Robbie's Bladder Test Results

This was Robbie this morning when we took him for his tests at Arnold Palmer. He had a fairly high fever and was shaking bad but still trying to watch the Mickey Mouse Club House :)  He had 2 tests done, a renal sonogram and a vcug (look it up if you want to know).  He did awful in the sonogram, cried and cried but did a bit better in the vcug.  Fortunately due to the high fever they called in the radiologist to check the results right away (instead of waiting a week) and he called the Dr and gave him the results verbally. So we went directly to the Dr from there. 

This is how he looked waiting for the Dr. After the tests he just kept sleeping anytime I held him.  The great news is that Robbie's bladder and kidneys and all the connectors are fine!  Also the type of bacteria in his bladder that keeps showing up as a uti is typically one that does not cause problems and does not need to be addressed.  However he was running a high fever and would not eat or drink. A quick check revealed flaming red tonsils. Tonsillitis. That's the bad news, but that is news I can live with. So he is now on antibiotics in case it is bacterial. He will have to stay away from everyone for a few days and we will be washing our hands like crazy and trying to keep Henry away from him.  

Thanks for all the prayers!  Now just pray he gets better fast and that the rest of us do not get it!!!

Robear

Our little Robear has been having a rough time lately.  Since Christmas his speech and physical capability has boomed but his eating and behavior have relapsed.  He has been increasingly combative when it comes to eating or drinking anything.  We have an appointment with a Developmental Pediatrician in May (soonest they can get us in), hopefully that will lead to more answers and ways to help him. 

A few weeks back we took him to his pediatrician because for about 3 - 4 weeks everyday by noon he was like a zombie.  He was pale, not talking and falling asleep by 12:30.  It was concluded that his worsening reflux was taking a toll on him and he is mildly anemic. So we upped his reflux meds and put him on a vitamin with iron.  Within 5 days he was doing SOOO much better.  At the same time they did a urinalisis to check blood sugar and such but found a uti.  Well it isn't normal for little boys to get utis so now we go for more tests.  We will be heading up to Arnold Palmer next week for 2 procedures.  Two of the things they will be checking for is if he is emptying his bladder all the way and if urine is going back up into his kidneys.  Please keep the whole process and him in your prayers. He is currently getting over a bad tummy bug and hopefully will be all better by then!

Mums the Word

A little update on my Mom.  She has had pain and numbness in her legs, arms, hands, neck and shoulder for a bit now.  Her chiropractor had ordered an MRI and they found a tumor in her spine along with a herniated disc.  She went to the NeuroSpine Institute and 2 appointments and an MRI with contrast later and we ended up seeing a neurosurgeon at Shands Hospital yesterday.  Essentially he is very confident, 99.9% sure, that it is NOT cancer!  However surgery is needed and soon to keep her from going paralyzed.  Pre Op is next week and surgery at the beginning of the following week.  They will have her open for 3-4 hours, followed by a 4 day hospital stay, then 6-8 weeks of recovery.  The tumor is in her spine so there are risks but the surgeon allayed most of our fears.  He said rehab should not be needed so the boys, Chet, and I will be very happy to have her with us until she is back on her feet.  

We are blessed with wonderful friends and family who are all jumping in to help.  So all I am asking for is your prayers!  Please keep her, the Dr's and all involved in your regular prayers.  Thanks so very much!

Growin & Changin

The boys are growing and changing so quickly!  Robbie is now 42" and 36lbs.  Henry is about 5lbs since his birthday and is growing right out of his 12 month clothes.  Both of them are becoming chatter boxes!  Robbie is labeling everything and even starting to use a few to communicate. Henry now says (in his own way) mama, dada, all done, night-night, uh-oh and kitty. So very cute!!!  Henry can also open doors now and Robbie has learned to stick his hands in his pockets and is fascinated by the process of it and how many ways there are to do so. 

The rest is a few pics :)

Henry Turns One!

Henry had a great first birthday!  We were able to celebrate at home with family, food and cake. Well Henry didn’t have cake. Wouldn’t even touch it. Cried.  Oh well, maybe next year (that’s what I said about Robbie too). 

Henry warmed up to everyone and walked around and played.  He really enjoyed opening gifts and seeing everyone!

 The chair Daddy made me!

At his one year check up he weighed in at 20 lbs and 5 oz and was 30 inches long!  He is a growing and happy little boy who runs all over and gets into everything :)  Happy birthday little man!

Quotes

Came across these the other day and just wanted somewhere to keep them :)

Regular moms take their child's developmental milestones for granted.
Special needs moms realize what a miracle the human body is to be able to do what it does after spending hundreds of hours teaching our kids to roll over, crawl, walk, eat, play, etc.
--From Kate

Regular moms get annoyed when their child won't stop talking.

Special needs moms would do anything to hear their child utter one word, 'Mom'.

--From Elizabeth

Regular moms love it when relatives wear out their children with play, thinking they'll sleep well that night.

Special needs moms weigh the choices: Allow rough-housing that will keep their child up all night and set back their behavior issues or disappoint well-meaning relatives who don't understand your child's disability.

--From Steph

Regular moms take their kids to birthday parties and gather to chat as their kids hit the pinata happily.
Special needs moms spend the party alone, watching their child open and close the sliding screen door repeatedly and trying to keep him from smashing the birthday cake or tear open the birthday kid's presents.
--From Amy

Regular moms have a list of emergency numbers on the fridge for the babysitter.
Special needs moms have a detailed spreadsheet of all doctors, specialists and therapists, with emergency family numbers way down at the bottom as a cheat sheet for themselves.
--From Jessica