Tooth-ers

As hers are lost, his are gained. Nora is down one tooth, and I do believe Wee E is sporting about 10. And, Isaac is getting his bottom two as well. The Tooth Fairy visited and brought Nora a book (about being a Tooth Fairy) and a crisp dollar bill. What's next I wonder. She has another that is becoming a bit unsteady.

Wordless Wed.; Tues. Edition - GLEE!

For more WWs, click here.

A party to outdo all parties.

Nora celebrated her sixth birthday last Saturday with friends (dad, mom, grandparents and brothers too) at the most innovative place. The setting, called “Ingredients,” focuses on children’s cooking classes and also hosts the most wonderful birthday parties. The kiddos made their own cupcakes, decorated them, made mini pizzas and ate it all in style after garnishing their own chef hats. They had a ball. They boys slept during part of the party. Then, Elliot became very irritated and wanted to help with the frosting of the cakes. Maybe in a couple of years, honey. Nora was also sporting her very own chef apron. So wonderful. Alas, a few kiddos called and ended up with the flu, so could not attend. Nora missed her cousin especially, whom my aunt drove 100 miles to attend. Poor sweetie ended up throwing up just before arrival. Anyway, it was a grand day and a great party. Do enjoy the photos and one token one of Elliot that I had to share as well.

Way too fast.

Miss Nora will soon boast that she is the ripe old age of SIX. Happy early birthday, sweetheart. February 12 was a happy day six years ago. No complications. The picture of health.

Our first born will forever hold a special place in my heart.

From a bald head to one of angelic curls.

From a toothless smile to one featuring the first loose tooth.

From Barney to High School Musical (HEAVEN FORBID).

From walking late to ballet class.

From a wee six pound baby to a lovely young lady.

Nora, you're the bestest.

May your birthday be filled with wonder now and forever.

xxx
Mommy

The cord. The surgery.

Well, Elliot’s tethered spinal cord has been identified. We will move forward with what Doc Pediatric Neurosurgeon refers to as a “simple” procedure. Elliot’s conus medullaris is not formed correctly. Doc will proceed with a mere “filum clipping.” Mere? Oh my. As noted in a lovely article that I found online (God, keep me OFF of the damn Internet):

Surgical Decision Making
“The fundamental goals of surgical intervention in tethered cord syndrome are as follows:

1) to improve or stabilize deficits in the symptomatic patient and

2) to prevent future deficits in the asymptomatic patient. These two goals are predicated on the fact that sectioning of the terminal filum can be conducted safely with minimal risk and a very low rate of morbidity. This relative safety has been studied extensively and is commonly held to be true.”

So, that being said, Elliot is not symptomatic, unless one looks at the fact that the poor kid is not anywhere NEAR crawling and is constipated to kingdom come. Again, from the web piece:

“The reported complications of surgery are cerebrospinal fluid leakage (most common), wound infection, meningitis, bladder dysfunction, and neurological injury. The incidence of neurological injury due to sectioning is less than 1%.”

Doc Pediatric Neurosurgeon’s nurse (no, not the damn doc himself, the one who will cut my son’s spine OPEN, but instead, his nurse) called this afternoon to address some of my of so real concerns. She did confirm the above about cerebrospinal fluid leakage and wound infection. Now, how the hell am I to keep Elliot from reaching around and playing with his wound? HOW? They say that he does not need to be immobilized (other than his obvious sedation in the hospital for three flipping days). But, good LORD, he will have to be under constant supervision so as not to pick at his poor wound. And, with a 5-month old and a 5-year old, just how am I going to do this with no help during the day and a multitude of client needs on top of it? Why, oh why, am I working...?

Dear God, give me strength please. And, for those who are curious, here is what I found in the above quoted article: a pretty photo of what Elliot’s little bum looks like between those sweet cheeks. Not as bad as pictured above, but you all get the picture.

More prayers please for my beloved boy? Surgery set for March.

P.S. They may want to look at baby Isaac too. His little bum is marked with the same dimple!

Wordless Wednesday - Crap it is almost Thursday

For more on WW, click here. This one is called "STOP IT." Gosh, he will not eat a morsel!

Shannon is sweet!

Thanks, Shannon, for such a lovely award. I pass it on to ALL of my friends on T21. Hugs.

Just me.

I was tagged by Miss Stephanie with a meme to chat about myself. I don't really do this often, as my focus is generally on three more important beings. Anyway, seven random things about me follow:

1. When I was little, I told my mother that I wanted to be a mommy, like her. Then, as I got a bit older, I told my dad that I wanted to be like him and go into marketing. So, I have successfully done both. I prefer motherhood.

2. I am a red wine activist. I cannot wait to visit Monterey again sometime soon.

3. I love the mountains, but am scared to death of heights!

4. I have become immune to the aroma of poopy diapers, but can smell a disaster coming miles away.

5. I have two competing autoimmune thyroid disorders and shared this charming condition with both of my sons. Nora escaped.

6. I am asked quite frequently where I practice nursing. I laugh and laugh even harder when physicians ask. I just note that a person learns quick when situations arise.

7. I am happy in my own skin (even as it ages) and appreciate what I have been given. I do hope to pass self-belief on to my beloved offspring.

I tag Miss Pam, Mrs. Wibbs, and Miss Amy. Time to talk about yourself, ladies!

Wee E's turn.

Elliot was tagged by his sweet friend, Kennedy, with the love/dislike meme. Elliot’s list includes:

Loves:
His Suckie – a ratty old cloth diaper
Me
Daddy
Sissy
Brother
Kitty & his ability to grab & maul Kitty without bothering the poor animal
Anything soft
Looking out the window
His own expression in the mirror
Pulling my hair
Daddy’s facial hair
Mommy playing the "superman" game, where he gets to fly
Pediasure – vanilla with fibre only
Sleeping with his bottom in the air

Doesn’t love so much:
Eating real food
Mommy holding baby brother & not him
Loud voices
One of his old therapists who sounded like a fog horn when she talked
Doctors & florescent lighting

For the most part, Wee E is happy as could be.

Gerber baby.

Such a lover Isaac is. Wow - pushing 5 months already.

Disgust.

Mentally Disabled Female Suicide Bombers Blow Up Pet Markets in Baghdad, Killing Dozens

what is this world coming to?

Just an update.

Elliot made it through yet another sedated MRI. Alas, we won’t have results on the potential tethered spinal cord until Monday. So, we wait. Elliot did not do as well under general this time around. He was very lethargic yesterday upon returning home and his face turned awfully blotchy later in the day. His eyes were extremely puffy too. Assume due to being taped shut during the procedure. No vomiting, but he did not want to eat.

Today, chipper as can be, thank goodness. I have to give it to the little man. The smile rarely leaves his rosy-cheeked face. And, now that he is FINALLY sitting, a whole new world is opening up. He can see over the crib after all. I have to wonder what he is thinking and so wants to say. At very least, expressions say so much. And his, in general, are ones of merriment. He’s happy to be here! And, I could not be happier that he is.