Amanda's World

You just need this hair!

2012-01-22T12:58:00.001-08:00

Keith: "Mommy I like your hair".

Me: "Thanks Keith, but I really need new hair, like a hair cut or something".

Keith: " No mommy, you just need this hair".

It really makes you feel good when little ones make you feel so good :)

"Gwatch-A-Movie"

2012-01-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

Keith: "What's that green dip called again?"

Me: "It's guacamole"

Keith" "I want some of that gwatch-a-movie"

Oh Dear, I hate when I get sappy

2012-01-03T10:27:00.001-08:00

So, I almost posted THIS as a facebook status. I decided it was too long, and it should go HERE instead. Maybe nobody will read it. I don't really care. It's just how I feel RIGHT now, and I wanted to get it out. So in my blog it shall go....

Random thoughts....My mother had my sister at 38 years old, and unfortunately my mother passed away when she was 39 years old, in 2000. I was 20 then. The previous year, we lost my poppop Conrad. In 2002, my brother Eric was killed at 16 yrs old. I had my first child, Keith, due to miracles of science. Don't believe it? Ask me. He was born at 26 weeks and given a 25% chance of living. He is going to be 6 this year. I never was supposed to have children, according to drs in 2001. I now have TWO very beautiful children, and one angel baby. Growing up was not like most children. We did live in and out of battered women's shelters. I wanted better for my children, and facts prove they do have better. I may not be perfect, I never will be. I'll never look like a model, and it doesn't matter to me. I have a heart of gold. Sometimes we aren't always dealt the cards that are perfect, so take you cards and play your game the best you can. I love my life and everything in life that has been negative, I have learned from, and made it better, and have come out way stronger. Sure, I could sit on a rock and pout, but why? Life's far too short to dwell on negative, when there is so much positive things that can be thought about. Don't forget about your negative events, but don't let them eat at you and change who you are, and can be.

A Lesson in Hope and Blessings

2011-12-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

As I sit here on the eve of my daughter's first birthday, I think back to about 10 years ago.
Ten years ago, I was told I shouldn't even bother trying to have children. That, I would NEVER get pregnant, and quite frankly I should just consider a hysterectomy at the ripe age of 21. I remember walking out of the doctor's office that day; sad, hopeless, and really angry.   I never gave up faith that I would one day have children, even if it meant adoption.
In 2003, my ex-husband and I undergone fertility treatment. We had tried for 2 years to get pregnant, and still did not want to "give up" as my OB had stated I should do back in 2001. Our fertility doctors at that point, found out that not only I had issues with conception, but my ex at the time also had major complications. We were sure at that point we would need to adopt.
That Christmas (2003), I got my first kitten, Lucy. She was my "baby". Then, January 2004, I got Jasmine, and in June 2004, Smeegle which was a rescue. My cat Lucy passed away from us in April 2011. Smeegle was lost in my divorce, but doing well with my ex-husband. Jasmine, is a very, very loved furr-baby.
Anyway, years passed, and December 2005 rolled around, I was battling infertility again and really, really wanting a baby. My cats weren't filling the "void" anymore. December 17th, 2005 I was artificially inseminated with donor sperm. My ex-husband and I thought for sure, this was going to be a fail, that this was a "waste of time", and that the outcome would NEVER be a baby.
On January 4th, 2006, I found out I was pregnant with my son. I was shocked, happy, excited, scared, all rolled into one. My whole pregnancy with him was a "scary" time, to say the least.   Anybody that knows me, knows all I went through to get him safely into this world.   All 1 pound 11 ounces of him, was born on June 7th, 2006 at 26weeks gestation (14 weeks early). At that point, I was a mother! Sure, science played a HUGE roll in getting my son here, but he is here--- and I surely showed my OB docs from 2001, that the person that they said would never had a baby, did so.
In July 2008, my current husband and I, found out we were expecting. We were completely shocked! There was no medical intervention, no "science experiments". The person that was told they would never get pregnant, just showed those OB's yet again, that things CAN happen. This time without any sort of fertility treatment! Unfortunately, I did miscarry that pregnancy, but just getting pregnant "on my own", really put a lot of "hope" back into my life. I never thought I would have a chance having another baby after Keith.
April 2010, I found out again I was pregnant! I felt like the first few months of pregnancy I was walking on egg shells with God to please let me have this baby. I seen high risk pregnancy doctors from very early on in pregnancy and throughout. I took hormones just after finding out I was pregnant, received a cerclage, and continued with hormone shots all to "help" make sure I did not miscarry, or have the baby too early. All in all, the pregnancy was awesome. I never got to a point with Keith to feel him move, or feel the uncomfortable part of being pregnant--- to feel all of that with my baby girl, was AMAZING!

On the morning of December 6th, 2010 my baby girl Kyleighann Hope was delivered to us at 10:20am in the morning. I will NEVER forget the feeling of seeing my baby girl, and holding her for the first time. I missed all of that with my son, so it's just sooo special to have that with her.   My eyes are tearing up as a type this, so I think I will end now.

I'm just sooo truly blessed and honored to be a mom. Things aren't always easy, but God has shown me so much by giving me my precious babies. I never was supposed to have children, and now I have 2 beautiful precious people, and the unconditional love that they give off, is like nothing that anyone can ever give you.

If you are finding my blog through an infertility search, please, please have hope that you may one day too be successful in your journey to mother-hood.

Thanksgiving 2011 & Updates (a little later than never?)

2011-12-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

Gosh, I keep getting so behind on this thing! Maybe my 2012 resolution should be to blog more. I always have sooo much to say, I think about all I want to say in my head. Sometimes I lay in bed at night and think about exactly what I want to type on here-- it all sounds very nice (in my head)--- but never makes it here! Ugh!
Anyhow, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving here at home! i cooked A TON of food-- you would of thought there was going to be an army coming, but really it was just 6 people (us counting step dad and my sister). I had a lot of fun cooking the food, and everyone enjoyed it. I've already started planning Christmas dinner, and now I'm super excited for that!
We've also had a little change here as far as Kevin's employment. He is now working a wonderful job, and seems to really be enjoying it! He started the week before Thanksgiving for orientation.

On Monday, November 21 Kyleighann started walking! She now walks everywhere! I was so happy she chose that day to start-- because it was before Kevin was leaving for work for a few days-- and he surely would have missed it!

Now she walks everywhere, like she never knew how to!

It's been amazing seeing her learn new things and try things over the year. Even simple things like bites of food for the first time are amazing to see.

Keith has been doing well in school. I had a parent teacher conference recently, and the teacher seems to be pleased at the things he has accomplished. He still needs constant reminders to sit and listen, and to stay on task. I don't think that is something that is going to change anytime soon.

My latest creations

2011-10-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

Sent from Gravity!

Where you can find me

2011-10-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

I've been finding more places to sell my crafts and items, that I wanted to share them with my followers.

Every little bit I can do, really helps our income and keeps me being a stay at home mommy! My #1 priority is the kids, 2nd is the house, and 3rd are all of these things that I can fit into my schedule.

My #1 source of income is with ChaCha.com, where I am a guide and answer questions for customers. Anyone can do this job. Currently, they are hiring for "Vetters". The pay is somewhat smaller than what I get, but it's a start! Please comment if you are interested in this. I do get paid for referrals!

As many of you already know, I also work as an eBay trading assistant, but most of the time I have been selling my own items. Clothes, crafts, ect. If you are interested in me helping you sell your items, please comment with an email to reach you.

The next income generator for me is Yardsellr, style.ly, and Bonanza. I have done the best on Yardsellr out of the 3, but I'm very new to style.ly, and Bonanza. All 3 are FREE to list items on! I have also purchased from Yardsellr, and style.ly. The links to my boutiques for these 3, are on the right.

Lastly, I do alot of direct sales and auctions via facebook with my handmade goods and crafts. It's a fun way to make new people, and to show off of your work. I don't know how many crafty people are out there, but if you make anything, it wouldn't hurt to try to sell it!

If anyone has any questions, or needs help with any of these, let me know. I'm happy to help!

***Edited to add, I forgot-- I also sell on ebid! It's free to list as well!

Tom's Progress 9/30!

2011-09-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today, tom's 1 tomatoes have gotten much bigger, and there are a few extra tomatoes on the vine! Tom 2 finally sprouted a couple little buds...my phone ate the picture of tom 2's sprouts.... so we will need to get a pic of that next week. Coming along!

>>>>Edited 12/5/2011--- Tom 1 and Tom 2 didn't do so well once the cold came through. Tom 1 produced 2 very small tomatoes, and Tom 2 went to tree heaven :( Next year, I will try again with my container garden, but definitely will be starting my "gardening" earlier in the season!

Soda Stream Fountain!

2011-09-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

Do you know how bad I have been wanting to try a soda stream fountain? We got through some KILLER 2 liter bottles in this house, anywhere from 2 to 3 a day. I know, I know, we are not healthy in the soda drinking department, but we do atleast drink diet. (Don't even go there downing how awful that is!).

This machine looks sooo super cool! I bet I could even let Keith drink some of it since it's directly made from water, and doesn't seem to have any dangerous chemicals!

Right now, Bzzz Agent is doing a campaign on this product, and I would SO Love to be chosen for this!

Keith's Dentist Visit

2011-09-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Keith went to the dentist today. No cavities yet again. This was his 3rd visit, and usually he is not freaked out-- but today he was terribly off, and ended up kicking the dentist in the head :( It was a bad day all around for him. Later in the evening he told me he had "fun at the teeth doctor".
Boys!

Kyleigh's 9 Month Appointment

2011-09-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

Kyleigh had her 9 month appointment today. She had 2 shots (flu and hepatitis). She weighed in at 21lbs, and 29 inches in length! That puts her in the 90th percentile for height, and 75th percentile for weight.

She is sooo active! She now can stand unassisted, crawls EVERYWHERE and enjoys feeding herself bites, and eating in general!

She's such a cute little girl! Can't imagine life without her!

Tom's progress!

2011-09-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

As of September 21st, we have tomatoes blooming! So excited! I hope we actually get to eat them before the upcoming cold weather kills them off!

Kyleigh looks sooo cute in hats!

2011-09-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure Kyleigh is going to have a super large hat collection. I just can't stop getting her hats, or trying hats on her!

I just LOVE hats!

Tom 1 and tom 2

2011-09-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

We have had to transplant the toms yet again. They have gotten so large! This morning we discovered 2 yellow flowers on tom 1. Im impressed with my gardening!

Sent from Gravity!

Indiana Wind Farms : Wind Turbines

2011-08-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

So, while driving through Indiana on I-65, you get a glimpse of enormous, white windmills. Tons of them for as far as the eye can see. It almost looks like another planet, sorta creepy and space like. I've never taken a picture of these in all my times going through this place, but this time I did. I'm going to try to take another picture on our way back through with my real camera, since these were from the cell. I also researched these a little, and found out some pretty interesting things from the website that runs these massive things! You can check it out at: Indiana Wind Farm. Wikipedia also has a good article on them as well, located at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fowler_Ridge_Wind_Farm Enjoy!

In Ohio

2011-08-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

The kids were just waking up, some where in Ohio, around 6am. Keith didn't sleep much during the night, maybe about 2 hours! Kyleigh did sleep through the night, even after a few quick diaper changes she went back to sleep and enjoyed the ride. Keith was awake, too busy counting McDonalds!

What I made today!

2011-08-10T23:29:00.000-07:00

Not many people know, but in my spare time, I have been crafting again. I used to do craft fairs quite often, but that was before children. For the last few years, I have not done much, however the last few months, I have built a facebook craft fair, and really have started establishing "customers" and having a good time doing in as well. I have been mostly focusing on beads/bead art type things for now, but in the future I may start adding some of my other craft things to it. I have been dying to get out my Cricut, or sewing machine to make things. I like to make things (it's very relaxing), but I also get joy out of making a little money, and people actually LIKING and wanting the things I make!

I hadn't shared any of my completed projects here, but I think I may start sharing when I make something new/different.

So tonight, I made a pair of Elmo earrings. I think they turned out really cute!

I also tried some bats, they turned out okay.

If you want to check out other things that I have made or become my fan on Facebook, you can at : http://www.facebook.com/amandascraftycreations

One of my favorite dinners....EVER!

2011-08-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite dinners is veggie pizza! I got turned on to this last summer when visiting Kevin's family. We had this as an appetizer, and I LOVED it. I was pregnant with Kyleigh then, and it turned into a massive craving when we got back to Baltimore. I made it MANY times while pregnant. Probably 3 times a month!

