BRADY (also, the longest post ever....)

I promise I will not spend all of 2011 blogging about Brady's health or at least God hope I don't have a reason to. I am sure if you are bothering to stop along and read this lil blog you may get tired of hearing about another doctor appointment, another illness, another test, but I'm not going to apologize. I use this blog to capture every aspect of my family's lives...an online journal. The good, the bad and everything in between. When Brad and I were having dinner a few nights ago to celebrate another year of marriage under our belt, I was reflecting back on the past year. Its been one hell of a year. Every single month starting with January we've dealt with some sort of health issue with Brady...January starting it off with the dreaded RSV and a trip to the ER. We experienced probably the single scariest day of our lives on September 11th, when Brady stopped breathing. Brady has undergone a ridiculous amount of tests and I spent many days and weeks of this year in such a horrible state of worry about Brady's health and what it would mean for his future. But we've also had one ridiculously amazing year full of miracles. My amazing nephew was born in April and after several years filled with so many bad days and battling her life at times, my mom received a miracle in October when she received a new lease on life and a functioning kidney. And Brad and I have had an entire year being Blake and Brady's parent's, getting to be witness of their greatness, watching them grow and watching life through the eyes of little children. They are two amazing boys and fill our lives with so much joy and love and an abundance of smiles and giggles. They bring such meaning to our lives. I want nothing more than to have two healthy children and for them to not suffer and be able to live their lives as a "normal" child. I've been scared, so so scared, at the possibilities of Brady having his "normal" stripped away. I thank God every day for these boys and for almost all of Brady's latest tests coming back normal. I know we could be in such a different place right now. A bad place and I am grateful for where we are. There are so many families that have seriously ill children and my heart breaks for them. I really can not imagine.
We met yesterday with the pulmonologist to discuss Brady's one test result that did come back abnormal. His IGA immunity came back significantly low. IGA is your immunity that helps you fight against nasal/respiratory issues. To summarize, the doctor said Brady's number was so low that any sort of respiratory related virus he comes into contact with, Brady will catch and once he catches it, his body isn't able to fight it well and most times even with one antibiotic, another infection develops on top of that so another medicine is needed, thus explaining our battle of illness over the last year and Brady's struggle to pack on the pounds. He is optimistic Brady will outgrow this condition, however most likely will not be until he is 5 or 6 years old, although could be sooner, could be later. Could be never. Brady will be on a preventative course of a low dosage antibiotic he'll take 3 days a week, indefinitely. This will not keep him from catching a bug, but the hope is instead to reduce the impact of the bug. If he develops a fever or anything gets into his chest, a stronger antibiotic will be needed. The best defense is to prevent catching the bug in the first place. To not be in "places" that are a high risk factor for being exposed, especially during the months of October-April, i.e., daycare. So now I have the gut wrenching decision to make on if I quit my job or not. There is no easy answer. Yes, Brady's health is my number one concern. But there are so many other factors involved, its not an easy decision. I have to weigh everything, one huge point being I'd have to take Blake out of school too and he adores his school. He adores his friends. He has gained so much knowledge as well. He is so smart from everything he's learned there. I feel like I'd be failing Blake to help Brady if I quit. If I keep them there, I feel like I'm failing Brady to help Blake. Of course there are other factors too, but I don't need to share all those here. So I have an internal struggle going on.
I want nothing but greatness for my boys. I want nothing but for them to be healthy and happy and it seems like the next few years may be a struggle for us. Yes, again, I am SO grateful it is nothing more serious. So grateful. I just am having a small pity party for myself at the moment that things aren't going to be all sunshine and roses for awhile. But I'll soon suck it up, be optimistic and count all the many blessings in my life. Here's to hoping 2011 brings good health to ALL my loved ones.

2,555 Days Ago...

Seven years ago today I married the love of my life. I met Brad when I was 17, on a blind date (thanks Kris!!)...who would have thought we'd end up husband and wife with two amazing boys?! The past 7 years have certainly been the best years of my life and there is no one I'd rather have by my side. Brad, thank you for filling my days with endless love, with laughter, for being my rock always and being the most amazing father to our two beyond wonderful boys. I love you beyond words and look forward to many many more magical years with you!
Brad and I on our honeymoon. Oh how young we were. Oh how ridiculously blonde my hair looks. Not sure how its possible, but I love Brad so much more today than I did back then.

