A mixture of photos...just because

I have not updated photos lately, so I thought now was a good time to share. I am very pleased with Elliot’s progress following his spinal untethering. See him pulling up to get his toys. This is an entirely new trick. Isaac is getting too big for the sink. I love to watch him splash and kick, blue eyes sparkling. Nora is looking pretty as a peach with daddy on Easter (and dad looks very nice as well), and the ducks? Well, I caught them creeping across the yard today. Sure sign that spring is almost here, albeit it's still only 40-45 degrees with clouds. Oh well; I’m just as happy as can be that the flowers will soon be in full swing and my kiddos are all smiling.

:)

I hope everyone had a good Easter.

Today is World Down Syndrome Day.

“Down Syndrome International (DSI) has officially earmarked 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). The date was chosen to signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome and is used synonymously with Down syndrome.

Singapore was selected to launch the inaugural WDSD in 2006. The event, held at the CHIJ Secondary School in Toa Payoh, in the heartlands of Singapore was very successful and well attended. Many other organizations worldwide joined in the celebrations with events and activities in their respective countries.

This year the theme for 21 March 2008 is "Aim High Enough," to continue creating awareness about Down syndrome and promote acceptance of diversity.

All DSI members and related organizations worldwide are encouraged to observe the WDSD together with the community in an appropriate manner.”

As part of this special day, I ask that you pray for some very wonderful children in need of our thoughts and prayers. Lovable Rhett just underwent yet another surgery and his family has been on edge for so long. Sweet Chelsea is battling leukemia. May God bless both of these remarkable children today on Good Friday and always. I cherish the friendship and support that we have received from both of their families as well. And, continued prayers for my wee cherub too. He is healing and will forever Aim High Enough as noted above. I am blessed to have been chosen to raise such an extraordinary individual.

He's home.

Dear Elliot is home. I apologize for not providing an update on Monday when he arrived around the noon hour, but it has been a bit trying here at the homestead. He is still in a lot of pain, and it is far from easy to get my poor kiddo to take any pain meds. Of course, if anything is to enter his body it has to be mixed with his beloved Pediasure. As the antibiotic and pain medication alter the taste of his food, he is refusing most feedings. Bathing was also a treat. I cannot submerse his wound, so I tried a bath in the sink with about an inch of water. The incision is on his lower back (near his bum and about three inches in length). “But why the heck can’t I splash,” Elliot must have been thinking as he looked at me with antagonism. He has an Ace bandage wrapped tightly around his tummy to cover the wound during the day. It is difficult too to get that silly thing to stay in place. Necessary nonetheless, as sans the bandage, we risk infection and spinal fluid leakage. That simply CANNOT happen. Well, today is another day. I stayed on the floor next to Elliot’s crib for part of the night as he whimpered. Get better soon, dear baby boy!

Before. After.

Enough said. Please, God, help my dear boy heal quickly.

Post-op

I am very tired; I am emotionally drained; and my poor husband sounded so distraught every single time he has called today, but I just had to update and thank everyone for the support, prayers and thoughts. Elliot's surgery went well, but Wee E is in a GREAT DEAL of pain and on heavy Morphine. Thanks to Stephanie (love you sister), I will be asking doc pediatric neurosurgeon (tomorrow when I arrive in Omaha) about the drug, Precedex, as a Morphine replacement. Apparently, her dear Aiden has had luck with this in place of terrible, terrible Morphine. Sweetie Rhett has had luck as well. (And, Pam, thank you for everything). We’ll see if the staff at Children's is on the up and up regarding the drug's benefits for kiddos who are blessed with a tiny bit extra.

So, Jeff sent a photo. Poor little man is just whimpering and dry heaving. God be with you baby boy. Momma will be there tomorrow! I love you, Elliot, and I love all of you who have spent time praying for my dear boy.

sweet baby boy

Wee E just went into surgery. I'll be pulling hairs out for a good two hours now. Update upon completion. I thank everyone in advance for their thoughts and prayers.

eight.

That is the number representing the amount of cavities Nora now sports in her tiny mouth! My jaw dropped when the pediatric dentist announced this today. "Don't beat yourself up, Michelle," she says.

Monday, poor little missy will endure one of three treatments (expensive treatments) to fix them. One tooth is so bad that it is requiring a crown. A crown on a baby tooth? What? She has never complained of a tooth ache, etc. The dentist blames it on Pediasure. And Pediasure is ALL that Elliot consumes currently. Still no solids.

Elliot, on the other hand, has perfect teeth. Again, what? His teeth are supposed to be messed up, right? Nope. The dentist was in awe. Against all odds, dear Wee E!

So, Nora will sit in a dental chair Monday afternoon while Elliot is sitting (or probably lying) in a hospital bed, recovering from his spinal surgery.

Hmmm? What’s next? I can only pray that Isaac's next thyroid panel produces good results.

no time

I have not been blogging for a bit. I have had very little free time as of late. Elliot is not feeling well. I do believe that he has my cold/flu that I am just now starting to get over after nearly three weeks. I pray that he is on the mend by March 14 - surgery for his tethered spine.

I have been working non-stop. Seems that I am up until 1-2 a.m. every night, then back up at 6 a.m. to get a head start on the day before kiddos arise and breakfast, baths and diaper duty commences.

Isaac finally began to roll. Started that last Sunday. His face is marked with glee each and every time he rolls. Darn it though - he cannot get back over. I hear a very specific shriek and I know that he is caught! Off then to his rescue.

Speaking of which, I hear one of the babes calling for me now. Jeff, of course, is in bed. Oh, how I wish I could just go to bed!

Hope to get my Wordless Wednesdays up and running again soon. That's another thing - finding time to take a photograph or two. Better do it quick...before they all grow up!