Monday, May 19, 2008

So I guess I didn't realize that a week had gone by since my last post. I guess I have been pretty busy.

This last week we took Ethan into the cardiologist to check out a few things that had been bothering me. His oxygen levels have been lower (76-79% at night) and his lips have been looking blue at random times during the day. Also, he is not gaining weight like he used to. However, the main thing that made me call for an appointment is that he had been vomiting anywhere from 10-60 minutes after he would eat. This had been going on for about 10 days and would happen up to 3-4 times a day. Now this is a totally new development and just seemed odd. The Dr. said that he wasn't too concerned by just the looks of Ethan, but that all of these things were worth looking in to. So anyway, they did a chest x-ray and a quick echo to check his heart size and function. Both tests looked OK. The good news is that his tricuspid valve is not leaking as much as before. However, the not so good news was that the Dr. was hoping his heart function would have improved since his last echo was done at 5 days post surgery (and will usually improve with healing), but looked about the same. So not good but not too bad. Also, his blood pressure is still high (systolic around 112-115's) and they would like it in the 90's. So, to make a long story short, they will move his sedated echo from mid July to the 1st week in June. They will be able to check out some more things in debth and will also follow up on his blood pressures. Since the appointment, he has pretty much stopped throwing up (except for when he gags himself) and I have really been trying to up his calorie intake during the day. At this point, I am not too concerned but I will be curious to see what his sedated echo reveals.

This weekend Tim has been out of town. He went to Denver for his cousin's wedding. I wish I could have gone with him but I had my sister's bridal shower on Saturday and needed to stay home. It was just a quick trip. He left on Friday and arrived home this morning. I was able to see him a little while before he went to work. By the sounds of it, he had a really great time. He truly loves visiting with his family. (He tends to get a little lonely since he is the only one in Utah.) He is such an amazing husband and I always miss him anytime he is away. I am glad he is home.

---Allison

Monday, May 12, 2008

So it has really been a busy week or so. We celebrated Ethan's birthday. I had a fun time watching my youngest brother's road trip through all 48 states (and all of the fun publicity in the news about it). We attended an open house for my oldest brother who is going to Saudi Arabia this week for 6 months. We celebrated mother's day (which was really a nice day). And tonight we are celebrating my nephew Austin's birthday (yesterday) and my birthday (tomorrow) tonight at my house. Also, this week I will be preparing to throw a bridal shower for my sister this weekend at my house.

So with all of this happening, there have been a few things that I need to update on. Last week I took Ethan and Gavin for their well being check ups. Ethan weighed 20 lbs 3 oz which puts him in the 10% for weight and was 29.5 inches long (40Th% for height). And Gavin was in the 75% for both height and weight. I was disappointed with Ethan's weight gain because he had dropped in percentiles so much from his last appointment. It turns out that at his last appointment they made a mistake and he was not in the 90% for weight but was really only in the 30Th%. So he did in fact drop, but not as much as it appeared. Ethan is scheduled for some developmental testing and another ECHO in July. I am anxious to see how the Md's feel he is doing. I am hoping I can get him circumcised then as well, but I still need to find out some more information about it.

On a sadder note, my sister Karalee's son Austin (the one who's 7Th birthday was yesterday) has just been diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy (MD). This is of course is devastating news and she is having a difficult time. She has only 2 kids and has been trying to get pregnant for a while now. It seems so unfair that not only is she having a difficult time getting pregnant, but now she finds out she will watch her only son fight a losing battle. I know some of you know her (and even those of you who don't), but I know that when things have been difficult with Ethan, I have been comforted by the many prayers that have been offered in my behalf. At this time I ask that you will add her and her family to your prayers. They've traveled a rough road and it won't be getting any easier. They really could use all of the prayers that they can get.

The Great American Road Trip!

I don't know if any of you have heard about this on the news, but 1 of the 3 drivers is my brother Adam. Good luck guys!

---Allison

What a Year!!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Today is Ethan's 1st birthday!!

In anticipation of today, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on our experiences this last year. As many of you know, Ethan was not a "planned" pregnancy. However, we were very excited when we found out I was pregnant and we truly felt like he was a gift from God. Initially, I doubted my ability as a mother to raise 4 children but I felt that God would not send me another child if he didn't trust me enough to raise and care for him. It wasn't until Ethan was born that I realized how much responsibility my Heavenly Father has entrusted me with. I can't put into words how blessed our family has been to have Ethan in our home. When he was born, our family was complete.

I've created this montage in honor of Ethan who has worked so hard to make his mark in this world. As I have mentioned before, it is a little long (about 10 minutes). The first 2 songs in this montage are extra special to me because I used to play them in the hospital while I sat at his bedside and stroked his tiny head. (At the time I couldn't hold him and it was the only spot I could caress that didn't have protruding wires or tubes.)

I will never forget all of the prayers, love, and support that was given in our behalf during this last year. I want you all to know that we couldn't have done it without you. I pray that together, we will have many more years to celebrate.

I hope that you take the time to watch and honor this amazing milestone with us.

---Allison