Good Times

I've had the most fun in one weekend that I've had in quite a while. I think all of us did. All week long I had promised Blake we could bake Christmas cookies together on Saturday. And I promised myself all week long that I'd not lose my patience in the process. Blake had SO much fun and I loved watching him have so much fun. The cookies did not look pretty, I mean you can't even tell what the shapes are supposed to be, but what do you expect when you let a 2.5 year old do all the work?!
After cookie fun and nap, we loaded up and went to Frisco for a hot air balloon lighting and Christmas light viewing. Of course Blake still has his obsession for hot air balloons and he could not have been any more excited. He loved it and again I LOVED getting to see him light up with excitement. They let you get up right next to the balloons and when the fire would go off, Brady would cry he was so scared, poor thing!




I mentioned in an earlier post about that really cool house set to music. Well, that makes me laugh how excited I got over that. The entire Frisco Square was covered in lights and set to music. It was so flippin cool! It was hard to snap a picture of the lights and this is the best one I got which is not good at all.
After lights we headed to Mr. Gatti's and ate pizza and played games and met Santa. Because why wouldn't Santa be at Mr. Gatti's?!

Then it was Sunday. Our grown up day of fun. One of my best friends works for the Dallas Cowboys. Brad and I are big time fans but had never been to the new stadium because our cheapness trumps our love of the team. I mentioned to Diana earlier in the week how we hadn't had the privelage of going to the new stadium and she couldn't believe she had never taken us. So she GRACIOUSLY invited Brad and I out for Sunday's game, the last home game of the season. She gave us a tour around the ridiculously amazing stadium and then we had the luxury of watching the game in her suite. I told her that now I don't have to get Brad anything for Christmas!!

I know I'm a huge dork for taking this picture and now posting it, but seriously the whole day was complete VIP treatment, including our parking spot. I had to take a picture of it because we were only a few steps from the entrance.
Diana worked her booty off the last several years to help with the completion of this incredible stadium. What does she have to show for it? Her own brick on the sidewalk. I thought it was super cool.
Diana took us back into the offices that are located in the stadium and there was a replica of the stadium they used as a marketing tool before the stadium was built. Again, thought it was kind of cool, so had to snap a pic.
And the rest speak for themselves...

Who Knew?

I am willing to bet you'll never guess what caused this mess on Blake's face....

....a single Flinstone's vitamin. Never ever knew those things were so messy!
*(by the way this picture was before Blake's haircut!)

Holiday Awesomeness

Blake is at the age where he is getting into the holidays and it has been so much fun. Every night Blake would come running through the door from school shouting, "I light the candles! I light the candles!" He loves reading his book about Chanukah and learning what it all means and has loved the 8 night long celebration. Chanukah is now over, which was a HUGE disappointment to Blake. One advantage Blake gets being in this family however is Blake gets to celebrate Christmas as well. He's LOVING the Christmas lights and tree and anytime he sees lights on someone's house he shouts, "I see Christmas momma! I see Christmas daddy!' So cute.
On the way home from dinner last night I told Brad to drive by a few houses to look at lights for Blakers. He drove around to find a house we had seen off one of the streets we drive by every day that looked like it had a good display. Um, oh my gosh did it ever. One of the coolest things...ever! We've all seen on the internet those houses that are synched up to music right?
Well we saw it in person. They had lit up in lights a radio station so we turned the radio to it and it was Trans Siberian Orchestra in unison with the lights. Seriously, so friggin cool!!! I feel like I might need to drive by every night.

