tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56719504533677794392024-03-13T15:39:41.626-04:00From MaGerks to I Do'sKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.comBlogger946125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-22079721755050307072015-01-15T18:25:00.002-05:002015-01-15T18:25:08.200-05:00Better late than never?A few pictures from L's birthday last year...better late than never I suppose.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3TOd0OBEjA/VLhL8tQ9tLI/AAAAAAAAFXE/QVX17WWUadE/s1600/IMG_5531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3TOd0OBEjA/VLhL8tQ9tLI/AAAAAAAAFXE/QVX17WWUadE/s1600/IMG_5531.jpg" height="640" width="394" /></a></div>
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And what's a birthday party without a face covered with food?<br />
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(Photos courtesy of my sister!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-84096893041081690202015-01-13T16:48:00.001-05:002015-01-13T16:48:54.947-05:00Dairy and Egg Free LifeI very briefly <a href="http://from-magerks-to-i-dos.blogspot.com/2014/08/happy-birthday-l.html" target="_blank">mentioned</a> that L is now on an egg and dairy free diet. She was diagnosed with <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eosinophilic-esophagitis/basics/definition/con-20035681" target="_blank">eosinophilic esophagitis (EE)</a> in June and she underwent allergy testing to determine if she had any food allergies that could be contributing to the EE. What came back was positive for eggs, dairy, wheat, corn, beef, soy, and peanut. After many doctors consulted, we determined that the two main allergens are eggs and dairy and the others were likely false positives.<br />
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We turned our kitchen upside down eliminating all dairy and eggs. I had always done most of our cooking, but suddenly had to learn new ways of cooking and substituting common things like butter, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, mayo, etc. <br />
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Since so many people are learning about food allergies, being diagnosed with them, or have friends that visit who have food allergies similar to L's, I'll periodically share some brands, products, and recipes that we use in our house that are dairy and egg free. <br />
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<u>5 Basic products we always have in the house:</u><br />
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<li><a href="http://followyourheart.com/products/original-3/" target="_blank">Vegenaise</a>. Seriously, this stuff is the best mayo you will ever have. I did a taste test for the hubs and made one sandwich with real mayo, and the other with this, and he guessed wrong. I've even converted people to start using this instead.</li>
<li><a href="http://earthbalancenatural.com/product/soy-free-sticks/" target="_blank">Earth Balance Butter</a>. We use this in recipes that call for regular butter. We cook with it, bake with it, and spread it on toast or pancakes for L. It works really well and while isn't identical, it tastes pretty darn close.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.silverhillsbakery.ca/products/sprouted-bread/little-big-bread" target="_blank">Silver Hills Little Big Bread</a>. Have you looked at the ingredients of the bread you buy at your store? It probably has some form of milk in it, which we were surprised by. We tried all different kinds and we are sold on this brand. It's absolutely delicious. It's not sold many places and is found in the frozen section. If you see it, try it! The best healthy bread we've tried.</li>
<li><a href="http://store.nutiva.com/coconut-oil/" target="_blank">Nutiva Coconut Oil</a>. We use this oil in place of butter in many recipes.</li>
<li>Avocados. We always have a handful of avocados in our refrigerator to use instead of slices of cheese on sandwiches, to make salad dressings with, to make dips, etc. </li>
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I'll add some more products periodically, and share some recipes. Keep an eye out!</div>
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-66975604174785269152014-12-21T17:59:00.003-05:002014-12-21T18:00:37.521-05:00L the NurseWe've joked often that L has a future in the medical field. Tonight just proves it. The hubs starting cussing loudly and I knew something was wrong. He had sliced open his finger while cutting up vegetables for dinner.<br />
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He knew to cover it quickly to keep the blood from my squeamish self. I told L to stay put, thinking she would freak out if she saw the blood or saw that he was hurt. I went to check on him to see if he needed stitches. While doing so, L ran to her room to get Muno (one of her stuffed lovies) to give to the hubs to console him, then went into nurse mode. <br />
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After determining that he didn't need stitches, and trying to hide the fact that I was feeling squeamish and light headed from seeing the cut, L helped the hubs get patched up. She got the band aides, put neosporin on the cut, and helped bandage him up. <br />
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She's all like, blood, no big deal, I've had worse. (As I'm in the corner trying not to hurl). Seriously, this child is tough as nails.<br />
