Thursday, June 25, 2009
I hate waiting!!
Sara's MRI is scheduled for July 8!! I can't believe it is nearly two weeks away! I am going to be a wreck!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
I don't want anymore bad news!!
About two weeks ago Sara got a bump on her head, but it was soft. Never had seen a soft bump like that so I took her in to the ER. ER doc said that it was likely just a hematoma and nothing to worry about. I still just had this feeling that something wasn't right, so I called the ped the next morning and got her in. Ped ordered a CAT scan and yes the bump on the outside was a hematoma, but there was also another hematoma next to her brain. So today I took her for another CAT scan, just to be sure the hematoma was going away. Well, this time they saw a fracture and there is a bleed as well so now we get to have an MRI done! YEAH! :S I am so glad that I did not listen to that ER doc!!
But that hasn't been the only thing going on. A few months ago Kyla was in to the ped for strep. The NP heard a murmur while we were there so they sent her to see a cardiologist. That appt was last week. When he was examining her he asked if she'd ever suffered from joint pain and an associated rash. I told him about something that had happened about 7 or eight years ago...
Back then Kyla had complained of joint pain. We had taken her to the ped and she was referred to an allergist who diagnosed her with JRA (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). After a few months on the meds she was no better so I quit giving her the meds (those were some serious drugs and not to be taken unless one REALLY needs them) I never felt comfortable with that diagnosis. Anyway, after a month or two off the meds Kyla's symptoms disappeared, and we assumed that it was just growing pains and that Kyla was a weanie. She has had a couple other episodes of joint pain since then.
Well after hearing that the cardiologist said that he believed what she had was rheumatic heart disease. That is caused by untreated rheumatic fever which is a result of an undiagnosed or improperly treated strep infection.
Kyla suffers a lot of strep (3 cases in just the last year). With rheumatic heart disease each case of strep causes more damage to the heart. Different parts of the heart can be affected. In Kyla's case it is her aortial valve.
Kyla will have to be on antibiotics for the next 5 years, or more, to prevent future strep infections.
I hope this is all I have to deal with right now...I just don't know if I could take anything else at the moment!
But that hasn't been the only thing going on. A few months ago Kyla was in to the ped for strep. The NP heard a murmur while we were there so they sent her to see a cardiologist. That appt was last week. When he was examining her he asked if she'd ever suffered from joint pain and an associated rash. I told him about something that had happened about 7 or eight years ago...
Back then Kyla had complained of joint pain. We had taken her to the ped and she was referred to an allergist who diagnosed her with JRA (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). After a few months on the meds she was no better so I quit giving her the meds (those were some serious drugs and not to be taken unless one REALLY needs them) I never felt comfortable with that diagnosis. Anyway, after a month or two off the meds Kyla's symptoms disappeared, and we assumed that it was just growing pains and that Kyla was a weanie. She has had a couple other episodes of joint pain since then.
Well after hearing that the cardiologist said that he believed what she had was rheumatic heart disease. That is caused by untreated rheumatic fever which is a result of an undiagnosed or improperly treated strep infection.
Kyla suffers a lot of strep (3 cases in just the last year). With rheumatic heart disease each case of strep causes more damage to the heart. Different parts of the heart can be affected. In Kyla's case it is her aortial valve.
Kyla will have to be on antibiotics for the next 5 years, or more, to prevent future strep infections.
I hope this is all I have to deal with right now...I just don't know if I could take anything else at the moment!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
I really do neglect this blog!
It has been nearly a month since my last post! I had such grand dreams of blogging at least once a week! LOL
I have been busy with the garden. I think I killed the cantaloupe...I was trying to 'help' it! :( One of the bell pepper plants died and one of my last two remaining corn stalks was attacked by Wes. But the tomatoes and the peas look great! We've even eaten some of our peas! :D It has been constant work to keep the grass out of the beds. The weeds are easy, but GRASS! UGH! I hate grass! :P
Sara is just beginning to walk! She has taken as many as four consecutive steps before falling! Won't be long now and she'll be running after her big brothers.
Kyla has been very busy with CYIA (Christian Youth In Action). She completes her training on Friday and they are all going out for pizza that evening. She will be helping with 5-day clubs during the rest of the summer. She will also be taking a class at the college starting next week. She is growing so fast! Next time I blink she'll want to be leaving home or getting married! :-O
Cora is busy with gymnastics and doing very well.
The rest of the kids are doing well and growing.
