. After 10 minutes, I call Charlie and ask what in the h$$#%! was I suppose to do. He thought it was hilarious. It was freaking me out a bit....
After 20 minutes, it found the french doors and flew out.
Always exciting around here!
PS - This is our messy dining room table...still sorting thru all of Anna's birth gifts and TRYING to write thank you cards :) Excuse the mess in the video :)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Sleeping with....
my eyes open.
While we were in Cincinnati....Ryan was up VERY early one morning. I was just checking in on him, and he was lying in bed with his eyes open. I said, "Hey buddy, I thought you were sleeping".
He said, "I was....sometimes I like to sleep with my eyes open so I don't miss anything!"
While we were in Cincinnati....Ryan was up VERY early one morning. I was just checking in on him, and he was lying in bed with his eyes open. I said, "Hey buddy, I thought you were sleeping".
He said, "I was....sometimes I like to sleep with my eyes open so I don't miss anything!"
Monday, May 11, 2009
Princess
I am SUPER sad to report that PRINCESS has passed on. For those of you who do not know....Princess was our cat. I got her the year I graduated from college.....12 years ago......
Charlie and I had been dating for 6 months, we went to the pound together and I picked her out. Charlie still reminds me to this day it was "not the cat he would have picked". Princess was a persian/tabby mix. She was so pretty and TINY TINY!! She weighed all of 2 lbs. NO KIDDING!! She got sick 1 week after I got her. I took her to the vet. I had to feed her RX food that cost more than what it was costing me to feed myself! ($3/can.....2 a day!) HA!
Sadly, Thursday night Princess went missing. She NEVER leaves the front porch. AND....she was not there.....
We are assuming a coyote.
Needless to say, I was HEARTBROKEN over it. SICK to my stomach....I cried for 3 days....then, imagine having to tell the kids....especially our sensitive, big heart Kaitlyn!
We told the kids yesterday. Kaitlyn cried for over 1 hour. She was crushed. She asked Charlie to go buy her a new cat TODAY, NOW! Charlie politely said NO (he really has no intentions of replacing the cat....but, Kaitlyn and I will have to "work" on him! HA!).....Kaitlyn could not understand. We told her Princess was not coming home...she wondered WHY WOULD PRINCESS NOT COME HOME? I said, well...she is in a "happy" place. Kaitlyn said...WHY WOULD SHE BE HAPPY AT SOMEONE ELSE'S HOME? Sweet Kaitlyn.....I explained to her that Princess was old and sometimes kitty cats will know they are sick and crawl into the bushes and close their eyes to go to sleep. Kaitlyn could not understand what would have happened to her.....WE ARE NOT going to tell her about the coyote theory....we will wait until she is 18 to tell her! :)
God Bless Princess. She was such a sweet sweet kitty. She will be missed!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Ryan learned to
Yahoo! I taught Ryan and Kaitlyn to blow bubbles with their chewing gum....such a necessity in life :) I got a picture of Ryan...still working on Kaitlyn's bubble picture...to be continued!
We were on vacation for the past week...I will need to post about that later...when I am not chasing Anderson around and he is napping. We had a great time!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Had to happen
at some point...
Yes, this was in the cards...for sure.....
Last Friday, we (meaning Kaitlyn, Ryan, Anna, and I) took Anderson to therapy. Yes, EVERYBODY...it was Spring Break! Dropped Anderson off with the therapist, we had 2 hours to pass by. We had breakfast in the hospital, we played games, we talked, it was nice to have my "big kids" around to hang out with....
As a bribe...(yes, I said bribe)....When I have JUST Ryan on Tuesdays, I let Ryan pick out candy at the end of the 2 hours of therapy in the hospital gift shop. It is my "tool"...if he starts to act up...guess what I take away....the piece of candy from the gift shop. They have those 5 cent and 10 cent single pieces of candy that Ryan thinks are the "bomb"! Today, Kaitlyn gets to enjoy this treat!
Well, this particular Friday, Kaitlyn and Ryan want to wait for Anderson to pick out their candy (We usually make it part of our "time killer" in the 2 hours). We go to gift shop, I hold Anderson (yes, 32 lbs)...pushing Anna while K and R pick out their candy (well deserved...they were GREAT at therapy).
Next, as always, we take off our badges and we use the anti-bacterial hand solution as we walk at the door. Ryan puts his candy in his pocket to "wash" his hands.