Exhale

Ahhhh...I feel like I can breathe again. Today was the first time in a little less than a week I haven't become violently ill due to my ridiculous anxiety. What, too much information? Friday finally brought some answers and my sweet Brady does not have CF and his biopsy results came back normal. The only piece of abnormal test results was Brady's blood work testing his immunities, which showed Brady's isn't working as it should and is now on preventative antibiotics indefinitely. Not exactly sure what these results all mean and what it means for us going forward, but its part of the answer and I feel like we can start moving forward. We'll meet with the doctor the week after Christmas to talk about it all, but in the mean time, I'm done with the worries. Okay, I'm sure I'll worry, I'm a natural worrier, but I'll keep it in check at least. I feel like today was the first time in awhile that I just enjoyed the moment instead of having the what if's start to swirl in my brain and think about what may happen in the future. Enjoy the present. I need to do more of this and I really and truly did that today. Today was a perfect day to me and it didn't involve anything grand or extravagant, just a day the four of us spent together, laughing, snuggling, being happy. We spent the entire morning with music on dancing around the house. Even Brady has a killer sense of rhythm for being a 14 month old and was breaking it down! It was while I was watching the boys with smiles on their faces, dancing back and forth, that I realized how truly blessed I am and I let out a large exhale. Life is good. Enjoy the present, because it is truly a gift.

Lack of Patience

I'm trying to be patient. Really, I am. But, I think I'm done. I'm anxious. I'm scared. I'm tired of the unknown. I know I could use more of Brad's positivity and patience and just certainty that everything is going to be okay. But the what if's are growing louder in my mind as more time goes by with knowing nothing. I look at the most beautiful smile in the world and I wonder why is he having to go through this? When will it stop? Please God don't let anything be seriously wrong with this sweetest little boy. Tuesday morning we took Brady to be tested for Cystic Fibrosis. Brady who is used to being poked and prodded more than he should, was like this test aint no thang. I was so proud of him and the joy he was spreading around the clinic during the hour + we were there. Here is a picture of Mr. Brady man waiting for his arms to produce enough sweat to collect. Notice the blue tape around his arms. He was our muscle man, working up a sweat...

We were told the biopsies and blood work from last Wednesday should be back by today. Now I've been told it could be tomorrow, Friday or even next week, same with the cystic fibrosis test. Seriously, don't these people know, there is a mom who's stomach is in knots waiting for some answers?!

Gratitude

Brad and I really, desperately need a babysitter. The problem is we just don't know of anyone. My parents are the only sitters we've got and with all that my mom's gone through and continues to, we just don't have the luxury of calling them up on a whim to watch the boys. Brad and I haven't had a night away together, just the two of us, even for just a dinner, since July. On top of that we've been going through such incredible stress, its been hard (understatement) not to have a break away from it all and reconnect as husband and wife. I missed my husband. A lot. So when my parents called me at work on Friday to tell me they wanted to keep the boys this weekend, it was like we had just won the lottery. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE spending time with the boys, especially on the weekend without the stresses of the work week, but I needed to have that time with Brad too, to remember the husband of mine that doesn't involve me crying to him every day about Brady and my job.
Saturday morning we FINALLY got Blake's hair cut and then headed to Grandma & Papa's. We played and then put them down for their naps and then Brad and I started our date weekend, which involved shopping, dinner and a movie...just lots of quality time together which was just what the doctor ordered for me. I spent the first night in a long time not worrying about Brady or the stresses in my life, just enjoying the time with my best friend.
The boys had the best weekend ever themselves. After nap on Saturday they went to Northpark to look at the Trains, ate dinner at Sonny Bryan's and drove around looking at Christmas lights. Sunday morning they went to the new Children's aquarium at Fair Park. We walked in Sunday afternoon and Blake did a running jump into my arms (best feeling ever) and went a hundred miles an hour telling Brad and I about his super duper fun weekend. So sweet and so cute.
I am incredibly grateful to my parents for giving Brad and I the gift of time together and for being such amazing grandparents to our boys. We are grateful to have them in our lives, that is for sure!

Happy Hanukah!