Ever since I've had Kyleigh, I still find myself craving it-- at least once a month. I eat it over the course of 3-4 days because Kevin doesn't eat it like me, and Keith doesn't like raw veggies just yet. Thank you sister in law DB for the awesome appetizer (that I've now turned into a meal).

beezag - Watch video ads to earn $$

2011-08-08T23:14:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine posted this link tonight on her facebook, and I thought I would check it out! You watch video ads for points, which can be converted to Paypal cash. Presently, 8,000 points is $8. I watched one video so far, and earned 50 points. It appears that all of the videos are 50pts-- and the videos seem to be about 45sec to 60sec long. As you answer questions through out beezag, it helps them give videos to you to watch (based on marketing/advertising preferences).

My link to this one is: http://bit.ly/oRWbl0

**You can earn 10% of your referral points too!

Meet Tom 1 & Tom 2

2011-08-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

So, around mid-June, I found a pack of tomato seeds in a drawer. I decided to plant them and see what would happen! I planted 9 seeds in a egg carton (go me for being all reduce/reuse/recycle) and waited for them to sprout. Out of 9, I had 2 seedlings bloom! I then transferred the little babies into a larger space (again, go me for being all GREEN-- I used Kyleigh's baby formula cans).

Well, a few days ago, I transplanted them yet again. They had grown sooo much! Keith had a lot of fun helping me dig the dirt and fill up the larger pots. He swears they are not tomatoes though, and argued with me that they are "palm trees". I wish I had been taking pictures of their progress! 'I've never 'grew' something, other than babies! LOL

I have no idea if I'll actually get tomatoes, but this was really fun planting them and watching them grow. (Kudos to Kevin because he has been watering them the most).

If you haven't noticed....

2011-08-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

I'm really, really actually UPDATING!!! I've even given the blog a serious makeover! I'm going to make a new header too, probably within the next 24hrs! I'm so happy that I'm making time for my memories! Even if I am the only one that ever reads this thing-- I dont care! It's my little secret get away! haha!

I experimented with a new cake icing recipe today! It was so good. We were out of just about everything, and our dinner HAD to have a dessert! We had ham, cabbage, corn, sweet potatos and rice. It was delish! So, it needed a dessert. I had a chocolate cake mix, but no frosting. No sugar. No butter. No Crisco. I did have powdered sugar, I did have peanut butter--- hmmm... google to the rescue! I found a yummy peanut butter frosting recipe that only called for vanilla, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk. To my surprise, it turned out wonderful! The icing was peanut buttery-- but yet with a caramel consistency! It spread on smooth. I took a picture of our cake (excuse the few pieces that are missing LOL).

Until next time,

a--

Slowly, but surely!

2011-08-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely, I have been blogging off of my phone and sending pics in! I don't know if my readers have seen the old posts, as I have back dated some of them. You may need to scroll back from time to time as I catch up! I have forgotten how much I miss blogging! It's harder to remember to do so, but it really helps me 'save' my kid's memories, and times of our lives.

TOnight, I have been re-reading posts, from way back in 2007. 4 years ago of posts-- it's really neat to be able to go back and read some of these things, and remember! Four years ago, my life was COMPLETELY different! I was married to another man, poor Keith was still going through tons of procedures-- Kevin was just a 'friend' then, and Kyleigh-- well she hadn't even been in the plans for us! It's amazing the things God has given me in 4 years of time! I now am married to a man that I love to share with, Keith has overcome more medical hurdles than most kids his age, and I have been blessed with the most beautiful daughter ever!

We have been counting down the days to our yearly Illinois trip! We now have 2 weeks! This means I have been working so hard to get us extra trip money! I have been eBaying alot, and working ChaCha! I like to be able to earn us extra money, especially when it's going to a really fun trip!

If I have not done so by then, I plan to get all of my phone blogging caught up during our car ride! Blogger has been nice to me on mobile, and I like that I can send in quick posts, and then always go back and edit and add to them later!

Tomorrow, Keith has a lung doctor appointment follow up. I do need to ask some questions to her at this time, because he seems to be having a cough. Kevin believes it is a nervous habit, but I really feel it's from allergies. I'm hoping she may have a remedy for this.

Keith also has 2 more days of summer school. He has really enjoyed it this year. I can't believe in a month, he will be starting kindergarten! Time flies so fast!

Laughter Is the best medicine, and very contagious!

2011-08-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

Laughter IS the best medicine! Even more so baby laughter. Especially true too tho when its your own precious baby.

Yardsellr'n

2011-07-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

I'm now addicted to Yardsellr! I am doing really well selling on there. I first started listing primarily my craft items, but now I have been listing anything/everything in my house that I've decided to part with. It's free to list, free to sell. The buyer pays a SMALL fee to purchase the item. You get a $5 sign up bonus which you can use to buy anything on the site too!
You can earn Photon$ by commenting on pictures, and the photon$ can also be used towards purchases! Most listings are free shipping, and most sellers have very LOW prices! I have bought a few things there for my beading, and have gotten awesome deals!

You may want to check it out if you have not. It runs through your facebook, as it is a social selling program.

My link is:
http://yardsellr.com/yardsale/Amanda-Demers-130839

Keith writes his name

2011-07-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

When Keith writes his name, his K almost appears to be a "C". He attaches the lines that come off of the K to the top and bottom of the "stick" of the K, instead of in the middle. He's still learning :)

Solution to my lack of blogging updates

2011-07-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

I just realized I can blog from my phone! SWEET! Now I can send in updates, any time! I have a ton of pics on my phone right now that I'd love to share!

Facebook mobile is having a connection error, so-- atleast I can share here ;)

YAY! I'm happy. Hopefully I remember to use it!

Kyleigh gets what she wants! 7.13.11

2011-07-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we will put Kyleigh in our bed for nap. Sometimes she falls right to sleep, and a few times she does not. On this day, I had left her on my side of the bed (the right) facing the proper direction. Five minutes later, I come back to check on her (as Kev and I often do) and she was completely flipped around, and somehow had found daddy's back scratcher! She was so proud of herself!

Kyleighann 7/6 seven months old!

2011-07-06T16:49:00.000-07:00

Kyleighann is 7 months old. At this point she has 2 teeth, hardly any hair and loves to eat! She weighs about 19lbs. She loves taking a bath and splashing! Happy 7 months to my baby girl! Hard to believe time is going so fast!

Keith & Kyleighann 5yrs and 6 months pics

2011-06-17T23:23:00.000-07:00

I love my precious little creations. If I've never done ANYTHING right in this life, then I know the creations of my kids have been the best thing, and the one thing I'll never be disappointed about, or regret. It's amazing watching these 2 little people grow up.

Keith's 5th Year Video

2011-06-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

Every year, I make a video for Keith's life in that year. I have enjoyed doing this. I love picking out the songs, putting it together and capturing the memories. When he is 18, I will give him all of the discs I have created, and I think he will enjoy seeing a glimpse of himself every year. I plan to do the same for Kyleighann.

So here it is, making it's 5th year debut, Keith's video :)

Belated May Update

2011-05-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

I am soooo late in blogging. I'm so behind. I miss jotting down my memories, and thoughts-- as small as they may be at times.

As of May, Kyleighann had 2 teeth! She is eating pretty much anything she can get her hands on and whatever is in her hand, goes in her mouth. She is definitely different than Keith, who never wanted ANYTHING near his mouth. Kyleighann definitely does not have any sensory disorders whatsoever!

Keith is finishing up his pre-k year, and is doing so good in school. Much different than last year when I was going to school with him EVERY day in order to keep him (and the teachers) safe. I'm proud of how far he has come. He still has his issues, but we take them day by day and are still learning how to handle some of his quirks. Keith will be attending a regular (full day) kindergarten next year, but will be getting an aide to help him. We are also now pursuing to get a real "diagnosis" for him, so we know what we are dealing with. Obviously, that will help us handle him better, if we know exactly what we are dealing with! His new pediatrician was a bit surprised that we had not been "diagnosed" at this point. So, within the next few months, hopefully we can get a handle on that. It's not like I "want" him to have something wrong, but to get a formal name of what it is, would be a good thing.

We enjoyed going to the Mt. Carmel carnival event in May. It was so fun. Keith had a blast, and Kyleighann enjoyed the carnival lights. We are already talking about the October event!

We got yet another family photo in front of the Mt Carmel statue--- but this time our photo had a new little person to share in it :)
Too bad she was too distracted by something to give a good look :D

My little Easter Bunnies

2011-04-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

The kids had a great time (well, I can only assume that Kyleigh did, lol) seeing the Easter bunny! They received little bunny masks, and it was so funny seeing them wear them.

Here are me and my little bunnies :)

A Day of Milestones

2011-04-06T22:25:00.000-07:00

What a day it has been! Today, Kyleighann turned 4 months old! WOW! How did 4 months fly by in a blink of an eye?
She was seen at her doctors today due to a little cold, and weighed in at 14lbs 8 ounces and is now 25 inches long. She is a beast compared to how tiny Keith was! At 4 months, Keith was just 7lbs 14 ounces. Kyleigh is DOUBLE him! It's crazy to see the difference.

Also today, Kevin took Keith to the park and Keith FINALLY learned how to pedal his big wheel bike! He was so proud of himself! I think we will get him a new bigger bike for his birthday this year since he finally figured it out! Huge milestone!

This evening, Kyleigh had juice for the first time. She sucked it down in minutes, and was quite pleased! At first, she looked at me like her bottle was polluted, but that lasted all of 3 seconds before she realized she liked it a lot!

It's just been an all around great day!

I love my babies, and it's a bitter sweet thing seeing them grow up!

PS. I know I super suck at keeping this updated lately!

February Almost Over!

2011-02-26T17:18:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe February is coming to a close. Where does the time go?
Kyleigh had her 2 month doctor appointment on February 12th and weighed in at 12lbs 10 ounces and 23 inches long. She grew 2lbs and 2inches in a month! Big girl, loves to eat!! She's doing fantastic and I believe she is going to be popping in a tooth pretty soon! She loves to chew on her hands and gets mad because both fists can't fit in her little mouth at the same time.
She is also quite the snorer! She really saws some logs sometimes, cracks me up!
Keith is doing really awesome too. He is really starting to master some words, but still has trouble with alot of things he says. He is doing very well adjusting to Kyleigh, and has not been jealous at all with her. I'm so glad and relieved, as I thought this would be an issue with him--- but even his teachers have not noticed any difference. YAY!
Keith was approved for summer school again this year, so that should help him get ready for kindergarten.
Kevin and I have been working out everyday and eating healthy for 2 weeks now. The scale hasn't showed a big drop, but we both feel like we are losing inches, as our clothes feel way looser. It feels really good to be exercising and eating right.

Kyleigh and Keith:

New baby, New Year, Sorry for lack of updates!

2011-01-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a crazy last 6 weeks, and even more time since I have updated my blog!
Kyleighann is here! She arrived via c-section on 12/6/2010 at 10:27 am. She was a WHOPPING 9lbs 3 ounces and 21 inches long. She is/was completely PERFECT! I couldn't ask for anything better.
We all love her to death! She is suffering from colic these days, but otherwise is a very happy baby!
Keith is doing very well with his new baby sister, he hasn't had any behavioral issues as I thought he would. He's doing super in school too!

Kyleigh is ONE!

2010-12-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my little girl is one. Where did the year go?! Now we are almost at another new year as well.

Here is Kyleighs' One Year Video! Hope everyone enjoys!

Baby Update!

2010-11-05T11:08:00.000-07:00

We had a growth ultrasound this past Monday and baby was weighing in at approximately 5lbs 9ozs. That's incredible! She was also in breech position.

I'm having NST testing done twice a week at this point. The first was on Monday.
I had my second NST yesterday, and she was unresponsive. Apparently, when she does not respond, I get an automatic ultrasound! So, yesterday, I again had another ultrasound! I was a little disappointed from Monday's ultrasound because we didn't get many good views. Maybe due to her position. Yesterday, we had AWESOME shots-- even 3D/4D pics and seen her face :) She also had flipped into birth mode. Kevin and I thought this happened on Tuesday night because I was in severe pain and my stomach looked like an alien was busting out.
The baby also gets hiccups atleast 4 times daily. It's crazy feeling them!

Two random strangers (one today and one yesterday) asked me when I was due. I told them, and they both shook their heads. Yesterday's stranger said "No, the baby will be here in a few days". And today's stranger said "No, the baby will be here tonight".
That's just freaky.

Change of Plans = No plans

2010-10-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

I had seen my high risk doc tuesday, and since then have talked to my OB.

Seems like they really dont know what they are doing. There really isn't a "set" plan.

We still dont know the official word on the VBAC.

We may not deliver at 37 weeks, maybe 39.

I'm a mess, I need a tentative idea, and have none now.

I'm grateful to still be pregnant, but would LOVE to know a plan.

So when is the baby due? Sometime between now and December 7th.