We are planning a trip to D.C. in Sept (for the 'Tea Party). I am excited and hope that everything works out for us to go. My mom will be going with us and that will be nice.
I have a new job!! I will be pet-sitting. It should be mostly fun...the animals I am watching starting this week are just too sweet! One of the dogs is just so nice! She laid her head on my lap when I bent down to pet her! If she wasn't so big, I could see her being a very cuddly lap dog. :) I am so thankful for the opportunity! I had been praying that the Lord would provide a way for me to make a little extra money and then my friend called and asked if I was interested. It is great because it really isn't a rigid schedule and I won't have to be long from home at any one time. And if I absolutely must I can have the kids ride along with me and they can wait in the van while I feed and water the animals. It is very convenient having two girls who are old enough to babysit!
Now to politics! :D
For those who live in Texas- CALL THE GOVENOR! and tell him to veto SB 1440 the bill that will give CPS license to take children and 'interview' them without court permission and without the parents' knowledge or consent (which they already do enough of) and the stipulation that CPS must show compelling evidence has been removed. This would be a huge blow to parental rights. So call!
For the rest of the nation- There is just too much that is highly disturbing going on in Washington...I don't have the energy to keep up with it all! It is discouraging. :( The president who was going to 'change' things in Washington isn't following through...he is accomplishing large changes but not in how things run...it is the same old political game with the same disregard for the will of 'the people' and more government grabs for power. Very disheartening!
So on that happy note I will end for now! :P Have a blessed day!
P.S. Sara has this weird bump on her head. It is on the left side and is about the size of a quarter. It is not red or inflamed and doesn't seem to be sensitive to touch at all. It is not hard but feels kind of like bubble wrap (sorry that's the most accurate description I can come up with). I don't recall her hitting her head. I called the ped last night when I noticed it and then ended up taking her to the ER, just because it is so strange. The ER doc said it is just a hematoma and didn't reccomend doing a CAT scan since she seems fine otherwise. Has anyone else every seen anything like this? I really am trying not to worry about it...I have seen PLENTY of head bumps with the kids but this one is just...well, weird! Anyway enough of my hypochondriac mommy moment! LOL
I have been busy with the garden. I think I killed the cantaloupe...I was trying to 'help' it! :( One of the bell pepper plants died and one of my last two remaining corn stalks was attacked by Wes. But the tomatoes and the peas look great! We've even eaten some of our peas! :D It has been constant work to keep the grass out of the beds. The weeds are easy, but GRASS! UGH! I hate grass! :P
Peas
One of the tomato plants
Corn
Sara is just beginning to walk! She has taken as many as four consecutive steps before falling! Won't be long now and she'll be running after her big brothers.
Sara standing on the trampoline
Kyla has been very busy with CYIA (Christian Youth In Action). She completes her training on Friday and they are all going out for pizza that evening. She will be helping with 5-day clubs during the rest of the summer. She will also be taking a class at the college starting next week. She is growing so fast! Next time I blink she'll want to be leaving home or getting married! :-O
Cora is busy with gymnastics and doing very well.
The rest of the kids are doing well and growing.
We are planning a trip to D.C. in Sept (for the 'Tea Party). I am excited and hope that everything works out for us to go. My mom will be going with us and that will be nice.
I have a new job!! I will be pet-sitting. It should be mostly fun...the animals I am watching starting this week are just too sweet! One of the dogs is just so nice! She laid her head on my lap when I bent down to pet her! If she wasn't so big, I could see her being a very cuddly lap dog. :) I am so thankful for the opportunity! I had been praying that the Lord would provide a way for me to make a little extra money and then my friend called and asked if I was interested. It is great because it really isn't a rigid schedule and I won't have to be long from home at any one time. And if I absolutely must I can have the kids ride along with me and they can wait in the van while I feed and water the animals. It is very convenient having two girls who are old enough to babysit!
Now to politics! :D
For those who live in Texas- CALL THE GOVENOR! and tell him to veto SB 1440 the bill that will give CPS license to take children and 'interview' them without court permission and without the parents' knowledge or consent (which they already do enough of) and the stipulation that CPS must show compelling evidence has been removed. This would be a huge blow to parental rights. So call!
For the rest of the nation- There is just too much that is highly disturbing going on in Washington...I don't have the energy to keep up with it all! It is discouraging. :( The president who was going to 'change' things in Washington isn't following through...he is accomplishing large changes but not in how things run...it is the same old political game with the same disregard for the will of 'the people' and more government grabs for power. Very disheartening!