The Saga Continues

I feel like I am in a constant state of worry with Brady. Is he eating enough? Drinking enough? Is he gaining weight? What is that rattle in his chest about? Yada yada yada. I've been worrying about today for the last week or so and I'm glad its behind me... so I can start worrying about the next test. This morning was Brady's endoscopy to get a look down his esophagus into his tummy into his upper intestine. The gastro didn't necessarily think we'd find anything but we had to rule out possible issues that is keeping Brady from growing. Have I mentioned that I love Children's? This morning went so smoothly, thanks in large part to the doctors and staff and they showed so much care for my sweet boy. He left the hospital with a Winnie the Pooh book, Eeyore stuffed animal and fireman hat. Brady had no issues during or after the procedure. The doctor didn't see anything that looked abnormal but did take several biopsies to be sure there is nothing going on behind the scenes. Yesterday we had a follow up appointment with the pulmonologist. He is at the point now where he's joined my camp of "I'm very concerned about his lack of weight gain". He's also concerned about Brady's constant respiratory issues, which he's in the midst of another sinus infection and not ever fully recovering from them. He gave me orders to have Brady's blood drawn during his procedure this morning so he wouldn't be conscious for the blood stick. Brady appreciated that!! He is checking Brady's immune system to look all at his antibodies, etc to see if his immune system is not doing what it needs to be doing. Those results along with the biopsies will be back in about a week. You know what I'll be doing over the next week?? Worrying. Then he mentioned the words I really am scared of that I thought I didn't need to worry about any more. Cystic Fibrosis. Even though I was tested and didn't show to be a carrier, the blood test apparently only tests for about 75% of the abnormalities and there is still a chance Brady could have it. I am waiting a call from Children's tomorrow or Friday to schedule that test. More worrying. Aside from the worrying I'll be loving on this guy lots and lots. He is such a cutie pie!

The Non Thanksgiving Post

Hopefully pictures of our Thanksgiving will come at a later date. There were EIGHTEEN family members together for our Turkey Day, and the entire week ranged from about 16 to 30 family members all hanging in my parents house. It was overwhelming to say the least for the boys and Brady clung to me like a leech, so I took zero pictures. Hoping to have some from other photographers from the week. Of course I am so grateful for so much in my life and grateful I could spend this Thanksgiving with so many of our loved ones. I hope all of you enjoyed the same. What I do have pictures of, is the one time I wasn't holding Brady the whole week...Brady's belated birthday semi-celebration. We had to cancel Brady's party and due to illness and my mom's transplant we had not been able to reschedule a party and I didn't really know feasibly when we'd be able to, especially with the holidays. My friend Kristin suggested that we celebrate Brady's first year during the week of Thanksgiving with all our family that would be here and I thought that was such a great idea. Brady deserved getting his first cake experience and I'm so glad we were able to have that for him. My boys were complete opposites in their first cake eating experiences. For those of you at Blake's party, certainly remember him going to town on his cake. Brady, not as much. I had him stripped out of his clothes completely ready to repeat the icing fiasco we endured with Blake. I don't think icing got any further than Brady's chin! Oh well. He enjoyed it. I enjoyed watching him enjoy it. I say success!


Happy Birthday again Doodle Bug!!! What a special boy you are to all your family!

Hand-in-hand (in hand)

Horrible blurry photo, but I thought it was SO sweet. Brady is walking more every day, trying to perfect it by the time all his extended family comes in town next week.

Library

We had a full day planned for Saturday and then got so caught up playing and bumming around the house in the morning that our to do list quickly started to become next to impossible to complete. So we decided instead of pushing too much into our day and creating cranky boys, we would make a choice...haircut or library. We've been wanting to go to the really nice new (or by now not so new) library that was built just down the street for awhile now. Brad and I both wanted to check out a book and pretend we have enough time in our day to actually read them and take Blake for his first trip to experience what the library is all about. I love to read and grew up loving the library. It started as a very little girl with story time at the library my mom would take me to and evolved to me wanting to go weekly to pick out a new book. Blake is only 2 1/2 but loves books and I will always encourage Blake to have a love for reading like my parents did for me. But I digress. So, we chose the library and Blake loved it. He was like a kid in a candy shop completely overwhelmed with all the choices but finally picked out four books that are so completely Blake. He is having a great time reading them every night. Now I just hope he's okay when he realizes we return them!


