I spoke with the nurses in Same Day Surgery today. Carson is scheduled in the OR at 9:15 am (Eastern Time). The surgery should be about an hour. Plan is to stay overnight and hopefully leave to return home on Thursday morning. Thanks again to everyone who is covering Carson and our trip in prayer! We love you all!
P.S. I'm not sure I'll be able to do an update on Wednesday but I will do it as soon as I get a chance : )
Monday, September 30, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
First Trip to the ZOO!!
The last couple weeks have been excellent!! We have had a busier schedule than normal (meaning...not staying at home every day/weekend : ) It has actually been nice and the boys have thoroughly enjoyed themselves!
This past weekend we went to St. Louis for Cardinal Glennon's NICU reunion. It was SO wonderful! We got to see several of Carson's favorite nurses and several of the doctors as well! The boys played in bubbles, got balloon dogs, Kellen got his face painted, and both of them enjoyed the balloon release. I think the doctors and nurses also really enjoy the event because they get to see the tiny little miracles they helped, grow up. So many people commented on how well the boys were doing and how good Carson looked! As we all know, by know, Carson is nothing short of a miracle but it is always a good remember to REALLY think about how far he has come.
The 'reunion' was followed by a day AT Cardinal Glennon for some follow up appointments. Carson saw the cardiologist, had an echocardiogram, and also saw his 'thyroid doctor.' His cardiologist hadn't seen him since BEFORE the teratoma was removed and couldn't believe how good he looked! He wants to do one more echo in a year but didn't see anything concerning and said that the PFO's (holes in his heart) had closed. Carson's endocrinologist ('thyroid doctor') said 'he looked like a million bucks!' After the appointments, we went to the zoo for a couple hours. The boys had a blast, despite the fact that it was during naptime and they were clearly tired! I think the hippos stole the show by swimming right in front of Carson and Kellen. The adults all had fun too (Nana, Aunt RaRa, and Cindy, a good friend, were able to join us)!
Carson has continued to do well with eating the past several weeks. Some days are more outstanding than others but still so much better than before! We have also ventured to 'Story Hour' at the Library a couple times, we went to Columbia two weekends ago for the 'Tough Mudder' event, experienced the Stoddard County Fair, and Big Truck night. Have I said how wonderful it is to feel like I have two 'NORMAL' kids : ) that get to do NORMAL things (things that don't involve pokes, hospitals, surgeries, etc.)
Speaking of surgeries...next Wednesday (October 2nd), Carson will have his next surgery in Cincinnati. They are planning to do a supraglottalplasty (altering/reshaping his epiglottis). This is the same surgery that was planned, but stopped, in July. I'm a little more anxious than normal about this surgery because of the result last time, but I'm praying for the surgeons and medical staff and I KNOW the Great Physician will have his hand over them. Please also be praying for a quick recovery...we have a big event October 12th --- Aunt RaRa and Uncle Em's wedding! And Carson and Kellen have a big job in it! ; ) Anxious to have the surgery behind us and we can focus on the fun stuff again!
As Jesus Calling said, yesterday..."Pour all of your energy into trusting Me. It is through trust that you stay connected to Me, aware of My Presence."
"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3
I am EXPECTING miracles, once again! As always, thanks for your prayers!
This past weekend we went to St. Louis for Cardinal Glennon's NICU reunion. It was SO wonderful! We got to see several of Carson's favorite nurses and several of the doctors as well! The boys played in bubbles, got balloon dogs, Kellen got his face painted, and both of them enjoyed the balloon release. I think the doctors and nurses also really enjoy the event because they get to see the tiny little miracles they helped, grow up. So many people commented on how well the boys were doing and how good Carson looked! As we all know, by know, Carson is nothing short of a miracle but it is always a good remember to REALLY think about how far he has come.
The 'reunion' was followed by a day AT Cardinal Glennon for some follow up appointments. Carson saw the cardiologist, had an echocardiogram, and also saw his 'thyroid doctor.' His cardiologist hadn't seen him since BEFORE the teratoma was removed and couldn't believe how good he looked! He wants to do one more echo in a year but didn't see anything concerning and said that the PFO's (holes in his heart) had closed. Carson's endocrinologist ('thyroid doctor') said 'he looked like a million bucks!' After the appointments, we went to the zoo for a couple hours. The boys had a blast, despite the fact that it was during naptime and they were clearly tired! I think the hippos stole the show by swimming right in front of Carson and Kellen. The adults all had fun too (Nana, Aunt RaRa, and Cindy, a good friend, were able to join us)!
Carson has continued to do well with eating the past several weeks. Some days are more outstanding than others but still so much better than before! We have also ventured to 'Story Hour' at the Library a couple times, we went to Columbia two weekends ago for the 'Tough Mudder' event, experienced the Stoddard County Fair, and Big Truck night. Have I said how wonderful it is to feel like I have two 'NORMAL' kids : ) that get to do NORMAL things (things that don't involve pokes, hospitals, surgeries, etc.)
Speaking of surgeries...next Wednesday (October 2nd), Carson will have his next surgery in Cincinnati. They are planning to do a supraglottalplasty (altering/reshaping his epiglottis). This is the same surgery that was planned, but stopped, in July. I'm a little more anxious than normal about this surgery because of the result last time, but I'm praying for the surgeons and medical staff and I KNOW the Great Physician will have his hand over them. Please also be praying for a quick recovery...we have a big event October 12th --- Aunt RaRa and Uncle Em's wedding! And Carson and Kellen have a big job in it! ; ) Anxious to have the surgery behind us and we can focus on the fun stuff again!