31 Weeks (and counting!)

2010-10-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm 31 weeks pregnant. We officially have 6 weeks left before the c-section and I'm soooo hoping NO sooner!
It does really bother me when people say (OR SOONER) when they talk to me. Maybe they don't realize it hurts me. I really need positive people and positive reinforcement right now, and no downers. That's all I'm saying.

Anyway.....I'm doing really good! My diabetes seems to be doing ok on my current insulin doses, but it really does fluctuate a lot. Maybe I've just gotten lucky over the last 3 weeks with my body adjusting to it.

Keith is doing really AWESOME in school! He's even showing certain improvements at home. He starting to stand a little more still when waiting for something (and not having ants in his pants). He has seemed to develop a hair fetish though, and it's really irritating to us. The boy literally tries (and I think succeeds) with eating hair. I have no idea why he does this. His OT doctors and school are are helping us with that (he hasn't done it there--- only at home), so we are literally pulling our OWN HAIR out trying to figure out why he does this!

We went to the Mt Carmel fall festival over the weekend, Ronnie joined us. It was a really fun time (as always!). WE got a few awesome pics there too!

Our family photo:

This was taken at 30 weeks 4days. I feel so huge!

Our little baby shower at home

2010-10-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

Brandy (with some help from Kevin) put together a little shower here at home for us, last Sunday, October 3rd. Both of them attempted for it to be a surprise, but I was too sneaky for them. (hehe). I was glad to know about it upfront, I was thankful to have the time to clean and make things "homey" for the guests that came. It was a fun time, and I was glad to see those that was able to show up. We hope to have a welcome home baby party once Kyleighann is here, so look for an event to be popping up sometime after her arrival! (More pics on our FB pages!!)

All of our guests (minus Kevin)

All of our guests (minus Ronnie)

Almost 30 weeks with Kyleighann:

My little super-star

2010-09-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

I'm always so proud of Keith. I'm grateful for his life. I'm grateful that I was blessed with him.
I knew his article was coming, I had worked on it with his doctor team a while back. Today, I discovered it had been posted on the Hospital website, and I guess the emotions hit me all at once.
I read it, and even though I helped write it, it's almost as if it's someone elses story. Did I (we) really go through that?

It's been almost a year since Keith's trach tube has been out. Really? I can't believe that. I can't believe that the trach changing, suctioning, and being always on emergency alert-- is over. Wow.

As I have passed the 26 week mark (when I had Keith) in my current pregnancy (actually we hit 28 weeks yesterday!), I'm just all the more grateful of life. I'm grateful for Keith. I'm grateful for whatever more time God allows me to stay pregnant with our new daughter.

God is an on-time God!

Pediatric NICU Patient Can Breathe More Easily Thanks to Dr. Pereira and His Staff

Keith's First day of 4yr old Pre-school

2010-09-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

He was sooo stoked to go to school. Okay, I admit-- mommy had been praying for this day. It means i get a few hours of down time during the day. The more pregnant I get, the more I feel I need this time!
I don't even use the time to rest most days, but it gives me a chance to work, clean and do what I want with no worries of what Keith is in to.

He loves school!

Mommy and Keith before the bus came. (27 weeks pregnant with Kyleighann)

SO excited to go to school and ride the bus!

His poor book bag was LOADED with school supplies!

Bye mommy!!

Our Illinois trip 2010

2010-09-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

We visit Illinois every year to see Kevin's family. Normally we go around Thanksgiving, this year we pushed our trip up due to me being in labor / or having a newborn. We left MD on August 19th, and came back on August 26th.

While we were there this visit, Karen put together a baby shower for us (a joint b-day party for Emma) and it was a really great time. The day was sooo busy, but fun. We were (and still are) very thankful for everything everyone did for us while there. I won't be able to post ALL pics on this blog-- but if you are my "friend" on fb-- you have seen most of them already :D

We also stayed at Keith's house (Kevin's brother) and that was a BIG help financially NOT having to pay for a hotel! A big thank you to Keith and Diane for the hospitality and letting us borrow your "extra" house.

It was a great time, and as always WAY TOO SHORT!

I will miss the fall colors this year, but it was nice seeing Kankakee in a different season.

Almost 25 weeks with Kyleighann:

Pic taken at Kevin's dad's. I LOVE this picture!

Keith and the cars

2010-08-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

Keith LOVES to play with this match box cars and other small cars/trucks. As soon as he wakes in the morning the first thing he asks is "Pay wit cars?" We usually do not let him start playing cars first thing. Usually we have him eat breakfast, and hold off as long as we can because literally, that is the only thing the boy wants to do! Anyway, Keith's "version" of playing with cars is piling them all up in a line, or a row on his little desk. Sometimes he likes to put them all on it and then hurry and push them all off making a HUGE racket! We tell him that he needs to play with cars on the floor, and he will for about 2 whole seconds. We've tried to make "tracks" for him and even have given him things to play with this cars on.... NOTHING is as "good" as playing with the cars on the desk, I guess.

This morning he wanted to play with the cars BAD! I told him he had to wait for daddy to wake up. Our room is right next to Keith's room, and when Keith gets those cars on the desk it often makes loud noises from him crashing them, and stacking them. Keith had already watched Sesame Street, at ate a bowl of cereal. He was READY to play!! I was trying to make breakfast for me (and Kevin...even though he was asleep), so I told Keith he could bring out his cars to the living room. Keith hurried and stacked his 2 car cases on top of each other and tried to carry the WHOLE thing out. He realized it was pretty heavy and said "Help peas?" So, I helped him carry the 2 cases out. He quickly grabbed the few cars that were on the floor out of the cases and brought them to the living room. I seen him lay down on the floor and start to "drive" his cars around. I thought, "YAY!, he's occupied for a few minutes and I can go finish the eggs and sausage!".

I thought I heard a noise in the living room, but I didn't take a peek, and Keith didn't come running to me, so I figured all was fine and proceeded cooking.

A few minutes later, I walked into the dining room and seen what Keith had done. I couldn't stop laughing, instantly!

Keith carried the entire desk out to the living room so he could pile his cars on it!!

I just can't stop laughing!

Pregnancy Brain. I'm begining to think it's a real thing.

2010-07-31T21:20:00.001-07:00

I don't think I was this "stupid" with Keith. Really. What is going on with my head?
The other week I had to write my name on a paper at the hospital. And I wrote my name with my MAIDEN name. I haven't wrote my MAIDEN name in like what, 10 years? I don't understand that. Then when they were calling my name, I didn't even respond to it. HAH!

When registering for baby girl the other day, it asked for mother's name and father's name. I wrote KEVIN in both spots. What???!!!

Standing in line to pay, the cashier waited about 3 minutes before she said, mam I need you to slide your card. Duh! I was waiting there like i never paid for something before.

Tonight's the kicker. I wanted to warm up a hot dog. So, I put the hotdog on a plate, turned on the microwave for 30 seconds. During that 30 seconds, Kevin called me in to check Keith's temperature. Kevin went into the kitchen, then came back into Keith's room and asked me why the microwave beeped. I told him I was warming up a hot dog because I was hungry. He said, "no... you didn't warm up anything at all!, the hotdog is still sitting on the counter".

DUH!!!!

It's a SHE and possible VBAC!

2010-07-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

So much BIG news this week! On Tuesday we had our "big" ultrasound. We were literally in the room for about an hour and a half while the tech measured, and measured and more measuring the baby and it's anatomy. Kevin and I were sooo anxious and kept trying to "peek" for parts. The tech knew we wanted to know the sex, but I think she was waiting for the proper time to tell us. So, at the end she told us that we were going to be blessed with a baby girl. I think I asked her "REALLY??" about 100 times and then tears came to my eyes. Kevin was speechless but I could tell by his expressions that he was sooo excited and happy!!
We couldn't wait to finish up in there to tell everyone!

Keith is also sooo excited for his new baby "gool". He called it "gool" from day one, so it's intereting that he was right on the money!

On Thursday, I had my 20 week OB check up. Everything was great about my blood pressure and the baby's heart on the doppler was great too. No big surprise there since we have a doppler at home, and I check it several times a week for reassurance.

So when the doctor told me that there is a POSSIBLE chance that I may have a vagina birth, i nearly fell off of the table!

NEVER, ever, ever ever, did I ever even expect it to be an option!
After the emergency c section with Keith, and the additional 6 more surgeries to "fix" the issues that happened after the c-section, and the necrotizing fascitis, I swore I could "NEVER" have a regular birth!

Anyway, I could have SWORE that the docs that delivered Keith said, I would never be able to birth regular after I had him. Then again, I was on A LOT of drugs then due to all of the surgeries, infections and such. I also have a mesh fabric in my skin somewhere, near the uterus.

So, so far the plan HAD been that since I have a cerclage with this pregnancy, and since my NEW ob and high risk doc "took my word" for what I said about NOT being able to deliver.... the plan was to have me come in for a csection at 37 weeks and during the c-section they would remove my cerclage.

Well, the doc needed to order my surgical report to find out the placement of the mesh material that's in my guts. He never doubted my word about the uterus cuts from my 1st c-section but wanted to find out WHERE and WHAT kind of fabric was in there so that during the c-section with THIS baby, they could have it available for replacement.

Anyway, my doc advised me that my surgical report does NOT say that I cant Vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC). He wants me to try because if they can avoid cutting into that fabric in my belly, it will be better on me, and probably better on the baby. So, as LONG as I DO NOT go into pre-term labor with this baby, then the plan is to remove my stitch in the office at 37 weeks and then let her come whenever she plans!

I'm scared of labor, but I'm soooo excited that I'll get the chance! Hoping it all works out in the end. I have MANY weeks left, but here's to hoping! It's an experience that i never thought i would get to have after having Keith so crazily, so if everything goes well, I'll be able to have the experience!

We also HAVE finalized a baby name, but we wont be revealing it for a few more weeks. We have taught Keith how to say it, and it is sooo cute!

Saturday's Labor & Delivery Visit & Update

2010-07-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday, I just didn't feel right. It actually started Friday evening, so I chose to go to bed. When I woke up Saturday, I thought I felt fine. I had to take Keith to his speech therapy, then I had plans for him and I. Before speech, we went to Old Navy and the Book store (his favorite!). After Speech, we had to go to the mall to pay a bill, and then I had more things planned on the agenda too--- but by the time we got to the mall, I really wasn't feeling well. I had so much pressure in places I shouldn't have pressure! It hurt to walk the most, so I thought we better go home, Keith was ready for a much needed nap anyway.
I laid down and napped with him, and figured if I woke up and still felt funny, I should call the doc. A couple hours later, I woke up and the pressure was still there! Laying down hadn't helped, so I give the OB office a call. They said I should come on in to Labor & Delivery. I figured they would have me come in, because I'm high risk, and they don't want to mess with that over the phone at all.
I felt bad enough to be checked, and since with keith I remembered having pressure like that a few days before I had him, I wanted to be on the safe side.

On the way there, I blow out Kevin's tire. He has no spare. Nice! By this time, i was in tears because I didn't know what the pressure was I was feeling, the tire is blown. Thankfully, I was on the hospital grounds, and probably drove a mile on a VERY flat tire to park. I was really upset because just 2 Thursday's ago, the darn muffler came off the car when I had it!

So in Labor & Delivery I was stressed wondering what was going on with me and the baby.... and stressed not knowing how we were going to get the car fixed and home on a Saturday night! UGH!

I was in the hospital for a few hours. My blood pressure was a mess from the stress, but I finally calmed down and figured it would all just have to be taken step by step, little by little. Finally, once the L&D fixed my blood pressure and checked me all over, I was sent home to rest and stay in bed as much as possible.

I knew that staying in bed as much as possible would NOT be an option, because I knew our Sunday was going to be full of fixing Kevin's car... which thankfully the hospital let us keep in the lot overnight.

On Sunday, it took some time but we finally got everything coordinated to fix the car. We ended up paying for a tow to our local shop, because if not I would have had to sit at the hospital outside with the car jacked up for hours while the broke tire was taken and mounted with a new tire. It was an expensive mess. We bought a dough nut tire now, so next time this will not be an issue!! I'm praying for no more car issues for a while! We've had our fair share!

I called the ultra sound department yesterday Morning, and luckily they were able to get me in for an afternoon appointment. We were stoked, because i figured they would not only check me out, but also reveal the baby's sex! We get to the visit, and the tech starts lubing up the wand to do her thing, and I ask her "So, do you think you can tell us the sex today?". She responded "Nope". Then went on saying how it's early and they can't tell yet. BULL CRAP! I'm 19 weeks today and I know I could have found out HAD the lady took a peek! I was so mad!
On the plus side, my cervex is great, and there isn't any funneling happening, which is a blessing. I'm still mad that we couldn't find out the baby's sex yesterday though :(

One more week to wait, I guess it's not that bad.

P17 Injections started!