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(I so wish I had thought to get my camera out to capture this, but I was too busy trying not to pass out).<br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-14907249767329440812014-12-05T14:09:00.000-05:002014-12-05T14:09:28.000-05:00Thanksgiving 2014 We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and managed to grab a couple quick snaps of our fam. For some reason, watching L on Thanksgiving gives me such joy, more so than almost any other holiday. She loves playing with family, eating like a maniac, and it feels so peaceful.<br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-43761241707867799462014-12-03T20:19:00.001-05:002014-12-03T20:19:28.693-05:00Recent conversation in our houseThis past month has had this recurring conversation.<br />
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Hubs, checking on L before bedtime: <i>L, what are you doing? You must sit down to go pee. </i><br />
L: <i>No no no.</i><br />
Hubs: <i>Sigh.</i><br />
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I think L spent a bit too much time accompanying her cousin, (the same age but a boy) to the bathroom last month.<br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-59549286030645511382014-09-22T09:34:00.000-04:002014-09-22T09:34:00.078-04:00Tea CupWe took a mini getaway to Williamsburg to take L to Busch Gardens. We've realized over the past year or so that she is a complete thrill seeker. She loved the rides at our county fair, even riding them by herself. <br />
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She loved, loved, loved this trip. Proof is in the video. Enjoy!<br />
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<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ogcKB9j2vNw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-28616792951411680802014-09-17T09:38:00.000-04:002014-09-17T09:38:00.602-04:00Photos from Flashes of HopeSeveral months ago, I received an email from the child life team at L's transplant hospital informing me that <a href="http://flashesofhope.org/">Flashes of Hope</a> was going to be at the hospital and asking whether I wanted a time slot for L. I immediately looked into the organization and was so excited to take advantage of such a wonderful opportunity. The organization provides free photo packages for children living with chronic illnesses. I will never turn down an opportunity to have pictures of my girl. I don't think we'll ever look back and say, we took too many pictures.<br />
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So here are some of our favorites. We just picked them up last week. The organization provides an envelope with all of the photos in 5x7, and two 8x10s, along with a cd of all of the photos. How amazing is that? And because L was being shy, I even got a photo with my girl. <br />
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(<i>April 2014)</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-19585734144028184042014-09-15T16:06:00.000-04:002014-09-15T16:07:15.060-04:00The Reality of Summer BreakI didn't write on my blog this summer. I wish I had some really exciting reason like we were traveling and living the life. I hesitate writing the truthfulness of how things were, because quite frankly, I wish to forget some of these moments. But in my (continued) effort to be completely honest about my journey as a mom to a child with complex medical and developmental issues, here it is: the truth.<br />
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The real reason I did not write is that L was home for the summer. I was looking forward to the summer home with her. I had great plans for outings and playdates and adventures to make memories. And we certainly had some outings and playdates and adventures. <br />
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<b>But the truth is, it wasn't pure bliss</b>. In fact, some days I was so out of patience that as soon as Ian walked through the door, I said "please, I don't want to see or hear her for the next 15 minutes." Saying that to Ian was embarrassing. It produced tremendous amounts of guilt. Carrying that guilt was awful: I was constantly questioning what kind of mother I was. I kept thinking, <i>we are so incredibly blessed to have L here with us, alive and thriving, and</i> <i>I couldn't wait to be away from her</i>? <i>What kind of mom did that make me?</i> <i>What is wrong with me? All of these other moms are excited to have time with their children over the summer, and here I am, counting the days until she goes back to school. </i><br />
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Almost as soon as summer break started, I learned a lot of new information about my girl. L has transition issues - this, I already knew. I just didn't understand how severe that issue was until the summer started. She has difficulty regulating her emotions when there are transitions. Like getting her dressed, getting her out of the house, getting her to move from one activity to the next. I had not realized that her being in preschool 5 days a week was providing the stimulation (or something) that helped her regulate. So take away that interaction with other children, that structure, and she fell apart. She had tantrums countless times per day. And when I say <i>tantrums</i>, I mean complete meltdowns for about 1/2 hour. The tantrums typically centered around her not being able to tell me something - that she wanted to do it herself, or to do an activity a certain way, or that she wanted to do something else. I felt like I was walking on eggshells asking her ahead of any activity to prevent the tantrum, "<i>would you like to open the package of [enter food] or do you want mama to do it? do you want to pour it in the bowl or mama? Do you want to put the blanket on the bed like this, by yourself or with help? You show me how you want to play! Where should mama sit?" </i>If I did anything out of order, tantrum ensued. Nothing I said or did made a difference. The fact that this was happening multiple times per day was exhausting for both of us. <br />