Here is a pic after checking out his first library books! The boy with the super long hair in desperate need of a haircut!

Brady's Latest

At the end of the day on Thursday I couldn't get that Ice Cube song out of my head..."Today was a good day." Yeah, I know, I'm a dork, but after a really stressful week and a half it felt nice to have some things going right. Our appointment at Children's went really well. What an amazing facility and I'm grateful we ended up there. So we still don't have any answers but I feel like we are going down the right path now, which is a sense of relief. I sent out a novel of a recap to a few people and I am not going to put all the details on here, but we have an endoscopy scheduled for December first, which is a little frightening but something that needs to be done. We also met with the dietitian from Children's who worked on a plan with us and will continue to work with us going forward. I left feeling like these people cared and are going to help us get Brady where he needs to be. Then Brady had the best therapy session he's had to date in the afternoon and has continued to do better with his feedings and I just wanted to do cartwheels Thursday evening. Except I was exhausted so I passed out on the couch instead.
So my wonderful friend Heather is like my encyclopedia of medical knowledge and has been a really strong support system from our struggles getting pregnant to now with our struggles with Brady. After I filled her in on our visit Thursday she started scouring her resources of mommy blogs of preemie moms (as her children were preemies) to try and find information that would be useful in my need to start cooking with butters, oils...fats, fats, fats basically. She ended up coming across a blog entry that she thought would strike home with me and boy did it ever. This mom has been through way more than we have with Brady, but there are extreme similarities as well and her blog entry captured my feelings with this journey with Brady better than I could have. If you have a minute, go read, then you'll know where my head is at. Thanks Heather!

http://stefaniewildertaylor.com/2009/05/acceptance/

First I have to report I received a call from the gastro group that I was trying to get in to see. They received Brady's records and said he needed to see an M.D. NOT the physician's assistant and needed to be seen as soon as possible. We have an appointment in the morning. Whew!

I have a few other random pictures I thought I'd post because pictures are way more fun than my medical sagas.
Here is Blake in his Adidas track suit. Um, so stinkin cute! I think he looks like such a future soccer star in this photo...
This is Blake on the tire swing for the first time. Such a big boy now.

And here are two ADORABLE pics of my ADORABLE nephew! Since someone hasn't updated their blog in 7 months I thought the public would love to see Mr. T's cuteness. I received these pics from my bro to cheer me up through my stressful past few days. And it definitely helped. I can't wait to love on this little doll in less than two weeks!!!

Mute

Have you ever had a bad dream where you're talking but no one can hear you and no matter how much you yell or how hard you try to be heard no one listens? That bad dream has been my reality the last few days and I don't think there is anything more frustrating as a mom, than to feel completely helpless for your child in need and to feel your concerns are falling on deaf ears. At our appointment with the gastro last week, we found out that starting last Wednesday, she would no longer be taking our insurance. However, once we switch plans at the 1st of the year, she would be accepting that plan. So she told us, let's try putting Brady on Pediasure/Boost to get him to gain weight and try to hold out on doing anything further until the 1st of the year and if need be I'll refer you to someone else before then. Fine. Except not so much. Brady refused the Pediasure/Boost, refused Carnation Instant Breakfast per her recommendation and as of Friday starting refusing all liquids via bottle or sippy cup. We had a hard weekend with Brady, getting him to drink very little and even threw up which had me concerned about his reflux issues. He was eating table foods just fine. I called gastro first thing Monday. Suggested taking to pediatrician to get ears checked and if ears checked out agreed scope would be next step. Pediatrician said ears were clear, felt scope was a good idea and also pulled out Brady's blood work he was sent the gastro did last month and reviewed with me. Didn't know until yesterday that Brady is anemic. Yeah, gastro never mentioned that part. So talked to nurse, told her ped's findings and asked for referral. Nurse talked to doctor who said, well since you aren't on our insurance until the beginning of the year let's try to buy more time and increase Nexium from twice a day to three times a day and give it a week. Hung up phone...I lose it. Call Brad bawling, then call my dad crying. So frustrated. She'd rather not lose me as a patient than refer me out when we need to see someone?? So I decide to go around her, call another gastro, which happens to be the only other pediatric gastro group I can find on our insurance. First available appointment with the doctor is December, the first available with the physician assistant who can then refer us to surgeon if scope is needed is November 30th. Seriously people? Baby.not.drinking. This morning left message to see if pediatrician would call on my behalf to try and get us in sooner. No call back. Left message for gastro stating I can not afford anymore wait and see's and would appreciate a referral to another doctor since we can no longer see them for the rest of this year. Here is the conversation I had with the nurse when she called me back:
“I talked to Dr. ..... about your concerns. It can take up to a week for the Nexium to fully work. And you need to follow up with the feeding therapist immediately.”
“I have followed up with her already.”
“Well, I’m also going to fax all your records to Children’s so they have them. If you are worried about dehydration, follow up with your primary care physician.”
“Okay, well what about me following up with another gastro?”
“I’m faxing your records to Children’s. “
“But what if I want to get in to see another doctor, who do I call?????”
“I’m faxing your records to Children’s right now. They are the only other pediatric gastro group in the area and I will mark on the chart to call patient for appointment.”