We are walking to the car when....I hear...BANG! I turn around...Ryan has walked straight into a metal pole. WHAT? Are you kidding me? You have to be okay. I hug him...you okay little buddy. I move his hair off the front of his head. YIKES!!!!! A HUGE, I aM TALKING...HUGE!!!! BUMP the color of a BLUEBERRY sticking out from his head only 20 seconds after the BANG! Okay...what were you doing. He says, "Getting my candy out of my pocket! "
Back into the hospital....all 4 of them, Anderson still in my arms. ( MY back hurts thinking back to this story!) I go to the front desk where the check in girl knows us. I told her what happened and asked if they had ice. She said she would go get some for us. (THANK YOU, did not want to drag my 4 kids any further into the hospital).
The ice comes...Anderson is screaming b/c he is tired from therapy. Ryan puts the ice on his head, my friend who brought the ice sees the damage and says, OH MY, I think you need to go the the ER. I need to call triage for you, I will be back.
Oh great.
Then, a director of the hospital walks in, she sees the "Craziness" and hears Anderson. So, she comes over. She takes a look at Ryan's head. She says to me..."I can't make you go to the ER, but I would ADVISE you to go." Oh brother.
My friend comes back...she says, "I talked to triage, we can't make you go over the ER, but they would recommend you going. But, since your son did get hurt on our property, regardless of your decision, you have to wait for security to come and file a report." ARE YOU SERIOUS?
So, the security guard comes...again, someone that recognizes me. He says, "OH, No...not YOU!" HA!
He looks at Ryan's head (which is now 20 minutes after the BANG)...looks TONS better. I am not just saying this, really...has had ice now for 10 minutes, it is looking GOOD compared. He comments what a good job Ryan did on it, etc. He takes a pic of Ryan and his bump, asks a lot of questions (phone number, address)...Ryan can answer all of these. SO, I am feeling like he is doing okay. (Have I mentioned that Anderson is STILL screaming?)
The security guard finishes up, says to me..."Has anyone talked to you about going to the ER?" I tell him yes. He asks if he can help me. I told him I thought I would call the pediatrician from the car. Security guard said to me..."based on your son's alertness, and the "Crew" of kids you have...and your experience...off the record...that sounds GREAT!" HA!!
So...we leave...the security guard tells Ryan to watch where he is walking :) and we leave.
We made it to the car finally! WHEW! Called the ped...got the "signs to watch for"....and all is well. Ryan finally "dug that candy" out of his pocket and he was good to go.
It was going to happen at some point...2.5 years later, dragging MULTIPLE children down to the hospital...something HAD to happen at some point.
It was quite the crack up!
We saw the security guard again today while we were having breakfast...he came over to "check on" the kids. IT was so sweet of him! He told Ryan again to keep his chin up and watch where he walks :)
Good advice for all of us...keep your chin up!
Yes, this was in the cards...for sure.....
Last Friday, we (meaning Kaitlyn, Ryan, Anna, and I) took Anderson to therapy. Yes, EVERYBODY...it was Spring Break! Dropped Anderson off with the therapist, we had 2 hours to pass by. We had breakfast in the hospital, we played games, we talked, it was nice to have my "big kids" around to hang out with....
As a bribe...(yes, I said bribe)....When I have JUST Ryan on Tuesdays, I let Ryan pick out candy at the end of the 2 hours of therapy in the hospital gift shop. It is my "tool"...if he starts to act up...guess what I take away....the piece of candy from the gift shop. They have those 5 cent and 10 cent single pieces of candy that Ryan thinks are the "bomb"! Today, Kaitlyn gets to enjoy this treat!
Well, this particular Friday, Kaitlyn and Ryan want to wait for Anderson to pick out their candy (We usually make it part of our "time killer" in the 2 hours). We go to gift shop, I hold Anderson (yes, 32 lbs)...pushing Anna while K and R pick out their candy (well deserved...they were GREAT at therapy).
Next, as always, we take off our badges and we use the anti-bacterial hand solution as we walk at the door. Ryan puts his candy in his pocket to "wash" his hands.
We are walking to the car when....I hear...BANG! I turn around...Ryan has walked straight into a metal pole. WHAT? Are you kidding me? You have to be okay. I hug him...you okay little buddy. I move his hair off the front of his head. YIKES!!!!! A HUGE, I aM TALKING...HUGE!!!! BUMP the color of a BLUEBERRY sticking out from his head only 20 seconds after the BANG! Okay...what were you doing. He says, "Getting my candy out of my pocket! "
Back into the hospital....all 4 of them, Anderson still in my arms. ( MY back hurts thinking back to this story!) I go to the front desk where the check in girl knows us. I told her what happened and asked if they had ice. She said she would go get some for us. (THANK YOU, did not want to drag my 4 kids any further into the hospital).
