Thursday, March 29, 2007

Vivian update!

We had a rough night with Vivian's breathing. I stayed up with her a good bit. She seemed better at first this morning but then had another choking episode. She quit breathing for a few seconds but as soon as I jerked her up, she started breathing again. She has been coughing a good bit today which is good. Her pediatrician said that if she gets any worse to take her back to Children's and they will probably admit her. But she has been pretty stable since this morning so I am praying that maybe the worst is over. They said that the breathing is usually bad for about a week with RSV and the coughing and congestion can last for up to a month. Thank you for all of your prayers!

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Another Vivian update

Vivian had an episode today of very rapid, labored breathing even after a breathing treatment today. Praise God that it didn't progress to the level if the other night. We went to Children's around 5pm. They gave her another round of epinephrine and suctioned her nose well and her levels went back up. The ER ped said that suctioning properly is the key to managing RSV. So they gave me a different syringe and showed me how to properly use it. He also said that we will probably be back to the ER before this is all over. He said that a big part of the problem is that Vivian doesn't know how to breathe out of her mouth. There is a name for it but I can't remember what he called it. He said she may outgrow it but he's not sure. So we are home for now and just watching for signs of distress.

I thank God for his protective hand over Vivian and I as I drove very fast with my hazards on to Children's. I called 911 and didn't really get a lot help there so I just prayed as I drove. As I sat at this hospital where all these sick children are, I thanked God that he is protecting mine and also prayed for hope for the families there who may not know true hope in Him.

Update on Vivian

Most of you who will read this already know what's been going on with Vivian so I decided to just update here as I have zero time on the computer right now.

She did good last night. I have such an awesome pediatrician that I was able to talk with her last night to make sure the caving in Vivian's chest is ok. She said to expect to see some caving and to keep track of her respiratory rate. The monitor on the bed gave me such piece of mind and I slept decently right next to her. She has had a couple of choking episodes today but she seems to be stable and is able to get some rest. I am concerned about her nutrition b/c I am a little under the weather with a touch of the stomach bug and I haven't been able to eat in a couple of days and combined with the stress, my milk supply is really low. But I am staying in contact with my lactation consultant for help with making sure that she stays hyrdated.

I am just still in awe of God's hand in all of these circumstances. God is so good and He has given me great patience and hope that Vivian will be ok.

Thank you for your prayers.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Anyone in the market for a used truck?


F250 Crew Cab, Lariat, 74k miles
$13,500
Tim has gotten a new truck and is selling this one.



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Some funny pics!

Yet another look at what the kids look like when we are at home!!
At least they are comfy!



She's growing up!!

Vivian checking her feet out in the bumbo


Madison is trying to convince me that she does not need a nap anymore.




Borrowed this from a friend

This was on my friend Aimee's blog and it's just too fitting not to post it!! Her friend wrote this and apparently we have parallel lives.

This song is to the tune of "My Favorite Things" from The Sound Of Music."

Fever and throw-up and coughing and sneezing
Sore throat and aching and blowing and wheezing
Isn't it fun to see what winter brings??
These are a few of my favorite things!!

Kleenex and laundry in piles and piles
Washing the bedding and forcing a smile
Who knows what virus tomorrow will bring??
These are a few of my favorite things!!
When the cold strikes! When the flu stings!
When I'm feeling bad!
I simply remember before we had kids
and then I don't feel so sad!

Co-pays and prescriptions that take all of our money
And now this $253 nebulizer - it's not even funny
The dentist is also a racket it seems!
These are a few of my favorite things!

When we miss church! When we stay home!
When we're feeling sad!
I simply remember how much gas we are saving!
And then I don't feel so bad!

Friday, March 23, 2007

Homeschooling family?

Is it true that you can spot a homeschooling family a mile away?


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Braces!

Here's Mackenzie with her braces!!

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Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Sick, Sick, Sick

We have sickos over here again. A couple of weeks ago, all three of the older girls were sick at once. LOVELY! Then I got sick once they were well. I have been trying very hard to keep everyone well. Yesterday I had big plans for the day for the first time in about 5 months. We had to get Mackenzie's braces put on so we were going to go hang out with a friend while we waited for her. We were waiting in the office for them to take Mackenzie back and Leah threw up all over the place. All over herself, the chair, the floor, etc. At first I just kind of stood there like it wasn't really happening. I had Vivian in the sling and it even landed on the sling too. I was very surprised that people tried to help me. If I saw someone's kid throwing up, I would probably have told the kids to run!! But anyway so this lady waiting brings me some wipes and I clean everything up. We left Mackenzie there to get her braces and were headed home to changed clothes, when Leah got sick again. So off to the side of the road to clean her up. When I got home, I called my mother-in=law to go pick Mackenzie up from the ortho. All the while Madison is very concerned that her lunch plans have now changed. The rest of the day was spent doing laundry, cleaning out the car and taking care of Leah. By nightfall Mackenzie and I were also both feeling sick.

About 2am the fun began again. Leah spent the next hour or so throwing up and she and Vivian tag-teamed for the rest of the night playing who could wake mama up the most. Poor Vivian kept getting put down so I could help Leah. This morning, I have the bright idea to give Leah gatorade which she promptly throws up. Mackenzie was sick but not too bad so she just hung out all day watching tv. I tried to get Leah to drink water from a dropper and she couldn't even keep that down. At one point, i had to go feed Vivian and I asked Mackenzie to come sit with Leah. Madison said, "I will sit with Leah and hold the bowl mama!" Talk about melting your heart. Just when I thought we were on our way to ER with Miss Leah, Tim came in with a miracle drug that the dr called in for us. Within 5 min of taking it, she could keep down some water. She is still running a fever but I think the worst is over.

Friday, March 16, 2007

The Bostonians were here!!

We had another great visit with my family. This time my dad was able to join us and we all had a blast. The girls really enjoyed spending time with Nana Nana, Daddy "D," Erica and Ty!!












































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More silliness




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Silly girls




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