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She was impossible to get to go anywhere. It was a fight to get her dressed which is saying something because under the best of circumstances she has trouble. The slightest thing would set her off and there was nothing to be done but hold her and wait for her to calm down. And when we would venture out, she was clingy, she was anxious at the thought of not being next to me. She didn't want me out of her sight. What had happened to my happy girl? What was going on?<br />
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About the same time that I theorized that her frustration was a result of not being in school, we started her in private interaction group therapy (which is ridiculously expensive) to help. Amazingly, the days that she had therapy, she had fewer tantrums. The days she had no therapy, we were back to those long and frustrating days. After a couple weeks of documenting her tantrums, I realized that there was a direct correlation to fewer meltdowns on therapy days. Clearly, L was craving that social piece. <br />
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In addition to private group therapy, she was approved for extended year services through her school. Unfortunately, with a diagnosis of "language delay," she only qualified for one hour twice per week. So clearly, that was not going to cut it. While it was helpful to know what she needed, it wasn't practical and we weren't financially able to provide therapy on a daily basis. So it meant most days I was just hoping to get through the day. Lots of days of calling Ian in tears. I was exhausted - mentally and physically. Even on therapy days, I couldn't leave her side at therapy (we tried, she cried the entire time).<br />
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To say I was excited for her to go back to school is an understatement. I wanted my happy girl back. I wanted her to have what she so desperately needs. Obviously, there were selfish reasons as well: I wanted to be able to work out and take care of myself. I wanted to be able to dedicate time to my own doctors appointments and job searching. She stopped napping in November of 2013 so her back at preschool is the only time I have to myself.<br />
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We are two weeks back into school and it is incredible to see L's change in demeanor. Yes, transitions are still difficult. Yes she has some tantrums. But she is pleasant the majority of the time. She is more independent. She isn't ready to scream her head off for the rest of the day because she didn't get her way or cannot tell me what she wants/needs. And when she does tantrum, the episode is much quicker and she gets back on track sooner.<br />
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This summer was a learning experience for all of us. We now know that L absolutely must have camp or school during the summer. She must have social interaction with other children multiple times per week. She must have structure and be encouraged to be away from her mama. <br />
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I want to add that yes, we did have some great memories and outings this summer. We had joy each and every day. It wasn't all bad and tantrums. But we certainly had a lot of it!<br />
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Now we know. And it's a new school year...thank God.<br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-37294040905338352162014-09-11T15:30:00.004-04:002014-09-11T15:31:37.956-04:00Back to PreschoolMy sweet girl started her second year of preschool a couple weeks ago. The summer proved to be difficult with the change of routine so I was a bit nervous how starting the school year would go, especially with how <a href="http://from-magerks-to-i-dos.blogspot.com/2013/09/1st-day.html">hard the transition was last year</a>.<br />
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Well, Ian took her for her first day and she walked into school like a pro. No tears saying goodbye. <br />
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What a relief! It certainly helps that she is in the same classroom with the same teachers. Hopeful for better progress this year now that she is comfortable with the school routine.<br />
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(Picture before her first day - she cannot smile normally on command)<br />
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Unlike last year, we decided to let her ride the bus this year. We felt that since she was comfortable with going to school now, that we would just totally mess that up and go ahead with the bus. Great plan. Kidding. We thought it would be another transition, but one that needs to happen. It allows her more practice at becoming independent and allows her to form more bonds with new people. For a little girl who is super clingy towards her mama, we sometimes need to force her to do new things without me by her side. It's good for both of us.<br />
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We had the bus start coming to pick her up a week into school. We had been talking about it with her for weeks now. That the bus would come to our driveway, she would get on with one of her lovies, say goodbye to us, and the bus would take her to school without mom or dad. That when school is over, the bus would bring her home and Tessa and I would be waiting for her.<br />
