Blind Date Saves a Life

Some of the strangest events are meant to happen. In April 1997, my big brother agreed to go on a "blind date". I’m quite sure he didn’t make it a habit of dating girls he didn’t know but for some unknown reason he agreed to go out with this particular girl, I’ll call her Sarah. Sarah was a student training to be an Ultrasound Technician. She was looking for pregnant women in their 3rd trimester to volunteer for a FREE ultrasound.

Several weeks after the date, my brother mentioned Sarah’s offer. Being 38 weeks pregnant, I was excited to have another ultrasound, another chance to peek at my little boy. Sarah worked me into her schedule and performed the ultrasound which measured my baby at 34 weeks. I wasn’t too worried about it. After all, Sarah was just a student and had probably made an error.

The next week I explained to my OB that I had an ultrasound which measured my baby 4 weeks too small. I remember clearly the look on his face. His eyes got big and he looked very concerned. Immediately he ordered another ultrasound. I walked across the parking lot to the hospital where a team of sonographers performed another ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that the cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck.

I was placed on the list to be induced that day. I went home and got ready to go to the hospital.
In the evening, I was called in. We arrived at the hospital at about 7:00 pm. Within a half hour they had started the pitocin and my labor began. The labor progressed steadily and they gave me an epidural which didn’t work! The contractions were really hard. Dr. Isaac broke my water and within an hour I was pushing. The fetal monitor showed that with each contraction the baby’s heartbeat significantly decreased. The medical staff turned on panic mode and after 15 minutes of pushing, suction cups and many prayers, S came into this world at 2:30 am! He looked great! 5 lbs. 15 oz, 18 inches!

It wasn’t until delivery was complete that the Dr. realized that not only was the cord wrapped around his neck.... it was also in a knot. Everytime I had a contraction, the knot would get tighter and tighter. Little S was starving!

Today, S is tall. He is smart, athletic, caring, thoughtful! He is so much more than I ever was at his age. I am a proud momma to say the least!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY S!

3 Active Gizmo's

I feel so blessed that Crew is responsive to physical therapy. We started with Shaun once again after our previous therapist moved. This week we talked about goals and decided to work on rolling. As strange as it seems, Crew skipped the whole rolling issue and now its time to go back and learn it. Rolling is a crucial step towards those necessary transitions such as pushing up into a crawling position.

The key to successful therapy isn't just a great therapist but also following through with the homework. That is the hard part for me. I'm trying to get Crew's brothers involved so that the responsibility doesn't fall solely on my shoulders. Yesterday we played a game where Crew lays on his back and rolls from side to side picking up dominoes from his left and placing them in a bowl on his right side. I wish you could see how hard he works. It takes major effort on his part and Crew is an inspiration to us all as we watch him work through it with a smile on his face. He laughs at himself as he struggles to pick up the dominoes. Just watching him work through it with such a positive attitude is really really neat!

H is loving soccer this year! Two years ago he really struggled with the game and its amazing how far he has come. I love watching him play and learn the game. These little kiddos are so cute.

Towards the end of the game I started feeling really bad for the Red team as our team was able to score goal after goal. I feel like these kids are young enough that its just to devastating for them to go home losing 0-8. Everybody should get a turn to score but that's not how it works and as they get older it becomes more and more competitive. Such is life!

S and I ran a 5K on saturday with very little training. I'm not a fan of posting pictures of myself and the sun is extremely bright (thus the squinting) but DS#1 deserves to have some recognition. He is a great runner and I'm thinking that this is the last year I will be able to keep up with him. I got 1st in my age group and S got 2nd! I guess that tells you there weren't many runners there! Ha! Right towards the end I let S go ahead of me to pass a boy about his size and just as S passed him this boy turned and took a shortcut across someones yard, barely jumping in front of S and beating him by 5 seconds. I was behind him and saw the whole thing. I was so mad! Big cheater!

The weather here is great and I'm looking forward to getting some gardening done. Yeah!

God Bless

My dear blogger friend, Nelba's , youngest son passed away today. Loren was an angel here on Earth. I can't even imagine what this family is feeling right now. I found Nelba's blog in the beginning of my blogging months and have followed Loren's journey. Nelba is an amazing Christian woman with a lot of strength and love. She will need our prayers. My heart goes out to you Nelba. May God bless you and your family at this time.

Who would've thought...

Today, I received a surprise from Tori. She nominated me for Thinking Blogger Award. I appreciate the nomination. I admire Tori. She is an amazing person, a great mom and always seems to make me laugh. Maybe someday we will actually meet:)

NOW IT'S MY TURN TO NOMINATE 5 BLOGS:

1. Lisa is the most amazing person! She blogs about parenting a child with special needs and her posts often leave you on the edge of your seat. She is a gifted writer and I truly admire her multiple talents and her ability reach out to everyone. I know Lisa personally and she will never know how proud I am to say that!