2010-07-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

To my surprise, my P17 (pre-term labor shots) were approved by the insurance.
I started them last week, but forgot to post about!
The 1st injection burnt a little bit, but I hardly felt the 2nd one. The only side effects that I think I feel are more tiredness, and maybe a little more amplified pregnancy symptoms, which makes sense to me since the hormones are being pushed to new levels each week.
Hopefully the shots do the trick and it keeps the baby in for as long as possible.
With the weekly shots, and the cerclage that's pretty much the only things available to prevent an early delivery, accept for the "last resort" of bed rest. I'm hoping that I wont need that, and if I do.. I hope it's at the very end!

Only 18 more injections to go!

On the day of my 1st injection, the muffler came detached from Kevin's car. I used his car to save on gas. So after my injection, the nurse and I were outside trying to figure out how to get the muffler off of the car. I finally go it. It wasn't really funny being almost 5 months pregnant in 100 degree weather, trying to play mechanic under Kevin's car.... but what can I say, I'm Super Woman!

Just going to go for it!

2010-07-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, I enjoy doing crafts... A LOT. Obviously, I don't have much time to work on projects, but when I can, I do. It certainly isn't very often. I'd like it to be more.
When I was heavily involved in craft shows (before Keith was born and when he was little) I sat up at craft shows, probably about 8 a year. I didn't make mega dollars, but I did make some... and that is better than none! And it was enjoyable!

Lately, I've been really wanting to work on things... I guess I'm feeling creative. Maybe pregnancy makes you creative? I dunno!

It's pretty obvious that sitting at craft shows 8 times per year would be REALLY hard with one very high energized kiddo and a baby on the way. So i got to thinking (like many times before) why don't I just sell from home. I actually have been trying to sell on Ebay for months now (since maybe April??) but really have gotten NO hits.. many watchers, many people questioning.... and I think that since there is SO SO much to offer on E-bay that I'm losing sales for that reason.

I started researching website hosts (yes, i've done this many times before, but I never followed through).
I set a goal today to complete a task, and i actually am in the process of starting a website and adding things to it for sale!
Of course the trick will be advertising the site and selling it, but hey, atleast it's out there!

I'm proud that I finally am doing something that I've been wanting to do!

The good thing is I know a lot of friends that have sites, and online advertising isn't going to be that hard for me.... so I'm pretty positive I can get the site out there. I have many options!

It will probably take me some time to get it all set up and stocked, but atleast I have something to work on and feel successful about!

If you want to take a sneak peak, you can find me at: http://amandascraftycreations.weebly.com/

Summer School

2010-07-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

Keith started summer school today. He was supposed to start yesterday, but there was some sort of gliche in the paper work. I never received an acceptance letter from the school, so when i called they said that I signed a paper saying he was not going to attend!

NO I DID NOT! I set thru a 2 hour IEP in May to have him evaluated for the program, it was my call, and begging to even have them look over the case... why would I decide not to send him!!

I was so mad! Anyway, his former school KNEW I wanted him in, and they were the ones to establish everything, so I called them. They were pretty upset that the board or placement center messed up the case.

Thank goodness it was resolved quickly! He started today, and the teachers and aids are pretty optimistic that he will do fine. I'm hoping so because I don't think I can go to school every day with him now. I have a lot of things going on, and I really need the break--- and Keith really needs to learn to go ALONE and follow rules!

So, here's hoping!

Nesting like a bird!

2010-07-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to clean the carpets for like a year now. We tried to get our rental place to clean them when we lived here at the 2nd year mark, and now we are into the 3rd year. They don't clean carpets after you move in. Our is gross! They weren't really 100% beautiful when we moved in, but they were A TON better than now.

Now that I'm pregnant, the thought of a new born baby even IN THIS PLACE with nasty carpet, makes me want throw up. I don't even like Keith playing on them.

I mean they aren't like mega disgusting, but to me-- they are just dirty! We've cleaned spots when they happen with soap/water, but it's not the same as full blown washing them out.

So today, I could not take it any longer! I seen Best Buy was having a sale, I knew we had space on our Best Buy card--- and for a little over $100 bucks I bought a machine! I"m so so happy with it! It took me 4 hours, but the carpets are so much better!
I'd like to run the machine over them again soon, but it was a lot of work doing what I did, so I need to give my body a rest. Hopefully next time will be a little easier since I did the hard work today!

Awwww, the joys of nesting! I didn't start nesting so early with Keith, but in my mind I think I started early this time because it's a time killer and it's keeping me busy.

Hmmmm, what's next?

4th of July

2010-07-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

Some pics from 4th of July!
We celebrated twice-- once on the 3rd in Essex, and again on the 4th at Ft. Meade. Fun times!

from our Essex celebration:

From Ft. Meade Ronnie and Keith enjoying the fireworks:

Lotsa Updates!

2010-06-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

Last Monday I had my cerclage placed. The procedure itself was really NOT that bad. It took probably 5 minutes. I was in the OR for probably 30 minutes. All of the other time was trying to get the anesthesia to work. That was the WORST part! The anesthesia guy had to poke me in the back around 8 times to find my "center" and it HURT badly! His numbing needles were not long enough, so I couldn't get numb before the poking and prodding in my back. I was crying and shaking and trying not to move. Once the anesthesia was in, I didn't feel anything and the whole ordeal was really odd to me! It was weird being paralyzed, and took forever for it all to wear off. I didn't have ANY cramping or bleeding from the post-op. The only thing I had for the first few days was an awful backache from all of the spine needles. ugh! Atleast now I know what a spinal anesthesia is like and I'll get to do it again when the baby is born.

I'm 4 months tomorrow. WOW, where did the 4 months go?

My doppler came today too! It's awesome. I've played with it a lot tonight, and it's such a blessing to be able to hear the heart, and not have to worry if something is wrong! So cool! I loved the one I had with Keith, and this one is a lot better because it shows the rate!

Speaking of Keith, he had his first day of speech today at The Learning Corner. His speech teacher, Karon, is really nice and knows her stuff! I think Keith will learn a lot from her! He will go twice a week for 30 minute sessions, and still be going to summer school in one week. Then school and speech in the fall as well. He has learned a lot of speech from us, but pronunciation of words is still off, and we are all out of at home options for helping him. Hopefully he will start to pick up more stuff now!

I also went to the diabetic doctor today. She's more like a diet counselor or nutritionist. She has me on a very strict diet now, but it's not that hard. I just don't like to snack, and now I have to eat 3 snacks and 3 meals. It's all spaced with carbs in a certain order. Hopefully this will keep me off of insulin for the time being. With Keith I followed a diet in the hospital, and I still needed insulin. So this diet may not work for the whole pregnancy. We will see.

I go to my OB Thursday, I am hoping that my he schedules my next ultrasound! We will find out the sex then! So exciting.

If I can ever figure out how to upload the heart rate sound file, I'll post it :D

Keith's 4th Year VIdeo!

2010-06-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

NT Scan and Baby Updates

2010-06-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

I had my NT Scan today as well as meeting with the high risk doc. I found out so much.
My cerclage is going to be on 6/21. I'll start taking P17 when I turn 17 weeks,and I will be starting insulin very shortly. I'm continuing metformin at this point. She's waiting for me to fax my #'s to her from all of my last month of finger sticking.
I'll deliver (c-section) no later than the 37th week, which for me will be 11/23.
My u/s was awesome! They lady had to vaginal because I have a "mesh" fabric in my skin from having flesh eating disease after having my son via emergency c-section. The ultrasound just can't read thru the material right now.
Speaking of the mesh fabric, I'll need to have a general surgeon available as soon as I have my c-section to place the mesh fabric back in my belly. I was hoping that since it has been 4 years since having my son that maybe it would not be needed reinserted, but no luck... it needs to go back in. No biggie I guess, I'll already be laying there, what's a few more minutes right?
The u/s really was so cool though! The baby was flipping, eating it's hands, kicking and at one point it even reached down at it's hiney and it looked like it was scratching it! That was so hysterical to me. It was just really neat to see it doing so much. With my son he barely ever did anything on the ultrasounds. lol
The baby looked like a BABY today! Not a blob. We got a sneak peak of a potty shot, and we are not real sure... could be boy? But maybe a labia forming. The heart rate was 151. That was the first time I was given a rate.
My next u/s will be @ 20 weeks and we can definitely get the gender then!
We got a lot of pics and a view in 3D too! That's so cool!

Happy 4th Birthday Little Guy!

2010-06-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

4 years ago today I was blessed with a tiny miracle, born at 26 weeks and weighing 1lb 11 ounces. He's come along way.. No more trachs, or tubes. He's in school (and getting summer school this year too). He'll be starting speech classes very soon which will be 2 thirty minute sessions twice a week. He's still having some issues in school, but since he started over a month ago, things have definitely improved some! He now knows about 5 colors (green, blue, purple, red and yellow). He can say all of his ABC's and can count to 25 without help. He LOVES routine. He needs to be on the same schedule everyday, or mommy and daddy pay the price! He can tell you how to get home from the mall, he can tell you how to get to the mall! He can even see you around the mall and find his favorite stores which are Disney, Borders and the movie store! He is completely potty trained but still has issues getting dressed. The boy can find his way out of the neighborhood, but can't pull up his pants? Easy things are hard to him and hard things he gets fast. That's my boy, and I love him! He will always be my baby, my first born and my tiny little miracle. Even if he grows up to be bigger than his mommy and daddy, he will always be the tiny baby.

Labor & Delivery: Back Pain

2010-05-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

Today started out scary. I woke with horrible back pain, and other issues. I SWORE i was in labor and miscarrying. I had the same back pain when I was in labor with Keith, and I was getting scared that something bad was happening.
I called my doc and told him what was going on, and he advised me to come in just to be checked. He thought maybe I had a kidney infection going on.
So I went in, and the nurse did a urine test. She attempted to use a doppler to hear the h/b, but no luck. I'm just too "big boned".
My OB doc then came to see me and felt it was best to get a ultrasound to check things out again and also gave me something for pain. I was SOOO happy that the doc came right in because the nurse was not giving me any sense of peace. I was starting to get upset and cry.
The doc also asked if I had seen the high risk team yet. (I couldn't get in with the high risk team until 6/8). My ob looked LIVID about that. He wanted me to see them BEFORE i get out of the first trimester, mainly so they could be on top of things. So, he went to their offices today and demanded them to see me today!
So, I got to get another ultrasound which showed everything A-ok! Also, got to speak to the high risk doctor and went over somethings about metformin, my progesterone and my upcoming cerclage. I still will go back to see them on 6/8.
My urine test came back fine with no infections, BUT I found out I have a retroverted (tilted) uterus which is suddenly now causing me all of this back pain! I didn't have that issue with my last 2 pregnancies... so I guess your uterus can shift at times... I dont know!
Anyway, I feel relieved that things are better, and although things started out rough today, I was able to get alot of things solved and it feels good to be in a positive mood again!

Spring Festival

2010-05-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

So we really do have a peanut in the making!

2010-04-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

We've been so hesitant and a little reserved the last couple weeks. I've tried to remain positive and hopeful, but part of me thought to expect the worse. I was "sure" that the outcome would be similar as our episode in summer 2008.
Today was our ultra sound. Kevin and I were both so happy the day finally got here, but again we didn't know what to expect. The last time we walked into an ultrasound lab, our hopes were shot down and what we thought for our future, was changed in a second.
Today, the ultrasound tech tried searching on my belly for all of 3 seconds before she decided that an internal ultrasound would be simpler. I didn't mind because my bladder was about to bust and I was relieved to not be in pain anymore from holding it!
As soon as the gadget was inserted, it was clear that there was indeed a baby in there! I couldn't believe it! I then seen the flickering little chest. I looked at Kevin and seen his eyes light up. He then asked the tech if he could hear the heartbeat, and she turned the speaker on for him to hear.

I remember being so amazed when I heard Keith's little heart, and seeing his little body for the first time. I remember getting teared up. The second time is no different. I still felt like crying in happiness and suddenly, I felt responsible for another human being and so grateful for being the one that gets to do it. I think God everyday for this gift.

Our little bean is measuring 7weeks 1 day, which is exactly perfect!

1st Day of Pre-K

2010-04-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

ChaCha is recruiting again!

2010-04-23T21:45:00.001-07:00

I work as a ChaCha Guide and they are recruiting for new Guides. ChaCha has answered over half a billion questions for people on the go, all for free. And, ChaCha.com is in the Top 100 Most Visited Websites in the U.S. You can earn some extra cash by answering questions about things you are interested in! Enter my email address amandademers1979@gmail.com in the referral box at http://becomeaguide.chacha.com.

Wow, I can't believe it!

2010-04-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

After months of trying, Kevin and I are expecting! We are nervous since the last pregnancy in 2008 ended with a miscarriage (blighted ovum). We also know that my hormones are always so low. It's still very exciting, despite our nerves!
As of today, I would be about 5 weeks pregnant and due 12/14.