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We went outside at the designated time and she was excited. The bus pulled up and she got on excitedly. Then we said "bye L - have a great day!", and the tears started. We reminded the driver and assistant that her lovey was in her bag and to get it out for her. We plastered smiles on our faces and continued waving bye and the doors closed and the bus drove away. <br />
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Ian and I walked inside and I heard him gasp. There, on the floor was her lovey that we promised her would be with her on the bus. She must have moved it from her bag before we left. I started crying. What a terrible mistake!<br />
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Fearing that she would be hysterical the entire 45 minute bus ride, I got ready and drove her lovey to school so that it would be waiting there for her. Soon after I left, I got an email from her teacher letting me know that L had arrived and was happy! What a relief! Apparently, the tears had stopped by the time they were out of our neighborhood. So grateful that she is doing well with this transition.<br />
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(Some photos while we waited for the bus)<br />
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But as we celebrated L's 4th birthday yesterday, I realized we most certainly have a little girl on our hands.<br />
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Where did the last year go? She has grown so much in the last year, both physically and developmentally. She continues to be <strike>stubborn</strike> feisty. She yells "I" when she wants to do things herself, which is almost everything (even when it's completely unrealistic).<br />
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For the stats - she is 37 pounds, and 40 inches tall. She has grown tremendously since her <a href="http://from-magerks-to-i-dos.blogspot.com/2013/11/little-girl-big-things.html">surgery</a> in November. We think that surgery must've allowed her body to start absorbing nutrients better. Either way, she's growing like a weed. <br />
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We had been talking about her birthday for the past couple weeks. So when she woke up to see balloons in her room, she immediately attempted to say birthday with a ginormous smile and equally ginormous bedhead. Then she asked to blow out candles. <br />
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We took her to see her first movie in the theater yesterday - Planes: Fire & Rescue. She stood most of the time, and stuffed her face with popcorn. But she did pretty well and liked it. <br />
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Then we came home and she had some playtime in her new sandbox. It was our gift to her and she absolutely loves it. It's created a lot of independent play and keeps her occupied for hours. I think I love it just as much as she does.<br />
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Speaking of eating, we celebrated her birthday by making her favorite food last night - grilled shrimp. She ate shrimp and nothing else for dinner. L is now on a egg-free and dairy-free diet due to allergies. I made her a vegan birthday cake that was delicious and super easy. <br />
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The day left us all with smiles on our faces. Feeling blessed to be starting another year with our girl.<br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-12255870342879314682014-07-03T09:33:00.000-04:002014-07-03T09:33:00.450-04:00Afternoon visitorsI looked out our kitchen window last week and saw two baby deer laying in the shade. It's common for us to have deer in our yard, but these little ones have been lounging in the shades of our trees each day for almost a week. Every night, I make sure their mama has come back to get them. They remain calm when I walk slowly to a nearby tree and take photos, until L comes outside barreling towards them yelling "bayba, bayba deeeee" (for baby deer) and scares them. I was able to snap a few before they were startled by my curious girl.<br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-45200312905396561312014-07-01T14:21:00.000-04:002014-07-01T14:21:08.795-04:00First and Last<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-35342204233842289102014-06-09T16:30:00.001-04:002014-06-09T16:30:38.768-04:00Blogging dilemmaI have a lot of posts that are half written. Life has been busy and I either don't feel in the mood to finish a particular post, or the post is no longer relevant to the happenings in our life. <br />
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I also find myself caught in a weird writing limbo. I want to write and share what is going on but I'm also trying to find a happy medium of maintaining some privacy for my family. Adding to this little dilemma is the fact that I passed the bar and have to be conscientious of the fact that future clients can learn information about me and my private life by searching my name. Do I make my blog private? Do I pull it down and start a more anonymous blog? Do I stop sharing personal information about L? Really, what good would my personal blog be without talking about L. She's my little lady and if I'm being honest, it's probably why most of you come check my blog.<br />
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I'm in a limbo my friends. I don't think I'm gone for good. I have tons of things I've been wanting to write about. Until then, I hope you are enjoying the much deserved beautiful warm weather and have been drinking wine on your decks like we have!<br />