2. I can't remember if Angela found me or I found her. Right from the get-go it seemed we had found a little carbon copy of our boys, Jack and Crew. While they both have their strengths and challenges it's interesting how much they are alike. It's my wish to meet Angela and Jack someday but very unlikely since we are many thousand miles apart.

3. Attack of the Mouse deserves to be nominated because she reminds me each day to savor each moment with my children. K is the most creative and fun fun person ever. E is so lucky to have such an energetic and caring momma. K is my SIL and I love her and am so glad she joined the blogosphere:)

4. Christy's blog is an inspiring tale of living life in Alaska with her handsome little Elias. I'm new to her blog but instantly fell in love with her ability to express her thoughts and feelings which often mirror mine.

5. Chocolachille is a blogger that inspires me to think what life would be like living in South Africa.

OKAY, IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE... HERE ARE THE RULES:

the rules:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,

2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,

3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote

Dr. Visits galore

Yesterday we saw the ENT. Crew's tonsillectomy was a success and his tubes look good. I had a nice visit with the Dr. about what this "progressive hearing loss" might mean for our future. I love going to The Lodge for appointments. It's only 1/2 mile away instead of the usual 30-60 minute drive. I took the walker and Crew loved "crewsin" around. When it was time to go home he threw a fit. Then, I drove him down to Walmart so he could practice navigating his walker. Taking the walker out in public is a post for another day.

Today was Opthalmology. We made the trek to the Childrens Hospital. In the waiting room I met a mother and her quadruplets! Whoa, that is so amazing. The quads are 4 years old and look great.

The eye appointment went well and Dr. whats-his-name gave a good report. The eyes are straight. Yeah! I updated him on the hearing loss and asked if he thought Crew was eligible for a deaf/blind intervener. He agreed that it would be to Crew's benefit to get one. He dictated a letter regarding the vision loss which I should receive in a week. I don't know what will come of it but its worth a try;) Thanks Lisa for helping me get tough!

Tomorrow..... Physical Therapy and Audiology for Crewman. Chiropractor for me:)

MUG SHOTS

Rootbeer floats make great bedtime snacks, don't they? Okay, okay I'm not the worlds greatest mother but at least we were able to gather round and spend some time together for family night last Monday.

Handing a heavy mug over to Crew was a little nerve racking but sometimes the most important thing is being a big boy:)

Today was a bit crazy this morning. I had to have the kids up and ready for a Primary Activity by 8:00am. I ran home, folded and put all the laundry away and then picked up the boys so we could get to H's soccer game by 9:00am.

H has been playing well in Soccer this year and S has been my number one helper/babysitter. Crew absolutely hates going to the games so today I took his little red car and S walked him around the soccer fields while I sat peacefully and watched a bunch of fun little 7 year olds play ball.

Carl and Grandpa got back from their Lake Powell work trip way earlier than we expected. They arrived about noon and then took the older boys to Costco where Grandpa purchased some shrubs for his yard. Crew took a nap during that time and I was able to sneak in some Work-from-home office stuff.

Carl and I went back to town this evening where I purchased some much needed running shoes. I've got no excuses now. It's time to get movin'! I've exercised no restraint in the eating department and its time to make some changes. I actually got my rear end outside 3 times this week to go jogging. Unfortunately I'm not feeling ready for any runs and my neighbor just informed me that there is a local 5K next Saturday. What's a girl to do?

Non-Verbal Communication

SLEEP
The 5 handshape is facing the face and is then pulled down and closes to represent the eyes closing. The head pulls down to further emphasize that a person is sleeping.







Learning to sign is a long long road. We've been working on some basic signs for over two years. Initially, Crew's therapist suggested some signs like, "MORE, MILK, EAT, PLEASE" etc. She also showed me the sign for sleep but indicated that most children don't learn it quickly because they don't want to. What child wants to indicate they are tired or
ready for sleep?


SLEEP is the first sign that Crew learned. He started using it ages ago, I can't even remember how long. The communication with Crew progresses at times, plateaus and sometimes even seems to regress. Crew has gone for long periods of time where he won't use his signs or words. This is usually during a time when he is diligently working on something else like gross motor skills. I've read that it is typical behavior for these little kiddos to plateau in one area while they are concentrating on another.

It is very entertaining to watch Crew communicate that he is ready for bed. Last night, I noticed Crew subtly signing "sleep". I said to my DH, "Carl, look at Crew". To which my supposed hard of hearing son starts giggling and in a double handed exaggerated sign language fashion signs sleep repeatedly. It is so fun to watch Crew get into his sign. One is not really suppose to drag their hand down the face smashing the nose and squishing the lips but is to hold the hand in front of the face. But I say, "Hey, whatever it takes to get the point across kiddo!

Camoflauge

Are you sure I have to wear this hat?

Is there any way out of it?

It's really hot in here mom!