If God gives you blessings when the time is right, then I feel THIS is our right time. Keith's medical hurdles are over, and he's potty trained and starting pre-K next week. Things with him are going so well. God gives you things in your life when you can handle them.

I'm hoping I can get in with the OB tomorrow to get started on the hormones that I will need. I'm so behind on blogging the past few months, but I wanted to get this one posted while it's fresh!! I promise to catch up soon!

Send prayers for us!

Easter

2010-04-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Easter Saturday at a free fair located at a Church. It was really fun and all free! Keith had the most fun riding on the pony and watching the helicopter drop bags of plastic eggs. He didn't get any of the eggs, and they were all smashed up, but he really just wanted to see the helicopter.

A little funny

2010-03-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Everyday, I try to go over one thing with Keith whether, it's numbers, colors, shapes, sounds, whatever. I try to incorporate any bit of learning I can into his schedule, because it will only help him later on.

Yesterday, we were discussing sounds. I asked him what a duck said, he told me "quack". I asked what a horse said, and he said "neigh". I asked him dog, and he said "woof woof". I asked him cat, he told me "meow". We then went over elephant, bird, and a few others. I ran out of animals, so I moved to vehicles. I asked him what an ambulance said he told me "woo woo woo". I asked fire truck, and he gave a similar response. I then asked him what a cop said and he said "Ba Boy, Ba Boy, what ya gona do?"

Hahahahaha! That cracked me up soooo much! In case, you didn't get the click, there is a COPS tv show and that's their theme song.

So funny! Too cute not to share :)

Spring has Sprung!

2010-03-08T19:08:00.001-08:00

It's finally starting to feel like spring! Keith loves playing outside. He enjoys pushing his wagon ALL over. He still can't peddle his bike, so he scoots along. I guess one day, he'll get it!
He's also completely potty trained at this point! We are so proud of him for that. We still but a diaper on at night, just for protection but he hasn't had any issues with waking up wet.
We are working on getting him enrolled in Pre school now that his health issues are over and Spring has sprung!

Valentines Day 2010

2010-02-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

What a great time! We decided to go to the lodge again this year. We had went last year, and it was a good time. This year, we invited Brandy/Bill along , and it was sooo much more fun! Brandy and danced and danced. Kevin ate and ate! lol

3 feet of snow!

2010-02-11T19:03:00.000-08:00

Really! Maryland has not seen snow like this in years. We were so bored for days, we couldn't go anywhere and we had NO shovel! We played outside one whole day building a fort with empty small trash cans and a dust pan. The dust pan we had been using as a make-shift shovel, but Kevin broke it! Anyway, we had fun and Keith actually liked the snow this year! Keith and Kevin kept singing Bob the Builder! lol

Keith Talking Video

2010-01-06T22:07:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post this video. It's from our Kankakee trip at Kevin's dad's house. Kevin was pushing Keith on a big swing, and suddenly Keith started rambling all of the words he knew. It was so cute!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T21:23:00.000-08:00

Keith was pretty excited about Christmas this year. He had no trouble at all wripping his gifts open! We think he sorta understood the concept too! It was a great day. Ron and Ronnie came over for dinner. We cooked a feast for sure!

Christmas cookies!

2009-12-24T18:49:00.000-08:00

I let Keith help me paint the sugar cookies. They were some pretty ugly cookies, and mostly poop brown color..... but we ate them and gave some away as gifts! He really had fun doing this! I think this will definitely be a family tradition for years to come!

Blizzard of 2009

2009-12-19T22:22:00.000-08:00

Pretty much any time snow comes from the south, MD will get hit. This time was no different as we got hit with about 24 inches of snow! We haven't seen this much snow since 2003. I have a feeling 2009-2010 winter is going to be a rough one!
Keith was a little interested in the snow until he found out it was very cold to stand in! He had fun being pulled in the sled for a bit. I think we lasted a whole 10 minutes outside!

Bye Bye RSV, hello potty!

2009-12-17T21:35:00.000-08:00

I've never been one to believe in "instant" cures, but I do believe in miracles. Keith is miraculously feeling SO much better, it's unbelievable. The doctor said he could feel sick for weeks, but after just a few days he is feeling so much better. He's more himself.
This afternoon I asked him if needed to potty and he told me yes, and actually peed on the potty! I was floored. I couldn't believe he done this. We had been trying to associate him with the potty, but he was never interested, moreso scared of it I think.
I was so proud of him, and you could tell he was proud of himself!
So it looks like we have started the adventures in potty training. We'll see how fast we can accomplish this!

Since Keith was feeling alot better last evening, we decided to conquer our Christmas tree, which Keith calls the "ho ho tree".

He was so careful decorating! When we started pulling decorations out of the bin, he found the famous "ho ho" hat and he put it on his head. He than began saying "ho ho ho" in a deep voice over and over while he decorated so neatly. It was really cute!

The finished product!

He's still sleeping in daddy's chair for a few more nights until he isn't so congested. He had to sleep with the ho ho hat on tonight. Tree decorating his hard work!

Keith's Scare with RSV

2009-12-16T21:24:00.000-08:00

Keith hasn't been feeling very well the last few days. He's had an up and down fever, and just not himself. Not eating much either. So on Monday we decided to take him into see the doctor as a precaution. Call it maternal instincts. We were a little surprised to find out that he has RSV as well as a double ear infection. Monday evening he required oxygen via a nasal canula. He just couldn't keep his oxygen levels up. It was very scary. On Tuesday, I called his doctor to let her know that he had required oxygen and she advised that if it happened again that night, that we would need to bring him into the Univ as soon as possible. RSV can turn fatal fairly fast, and she was afraid that would happen. She didn't want to see Keith to get into a bad situation with his trach being newly removed. We were on pins and needles waiting to see what would happen that night. Doctor told us to try to let him sleep sitting up and see if that helped his oxygen levels. So for the next few nights, Keith slept in daddy's recliner chair next to mommy on the couch, and magically that worked! We were also running albuterol nebulizers every 4 hours to get him through it. He also required oral steroids, which I swear is a God send.
We had to take him back to the doc today and she said he sounded a lot better! We were relieved to hear that.
We will continue to let him sleep in daddy's chair until he is feeling better. We wanted to put up our tree, but have been holding off until Keith can participate with us.

Santa in our complex!

2009-12-12T22:12:00.000-08:00

For nights, and I mean literally NIGHTS of waiting, finally Santa came on the fire truck! For the last week, we've been running outside every time we heard a fire truck near by, thinking it was Santa! It was so sad to come in every evening with Keith in tears because Santa didn't show up after we had darted outside to wait! Our neighbor even drove to track him down a few nights to see which community he was actually in because he always sounded so close. Our waiting paid off, because finally he showed up!

Keith wasn't feeling 100% well this evening (and for a few days) but he was so excited when he seen that Santa was on a "woo woo" truck as he calls fire trucks (and ambulances). He thinks they are so cool. This year he really sorta understands Santa, so that's been a big thing that Santa was with his favorite type of vehicle!

It was also neat because the paramedics were handing out candy-canes and remembered Keith from all of the times they've had to come see us for 9-1-1 calls! They remembered his finger-accident that we had over the summer. It was nice to be able to show them that the finger had "grown" back and you couldn't even tell at all what had happened. I'm sure things like that really inspire the paramedics and firemen. Keith was even given "special" treatment and was able to get up in the sled with Santa. He was so happy!

Us Elf'ed

2009-12-12T19:24:00.000-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Skating...or not

2009-12-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

Keith was invited to Cade's 6th birthday party (yes 6... I can't believe the boy is six already!). The party was at an ice-skating ring. Kevin and I had no idea how this would go over for Keith, but we wanted him to be involved and have fun. Keith was all about getting the skates on his feet, and all for walking all over with them--- but wanted NO parts of getting on the ice! He tried for all of 5 minutes and then hung with mommy on the side-lines as we watched Daddy go round and round. I never did catch him falling on camera, but he admitted to falling atleast 3 times. haha!

Granny had Santa at her house!

2009-11-28T21:50:00.000-08:00

Sharon (Keith's granny, and my step mom), invited us over to her house for pictures with Santa. Keith was so excited to see Santa and take pictures with him! It was really fun and the pictures turned out pretty good too! Thanks Sharon (and Gary) for the pictures! Keith made so many cute faces it was hard to choose our faves!

Hurricane Keith

2009-11-24T19:12:00.000-08:00

So the other morning, Keith woke up before Kevin and I. He did not wake us up, he made NO noise. I realized I had to go to the bathroom, so I got up and Keith was awake in his room.

I walked to the kitchen to get him a morning drink and seriously thought we had been robbed. The pics will explain the rest of the story..... and of course the consequences....... The joy of having a 3yr old....

To Infinite And Beyond....

2009-11-24T19:07:00.000-08:00

Keith was a little Buzz light year this year for Halloween. He was so cute! He loved trick-or-treating. He doesn't like candy, but loved filling up his bucket. He also likes to organize the candy. We've been letting him "play" with it. The only thing he has tried so far was licking the lollipops and eating M&M's. I so wish I DID NOT like candy. HAHA!

You can find more pictures at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=122737&id=605153257&l=9e2e8d8d87

Remembering Eric

2009-11-18T06:50:00.000-08:00

I'm a day early in typing this, but the feelings I feel are so strong today that I figured what would be the harm in getting them all out today.

Tomorrow will mark 7 years since Eric was killed. That is practically 1/2 of what his life was. I can't stop the clock from ticking, and as the days pass it really hasn't become any easier. It was just something that had to be accepted, and that I could not fix or stop, however still not understandable. I still do not know why God chose him that day.

Tomorrow will be another reminder of how fast life can be taken away, how someone can be hear one minute, and gone the next. One does just not get over the loss of someone, probably not ever. Have you know anyone to just "get over it"?. I have not been lucky enough to meet anyone of the sort.

On the afternoon that Eric died, we had a fight over the phone. It was a minor sibling fight, not real drastic, however they were the LAST words I said to my brother. Hours later, we were sitting in Shock Trauma and was told he did not make it, the accident had been too bad. Initially, I obviously was over come with shock. I did not think of the previous conversation we had. Much later, probably days, I remembered our phone conversation. He had called me at work, I was stressed over money. I also had a job interview that day for a promotion at work. I was not considering his feelings at the time, and I pretty much let stress over-take me. I hung up the phone that day, never telling my brother that I loved him, never getting to say how important he was to me, never getting to say sorry. For a while, I had guilt about-- and actually some days I feel guilty again, but on other days I don't feel so bad. I guess it's a matter of where my head is that day.

A few days before Eric died, he had come in my room and we did have a great brother/sister talk. He told me some things that were going on in his life. He seemed different that day. Thinking back, it's almost as if he knew he was going to be "leaving" the world in days to come. It seemed he was trying to empty his heart and his mind. It was just odd to me then, and knowing what happened days later-- it's all of the more odd. That night we talked for hours and he said to me "I love you". I asked him "Why did he love me". He said "You are my sister that is why". It was so sincere. Clearly, he didn't need a "reason" to love me. He just loved me because he did. I'm so grateful that we were able to have that conversation. Granted, it doesn't make up for the things I didn't get to say to him on the day of his death, but it does make me feel better knowing that my brother died KNOWING we loved each other.

I miss him so much. He was so robbed. I've been robbed of seeing him grow up, have a career, marriage, children. I wish he could know my son. I wonder what his interests would be now. There are so many things I just don't know about him.

Eric did get to be a tissue and bone donor. Unfortunately, they could not use his organs because of life support issues. I do know that 2 children can now see because of Eric. It's odd to think that 2 people in this world are carrying his eyes. I wonder if I'll ever get the chance to "look" into them again. Cornea donations are tracked by the transplant center, and I have written a letter years ago to allow "permission" for the receivers to contact me. To date, no one has contacted me. Unfortunately, the transplant center does not track bone donations. They have too many donations to track whom they go to. However, they CAN tell you if the bones have been used. With that said, I do know that his arm bone has been transferred. I have not called lately to see what other bones have been transferred. I may one day, but right now it's not something that would really change anything for me to know I guess. I hope the person that got his arm bone is an awesome drum player like my brother was. I'd give a day of my life to hear him play just once more. But really, wouldn't I ask for more?