Yeah, I totally feel like I'm in a room screaming and no one can hear me.

2.5

Today my first born is 2 1/2. How is that even possible? My sweet Blake has turned into such a grown up boy and it seems like yesterday I was holding him for the first time as a little newborn baby. The past 6 months dealing with a strong willed, stubborn 2 year old boy who can throw a tantrum like a pro have been challenging, but it is the other side of Blake, the sweet natured, smart, humorous, vivacious 2 year old boy that makes me want to hold onto this time forever and that boy is what keeps Brad and I going on the hardest of days. Brad and I at least once in a day are blown away at just how smart Blake is. I love that Blake can carry on a conversation with us and there is no longer a guessing game of what his wants or needs are. Like just the other week he told me his ear hurt and needed to go to the doctor. Sure enough he had an ear infection. Even the pediatrician commented to us on what an amazing vocabulary and conversation skills Blake possessed for being 2. He can also read. Well ok, maybe its more Blake memorizing his books and reciting them than actually reading, but still, the boy can read every book in his stack of favorites cover to cover. Its pretty amazing to me. He's even recently started learning Spanish at school and knows all the colors in Spanish. Its official, my two year old is smarter than me, since I don't even know the Spanish words for colors. But what makes me the proudest of my first born is not his good looks or his brains, but his sweetness. Blake is the best, most caring big brother. He's loving and patient and looks out for Brady always. Like last month Brady was home sick and I was leaving school with Blake and he got really upset with me because he thought I was forgetting Brady. His sweetness isn't just with his brother though. I was talking to a mom of one of the girls in his class last weekend. Her daughter, Sam, was getting a little bullied (yes at 2) by another little girl in the class. One day this other little girl was pushing Sam and she told her mom that Blake helped her. Talk about being a proud mom! I love that Blake looks out for others and I just hope he will possess that quality always. What an adventure life is on a daily basis being Blake's mom. He makes our days filled with laughter and fun and I do not take any day, even the toughest of days with him for granted. If time wants to slow down between now and his third birthday, I'm totally okay with that!