As Jesus Calling said, yesterday..."Pour all of your energy into trusting Me. It is through trust that you stay connected to Me, aware of My Presence."
"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3
I am EXPECTING miracles, once again! As always, thanks for your prayers!
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| We found some cute pirates at their first "Story Hour" |
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| Electrician and Firefighter hats from the 'Big Truck' Night |
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| Carson smiling at our favorite Ms. Robin after eating almost 1/2 jar of baby food! : ) |
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| NICU Reunion with Carson and Kellen's primary nurse Christi! LOVE HER! |
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| Finding some shade by the pond! |
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| Carson's two primary nurses, Beth and Christi! We were so blessed! And Carson and Kellen got to meet a future girlfriend : ) |
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| Another miracle child! It was wonderful to get to meet him, his mom was at the Ronald McDonald House when we were there! Another amazing story! |
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| They are growing up so fast! |
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| My all time favorite doctor - Dr. Vlastos! He delivered the boys! |
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| Kellen sat SO still while they painted his face : ) He was so excited! |
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| Waiting in the doctor's office! Carson did so well! |
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| At the ZOO! |
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| Checking out the zebras |
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| ...and the sea lions |
Saturday, September 7, 2013
All in perspective!
We've had some exciting new changes the past couple weeks...Carson is eating!!!!
Ok, ok...when I say eating...I mean taking bites, that aren't just little tastes or licks, but actual bites, and multiple bites! I wanted to do a post last week, when the big news was that Carson had eaten ONE Tablespoon of baby food (with 1/2 T. of juice to thin it down) between three settings! This was huge! I know that one tablespoon doesn't seem like alot. I mean, I can eat that in one bite easily, but for Carson, that is HUGE!
Well, Carson didn't stop there...the last couple days, he has eaten 1-2 Tablespoons at EACH setting (and we aren't thinning the food down at all!). This morning, I was marveling at Carson and Kellen, we all sat down...Kellen was eating french toast and Carson was taking REAL sized bites of yogurt. It felt SO normal : ) Isn't NORMAL just so wonderful! I'm just so proud of Carson! When you give him a bite, there is no trying to distract him or trying to get him to open his mouth, no gagging afterwards (at least not all the time). He just opens his mouth, takes the bite, then moves his tongue to organize the food, and swallows! AMAZING! I definitely have a different view of eating now...it truly is amazing all that goes in to taking a single bite (most of which we never even think of consciously!) This is really a big step for Carson! He still needs his tube feedings to get the nutrition he needs but it is so wonderful to see him eating...praying that it continues!
Now, for Kellen...he is eating like a champ! He had a full piece of meatloaf last night, along with fried potatoes. This morning, he ate one and a half pieces of French toast. I LOVE it!!! He also mastered going up the ladder and down the slide by himself this week : ) He did it over and over and over! Such a busy little man!
Thank you for the continued prayers! We are awaiting Carson's next surgery October 2nd, in Cincinnati.
Here are some pictures from the last couple weeks (including some pictures of our new home!)
Ok, ok...when I say eating...I mean taking bites, that aren't just little tastes or licks, but actual bites, and multiple bites! I wanted to do a post last week, when the big news was that Carson had eaten ONE Tablespoon of baby food (with 1/2 T. of juice to thin it down) between three settings! This was huge! I know that one tablespoon doesn't seem like alot. I mean, I can eat that in one bite easily, but for Carson, that is HUGE!
Well, Carson didn't stop there...the last couple days, he has eaten 1-2 Tablespoons at EACH setting (and we aren't thinning the food down at all!). This morning, I was marveling at Carson and Kellen, we all sat down...Kellen was eating french toast and Carson was taking REAL sized bites of yogurt. It felt SO normal : ) Isn't NORMAL just so wonderful! I'm just so proud of Carson! When you give him a bite, there is no trying to distract him or trying to get him to open his mouth, no gagging afterwards (at least not all the time). He just opens his mouth, takes the bite, then moves his tongue to organize the food, and swallows! AMAZING! I definitely have a different view of eating now...it truly is amazing all that goes in to taking a single bite (most of which we never even think of consciously!) This is really a big step for Carson! He still needs his tube feedings to get the nutrition he needs but it is so wonderful to see him eating...praying that it continues!
Now, for Kellen...he is eating like a champ! He had a full piece of meatloaf last night, along with fried potatoes. This morning, he ate one and a half pieces of French toast. I LOVE it!!! He also mastered going up the ladder and down the slide by himself this week : ) He did it over and over and over! Such a busy little man!
Thank you for the continued prayers! We are awaiting Carson's next surgery October 2nd, in Cincinnati.
Here are some pictures from the last couple weeks (including some pictures of our new home!)
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| They had so much fun playing ping pong! |
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| Can you hear the laughter?!? |
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| my LOVE! |
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| Boys and their toys (or maybe some little girls' toys) ; ) |
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| Group photo time...yeah right! |
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| We will have a basement!! YAY! |
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| Carson just thought the chalk lines needed to be adjusted a little : ) |
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| Kellen is checking out the plumbing! |
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| We have stairs!! |
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| One of my favorites! |
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| Checking out the BIG backyard! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 |
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