You only get one set of teeth

2009-11-03T01:12:00.000-08:00

Let me start off by saying, as a child my mom never really took us to the dentist much. I remember going to a dentist roughly 3 times as a kid. They were baby teeth then, obviously, but I never experienced any cavities. When I was around 20, I remember seeing a dentist for painful wisdom teeth. At the time, the dentist said that they would need to be surgically removed because they were below the gum level. I was a chicken, and never went back to take care of them. I guess the pain stopped, or I may have gotten immune to it. I don't recall him doing a cleaning on that visit.
Roughly 4 or 5 years later, I went back to a different doctor for a very painful upper wisdom tooth. That tooth had rotted and needed to be extracted. The dentist said that was a common tooth to get a cavity in because they are sooo far back in the mouth, and most of the time they do not completely come through the gum. I had that one wisdom tooth pulled that day on my upper right. Around 6 months later, I ended up right back in the dental chair for the same problem on the opposite side of my mouth. At both of those visits, my teeth were never cleaned OR inspected for cavities.
Last Thursday evening, the day we got home from IL I was eating a piece of chocolate and realized my upper right tooth towards the back hurt extremely bad. I figured it was from the sweetness, and really didn't think much more of it. Later, we had pizza for dinner. I could barely chew it! Every time I bit, it felt like knives shooting into my gum. I then tried to inspect the tooth in the mirror, and noticed that a HUGE hole was in it, and it had a cavity as well. Friday, I was able to make an appointment with a dentist for this afternoon. Over the weekend, there was slight pain here and there in the tooth and gum, but I learned to eat 'around' it.
So, Kevin takes me to the dentist today. While I was there, Kevin and Keith went to local stores to kill time. They initially took x-rays. A nurse brought them in on the board and i was looking at them. I didn't understand what the "white" marks were on the film. When the dentist came in, I asked him what they were and he explained they were fillings. I quickly told him that I DID not have any fillings in my mouth yet. He told me that was impossible, as the x-rays showed them. He said I "must not remember my parents taking me when i was younger". I told him to look in my mouth RIGHT NOW and you could clearly see that my front teeth did not have ANY fillings, as that xray had shown. Somehow, my x-rays were switched with someone elses. I'm so glad I was coherent and asked him about the white marks on the film. Hopefully he would have realized it once examining and cleaning my teeth, but you never know!
Upon examining my sore tooth, he told me it would need a root canal. Unforuntately, my insurance does not cover that and it would have been $775 out of pocket. It's so ridiculous how much stuff costs. Teeth are pretty important--- so I don't think people should have to pay such a hefty fee! Anyway, since it was a back tooth I decided to have the tooth extracted, as that was covered by insurance. The dentist also noticed 2 cavities on my left upper side and he did fill those for me. I was so scared of having a filling because I had never had one before, but really it was SIMPLE. I didn't feel anything. Kevin and Brandy had both told me that they weren't so bad, but the smell of the drill was awful. They were both right about that!! And of course, I had to see for myself how the 'pain' was before I could trust that it wasn't painful. It really wasn't bad at all.
During the extraction of my other tooth-- the dentist really had a HARD time getting it out. He pulled, prodded, and used every tool he had available. The tooth was not budging. I felt like my eye was being pulled from it's socket as he was trying to yank the tooth out. It was awful. The tooth ended up breaking at the gum level. At that point the dentist told me "it was considered surgical at this point" and my insurance would not cover it. Obviously, I could not have him stop at this point. I could feel with my tongue that there were bits of jagged tooth sticking out of my gum. I wished for it to be over at that point. Anyway, he ended up having to surgically remove the rest out of my gum and drill the inside of it, and other things that I don't even really remember. It was AWFUL! I don't want to have to ever do that again. Having a tooth extracted is one thing-- I had the 2 wisdom teeth taken out before and that was not toooo bad, but this surgical stuff he had to do on my inner gum was NASTY!
After it was over, I started to cry a little bit because I was now going to have to pay for the extraction becasue it was not "simple" anymore. We are really on a tight budget and we are working hard to tread water and have our credit bills paid down. Unfortunately, having my tooth extracted ended up costing us $195. I'm pretty sure the doctor did reduce it that amount though. It was sorta his fault anyway since he broke the tooth in my mouth.
Regardless, I'm SOOO glad and thankful that it was a back tooth. You can't even notice it is missing when you look at my mouth or even when I smile. That is a very good thing! I'm also thankful that I only had 2 other cavities that were easily fixed. I would have put money on the fact that I thought I had way more cavities. I have been putting off going to the dentist because i was so sure I had many more cavities and I was afraid of having fillings. Now that I know what it is like, I won't be scared to go anymore and I plan to go back again for my 6 month checkup. I also bought new dental floss today on pics that I'm going to use to help keep my teeth nice.
Kevin and I are also trying to enforce good dental habits on Keith. Now is the age to "mold" him into seeing and knowing good habits. Our next text is also to get him into a dentist so that he can start being familiar with it.
With all that being said, obviously I'm on pain meds tonight. It's now 4:45 on Tuesday morning, I haven't slept tonight. I want to sleep, but I'm in pain-- my mouth feels different-- and the pain pills are causing me to be a little wired and itchy. Atleast I'm taking advantage of the time and getting some online work done!

You don't have to brush your teeth - just the ones you want to keep. ~Author Unknown

Illinois was a blast (and a food fest)

2009-10-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

Well, this year our Illinois trip changed my life forever. Kevin and I were married at the Kankakee county Courthouse on October 23rd. The whole trip was a blast. We ate WAY too much food, spent as much time with family as we could and as much time in the hot tub as we could too! It was fun trip, but the week went so fast! We arrived Thursday and picked up our marriage license. We had lunch with Karen and Bill (and baby Emma) at Aeurillo's pizza buffet. YUMMY!
Friday we were married. We went to lunch with Karen and Bill again at Blues Cafe. It's a cute little diner, and the food is really good there too. That evening, we had dinner with Keith and Diane at their house. Saturday our plans were pretty up in the air so we spent most of the day at the hotel. That evening Kevin's friend from school, Laurie, offered to babysit Keith so Kevin and I could go on a date. We went to dinner and a movie. We seen Saw 6--- I'm a big Saw fan, but this year the movie was disappointing. It really did not live up to the Saw series. Prior to that we went to dinner at Family House. I liked my dinner, but Kevin thought his burger wasn't that great. Oh well, it was still a fun, romantic, kid-free night! Thanks SOOOOOOOOO much to Laurie for watching Keith!! I think Laurie's family really had fun with him that evening. Keith seemed very comfortable with her too! Sunday, we went to Church at Gospel Assembly and i was able to meet all of Kevin's Church friends that he always talks about. It was nice to meet everyone and put faces with names. After Church, we went to dinner at Kevin's dads house with everyone as well. It was a really nice evening. Kev's dad and Judy had a little 'toast' for us-- and I thought that was so sweet. Never had anyone do that for me before, so it was different! Monday, during the day we didn't do much, but that evening we went do dinner at Karen and Bill's house. She made 'Momma June's Italian beef and Kev's favorite cake--- black forrest. It was so yummy! We wanted to stay longer that evening, but had to take off fairly early because we had plans to go to Chicago the next day. So on Tuesday, we headed into Chicago and went to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. It was pretty interesting. Kev remembers it to be much more 'fun' when he was in school-- but I told him it was different to me because I had never been, and Keith seemed to have a good time there too. I was glad to be visiting Chicago-- it's just such a great environment to me. I LOVE IT!!
On Wednesday we made our rounds back to all of Kev's siblings and had lunch again with Karen and Bill at Monicals Pizza. We also had dinner with Kev's dad and Judy at Applebees that evening. We left Kankakee around midnight IL time and was back home in MD yesterday (Thursday) at around 3pm. We had to fly and get our rental car back. We were so tired last night, but so happy about our trip
It's hard to believe that as of today, Kevin and I have been married for one week. It feels different, but in good ways. We ate WAY too much on our trip. I'm definitely back on my diet now, I can't believe I lost all that weight--- only to gain it all back in a week!! It's insane! Oh well, I'll work hard now to get back down.

More pics soon!

What's the big secret?

2009-10-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

So, if you've been following me on Facebook, you may have noticed our posts about a 'secret'. Well, in case you are wondering I will NOT be blogging about our secret here yet either. LOL :)

We are anxiously waiting for our departure tomorrow to Illinois. We can't wait to see family, and Kevin's favorite pizza places. We are excited for soooo much of our trip!!!

Keith is still doing well. Tomorrow marks the 2nd week that his trach has been out.

Things have improved so much around here lately. We have been going to Church faithfully for the last month. We did skip this past Sunday due to a cold that has been passing between Kevin and I. Luckily, Keith must have immunity to whatever it is we have been fighting now for over a week. In light of our upcoming trip, we thought it would be best to sit out Church this last Sunday so that we didn't spread germs to others. We will be attending Church this week at Kevin's hometown Church. I think we have found the Church we will continue to attend here now. We finally found one that seems to be 'fitting' for us. They seem to have a really good Sunday school program, and that is important to me for Keith.

We are constantly praying and thanking God for each day that we get through that Keith is well. There are so many germs going around (currently the biggest scare is h1n1, AKA Swine flu). Keith just recently (last Friday) got the vaccine for it, but it's still a scary ordeal. I personally, have heard of many of my friends that are sick with it. One case that I know of is pretty severe, and I pray for their family as he has to have many operations to overcome the illness.

Kevin and I took really good pictures of Keith the other day, and I have yet to get them off of my camera, so I will need to do that soon and post. Things have been really busy for us as we prepare for our trip.

Overall, we are trying to be 'better' people. We are not awful, but we are feeling so good by living off of the spirit, and it feels GOOD to me inside. I grew up as a Christian, but lately I guess as I'm getting older, I'm starting to feel more inspired by God. I guess I never really felt God "control" my world before. I really don't know HOW to explain it. I just feel good inside. I feel blessed. I feel that the blessings are coming because we have done the right thing by finding a Church and wanting to live by God's word.

Faith is putting all your eggs in God's basket, then counting your blessings before they hatch. ~Ramona C. Carroll

Trach free!

2009-10-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

It's unbelievable. I look at his little "naked neck" and I still can't believe it. My little 1pound 11 ounce 26 week fighter, is now a BIG boy with less medical attachments. It's unreal. I'm so proud of him for everything he has overcame and for the things he will continue to overcome.

This is one of the last pictures of keith with his Trach.

This is Keith eating his first meal "trach-less". He chose pizza, and he really loved it! I wonder if his taste buds are improved?

We were able to come home after the 48 hour observation on Friday, October 9th. Kevin needed to stop by his lawyer's office so Keith and I waited outside. This was the FIRST time Keith's neck fully seen sunlight. He is such a trooper!

Addendum to previous post

2009-10-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

Since posting my 1st message, I've seen Keith's REAL ENT Doc and he did NOT seemed concern at all about Keith's episode last night. He said that Keith will need to learn to cough, and it may take a long time. So, it looks like we are just on task to stay here tonight and see how he does. Obviously, if he has a coughing spell again they will do things to help him, possibly nebulize but it doesn't look like they plan to re-trach him because of that.

I feel so much MORE relieved now.

Can't wait to share pictures!

2009-10-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

Keith was decannulated last evening. I videoed it all, and I took pictures of him last night with his new naked neck. Before we came to the hospital, I also took some last -trach- pics from home. I can't wait to share all of the pics.

Once the trach was out, over the next few hours, he did fine. He then passed out from having such a big day and being exhausted. He slept for about 2 hours and woke up needing to cough-- oh so bad. His eyes sorta got red from coughing so hard, and he was sort of gasping for air, a little. You could tell he was really trying to cough out of his trach that was no longer there. Poor guy. They ended up suctioning his mouth a little, and then gave him some sort of nebulizer to help with the secretions he was having. It helped him alot and he went back to sleep.

This morning, a doctor that works with Keith's ENT doctor stopped by. She was telling me about 3 incidents that Keith had last night. i was a little confused because I had been here the whole night sleeping in the recliner chair, and I had thought there was only one problem. She then proceeded to tell me that they could re-trach him. They would watch over him tonight and see how it went. I was a little taken back by everything she had said. It's ironic, because this same doc I DO NOT get along with. We have had encounters in the E.R. in the passed, and we've just had conflicting personalities I guess. I don't know if she was telling me she could re-trach him to tick me off, or scare me. Whatever she was trying it worked.

Once she left the room, I asked the nurse about the other 2 episodes that the doc told me about. The nurse sorta looked at me like I was crazy because there was ONLY the one episode that I was well aware of. So not only did the doctor tell me she could re-trach Keith, she totally lied and made up 2 episodes that never happened!!

All day today, I have spent most of the day wondering what is going to happen IF Keith has his coughing fit tonight. I've spent hours researching on the tracheostomy.com forum group--- NO ONE has been re-trached due to needing time to learn to cough. NOT ONE! I've been keeping my learned knowledge to myself, for now. I have yet to see the REAL ENT doc. Obviously, noone must be too concerned about keith's spell last night because I haven't seen anyone but our regular day nurse and a few RN's walking in and out, and one resident doc. Basically, nobody that are real decision makers in Keith's care.