1 Year Photos/Vitil Stem

Before I bore you with my recap of our first electrode or Vitilstem Therapy session, I had to share these pictures. In addition to having to cancel Brady's birthday party we also had to cancel his one year photo shoot. We were able to reschedule a little over a week later. Brady was just finishing his nasty virus and I don't know if it had to do with that or if he was sleepy, but whatever the reason Brady was Mr. Fussy Pants. And he's NEVER a fussy pants. Just my luck! I was pretty bummed but our great photographer told me he thought he was able to capture a few good ones in between melt downs. I just got them back and LOVE them. There aren't a lot due to the meltdown, but still some good ones.
Here is the link...
http://bludoorimages.com/gallery/jones-762287
Here are a few of my favorites
So, have I mentioned life is stressful at the moment? Throw in a SCREAMING baby, flailing his body, turning red and blotchy he is so upset, because a stranger is trying to hook up electrodes to his neck, and the stress level just sky rockets. That was Brady Monday and as soon as the SLP finally got the electrodes attached to his neck, Brady would rip them off. Wash, rinse, repeat about ten times... The SLP said Brady was the most unwilling patient she had ever had. Nice. We finally got him connected and distracted long enough for him to leave the wires alone. Once Brady gets hooked up, all he has to do is sit in a highchair, eating and drinking and watching cartoons. Oh and get an electrical current sent to his neck. We were pretty worried that Brady would not tolerate the therapy since he got so wound up just having the wires put on, but he did really really well and didn't show any signs of discomfort during the therapy. She started him off really slow and will increasingly add strength. The goal is to have 45 minutes worth of therapy. Monday Brady did 15. But it was a start and the SLP was pleased for our first session. Our next one is in the morning and I pray it goes a little more smoothly. 1 session down, 17 to go.

More Medical Tales...

These days I live in a constant state of stress and worry, although I'm pretty good at internalizing my feelings so at least its not effecting my day to day too much. Every time I look at Brady's sweet smile though a part of me wonders, Is everything okay with him? Why isn't he growing like he should? So the last few days my stomach has been in knots thinking about our doctor appointment and first electrode therapy session this morning. First up, gastro. Last month Brady weighed in on her scale at 17.0 lbs and today was 17.13 oz. The doctor was happy to see Brady's weight shoot up, however its not enough. His lack of adequate weight gain is concerning. Brady's blood work came back completely normal last month with the exception of his inflammatory marker, which was high. It could have been high due to the virus he was starting to come down with or it could be something more serious. She feels however, because the rest of his labs were normal and developmentally he is doing so well and he did gain some weight, that we can try one more "easy" step before moving to the more invasive course of action. Doctors orders: no more formula. Instead, all bottles will be replaced with Kid's Boost (355 calories a serving), all meals will be sprinkled with a calorie enriched powder and all Brady's meals will be as fatty as possible. Our goal, 1500 calorie daily. Our end goal is for Brady to gain 1 1/2 pounds by the end of the year. Isn't that crazy that a measly 1 1/2 pounds would mean the world to us for Brady's weight gain? By gaining that amount of weight, that would finally put Brady back on the growth curve. Yup, little B man isn't even on the growth chart. 1 1/2 pounds would put him only in the 3rd percentile, but I'll take it. If Brady does not gain enough weight by then or we're more concerned before the end of the year she will do a scope on Brady to further investigate what's going on inside. So, for now, stomach still in knots, stress still an every day occurrence. *sigh*
I've already typed a novel and I'm not even to the second part of our day, vitilstem therapy. That will come tomorrow. On the edge of your seats aren't you?!

Trick-or-Treat

We had a fun packed Halloween weekend and I am tiiiiired! Brad had the brilliant idea of letting Blake completely choose what he wanted to be this year, because then, he'd most likely be willing to wear his costume. And he was right! Blake chose to be a Fireman and Brady was a pumpkin. The fun started off Friday afternoon, both the boys classes had Halloween parties. Brad and I both attended and we had a lot of fun celebrating with all the little ones.

This picture cracks me up, Brady started putting the phone to his ear and "talking". So cute!

Friday night we attended the Halloween Festival at the kids' school, however I failed to snap any photos. Both boys had SO much fun and we will definitely go again next year. Saturday night Blake's good buddy from school hosted a costume party at his house. There were lots of kids his age and I don't know if I've ever seen Blake have so much fun. Or play so hard. Blake slept GOOOOD! (by the way, you can tell from the pictures I was dressed in 80's workout attire. Brad, who we failed to take a picture of went as David Beckham)



Sunday we FINALLY got to see my parents again. We hadn't been able to since my mom's transplant because we couldn't risk exposing the kids' sick germs to her. We loved getting to spend the day together and the boys loved getting showered with love from two of their favorite people. We hit up the playground before we headed home.
After the playground we headed home for trick or treating, which ended our weekend of fun. Hope all of you had a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!