So on that happy note I will end for now! :P Have a blessed day!
P.S. Sara has this weird bump on her head. It is on the left side and is about the size of a quarter. It is not red or inflamed and doesn't seem to be sensitive to touch at all. It is not hard but feels kind of like bubble wrap (sorry that's the most accurate description I can come up with). I don't recall her hitting her head. I called the ped last night when I noticed it and then ended up taking her to the ER, just because it is so strange. The ER doc said it is just a hematoma and didn't reccomend doing a CAT scan since she seems fine otherwise. Has anyone else every seen anything like this? I really am trying not to worry about it...I have seen PLENTY of head bumps with the kids but this one is just...well, weird! Anyway enough of my hypochondriac mommy moment! LOL
Thursday, May 14, 2009
God supplies right on time!
Kyla wanted to participate the the Christian Youth In Action (CYIA) this summer. The training program is 12 hours a day for 10 days and the cost is about $250. Kyla also wanted to take a babysitting class at the college and Cora wanted to take gymnastics and compete. We did not have the money for all of that.
Well, yesterday when we went to the CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) office to get Kyla's application and talk with them about payment arrangements, we found out that she had been given a full scholarship! Someone had donated the money she needed to pay for the program!
I am so thankful that God loves us so much to provide for even the things we want and don't necessarily need. :D
On Sunday Hubby was given a check. Someone had given money anonymously to us. That was enough to pay for Cora's gymnastics class ($158) and her sweats ($82) and Kyla's babysitting class ($72) and Kyla's passport (for her trip to Zambia next year) and a little leftover to pay for Cora's leotard.
Well, yesterday when we went to the CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) office to get Kyla's application and talk with them about payment arrangements, we found out that she had been given a full scholarship! Someone had donated the money she needed to pay for the program!
I am so thankful that God loves us so much to provide for even the things we want and don't necessarily need. :D
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Little Tait
Little Tait
Tait and Lauren Zimmerman were married May 3, 2008. They joyfully found out that they were expecting their first child a month later. Six months into her pregnancy, Lauren began experiencing irregular contractions. After a rushed 20-mile drive to the midwives, during which time the young couple offered up many prayers for the safety of both mother and baby, it was discovered that the baby’s feet were already in the birth canal. Lauren was rushed in an ambulance to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, a 40-mile drive.Tait received a call from the midwife en route informing him that there was no reversing the labor, and that his new son or daughter would be born that day. After arriving at the hospital, Tait and Lauren were given the difficult news that — because of the combination of the baby’s position and extreme prematurity — the baby would have to be delivered via C-section. The couple’s midwife tried to prepare Tait for all possible outcomes, and just prior to the surgery, Tait and Lauren committed their son to the Lord in prayer.
Tait Edward Zimmerman, Jr. was born November 6, a 27-week preemie, weighing just 2 pounds 9 ounces, and measuring 14 inches long. Amazingly, Little Tait was breathing on his own, though he did need significant breathing assistance over the next few months. Little Tait spent his first three months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Children’s Hospital at Providence in Anchorage, AK, connected to numerous feeding and oxygen tubes, wires, leads, and IV’s.Tait and Lauren Zimmerman daily drove the 120-mile round trip to and from Anchorage for the first eight weeks to spend precious hours with their son, many times joined by Tait’s dedicated parents and sisters, and then were blessed to be able to stay in a small parent room off of Little Tait’s NICU room for his final five weeks in the hospital.
These three months were filled with strange new medical terms, and a whole education in newborn intensive care. Tait and Lauren found themselves looking forward to curious milestones — the removal of an IV, their son’s first feeding (from a syringe through a feeding tube), removal of the bili light and accompanying goggles, higher oxygen saturations, closure of his heart’s PDA valve, fewer apnea events, progression from the CPAP to Vapotherm, graduation to an open crib, satisfactory weight gains, first oral feeding, and first time unconnected to the plethora of cords, wires, and tubes.When it came to reaching these milestones, however, Little Tait was on his own schedule. He took a somewhat longer than usual amount of time progressing with his breathing and then coordinating his breathing and eating. While these long months were some of the most difficult of Tait and Lauren’s lives, the Lord used them as a time of growth and provided daily opportunities to share their family’s hope and vision with many of Little Tait’s kind caretakers.Little Tait finally came home on February 6, his three-month birthday, weighing 8 pounds 15 ounces. Today, he is a smiley, chubby, healthy little guy who brings constant joy to his parents. While he may need some therapies in the future, and has minor lung damage (common in babies who have been on extended breathing support), he faces no major medical challenges. Tait and Lauren are so thankful to the Lord for all the Lord has done in and through their precious son’s life, and pray that Little Tait would grow up to be a mighty man of God.