The ice comes...Anderson is screaming b/c he is tired from therapy. Ryan puts the ice on his head, my friend who brought the ice sees the damage and says, OH MY, I think you need to go the the ER. I need to call triage for you, I will be back.
Oh great.
Then, a director of the hospital walks in, she sees the "Craziness" and hears Anderson. So, she comes over. She takes a look at Ryan's head. She says to me..."I can't make you go to the ER, but I would ADVISE you to go." Oh brother.
My friend comes back...she says, "I talked to triage, we can't make you go over the ER, but they would recommend you going. But, since your son did get hurt on our property, regardless of your decision, you have to wait for security to come and file a report." ARE YOU SERIOUS?
So, the security guard comes...again, someone that recognizes me. He says, "OH, No...not YOU!" HA!
He looks at Ryan's head (which is now 20 minutes after the BANG)...looks TONS better. I am not just saying this, really...has had ice now for 10 minutes, it is looking GOOD compared. He comments what a good job Ryan did on it, etc. He takes a pic of Ryan and his bump, asks a lot of questions (phone number, address)...Ryan can answer all of these. SO, I am feeling like he is doing okay. (Have I mentioned that Anderson is STILL screaming?)
The security guard finishes up, says to me..."Has anyone talked to you about going to the ER?" I tell him yes. He asks if he can help me. I told him I thought I would call the pediatrician from the car. Security guard said to me..."based on your son's alertness, and the "Crew" of kids you have...and your experience...off the record...that sounds GREAT!" HA!!
So...we leave...the security guard tells Ryan to watch where he is walking :) and we leave.
We made it to the car finally! WHEW! Called the ped...got the "signs to watch for"....and all is well. Ryan finally "dug that candy" out of his pocket and he was good to go.
It was going to happen at some point...2.5 years later, dragging MULTIPLE children down to the hospital...something HAD to happen at some point.
It was quite the crack up!
We saw the security guard again today while we were having breakfast...he came over to "check on" the kids. IT was so sweet of him! He told Ryan again to keep his chin up and watch where he walks :)
Good advice for all of us...keep your chin up!
You know you are a Mom
When.....
you look down at your arm and see "dried" green snot on it...and you have no idea how it got there. Last time you checked, 1) you did not have a runny nose and 2) you typically find a tissue when in need to blow your nose.
Wonder which little one left that present behind for Mom......
NICE!
PS - Did I mention it is sad that the snot was DRIED b/4 I noticed?? Does that tell you I am busy or what? I know...GROSS!
you look down at your arm and see "dried" green snot on it...and you have no idea how it got there. Last time you checked, 1) you did not have a runny nose and 2) you typically find a tissue when in need to blow your nose.
Wonder which little one left that present behind for Mom......
NICE!
PS - Did I mention it is sad that the snot was DRIED b/4 I noticed?? Does that tell you I am busy or what? I know...GROSS!
SOOO LONG!
Oh my!! I can't believe how much time has passed since my last post. So embarrassing!
Life is great, just super super busy with 4 children....6 and under, and oh, did I mention that one has special needs. I can't COUNT how many people say to me, "boy, you've got your hands full". But, let me tell you....as an old man (lets say a great grandpa looking guy working the train at the zoo) once said to me...."bet you are the best busy you will ever be". CLASSIC!!! LOVE that grandpa's comments!! He is SO right...the BEST BUSY I will ever be. People ask me how I do it....one day at a time with a smile. I LOVE IT! Yes, I have hard days, but life is good...and so much to be thankful for.....we are truly blessed...now to some posts....
Life is great, just super super busy with 4 children....6 and under, and oh, did I mention that one has special needs. I can't COUNT how many people say to me, "boy, you've got your hands full". But, let me tell you....as an old man (lets say a great grandpa looking guy working the train at the zoo) once said to me...."bet you are the best busy you will ever be". CLASSIC!!! LOVE that grandpa's comments!! He is SO right...the BEST BUSY I will ever be. People ask me how I do it....one day at a time with a smile. I LOVE IT! Yes, I have hard days, but life is good...and so much to be thankful for.....we are truly blessed...now to some posts....