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Have any of you gone through something like this? Any suggestions? <br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-58901583837180598512014-04-15T13:10:00.002-04:002014-04-15T13:10:49.735-04:00Part I - The first time another child is mean to mine<b><u>Part I - The First Time Another Child is Mean to My Child</u></b><br />
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A little girl was playing nearby with a couple of boys. The boys ran off to play somewhere else and L went up to the little girl. L began smiling at the little girl and making noises. She was trying to say "hi" over and over again, but the little girl just stared at her. I remained nearby, not interjecting unless I was needed. I could see the little girl's wheels turning. Staring, then glancing at me nearby, then staring back at L. The next time the girl looked at me, I said "she is trying to say hi to you but has trouble speaking." The little girl stared once more, then said "I want to play with someone else." I didn't know if I had heard her correctly so I said excuse me, and she repeated it once more, then turned and left L standing there by herself.<br />
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L didn't know that the little girl had been mean to her. L simply waved her good-bye and went running to the swings. No big deal.<br />
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But my heart split in two. I asked my husband for the keys to the car and bolted out of there. I made it halfway across the playground, sunglasses on, before tears spilled down my cheeks.<br />
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I sat in the car sobbing. I admit it, I had a big, fat, ugly pity party. Yes, L didn't know what had happened. But she will someday. This was just a preview of what likely will happen in future years. Why does my child, who has had to fight to survive, now have to struggle to communicate? Why does my child have to face so many challenges and obstacles to live? Can anything come easily to her? I don't wish these things on anyone else, but could God maybe even things out a bit so that families don't get struggle after struggle?<br />
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Then, I wiped those tears away, put my sunglasses back on, and went back to the playground. <br />
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I focused on the details. I pushed her on the swings and saw her smile. I listened to her giggle as she went down the slide by herself, and the ungraceful stomp as she ran to climb up and do it again. I felt her sticky fingers as she held my hand. I breathed in the fresh spring air and looked up at the sky as my eyes began drying up. I heard L yell a loud, excited "Mama" bringing me back to the here and now, watching her go down the slide once again.<br />
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We can't hide in our comfort zones. Some people are going to be great in response to L's differences, others won't. That's life. As much as I wish things came easily to my sweet girl, things like speech, health, I am reminded by looking at her that joy and love come easily to her. Be her friend, and she will be your biggest fan, laugh at all of your jokes, hug you, include you. And at the end of the day, those things matter.<br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-31346011690525918012014-03-05T10:49:00.001-05:002014-03-05T10:49:18.942-05:00The little thingsI got a much needed haircut on Friday and then Ian and I had a much needed date night.<br />
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We each ordered a beer. Then, only I got carded. <br />
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That made my night. It looks like I should be getting a haircut more often if it really sets me back 10 years :) <br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-79730912038787239882014-02-07T17:03:00.000-05:002014-02-07T17:03:02.058-05:00Study breakIs anyone out there? It's just me, here, taking a little break from studying for the Bar. I graduated. That's a whole other post in itself. And in case you haven't heard, bar studying is awful. That one word, awful, pretty much sums it up (although, in person, I have a few expletives to describe it, but I'll spare you).<br />
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Just interrupted my long hiatus from blogging to say hi.<br />
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And to tell you that today, I'm been periodically coming out from my hole to say hi to L and she happened to find my first pair of tap shoes from when I was a little girl.<br />
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And then, as I was watching her perform a little number for me (by this I mean her stomping around, <i>naked!</i>), I thought, I am so lucky to have this munchkin around for my study breaks! <br />
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Until the end of this month, ciao.<br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-80503391665447291992013-12-17T18:10:00.002-05:002014-02-11T11:56:17.419-05:00I'm calling SantaI <a href="http://from-magerks-to-i-dos.blogspot.com/2013/12/catching-up.html">mentioned on Sunday</a> that L has been such a three-year-old. She has been such a little trouble-maker recently. The other day, I spent almost the entire day cleaning up messes she had made. She would dump an entire box of toys, and I'd be helping her clean it up, singing the clean-up song, and then realize she had disappeared. I would call to her and then see her coming down the hall, giggling, rubbing her hands together. She had gotten into the tub of vasoline, or lotion, or diaper cream. Meanwhile, I have to hide my smile because she is so stinking cute while being naughty. <br />