A doctor with the PICU team came in a bit ago and talked to me to find out how Keith was doing today. I told her he was great today and mentioned the episode last night. She was aware. I came flat out and asked her if Keith needed time to learn how to cough up his secretions, and she said yes. I then asked if he would be retrached if he coughed again tonight. She sorta giggled a little bit, and said NO there are less invasive things they can do AND therapy to teach him. His main thing is having a secure airway.

I guess I can stop freaking out now. We have to watch him here tonight again. I'm pretty sure in my mind that he will have a coughing spell. Hopefully Keith has enough power to clear it, and we should be allowed to go home tomorrow. If has a spell that needs attention, they may want to observe us longer-- if that's the case we will stay.

I feel a little better now that I spoke to a doctor that gave me hope AND after researching on the Tracheostomy board. They are so great there, it's nice to be able to go there for support and find many similar to Keith that have been through it before OR going through it now. It really does help.

Trachs and Trucks

2009-10-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

So last night we found out that Keith will be getting his trach out tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow! We go in tomorrow afternoon and will be discharged on Friday if all goes well. I am so nervous. It's going to be so different without trach care in our house. No more suctioning, trach tie changes, trach changes, trach plugs with snot...Oh my! Could this really be true?
Keith has no idea... Honestly, he doesn't know what a "trach" is. He knows it's something on his neck. Last night, we pointed to it and told him in simple terms "doc taking this out" "all done" bye bye... and he ran around in a circle saying "YAY!!". Then later, I told him again about it and he said "Why?". He doesn't care one way or the other, really. It's a "part" of him. It's always been there. He's going to have a new life now!
We are so blessed in many ways.

Last evening, I also found out that "Bill" found not only an engine for my truck, but an ENTIRE Ford Explorer! The owner's only want around $300 for it. The tranny is broke, but the engine is good. Bill can transfer the motor over to my truck, along with any other part that I may need fixin on my truck! That's awesome! I'm not sure if this is official yet, but so far it's the game plan. YAY!

I'll be posting updates from the hospital tomorrow and on Thursday, so if you are reading/following check back here for more on Keith.

"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing."

Golden Showers

2009-10-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

I'm so disgusted!
This new guy moved in like a week ago. We kept hearing him let a dog (or maybe dogs) outside on the deck. We live on the bottom level of our apartment complex. Tonight, the dog totally peed and it dripped thru! The upper decks are made of wood planks. Kev just went upstairs to cuss him out. The guy said "oh well I have a pad out there". Yeah, well obviously the dang dog isn't using it because my boy's little car just got peed on! I'm so disgusted I want to kill!
We "thought" this was happening the other day because he kept letting the dog(s) outside-- and has never walked it.
Tonight since we were sitting out there, we totally seen and heard the pee drip down, right after the dog was let out. GRRR!!! So infuriating!

In other news, Kevin still hasn't gotten his work comp money. This sucks because bills are due big time!! I'm ChaCha'ing like crazy to try to make some "extra", but it won't be enough to cover the bills if the money doesn't come. Please pray for good news!

I used my gift certificate tonight that the Infants and Toddlers ladies had bought me in May. I got a perm. Kevin really likes it, I'm not so sure yet.

Keith's doctor called me this evening and he DID pass his sleep study! Now we are working on getting him a date to be admitted to the PICU for trach removal. The PICU has a bed shortage at times, so we may be bumped even after a date is set up, so we shall see. Please pray that he doesn't have any issues after the trach is out.

You Take The Good... You Take The Bad

2009-09-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Boy, much has changed since my last post, which was just days ago.
We DID end up getting Keith's meds that night. I had put a call into the doctor to see if it was okay if Keith waited until the next day to start the meds, and she said no, I needed to start it ASAP. So, I called Rite Aid back to get the script back, and low and behold-- the meds were ready for pick up. I have no idea why the lady told me they were out of stock on ALL the meds... but yet I was able to pick them all up just hours later. Whatever. Atleast he was able to get the meds. As of today, his spots seem to be clearing up. I hope that whatever it was, it doesn't come back again!
On to my truck.... Thursday, I had to take Keith in for his bronch. Kevin debated taking me, but we both thought since the truck had oil, and it wasn't making any indication of being broken-- that maybe it was just a sensor causing the oil pressure guage to go crazy. Well, on the way there on 95, my truck stalls. Complete, stalls. No nothing. I was in rush hour, no merge area, no pull off in a construction zone. I was crying my eyes out and so scared! I said a quick prayer and the car came back on. I drove just a little more to the exit and by the time I was there it was making crazy noises! I pulled off (thankfully where the bus stop is) and was able to take a bus to Keith's bronch. We were only about 15 minutes late, and I called on my way there to tell them.
We had the car towed later that day to a shop. We didn't find out until Friday that I had blew the motor in the truck. Nice. We were considering dumping it because the shop wanted 4K to fix it. Thankfully, Brandy's Bill is a mechanic and said he could get a motor in my truck for around 1K. So, today Kevin and Bill towed the truck back to home.
We also had a major happy moment when Kevin found out that he was getting his work comp back!! So now we should be getting some money any day. We are excited because we will be able to pay off the bills we have been accumulating, and fix my truck.

Keith's bronch on Thursday went well. The doctor is pleased. We are proceeding with the sleep study tomorrow, however Keith will have to wait until the full report is back before he can get his trach out. We don't know when that will be. Maybe a month. I'm hoping it doesn't put us too close to winter for the doctors to want to wait. We shall see.

When it rains it pours

2009-09-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

The stress level is on red alert here. Keith had to have a sore lanced on his leg today. It started out as a small pimple, and turned into something very large. Doc suspects MRSA.
I can't even get the meds until tomorrow because Rite Aid sucks and is out of everything. The doc gave us special soap, a ointment and "bactrim" because that's the only thing that will kill MRSA. Well, Rite Aid was out of all of them. Supposedly, I can get it all tomorrow.

We are still on track for bronch tomorrow and trach removal next week. Thank God for that. I was hoping his poor leg boo boo wouldn't cause any delays. So far so good.

My truck is broke. Tail pipe came off yesterday, today I'm having oil pressure issues. OH and my coolant is empty. That can't be good.

I found a flea on both of our cats (thanks to the dumb dog) and therfore just seriously bombed our place. Sprays, powders, drops. I'm going to wipe the little buggers out. Thank God it's not a serious case of fleas, but come on now-- give us a break!!

Still no word back on Kevin's legal issues so that equals no money.

I have a ham in the oven, the house smells yummy and we are hungry.

I know things could always be worse, and I'm trying to remain positive and hopeful, it's just hard when it feels all of the walls are collapsing around you.

Trach Capping Updates!

2009-08-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

Last Monday we seen Keith's pulmonologist who informed us to start Keith with trach capping. We started that night with the speaking valve, and the next day with the trach cap. He did so well, that we continued since then at 12hrs a day of trach capping.
Today, we had an appointment with Keith's stomach doctor, and while at that appointment I asked to be able to see the pulmonary doc, so she could witness Keith with his trach cap.
They were able to accomodate us, so I was so thankful!
Anyway, at the GI doctor, she was very impressed with Keith's weight gain. Keith's Boost (drink mix formula) was decreased from 4 eight ounce cans a day, to 3 a day which he is to take by mouth. She wants us to not use the G-tube unless he doesn't drink his 3 a day. He is to have snacks and meals along with that. He has been doing well with eating/drinking, so I do not foresee this being a problem for us. She said that after the trach comes out (which I think may be soon) she will leave the G-tube in him for 3 more months. If we do not use it during that time, then she can take it out in the Spring. I'm really not pressed on this. The G-tube is a no-worry type thing, it does not "delay" him like his tracheostomy does and I could really care less if it doesn't come out until Spring. NO biggie.
After we seen her, we were able to see the lung doctor. As I said, I was so grateful that she was able to fit us in. Keith and I have been taking the MTA bus down to the University because it only costs $3.50 for a round trip bus pass, and for me to drive there it's $10 in gas, $4.00 in tolls and $7.00 to park, and that doesn't count any snacks we may get while there. So, now we spend $3.50 in tolls and maybe spend a few bucks on a drink/snack and STILL do not spend as much. Also, I don't have to fight city traffic, and parking stress. Keith loves the bus, so it's like a field day to him. I just try to keep him super clean with sanitizer so that he does not catch something. So far, it's working! So, by the doctor seeing us today we saved another $3.50!! The lung doctor was VERY impressed with Keith and his capping! She said his lungs sounded good, his respiratory was good and his pulsox oxygen level was 100! WOW!
She is ordering a new trach cap for him though. The one we have is pretty awful. It doesn't snap to anything, and if you look at the thing, it should snap on, since it's designed with a clasp. The doctor said they must have sent us something wrong because it's nothing like she has ever seen before. Hopefully we will have a new one soon.
The lung doc said that once the ENT looks at Keith's airway on 9/17 if ENT is happy with Keith's airway then she will sign off on Keith having his capped sleep study. If both pieces pass, then Keith CAN be decannulated! WOW!
Kevin and I are so impressed with this little guy. He has come so far in the last few months. I'm not sure if I mentioned but he can identify all of the letters and numbers 1-10. He knows 4 shapes too. He can't do colors yet. I'm a little concerned, because I think he could be color blind. I don't know yet. We are going to start taping him saying his letters. He has such a cute little voice and the way he says a few of them is so cute! He is trying so hard!
Keith also knows the location of almost every store in White Marsh mall. He can find the Disney store with no problem and spots it RIGHT away. He points and runs with the pointer finger sticking out. It's so funny! We may be taping that the next time we go, because it is really funny seeing him do that.
Speaking of pointer fingers, his finger is doing a lot better! We have been cleaning it and changing the bandages every day. Keith seems to tolerate it SOO much better now. He still says "owwwww" and lately says "oh my god owww" when we change it, but I think it's really NOT that painful anymore. I think he remembers the pain he felt initially. We go back to the finger doc this Friday. I think they will be pretty pleased about the way it's healing. The tip of the finger is definitely there, but his poor little nail bed is destroyed. I hope it heals okay!
I guess that is all of the updates from us from now.

In other news, we welcomed a new member of the family on 8/20. Karen and Bill had their baby girl on 8/20. She was born at 35 weeks and weighed in at 5lbs 6 ounces. She came home from the hospital the Sunday after she was born, but this past Saturday struck ill. Karen and Bill took her back to the hospital, and they ended up transferring her to Children's Memorial in Chicago. Baby Emma June is doing sooo much better as of tonight. She is out of the incubator, gaining weight and all other issues that she had seems to be under control. Karen and Bill are so happy, and we are very happy for them. They are good people. Kevin is really close to all of his family, but I think he is extra close to Karen cause she is the baby of the family.

The trouble with learning to parent on the job is that your child is the teacher. ~Robert Brault

Random Stuff

2009-08-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

Keith really does know all of his body parts, but on this particular day he decided that his feet weren't where they belong. LOL

American Idol 2009

2009-08-31T21:04:00.001-07:00

I've neglected to post about our Idol trip. I just haven't had the time to do it with everything going on, so I'm sorry that this trip was a month ago. LOL
We ended up going to American Idol on August 9th in Newark, NJ. I had made a HUGE mistake thinking that the concert was in Newark, DE (which is an hour away)... but no Newark, NJ which is 3 hours away!!
Since we had already bought the tickets before I realized where the concert really was, we were forced to take a mini road trip. It actually was a much needed, well deserved trip even though it cost us a fortune and money IS an issue right now.
The concert was AWESOME! Keith loved it. He swayed his arms to the music, clapped and danced. It was so loud, but he didn't mind at all! I had never been to an indoor concert. It was so cool seeing all of the light special effects. Outdoor concerts, don't have that! None that I have been to have it anyway. I took ALOT of pictures of the artists and a few videos (shhhh....) but I'll spare posting them on here. If you DO want to see them though, check my facebook-- I have the pics there.
Kevin was able to find us a somewhat cheap hotel about 20 minutes away from the concert, and was able to talk the people out of charging us a dog fee.
We were thinking of visiting New York city before leaving, since it was literally just across the water, but decided to hold off on that for another time. Instead, when we came home on Monday, we stopped at the famous Geno's and Pat's Steaks in Philly.

Thankfully, all worked out and we enjoyed our trip.

Bronchs, Fingers and Cappings

2009-08-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

Keith had his 1st post surgery bronchoscopy last Thursday. The doctor, (actually whole ENT team) were stoked about Keith's new airway! Dr. P said that he wants to look at Keith's airway again next month, and if it looks the same as it did this last time, he is going to sign off on decannulation, pending a capped sleep study.
This is awesome news!