Good, it's finally time to go outside:)

Lost and Found

Finally I had a day off from work without Dr. visits or Therapy. Crew and I ran to town to get him some spring clothes and my monthly Costco supplies. We had a nice time. Crew was happy and cooperative even when I dragged him to the mall.

My last stop was Costco at noon. I came home and put Crew down for a nap, did laundry, blogged, helped S & H with homework, etc. At about 4:50 PM I realized my purse was missing as I left to run another errand. I searched and searched and couldn't find it but felt certain that I left it in the shopping cart as I left Costco.

I immediately called and cancelled my two debit cards and called the store to see if it had been found. They said it hadn't. I called again later and still nothing.

After I finished my Cub Scout activity I drove the 30 minutes back to Costco to look through the carts. I first checked the front desk and what do you know.... it had just been turned in! Eight hours later... WOW! I love honest people:)

Easter Weekend

BEFORE SURGERY. Isn't he cute?
























BEFORE CHURCH. Aren't they handsome?


Grandma's annual Easter Egg Hunt. I didn't think Crew would really get into it but I was wrong. He really got a kick out of filling his basket. It was cold out and his teeth were chattering but he was still smiling. Crew is recovering quite well from his surgery. Yesterday he ate yogurt, mashed potatoes, string cheese, popsicles and lots of icecream.

A Heavy Heart

The surgery itself was a success. Crew is ornery... to be expected. After putting tubes in his ears and removing his tonsils and adenoids the audiologist was able to obtain an ABR. He hasn't had an ABR since birth only the hearing tests using the sound booth. The ABR is much more accurate and reliable. I really thought Crew was playing games in the sound booth that he really could hear but was acting "shy" or possibly "zoning out". Sometimes Crew zones when he is in a situation that he doesn't like. Or so I thought.

The results of the ABR confirm that Crew's hearing loss is progressing. I'm shocked. My heart is torn. It just can't be! Yet, the numbers play over and over in my mind. And I wonder... how much longer until he can no longer hear my voice:(

Secondly, I felt we had his seizures under control but the audiologist reported at least 3 seizures during the 45 minute hearing test. One was at least 4 - 5 minutes long. And I wonder what is happening to my child? There are so many questions in my head and my heart aches.

Friends are Priceless

E is our neighborhood angel. Actually we are blessed with many angels amongst us. This is our youngest little angel. She is great with Crew always coming over to "play" or helping him anyway that she can. She always says "Hi" and seems to understand that a smile in response is adequate. Crew likes her too and lets her help him maneuver the CROC if needed.

I can't tell you how thankful I am for the love and attention he gets from other kiddos. Praise the parents who are teaching their children. I have found nothing but acceptance and love for which I will be eternally grateful.

Catching Up

I'm excited to have a few days off from work. Tomorrow is Day 1 of Spring Break and I get to spend it with my kiddos! DH has been working his tail off in the basement. I'm proud to say I married a man with multiple talents. He does it all. Normally I like to help him with projects but kiddo number 3 has been demanding and I've been helping him a lot... walking with his walker, test driving his power chair, etc. DH has the basement ready for insulation. The insulation guys are coming in the morning to blow it in and then we are ready for sheetrock. I'm so looking forward to having the basement Part-finished. We will be adding a large "therapy" room, bathroom and bedroom. I will finally have a place to put Crew's equipment. I plan to hang a swing from the ceiling, set up a "sensory" table for Crew etc. S will finally get to have his own room. I think I will miss having him upstairs with Crew. S is great about letting me sleep in on Saturdays. He gets up with little brother and plays with him in their room.

We played "Ultimate Frisbee" tonght with the scouts. I am so out of shape. I've got to get moving so S and I can run the "Ability Run" 5K in May. I had a good time and it felt great to run around and get the blood pumping.

Crew-man has a cold. Do you think they will still go through with the surgery (tonsils/adenoids/tubes) on Friday?

I haven't done my Easter shopping yet. The remainder of the week will be a time for catching up.

Weekend in Review

It's been a low-key weekend. DH and I caught a movie on Friday night and stayed home saturday listening to conference. H had his first soccer game. I have to say I was impressed. He has come a long way in the past two years. He had a lot of fun and even scored a goal.

Crew is getting stronger using his walker. He likes walking around the cul-de-sac and like any 3-year old usually throws a tantrum when its time to go back in the house. Three months ago he was still using a bottle and now he drinks from an open cup:)

The preschool teacher isn't very happy with me and I with her. I currently don't feel like repeating the story. I'm tired of being disappointed with this school district and the special education program. Sadly, Crew may be having Absence Seizures again. The bus aide has reported several and I think I witnessed one or two today:(

S is a kind hearted boy! On several occasions I've found him alone kneeling in prayer. I'm touched by his faith and yet I wonder what worries a boy of only 9 years.

My 3 boys are everything to me! I worry about each of them. I'm thankful for this General Conference weekend and the inspiring talks. I was deeply touched and motivated to be a better person.