Monday, December 30, 2013

Endoscopy #2 and Colonoscopy


Little had his 2nd endoscopy a couple of days ago and colonoscopy. After a failed attempt a week and a half ago, it finally happened successfully. We did not do the magnesium citrate route this time around, and opted for Miralax and a slower approached (one extra day). It worked out so much better. He didn't even notice what he was drinking. As always, it was tough to deny him food though.

There was a marked difference in my attitude toward these procedures. I was not worried on the drive over; I was much more relaxed. We came a little early so we had to keep each other company. This time, the attending anesthesiologist was a pediatric one and she remembered Little M from his first endoscopy. She said, "I remember you! You were the very good little boy!" As was the case before, everyone was impressed how good he takes his needles. The one nurse I left him with the first time in order to eat quickly was there, and she too remembered Little M. He remembers her as the nurse who played cars with him and that always lost. 

I accompanied Little M to the OR and only left when he was given Propofol to fall asleep. The endoscopy alone lasted about 15-20 the first time so I was expecting at least that amount of time. Our GI told me that the time for the colonoscopy would depend on if and how many polyps he finds because he would have to remove them. 

I was keeping an eye on my watch closely, and at 25 minutes later I saw my brave little guy being wheeled out. Imagine my surprise and I knew exactly what it meant. It meant that there wasn't much found! The anesthesiologist told me that everything looked good on her end, but she was going to have to let the GI talk to me, but that it looked good.

Little M was brought to the PACU (because he was young) in order to recover. It took him longer to wake up this time around. The GI told me that his esophagus looked good and that we are at baseline for his eosinophilic esophagitis and that his colon was clean - no polyps. He apologized that we needed to do the colonoscopy based on his consult with the expert when the other doctor told him that the polyp found in small intestine was juvenile polyp, but at least now we know he doesn't have it. Thank you, GOD!  We have to continue dealing with the EOE but at least we have no 2nd problem to worry about.

We won't know his eosinophilic white blood cell counts from the biopsies until our follow up visit and at that time the GI said we have a lot to talk about. Having researched Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Daddy and I already know what we want to do. We are going ahead with food trials based on food avoidance of the top 6-8 food allergies. We have come this far to leave Little M with a "patch" solution. He can eat whatever wants with the current medication but it is not a long term answer. We need to do our best to identify what his body is rejecting in order to avoid whatever it is/they are. Based on others who are going through this terrible disease, we will find many hiccups but we have to remain positive. 

Saturday, December 28, 2013

pre-k class concert

Little M's class had a mini concert for the holidays as their Christmas party. They sang a few songs. Little M was a little wiggly and pulled his hat down his whole face. Thankfully one of the teachers came and fixed it. On this video, you hear "Hey!" loudly. That's my boy.

Christmas presents


Big M got Daddy Monopoly Empire.


Little M puts together his airplane.


K plays with Doc McStuffin and other dolls.


K's Crayola toy. I happen to like this one. It's not just for kids. :)


Big M's Lego helicopter. 
J tries the sewing kit we got her. 


Big M's AT-TE. The boy did not go crazy with Lego in his wish list this year.

more christmas eve choir


>


The first mass for Christmas was 4pm on Christmas Eve. We were supposed to be there 30 minutes before in order for the choir to have a quick practice. I thought that was enough time to get seats, but apparently most everyone thought the same because by the time we got to church people were already standing. We ended up separated but thankfully, the girls were able to sit in the choir area.




Thursday, December 26, 2013

Children's Choir

J and K have joined our church's children's choir that began in mid-October. They practice for just a few minutes right before our mass starts so it's completely no pressure for the kids. This is the Christmas  Eve mass. We are a very proud!


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas!


Life hasn't slowed down one bit so this is the best we can manage. So for all our friends and family from near and far. We love you!


Monday, December 16, 2013

Ten and a half inches of snow fun

We had our first big snow storm this weekend and the kids were besides themselves to play on that white magic. Daddy was also excited to use his new toy.

The kids treat the snow as if it's not cold and wet. But I guess if you're wearing snow pants everything is ok. 

Big M was so very enthusiastic about helping clean out the cars. He is such a big help.

Daddy with his new toy. Bring on the snow! Notice the roof. That's bound to come down some time.

The kids started playing in the back to dig out their play house. 

Everyone was begging to go to the park to go sledding. But Mommy and Daddy had no energy left after being out in this stuff for 2 hours. Thankfully they were amused by the custom slide they made in the deck using the steps.

The snow was so powdery we couldn't make a decent snow man, or a slide. So they slid down the drive way.

Friday, December 13, 2013

endoscopy and colonoscopy that didn't happen


The day started early with a nebulizer treatment of budesonide and albuterol. An hour later the fight began to get him to drink 2 oz of magnesium citrate. And yes, it was a fight. After of half an our of struggling and going nowhere, I prayed it was ok to just skip it and headed 2-hours south to the hospital.

The road was long, Little M was busy with his movie and I was left to stew on my own fear and worries. Tears, panic, ugly thoughts, horrible thoughts came and went.

Little M was prepped, I was asked a million questions. He was brave with the IV, but it was just not meant to be. The anesthesiologist didn't feel that proceeding with the colonoscopy and endoscopy was the right thing to do because of his cold and asthma. I covered my bases and said I mentioned this 2 days ago to the doctor's nurse and we were told it was ok. But ultimately, the person was a nurse and not an anesthesiologist. Everyone was apologetic and disappointed especially upon hearing that we drove from Albany.

I was ok. I'm tired, starved, but not as starved as Little M who hadn't eaten anything but juices since yesterday morning. I am thankful because I think this happened for a good reason. Everything happens for a reason and I will leave it at that. God has a reason. Until next time.



Thursday, December 12, 2013

class breakfast and 1st grade paper




Miss K's class had a breakfast for the parents where each student read their first paper. Little M and I made it and listened eagerly. K wrote about the excitement about her 6th birthday where she described the party, presents and a surprise visit from her Nana & Papaw. We loved it! 

Only Love Today


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

sewing for my twins

I made these 2 monkeys peasant tunics and asked them to pose. They shall be models when they grow up.


Tuesday, December 10, 2013

A little snow, a lot of fun

We only got about 2 inches but that didn't stop the them from having fun. And it is obvious why the school requires snow pants in school no matter how lite snow there is.







Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Holey smile


Nothing happened for a long time after K lost her 3 bottom teeth. But then #3, #4, #5 came out in a week and a half. We are pretty sure the tooth fairy is now broke. Oh and yeah, we can't take K seriously now.

Early present to me


From me...I've wanted to make this pattern for since it got cold but t had to take a backseat to sewing leggings and anything cold-friendly. But finally I made this scarf neck cardigan by Swoon. I really like it and so I am making another one. :) J asked me to make her one but will have to go under the many many things I have to make and do.