Yes, I know it is late, or rather early, but as I monitor Paige's fever, I figure it's a good time to share a few tidbits with you.
First, my guest blog about our family traditions on Makingofamom.com should be posted later today. Please check it out and let me know what you think. While you are there, take a few minutes to peruse Stefanie's site, I love her growing list of book reviews, crafts, and recipes. There is something there for all us moms, dads too!
Secondly, we did get a small morsel of news today from Cole's biopsies. They did find a granuloma, which could indicate a few things. G.i. shared their thoughts, however was awaiting further testing and feedback from our immunologist. We were assured that they would be calling sometime Wednesday with more information regarding this finding as well as the results of the Cincinnati blood tests.
I wish I had more to share, but now the tidbits are all I've got.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Interaction
My post on Facebook about our fasnachts got lots of feedback as well as requests for the recipe. As I made our customary Fat Tuesday treat with Gwyn, I wondered what unique traditions other people have, not just for today, or those that are food related, just different traditions.
Those of you that know me understand that in addition to baking and cooking, writing and yes, even just editing for someone are activities that distract me when I need to turn my brain off from worry. I love getting lost in a work, watching my words scroll across a page, waiting for someone's eyes to flow in their current, just as much as when a book possesses the magic to dissolve time.
With all of that, I also enjoy good conversation about fiction and non-fiction alike, I suppose that is why I am an English teacher.
So with that thought, and in anticipation of my guest post I have written for the blog Making of a Mom about traditions, I am asking you to help distract me, and give me some interaction here on this blog.
What unique traditions do you have with your family?
What have you passed down from your childhood to your children?
What new traditions have you started with your family or friends?
Ask your kids what their favorite tradition is. It was fun to hear what my girls had to say when I asked them, and the perspective of a child can be refreshing, humorous, and eye-opening.
Feel free to answer as many or as few questions as you want. On this day of indulgence, humor me in my assignment, after all, I've got teacher's withdrawal. :)
Those of you that know me understand that in addition to baking and cooking, writing and yes, even just editing for someone are activities that distract me when I need to turn my brain off from worry. I love getting lost in a work, watching my words scroll across a page, waiting for someone's eyes to flow in their current, just as much as when a book possesses the magic to dissolve time.
With all of that, I also enjoy good conversation about fiction and non-fiction alike, I suppose that is why I am an English teacher.
So with that thought, and in anticipation of my guest post I have written for the blog Making of a Mom about traditions, I am asking you to help distract me, and give me some interaction here on this blog.
What unique traditions do you have with your family?
What have you passed down from your childhood to your children?
What new traditions have you started with your family or friends?
Ask your kids what their favorite tradition is. It was fun to hear what my girls had to say when I asked them, and the perspective of a child can be refreshing, humorous, and eye-opening.
Feel free to answer as many or as few questions as you want. On this day of indulgence, humor me in my assignment, after all, I've got teacher's withdrawal. :)
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Drained
TGIF, even better, that it is family movie and pj night. While cleaning up dinner I think it finally hit me just how drained I am today, like I've been running on empty without knowing it for some time.
Nick told me to take a few minutes to myself, just to relax, so here I sit, with a nice cup of tea. To be honest, I don't want the tea, just the hot mug. There's something soothing about holding a warm cup of anything especially when the heat begins to spread from your palms, infectiously radiating like the intensifying morning sun.
As parents, no matter what you are in the middle of, whether it be something stressful, like we are dealing with, or just every day life, I think we all need to stop to take a few minutes to re-energize. In the past, that meant a date night or even getting together with family or friends and their kids and letting them play while the adults hung out, which we can't really do and we miss. So, for me these days, that means either sleep, a quiet cup of coffee and a book to decompress, or a quick card game with Nick.
I know tomorrow my batteries will be recharged, but for tonight I will give in to this exhaustion and go to bed, instead of just falling asleep in the living room, again. Besides, I need to be ready for all the winter break activities, especially the faschnaut making, the girls' makeover day, and the big winter indoor camp out!
As parents, no matter what you are in the middle of, whether it be something stressful, like we are dealing with, or just every day life, I think we all need to stop to take a few minutes to re-energize. In the past, that meant a date night or even getting together with family or friends and their kids and letting them play while the adults hung out, which we can't really do and we miss. So, for me these days, that means either sleep, a quiet cup of coffee and a book to decompress, or a quick card game with Nick.