Early in their son’s stay, Tait and Lauren were approached by social workers, informing them that — because of their son’s low birth weight — Medicaid would automatically cover their hospital bills in full, as well as contribute to meals, lodging, transportation, and any future therapies. While it was definitely a tempting option to just sign their son’s substantial bill off to the taxpayers, and while social workers raised many arguments in favor of the government programs, Tait and Lauren sought counsel from and stood firm on their pre-marriage commitment not to accept government welfare, but to seek to cover the costs on their own, and with any help that the Lord would send through private support.
Tait and Lauren Zimmerman have developed a website telling Little Tait’s story and communicating their need to the Christian community.Visit http://www.littletait.com/ for more information.
This family is so wonderful.
Tait and Lauren Zimmerman were married May 3, 2008. They joyfully found out that they were expecting their first child a month later. Six months into her pregnancy, Lauren began experiencing irregular contractions. After a rushed 20-mile drive to the midwives, during which time the young couple offered up many prayers for the safety of both mother and baby, it was discovered that the baby’s feet were already in the birth canal. Lauren was rushed in an ambulance to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, a 40-mile drive.Tait received a call from the midwife en route informing him that there was no reversing the labor, and that his new son or daughter would be born that day. After arriving at the hospital, Tait and Lauren were given the difficult news that — because of the combination of the baby’s position and extreme prematurity — the baby would have to be delivered via C-section. The couple’s midwife tried to prepare Tait for all possible outcomes, and just prior to the surgery, Tait and Lauren committed their son to the Lord in prayer.
Tait Edward Zimmerman, Jr. was born November 6, a 27-week preemie, weighing just 2 pounds 9 ounces, and measuring 14 inches long. Amazingly, Little Tait was breathing on his own, though he did need significant breathing assistance over the next few months. Little Tait spent his first three months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Children’s Hospital at Providence in Anchorage, AK, connected to numerous feeding and oxygen tubes, wires, leads, and IV’s.Tait and Lauren Zimmerman daily drove the 120-mile round trip to and from Anchorage for the first eight weeks to spend precious hours with their son, many times joined by Tait’s dedicated parents and sisters, and then were blessed to be able to stay in a small parent room off of Little Tait’s NICU room for his final five weeks in the hospital.
These three months were filled with strange new medical terms, and a whole education in newborn intensive care. Tait and Lauren found themselves looking forward to curious milestones — the removal of an IV, their son’s first feeding (from a syringe through a feeding tube), removal of the bili light and accompanying goggles, higher oxygen saturations, closure of his heart’s PDA valve, fewer apnea events, progression from the CPAP to Vapotherm, graduation to an open crib, satisfactory weight gains, first oral feeding, and first time unconnected to the plethora of cords, wires, and tubes.When it came to reaching these milestones, however, Little Tait was on his own schedule. He took a somewhat longer than usual amount of time progressing with his breathing and then coordinating his breathing and eating. While these long months were some of the most difficult of Tait and Lauren’s lives, the Lord used them as a time of growth and provided daily opportunities to share their family’s hope and vision with many of Little Tait’s kind caretakers.Little Tait finally came home on February 6, his three-month birthday, weighing 8 pounds 15 ounces. Today, he is a smiley, chubby, healthy little guy who brings constant joy to his parents. While he may need some therapies in the future, and has minor lung damage (common in babies who have been on extended breathing support), he faces no major medical challenges. Tait and Lauren are so thankful to the Lord for all the Lord has done in and through their precious son’s life, and pray that Little Tait would grow up to be a mighty man of God.
Early in their son’s stay, Tait and Lauren were approached by social workers, informing them that — because of their son’s low birth weight — Medicaid would automatically cover their hospital bills in full, as well as contribute to meals, lodging, transportation, and any future therapies. While it was definitely a tempting option to just sign their son’s substantial bill off to the taxpayers, and while social workers raised many arguments in favor of the government programs, Tait and Lauren sought counsel from and stood firm on their pre-marriage commitment not to accept government welfare, but to seek to cover the costs on their own, and with any help that the Lord would send through private support.
Tait and Lauren Zimmerman have developed a website telling Little Tait’s story and communicating their need to the Christian community.Visit http://www.littletait.com/ for more information.
This family is so wonderful.
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