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The other day, I am cleaning up our dishes from lunch and hear massive giggling from the other room. I glance down the few steps and see L's hand flying wildly above Tessa who was laying on the ottoman. Tessa was somewhat cowering, clearly unsure of what L was doing to her.<br />
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I turned off the water and headed to the other room, sure that L was up to no good.<br />
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And this is how I found Tessa. With powder (anti-fungal powder we used to use around her gtube around, to be exact) all over her face and body. <br />
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I hope Santa doesn't see this post before Christmas! L might not get any presents if she keeps this up.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dt9bLc52tk/UrDZQjrB1bI/AAAAAAAAClU/ZQKNm0hnfqA/s1600/DSC_0494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dt9bLc52tk/UrDZQjrB1bI/AAAAAAAAClU/ZQKNm0hnfqA/s1600/DSC_0494.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-80690110136226212942013-12-15T19:34:00.003-05:002013-12-15T19:34:33.580-05:00Catching upWe've had a busy few weeks. In big news, I finished law school this week. I am anxiously awaiting my grades to post, and assuming I passed my last three classes, then I will breathe a big sigh of relief when I receive my diploma in the mail right before Christmas. <br />
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L's surgery was the beginning of November and we stayed for 8 nights. It was a very traumatic hospitalization for her (and us) and we are just starting to feel like things are returning to normal again. As a result of the surgery, we've had many lab and clinic days, and we just had a short (in and out same day) admission to get the final tube removed from her liver. If her labs look good this week, we will begin to taper her labs a bit to space them out.<br />
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L has been tremendously happy and active at home. She has been such a three-year-old. So sweet, super naughty, and full of exhausting energy. <br />
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We have been busy getting ready to host Christmas. It truly is a magical time of year and even more so with a child. It seems like this is the first year that L gets the concept of Christmas. <br />
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More specific updates and stories to come. But I wanted to give you all just a quick snippet of what we've been up to.<br />
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And of course, I can never leave you without a picture.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DaW9qqMKtxY/Uq5Ke9HyApI/AAAAAAAAClE/OqiS9A-NFzM/s1600/DSC_0366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DaW9qqMKtxY/Uq5Ke9HyApI/AAAAAAAAClE/OqiS9A-NFzM/s1600/DSC_0366.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-15585252762532221212013-11-22T13:48:00.002-05:002013-11-22T13:48:23.790-05:00A little treat for your Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
People with no kids don't know.</div>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/FPZyLTvF_Zs/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/FPZyLTvF_Zs&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/FPZyLTvF_Zs&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-11454900362291939482013-11-19T20:48:00.001-05:002013-11-19T20:48:10.226-05:00Things I look forward toAfter 8 days in the hospital, we came home on Thursday. Our weekend was full of rest and snuggles with L. She still has quite a bit of recovering to do at home but she is certainly recovering better in the comfort of our home. And besides of the obvious things to be grateful for since being home (oh you know, L being well enough to come home, surgery going well, labs going in the right direction), these are a few things that are a little less obvious.<br />
<ol>
<li>Not wearing a bra. Seriously. Wearing a bra straight-through for 8 days becomes very uncomfortable. But with nurses/doctors/techs coming in and out of L's room at all hours means I wear a bra the entire admission. Being free of a bra is something I was so looking forward to when we came home.</li>
<li>Showering. I am embarrassed to admit just how many times I showered while we were admitted. 8 days admitted. 3 showers. Gross? Yes. But showering in my own shower with delicious smelling products for more than 5 minutes feels truly incredible.</li>
<li>Shaving. Enough said. My legs feel amazing.</li>
<li>Eating together. While inpatient, we were typically rushing to eat and even some of the time we had to take turns leaving L's room since she was not allowed to eat, and she also couldn't be left alone.</li>
<li>Sleeping in a bed. Ah, so glorious!</li>
<li>Sleeping next to my hubs. I do not sleep as well without him next to me.</li>
<li>Having caffeine whenever I need it. We go through a lot of caffeine while in the hospital but it requires one of us leaving to go get it from somewhere. I love being home to have coffee/tea at our disposal.</li>
<li>Quiet. It is so loud at the hospital in a sense that we did not go more than two hours without someone coming in and out of our room. It was a wonderful weekend of quiet in our house.</li>