I know tomorrow my batteries will be recharged, but for tonight I will give in to this exhaustion and go to bed, instead of just falling asleep in the living room, again. Besides, I need to be ready for all the winter break activities, especially the faschnaut making, the girls' makeover day, and the big winter indoor camp out!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Comfort
After last week's flurry of phone calls, tests, and anticipation, my insomnia made sense. As I exhaustedly settled the kids in for the night I was certain I would sleep well. Even when I fell asleep during the one show I watch religiously, I was sure the night was bound to be a restful one, finally.
Here is it, 3:20 a.m. and I am wide awake, seriously contemplating coffee. I'd like to work out but do not want to break the silent spell cast over the house. Instead I will write.
Yesterday was a divide and conquer sort of day. Even though it would have been great for both of us to be at the hospital, Nick and I are trying our hardest to keep some sort of normalacy for the girls as often as possible. We decided he would stay home to take care of them while I went to the hospital with Cole.
After our typical morning routine, the girls went off to school with Daddy and Cole and I headed to Children's. Once we arrived, we were shuffled from admissions to pre-op, then from waiting room to waiting room. Luckily there was plenty of activity throughout each stop to observe. I cannot believe the way some people treat the nurses there to help their kids. I was embarrassed for the couple scolding and swearing at every nurse they saw because their doctor had an emergency surgery which pushed back their son's scheduled time. Yes, I am sure it was frustrating, I wasn't thrilled to wait two hours for Cole's procedure as he clung to me for dear life in between his crying, but yelling at people who genuinely care isn't productive either.
Needless to say, I was pretty happy to move from the pre/post op floor to the surgical floor. I met with Cole's g.i. doctor and her fellow, then the anesthesiologist before my handing over my sleeping angel to the nurse. Anesthesia assured me they'd take good care of him then told me to get a cup of coffee, it was going to be a long afternoon.
As my baby's cry faded the further the nurse walked down the hall, I folded his blankie and made my way to the cafeteria as if I were on autopilot. I grabbed my drink, then settled back into my chair to wait.
This was the only time that flying solo was tough. I was texting Nick the whole time, so I didn't feel alone, but I was so nervous I just couldn't sit still. It wasn't even the procedure itself, it was the drug induced sleep that scared me more than anything.
Finally, the doctors came out. Together they led me to the consultation room. Explanation was swift as we moved through the pictures. The good news, the number of nodules did not appear to increase and the inflammation seemed to decrease. The bad news, the number of nodules did not appear to decrease and they still lacked any other doctors who had ever seen this before, so they still could not say what they believed these nodules to be. Once again they took a number of biopsies. After the results come in, their plan is now to sit as a practice to discuss the findings, then consult with other physicians if necessary before moving forward with any different courses of treatment. The hope is that the new biopsies and the various function tests sent to Cincinnati would hold a key to unlocking this mystery and giving us a treasure, the path to a healthy boy.
The minutes moved like molasses between meeting with the doctors and being called into recovery.
To turn a corner and see your baby helplessly strapped down, hooked to monitors and ivs, yet tranquil is strange. He looked like a doll in the giant bed. The nurse informed me they did in fact have to insert a breathing tube during the procedure, so in addition to his other discomforts his throat would likely be sore as well.
As I waited for my little guy to stir, I couldn't help but think about how precious life is, not to mention just how fragile it can be. As I held his tiny hand, I was thankful he was safe, and wished this was the last time he would have to endure this for a while, even though in reality, I know it is not.
When he awoke he went right for my hair, his favorite lovey. I didn't mind as he grasped my locks like they were gold. The rest of the afternoon he faded in and out of his slumber on my chest. I just closed my eyes and rocked him, enjoying the peacefulness. You know, no matter how hard this can be at times, it is these quiet moments I will cling to, like Cole does to my hair, for they bring me comfort. Just like coming home to my girls running to greet me at the door with their giant hugs and my husband, waiting for me with a big kiss. They are the best medicine to melt away a trying day.
Here is it, 3:20 a.m. and I am wide awake, seriously contemplating coffee. I'd like to work out but do not want to break the silent spell cast over the house. Instead I will write.