On Friday, we seen the hand plastic surgeron over at JHU. They checked Keith's finger and re-wrapped it. They basically told us to keep doing what we are doing at home, keep it clean and covered and come back in 2 weeks. They think that Keith will more than likely need to have a surgery in the future to have his entire finger nail removed. Currently, there is no fingernail as it got ripped off during the accident. They think that when the nail grows back, it may cause a constant painful hangnail on him since there is so much nail bed damage. As of tonight, the wound is looking a little better but Keith hates dressing changes! He doesn't seem to be bothered by the pain at all, but only when we take off the dressings. Poor guy, I still feel so awful and would do anything if I could take this all back!

On Monday, we seen the pulmonologist. She was getting the updates of Keith and his operation and what ENT had found during the bronch. She seems pretty comfortable with getting Keith's trach out before winter, but wanted us to start capping him before we have a sleep study. So, we have started plugging his trach. I really thought that this would take days of working with Keith over small periods of time, however, he is a CHAMP! We began to use his passy muir valve (a tracheostomy speaking valve that allows air IN, but out thru the nose and mouth). This is the 1st step to capping. Keith did so well, that we decided to by-pass days of using this and go right to capping. I was a bit nervous to cap, and still wasn't sure what to expect. To my surprise, he breathed! He didn't fight, he didn't turn blue, no respiratory distress--- just pure breathing! It was wonderful to see him using his nose and mouth! He did about 4 hours Monday night.

Today, I capped him just before lunch time and he went 11 hours! He could have gone longer, but it was bed time and we had to stop. The lung doctor is going to be so impressed with his progress! I need to call her at the end of the week to give her an update. She wants to see him in her office to see him use the cap before she will sign off on the sleep study next month. Keith will be able to show her this without a problem! He does not mind the cap at all! It's amazing!

Keith is really a miracle. I know that all moms say this about their children, but Keith means more to me than anything in this world and despite his medical battles, he is so strong and happy! Our story could be soo different, his complications could be so much worse.

Last Friday, I was at Annapolis mall and a mom came up to me asking me about Keith's trach. She started talking about her son having airway reconstruction, and before I knew it she was telling me "my story". It was unreal that she had the same issues with her baby as my Keith had! She had a preemie at 26 weeks, tracheal stenosis, everything to a T of what Keith and I have experienced! She was a true inspiration. She then pointed out her 7 year old, who WAS the tracheostomy baby--- and there he was a beautiful 7 year old, trach free and so normal. The little boy came over and showed me his "scar". It was actually not so obvious. I hope in 5 years, I can share Keith's story with someone and be an inspiration to them. We have come such a long way.

This week has shown me that their truely is a light at the end of the tunnel.

A week of emergencies

2009-08-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

So over last weekend we actually took a small trip to Newark, NJ to see the American Idol concert. I actually thought the concert was in Newark, DE... which is only about an hour away from us-- but I ended up not paying attention to the state and NJ is 3 hours away! So we had to take a small road trip. It was actually very nice, and I appreciated the stress relief.... until we got home........

We came home Monday night, Keith's trach incision where they had done reconstruction looked infected on the one side, so I called his doc. The doc preferred that we come down to the hospital to have his neck looked at. We went, and really the doc didn't see anything. They gave us antibiotic just to be on the safe side. On Tuesday, after I had cleaned his neck really well, I noticed a "stitch" hanging out of his neck and that seemed to be the source of the problem. I consulted with his doc, yet again, and told her my findings. She said if I felt comfortable, to trip the stitch down to skin level. At first, I was like NO WAY! I can't do this! But later in the evening, Kevin and I actually managed to trim the stitch and now it's a few days later, his neck is all better! YAY!

The drama continued through the week.

Tuesday, I had my cervix cell freezing for the cancerous cells they discovered last month. The procedure actually was NOT so bad! I was shocked. The colposcopy and biopsy hurt me alot last month, but the freezing was a piece of cake! I have to go back in 3 months to get checked. We decided to go out to dinner that night. Before dinner, Keith accidently pulled out his trach, so we had to reinsert that. He never turned blue, and he kept saying "uh oh" because the trach came out. I'm glad he is now able to tell us when something happened!

Wednesday morning, I guess Keith was trying to help. He likes to unhook himself from his machines in the morning-- his pulsox, humidity machine and apnea monitor. Well, I guess he thought he could unhook his G-tube too, because he ended up pulling the entire mickey button out!! I have always had his g-tube changed in clinic. I can do his trachs at home, but I have always preferred to have his g-tube changed by his doc. However, this time I got brave, and thought, I can do this! So, Kev held him down, and I can now say I have successfully inserted a G-tube. It was easier than I expected.

Thursday and Friday-- no big drama that I can remember.

Which brings us to Saturday. This day was crap! We had planned on going to Bengies, but it was really hot so we decided not to. I found a cheap movie place, and was going to take Keith to see "Up", instead of doing the Bengies Drive-In. Our movie was at 5:00, so we left the house at 4:00. We never made it very far. At my truck, I had opened up my front door and laid his medical bags on the seat. I then, proceeded to open up Keith's back passenger door. As I did, and I had no clue, I was crushing Keith's finger in the door hinge of the back door. I did not know his finger was in there!! If anyone knows Keith, you know that he can't really make "noise". He will talk at times, but I have NEVER EVER heard my baby cry. His trach takes away his ability to cry and talk. I never heard him make a sound or anything. I didn't know what was happening until I see his little finger bleeding like crazy! Oh my God! I thought at that point that I had cut off his entire finger. I tried to call 9-1-1 with my cell, and of course it did NOT work! I'm starting to panic, hyperventilate and TRYING to keep my wits about me so that Keith doesn't freak out more, but seeing me so upset! Some guy, and I swear he was strung on drugs was walking up the road. I screamed for him to help me, and he ran over. He was able to get to my apartment door and get Kevin outside. Kevin, thank god, was able to call 911 from our home line and grab a towel for Keith's finger. I started to black out at that point, I really thought I was going to pass out. Kevin did so well, putting pressure and calming the bleeding. My neighbor came out and she was able to find the tip of Keith's finger in my door hinge. Soooo disgusting! It seemed like forever, but the EMT finally showed up. We were taken to the hospital, where they decided to send us to another hospital (2 hours later!). The 2nd hospital was John's Hopkin's. This hospital is supposed to be one of the best in the nation. Let me tell you, they are NOT the best in the nation because of their speed! They are ssoooooo slow!! We were transported to that hospital at 6:30. They were back and forth about what they were going to do... surgery, close it up, reattach tip, no surgery, sedate him, noone knew what to do. It was definitely a yo-yo, or ping pong ball effect, and everyone had an opinion. Hours later, they decided to do NOTHING! We had been there almost 11 hours at that point, and the only thing they did was clean it, bandange it and send us on our way! Keith's poor finger is SOOOO sore! It's so nasty looking too! We have to go back to a hand specialist on Friday to see if there is anything they can do, or if treatment will change. Right now, we are supposed to clean/change bandage 2 times a day. Oh what fun that will be, it's so sore!

It's Sunday now, I'm praying for no more drama for a long time. I can't take anymore. I'm very drained and still having bad visuals of what happened yesterday. I feel VERY guilty and horrible about what happened. I never intended on hurting my child. I hope that he can recover fast and doesn't have too much deformity from it. I'm so thankful that it was just a tip of the finger, and NOT a whole hand or finger. My hinge on the door of truck is HUGE compared to Keith's hand, it could have very well got the whole thing!

A little side note.... Yesterday before we left for movies, Keith was eating his lunch in our dining room. From there, he was waving and saying "bye bye" to "something" in our living room. Nothing was there (to me) of course. So I had told Kevin, that I thought Keith got hurt today because his guardian angel had left him that afternoon..... Kevin said "No Amanda, the Angel was OUTSIDE waiting for you".
I never thought of it like that, and I truely believe now that Kevin may be right. The Angel KNEW we were going to need them RIGHT then.... maybe that's what caused his injury to ONLY be a finger tip and not a whole finger, or hand or arm! So thank you my guardian angels, one day I will pay you back!

"If you're going through hell
Keep on going, don't slow down
If you're scared, don't show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there"

Rodney Atkins

Glen Burnie Carnival 2009

2009-08-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

We've been very selective about the carnivals and fairs we attend this year. Cash is just tight (who's isn't?), so we've chose to do our favorites from last year, and skip the duds.

Glen Burnie's carnival is ALWAYS a hit, every year. I can remember back as a small child, riding the same rides that Keith was on. He loves carnivals! He loves all of the rides and doesn't get scared at all. I can't wait until we can ride big roller coasters with him!

He could ride this coaster, over and over!

I had to slow the spinning so daddy could get a pic! He LOVED it!

Kev let Keith find his way through the mirror maze. It took forever, but was so funny to watch!

Tilt a whirl is one of my fave rides (was also my mom's fave) and Keith loves it too! He rode with both of us.

Last year, Kevin had to carry Keith up the slide steps (about 100 times LOL), but this year, Keith did them all by his self!

He loves this big slide! (so does Kevin! LOL)

WOOHOO!

2009-07-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

This is such a minor thing, but today I was able to merge Keith's old blog with this blog and now everything is together in ONE blog! YAY!

It's the simple things in life right??

On another note, I'll be uploading hospital pics and camping pics pretty soon!

Some surgery & hospital stay pics

2009-07-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so far behind, I know... I know!
I'm working to catch up!
Here are some hospital/surgery pics that I took during Keith's major airway reconstruction

After 8 hour airway surgery. Poor little guy :(

Keith was in a "high climber" crib, which has a plastic topper..... he pressed his face to it and made us laugh really hard! He was so bored!

Finally! He got clearance to go to the hospital play room! He LOVED it there! Out of all of his hospital stays, this was the first time he wasn't on "contact" precautions and was able to go and play!

Kissing us through the crib railings.

Going home! A week stay in the hospital, and ready to leave. He really IS a Super Man!

Keith's Angel & We are Home

2009-07-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

Friday night when Kevin came down to the visit us at the hospital, we took Keith out to the "forest". It's a play section in the middle of the children's ICU where kids can play or visit their siblings during their stay. Keith was playing out there, running in circle really, and suddenly stops, turns around and says "hi". I looked over, expecting to see someone there because he always says Hi to random people, but noone was there. I said "Keith, there isn't anyone there". Kevin said maybe he could see someone. We didn't think much more of it.
Well last night we came home. While I was dressing Keith for bed, putting his jammies on him in the living room, he looked over and said "Bye" and waved to nothing. I looked behind me to see what in the world he seen, and again nothing was there. Kevin was sitting in the living room with us, and I said, oh my he just did it again!
We tucked keith into bed after that.
Kevin and I began discussing what happened Friday and now what happened last night. I said maybe he had seen an "angel" or "spirit". Some do believe that children can "see" things that we cannot.
I think Keith's angel was watching over him in the hospital, and followed him around. I believe the angel came home with us, and then once Keith was safe it decided to leave and told Keith "bye" last night.
It's very odd, but with everything that happened, it surely makes sense. If I hadn't witnessed it myself, I probably wouldn't believe it--- and Kevin seen it too and also believes.
It's sorta nice knowing that a higher power is watching and protecting Keith.
I wonder if some angel is watching over the rest of us.

5 days later

2009-07-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

Keith's surgery took 8 hours to complete. I never got back around to posting any updates, so sorry if you have been checking here for updates. I have been able to update most people thru facebook/myspace. Thank goodness for cell phone access.
Wednesday evening, and all night long was the worse night for Keith. He was in awful pain and was doped on morphine and versed the entire night. Every 20-30 minutes he needed a dose of something. He was out of control in pain.
By Thursday, he was a different kid. The docs and nurses could not believe it. On Thursday, we were moved to a private room in the main ICU because Keith was disturbing patients and getting in to too much. He ripped out his I.V. and made it pretty clear he was not going to stay on monitors.
Friday evening, the doctors came by and removed Keith's rib drain that they had placed during surgery and finished stitching the hole closed. He tolerated that pretty well. He is being such a trooper with all of this.
We were moved to low level ICU eary Saturday morning, around 3 a.m. He has been very happy going to the play room and running around his high climber crib. I have taken many pictures, but can't post them here at the hospital.
Today, the ENT doc came to see Keith and was supposed to change his trach out. They were discussing whether to do this in the operating room on Wednesday instead because of Keith's activity level. Instead, the PICU team has decided to sedate him early tomorrow morning and ENT will come change the trach at around 6:30 am. We may be able to be discharged tomorrow. If not, then most likely Wednesday.
Keith is on augmentin antibiotic (just as a precaution) and it's tearing his stomach up. He has had the runs all day and I feel bad for him.
Other than that he is doing well.
Keith is now telling the nurses which leg he would like his blood pressure tested on, which armpit to use for temps and which toe he would like his pulsox on. It's so crazy the things he knows and can tell us now. I'm so proud of my trooper. He is the bravest 3 year old that I know.