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-46368476041785346342013-11-05T10:55:00.001-05:002013-11-05T10:55:33.627-05:00Preparing for a hospital admissionI have been getting quite a few questions about our preparations for a hospital admission that is to be more than a night or two. I thought I would take this post to tell you about what we do in preparation for our hospital stays. This is the compilation of non-emotional preparation (because that could be a post in itself).<br />
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1. <b>Lists.</b> I have to mentally start preparing a checklist of things to take care of and pack as soon as I know about her admission. Think about all of those errands and packing you have to plan for when you are going on vacation. But then think about how much preparation you would need if you were going to be stuck in the hotel room without room service for the entire vacation. Oh and you might have to sleep on the floor and will not have much access to showering. That is kind of how it is at the hospital. We have to plan for food and clothing and things to occupy us and L. We have to think about comfort items for all of us. We have to pack anything and everything we might possibly need because leaving L alone is not a possibility. She has wonderful nurses and while she was a baby we used to leave without a problem because she was SO used to her nurses back then, things are different now and even escaping for a few minutes is out of the question. <br />
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2. <b>Laundry.</b> We get all of our laundry washed. All of our bedding. All of L's stuffed animals and blankets. I want everything clean before we leave so things are ready for our arrival back home. <br />
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3. <b>Clean house.</b> We do a huge cleaning of the house the weekend before we leave. It helps us organize everything leading up to the packing process and also ensures that the house is in good shape for however long we are gone.<br />
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4. <b>Grocery shopping.</b> We do a special trip for snacks and food we can keep in her room at the hospital. Lots of granola bars, nuts, less-perishable fruit, drinks, etc. We want to be able to eat something quickly in her room so we can stay energized and be there for L. We also buy lots of easily digestible foods for L. Things like cheerios and cereal bars and apple sauce pouches. All things that she loves and can eat on the first day she will be allowed to eat again after surgery (probably post-op day 3).<br />
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5. <b> Pay bills/clean mail.</b> We need to make sure any bills that might come in while we're gone are paid. We also know that when we arrive back home, we will have a stack of mail waiting for us to sort through. It makes it easier to come back to that pile if we are up to date on all previous mail.<br />
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6. <b>Pack.</b> Lots of different types of packing. We need to pack the obvious (clothes, toiletries, etc.). But we also need to pack toys, food, a sleeping bag, pillows, blankets, and meds that Ian or I might need while there (tums, advil, cough drops, vitamins, etc.). We also pack our camera and charger. Finally, we have to pack certain meds for L. While the hospital obviously provides her meds while she is inpatient, sometimes it takes awhile for the pharmacy to get her meds to us when we first arrive so we typically have to bring a dose of each of her meds so we can stay on schedule. I also will pack my school things to stay on schedule with reading.<br />
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There you have it. Lots involved with a planned hospital stay. Obviously this list goes completely out the window if your hospital admission is unplanned. But this is typically the process we go through to be ready. At least physically ready. The emotional side, well, I don't know if you can ever be ready emotionally. Hope this provides clarity!<br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-72037810378762871582013-11-04T15:22:00.001-05:002013-11-04T15:22:57.024-05:00So you better get this potty startedL, you will probably be so embarrassed by this post when you get older. But that's what parents are for right? To embarrass you as a teenager?<br />
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A couple months ago, we were about to attempt to potty-train L. Then, with news of her upcoming surgery, I said forget about it. No point in potty-training her weeks before she will be inpatient with an atypical schedule while there. We still offer her the chance to go potty if she chooses, but typically she chooses not to try.<br />
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Friday night, I changed L's diaper and pulled pajamas out from the drawer. She picked up her pajamas and ran out of her room. I figured she wanted Ian to change her. But then I found her in my bathroom with her pajamas. When she saw me coming, she shut the door to keep me out. I opened the door, assuming she was getting into something she shouldn't be. I found her taking her diaper off and asking to go on the potty. I got her step-stool and helped her climb up onto her mini seat. Then she shut me out of the bathroom again.<br />
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I stood outside the door, confused about what she was doing, and where this desire to sit on the potty was coming from. I would open the door slightly, only for her to push the door closed while sitting on the toilet. I would ask her, "are you still going" and she would reply with yes (in her own speech version). I kept checking on her, waiting for her to get bored of trying.<br />