Yesterday was a divide and conquer sort of day. Even though it would have been great for both of us to be at the hospital, Nick and I are trying our hardest to keep some sort of normalacy for the girls as often as possible. We decided he would stay home to take care of them while I went to the hospital with Cole.
After our typical morning routine, the girls went off to school with Daddy and Cole and I headed to Children's. Once we arrived, we were shuffled from admissions to pre-op, then from waiting room to waiting room. Luckily there was plenty of activity throughout each stop to observe. I cannot believe the way some people treat the nurses there to help their kids. I was embarrassed for the couple scolding and swearing at every nurse they saw because their doctor had an emergency surgery which pushed back their son's scheduled time. Yes, I am sure it was frustrating, I wasn't thrilled to wait two hours for Cole's procedure as he clung to me for dear life in between his crying, but yelling at people who genuinely care isn't productive either.
Needless to say, I was pretty happy to move from the pre/post op floor to the surgical floor. I met with Cole's g.i. doctor and her fellow, then the anesthesiologist before my handing over my sleeping angel to the nurse. Anesthesia assured me they'd take good care of him then told me to get a cup of coffee, it was going to be a long afternoon.
As my baby's cry faded the further the nurse walked down the hall, I folded his blankie and made my way to the cafeteria as if I were on autopilot. I grabbed my drink, then settled back into my chair to wait.
This was the only time that flying solo was tough. I was texting Nick the whole time, so I didn't feel alone, but I was so nervous I just couldn't sit still. It wasn't even the procedure itself, it was the drug induced sleep that scared me more than anything.
Finally, the doctors came out. Together they led me to the consultation room. Explanation was swift as we moved through the pictures. The good news, the number of nodules did not appear to increase and the inflammation seemed to decrease. The bad news, the number of nodules did not appear to decrease and they still lacked any other doctors who had ever seen this before, so they still could not say what they believed these nodules to be. Once again they took a number of biopsies. After the results come in, their plan is now to sit as a practice to discuss the findings, then consult with other physicians if necessary before moving forward with any different courses of treatment. The hope is that the new biopsies and the various function tests sent to Cincinnati would hold a key to unlocking this mystery and giving us a treasure, the path to a healthy boy.
The minutes moved like molasses between meeting with the doctors and being called into recovery.
To turn a corner and see your baby helplessly strapped down, hooked to monitors and ivs, yet tranquil is strange. He looked like a doll in the giant bed. The nurse informed me they did in fact have to insert a breathing tube during the procedure, so in addition to his other discomforts his throat would likely be sore as well.
As I waited for my little guy to stir, I couldn't help but think about how precious life is, not to mention just how fragile it can be. As I held his tiny hand, I was thankful he was safe, and wished this was the last time he would have to endure this for a while, even though in reality, I know it is not.
When he awoke he went right for my hair, his favorite lovey. I didn't mind as he grasped my locks like they were gold. The rest of the afternoon he faded in and out of his slumber on my chest. I just closed my eyes and rocked him, enjoying the peacefulness. You know, no matter how hard this can be at times, it is these quiet moments I will cling to, like Cole does to my hair, for they bring me comfort. Just like coming home to my girls running to greet me at the door with their giant hugs and my husband, waiting for me with a big kiss. They are the best medicine to melt away a trying day.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Waiting Room
Tell me this-why isn't there a place where you can pace in a hospital? Better yet, where you can run? Maybe a track? The last thing I want or even need is to just sit. And I bet the couple yelling at the nurse who didn't do anything wrong could have used a place to burn off some steam.
I do appreciate the drink voucher and had sense enough to make it a decaf, otherwise I don't think I'd manage holding this iPod in my hands, let alone be able to type!
Anyway, here it is so far, Cole's currently in the operating room for his colonoscopy. The doctor said it would be and hour to an hour and a half. I will share what I can as soon as I can.
I do appreciate the drink voucher and had sense enough to make it a decaf, otherwise I don't think I'd manage holding this iPod in my hands, let alone be able to type!
Anyway, here it is so far, Cole's currently in the operating room for his colonoscopy. The doctor said it would be and hour to an hour and a half. I will share what I can as soon as I can.
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