Friday, March 27, 2009
School District
Yesterday was Anderson's big day with the school district. The meeting was at 9AM on Thursday. Charlie ran into work first thing in the AM, to check in with work and pull together a packet for us to present. He put a cover page with a picture of Anderson, a table of contents, label pages for the info in the packet...he did such a great job. My Aunt and I had printed copies of Anderson's "Chiari" MRI and printed a copy of my MRI of a "normal brain"...well, lets say mine is normal at least anatomically :) hA! Anyway, it is an amazing visual for someone to physically SEE what is wrong with Anderson's brain.
We decide to take Ryan with us b/c Anna has to come (since she is nursing every 2 hours)...and they wanted to meet Anderson. So, we were not going to get a sitter for Ryan. The boys and I stop at Star*bucks on our way over to the school. We pull up to the special education school....wait for Charlie.
As I am sitting there, I just start crying. I CAN'T believe I am sitting in this parking lot. I can't believe the knots in my stomach as I walk into this school for special needs children, I can't believe I have to go into this school and discuss MY special needs child with a school psychologist who has probably never heard of Chiari and probably can't spell it! AHH!!!
Charlie pulls up, comes up to my window, gives me a kiss and he can tell I am in tears. He asks me what is wrong. I try to say b/w my tears that I can't believe I am here, I can't believe we are doing this, I DO NOT WANT to be here....and he said, what do you mean, you do not want to be here. I told him, we have to be here, but I DO NOT want to be here. All I could think about was wishing I was at the zoo with the boys, or at the park with them getting ready to go run and play...and for Anderson to yell...MOMMY across the playground, WATCH THIS. Instead, I am getting ready to go into a room with my son's case worker and a school psychiatrist to "fight" for the BEST possible education we can get our son at this point who can't even utter 1 word that a stranger can understand.
WOW, what a hard day it was yesterday.
In the end...the meeting was great. I felt great when I left. The school psychologist was wonderful, intelligent and sweet. I felt that she "listened" to us, and is going to do her best to help Anderson. Felt like we had a partner...but, this is only meeting #1 :) I am cautiously optimistic at this point.
We shall see....they will do 6 assessments on Anderson in 2 - 45 minute sessions (now, you tell me....think that is going to work....1.5 hours to determine in 6 different areas where he should be placed?). Anyway, we are trying to "trust the system" and see what happens......
We decide to take Ryan with us b/c Anna has to come (since she is nursing every 2 hours)...and they wanted to meet Anderson. So, we were not going to get a sitter for Ryan. The boys and I stop at Star*bucks on our way over to the school. We pull up to the special education school....wait for Charlie.
As I am sitting there, I just start crying. I CAN'T believe I am sitting in this parking lot. I can't believe the knots in my stomach as I walk into this school for special needs children, I can't believe I have to go into this school and discuss MY special needs child with a school psychologist who has probably never heard of Chiari and probably can't spell it! AHH!!!
Charlie pulls up, comes up to my window, gives me a kiss and he can tell I am in tears. He asks me what is wrong. I try to say b/w my tears that I can't believe I am here, I can't believe we are doing this, I DO NOT WANT to be here....and he said, what do you mean, you do not want to be here. I told him, we have to be here, but I DO NOT want to be here. All I could think about was wishing I was at the zoo with the boys, or at the park with them getting ready to go run and play...and for Anderson to yell...MOMMY across the playground, WATCH THIS. Instead, I am getting ready to go into a room with my son's case worker and a school psychiatrist to "fight" for the BEST possible education we can get our son at this point who can't even utter 1 word that a stranger can understand.
WOW, what a hard day it was yesterday.
In the end...the meeting was great. I felt great when I left. The school psychologist was wonderful, intelligent and sweet. I felt that she "listened" to us, and is going to do her best to help Anderson. Felt like we had a partner...but, this is only meeting #1 :) I am cautiously optimistic at this point.
We shall see....they will do 6 assessments on Anderson in 2 - 45 minute sessions (now, you tell me....think that is going to work....1.5 hours to determine in 6 different areas where he should be placed?). Anyway, we are trying to "trust the system" and see what happens......
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Big Week at our home.
Sorry for the delay in posts...I usually post at night when all the kids are asleep...with a newborn baby, it is a bit harder...I tend to go to bed WITH the kids :) HA!!
But, I had to write about the week we had the week of March 9th!
It was a great week at our home.
Ryan was line leader at school (which, when you are 3...is a BIG deal!!) He was line leader and got to bring in a share item to school on Friday. He loved it.