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This went on for...40 minutes. Yes, you read that correctly. No typo there. <br />
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Finally, she signed that she was all done.<br />
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I checked the toilet with her and she had peed and pooped. She clapped for herself, flushed the toilet, then washed her hands, all without any prompting from us. Then she grabbed her clean diaper and pajamas and brought them to me to help put on.<br />
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Seriously? She is so funny sometimes. Her desire to try going on the potty came out of the blue. All weekend, she asked to go potty and was successful almost every time. We even were able to put big-girl underwear on for several hours each day. <br />
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Clearly, after she is back home and settled after surgery, she is totally ready for potty-training. This child, everything on her time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-50058300061201802872013-11-01T11:05:00.002-04:002013-11-01T11:05:48.718-04:00Little girl. Big things.It has been a busy few weeks. We have had two hospital admissions since September. I have a busier semester than the previous two have been. Our weekends have been filled with birthday parties, get-togethers, and housework.<br />
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And Tuesday we had a meeting with L's surgeon. On Wednesday, we will head to the hospital for a longer stay. L will be undergoing a pretty major surgery on Thursday. And if the surgery does not work, she will be relisted for a new liver. Oh, and the likelihood of success - about 50/50.<br />
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Sigh.<br />
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The news was pretty much what we were expecting so it did not feel like I had been punched in the gut upon hearing it. But yesterday the emotions of it hit me. I found myself crying on my hour ride home from school.<br />
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We have had a taste of normalcy for the past 1.5 years. Sure, things are never really completely normal in our life. There are meds and frequent hospital visits. But she has had normal kid experiences too. Playdates and birthday parties and roadtrips and swimming and school. <br />
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All of that makes this surgery that much harder. I am sad that she has to go through something so major yet again. I am sad that so much rides on the success of this surgery. And also - there is a lot of fear. Fear of what could happen. Fear that this may not work. <br />
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Do you know that when I tell her we are going to Georgetown, she points to the vein in her arms to ask if she needs labs? One word, Georgetown, and she knows what that means.<br />
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Or that she knows the difference between us saying "just labs" or "yes you'll need an IV"?<br />
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Or that she knows where to push on her stomach when I tell her the doctor needs to feel her liver?<br />
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Or that she knows what to expect when I tell her we need pictures of her liver? She knows it means an ultrasound and she will need to hold still for at least 1/2 hour.<br />
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Or that she knows as soon as she sees a medical face mask (for oxygen) that she is about to be put to sleep?<br />
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She is wise beyond her years. She is just a little girl. But her knowledge of her body and anything medical is astounding. It shouldn't be this way. But it is, much like it is for any child who has experience with the medical world.<br />
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I am grateful that we have faith in her team. Her surgeon is excellent. The doctors and nurses caring for her are incredible. While I hate that she has to go through this - I am grateful that we have this team.<br />
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We are praying that things go beautifully with this surgery and hospital stay. That her body heals well. That she is back to her happy, feisty, silly self quickly. She is just a little girl. And she deserves to have all of those experiences that come with it.<br />
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(My little tiger, being a little maniac.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory" border="0" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images//banners/tmb-468x60.gif" height="59" width="468" /></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792827926662946519noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671950453367779439.post-86149944771434465812013-10-06T21:02:00.004-04:002013-10-06T21:02:54.202-04:005 weeksWell, 5 weeks into school and Friday was the first day of no tears at drop-off. Huge progress! I have no idea if that will continue, but I'll take it as a start.<br />
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To celebrate, I was able to get pictures of L at pick-up that melt my heart. Seriously, I promise she goes to school with her hair a little more neat than that. But she must have a wild time because when I pick her up, her hair is all over the place every single day. <br />
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