Anderson said 3 words at therapy...YES, 3!! We were so excited...he said, "Oh, WOW", "dog", and "duck". The "g" and "ck" were not too clear, but the therapist said he was making distinct sounds that were different and identifying the object as well. WAY to go little guy!!
And then ,Kaitlyn...was awarded the "Franciscan Award" at school!! The teacher told us ahead of time that they were going to give her this award. It is given to 1 student in ech classroom every month. They present it to the kids at the weekly flagpole ceremony on Wednesday. Charlie and I, Ryan, Anderson and Anna surprised Kaitlyn and showed up to that flagpole ceremony when she was presented the award. The award its given to a student "who has cheerfully shared a spirit of friendship, cooperation, responsibility, punctuality, good study habits, and courtesy." We are so very proud of Kaitlyn for receiving this award!
What a big week. We had a celebration with ice cream and popsicles at the end of the week!
XOXO
But, I had to write about the week we had the week of March 9th!
It was a great week at our home.
Ryan was line leader at school (which, when you are 3...is a BIG deal!!) He was line leader and got to bring in a share item to school on Friday. He loved it.
Anderson said 3 words at therapy...YES, 3!! We were so excited...he said, "Oh, WOW", "dog", and "duck". The "g" and "ck" were not too clear, but the therapist said he was making distinct sounds that were different and identifying the object as well. WAY to go little guy!!
And then ,Kaitlyn...was awarded the "Franciscan Award" at school!! The teacher told us ahead of time that they were going to give her this award. It is given to 1 student in ech classroom every month. They present it to the kids at the weekly flagpole ceremony on Wednesday. Charlie and I, Ryan, Anderson and Anna surprised Kaitlyn and showed up to that flagpole ceremony when she was presented the award. The award its given to a student "who has cheerfully shared a spirit of friendship, cooperation, responsibility, punctuality, good study habits, and courtesy." We are so very proud of Kaitlyn for receiving this award!
What a big week. We had a celebration with ice cream and popsicles at the end of the week!
XOXO
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
ONE YEAR AGO
Yes...one year ago Anderson had his brain surgery in Chicago! It is so hard to believe that 1 year has passed us by already. We are so very proud of Anderson and all of his accomplishments this past year. Most importantly, we are so very happy he is no longer in the pain that he was in prior to surgery. Anderson continues to teach US something all the time!
This day 1 year ago is still so vivid in our minds.....I can remember so many of the details of the day...what time things happened, where we were sitting in the hospital, what we ate, the look in Charlie's eyes, talking to the doc after surgery, etc. It is so "real" in my mind still today. One year ago tonight, the NSG came into Anderson's room and told us how the surgery went. I can still hear him say...Anderson was "special", he had the 4th ventricle of his brain blocked, and when the NSG sees this....it typically means that the surgery will be "more successful"!!! We could not believe it! A "best case" scenario was happening in this terrifying event in our lives. I can still picture little Anderson lying in his hospital bed after surgery, I just wanted to pick him and take away all of the pain. Still brings tears to my eyes. But...1 year later....WOW...is all I can say!
It has been a remarkable year.....we have a long way to go, but we believe we are on the correct path. We are so very thankful for the neurosurgeon who believed in Anderson and how he could help Anderson. Thank goodness for that doctor. We feel so very blessed.
We had a celebration tonight with the kids to mark this milestone for Anderson!
Congrats little buddy, we are so proud of you!! We love you!
This day 1 year ago is still so vivid in our minds.....I can remember so many of the details of the day...what time things happened, where we were sitting in the hospital, what we ate, the look in Charlie's eyes, talking to the doc after surgery, etc. It is so "real" in my mind still today. One year ago tonight, the NSG came into Anderson's room and told us how the surgery went. I can still hear him say...Anderson was "special", he had the 4th ventricle of his brain blocked, and when the NSG sees this....it typically means that the surgery will be "more successful"!!! We could not believe it! A "best case" scenario was happening in this terrifying event in our lives. I can still picture little Anderson lying in his hospital bed after surgery, I just wanted to pick him and take away all of the pain. Still brings tears to my eyes. But...1 year later....WOW...is all I can say!
It has been a remarkable year.....we have a long way to go, but we believe we are on the correct path. We are so very thankful for the neurosurgeon who believed in Anderson and how he could help Anderson. Thank goodness for that doctor. We feel so very blessed.
We had a celebration tonight with the kids to mark this milestone for Anderson!
Congrats little buddy, we are so proud of you!! We love you!
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