September 2004 Moms and Kids - All Turning 3!

[cpbride8203]

The Grand List of September 2004 Mommies and Babies!!

AmyPooh (AmyInDallas on WC)
Me: Amy, 28
DH: Rich, 32
Married: 8/3/2002
DD: Kailey Catheryn
Date of Birth: 9/3/2004
Time of Birth: 1:18PM
Weight and Length: 6lbs 4oz 18"
New Baby #2 Expected - Nov 26, 2005 - Big Sono next week!

AttyGrl74 aka MonkeysMama
Me: Kelly, 31
DH: Jason, almost 33
Married: 1/11/03
Eleanor Ruth ("Nora")
9/15/04
8:18am
8 lbs., 2oz., 21" long

Chelsea524
Me: Chelsea, 23
DH: Jonathan, 34
Married: 09/04/02
Corbin
8/13/04
2:27(I think)
6lbs 12oz, 19in
Other children:
Trystin 9/29/99

CC: cpbride8203
Me: Jen, 30
DH: Jim, 33
Married: 8-2-03
DD: Kylie Jean 8-30-04
DD: Kaitlyn Ann 7-12-06

CC Name: Darin's Girl
Me: Emily, 29
DH: Darin, 37
Married: 9-6-03
Madelyn Fae aka "Maddie"
9-10-04
3 lbs 14 oz 16 1/2 inches (6 weeks early)

ez2luv (CanadianBride1)
Me: Tammi
DH: Trevor
Married: 9/29/01
DD: Isabelle Brenda
9/18/04
2:11 AM
7 lbs, 4 Oz; 21 inches long

Goldenbridge
Me: Jennifer
DH: Miguel
Married- 9/6/03
DS: Andrew Miguel
8/28/04
6:04 am
8lbs 4 oz 19 1/2 in

CC: Islandbride1025
Me: Kelly, 35
DH: Al, 40
Married: 10-25-03
DS: Myles
Baby's Name: Madison DeVon
Date of birth : 9-20-04
Time of birth : 11:55 pm
Weight and Length: 7lbs 4ozs, 21 inches

CC Name: Jeggink
Me: Judi, 32
DH: Dan, 32
Married: 9-28-02
Joseph, 9-23-04
5 lbs 6 oz 19 inches (5 weeks early)

Me: Joann 33
DH: Chip 37
Married: 6/01/02
William Edward
9/03/04
9lbs3ounces, 22"
Add: Alli 6/11/03

marathongirl
Me: Sue (31)
DH: Tim (33)
Married: 12/01/01
DD: Claire Sophia
B-day: 9/16/04
Weight: 6lbs 12ozs
Length: 20.5 inches
Time: 9:15pm

NikosMommy (bmlp224 on WC)
Me: Lorraine, 37
DH: Brian, 33
Married: 8/7/02
3 Angel Babies
DS: Nikolas Peter
Date of Birth: 8/30/04
Time of Birth: 6:19 PM
Weight and Length: 7 lbs. 6.05 oz. 20"
Niko will be a big brother in June 2006

Sidsou
Me - Ann (33)
DH - Darren (41)
Married - August 4,2001
DS - Kyle Anthony
August 31, 2004
weight - 9pounds 7 ounces
height - 22 inches

SiValleySteph
Me: Stephanie, 28
DH: Tim, 28
Married: 7/4/03
Lucas Alexander
9/27/04
4:16 PM
8 lbs, 21-3/4" long

[cpbride8203]

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[cpbride8203]

We are now open!! Please check your stats on the first page and post all changes in Red.

[marathongirl]

cp - thanks for getting us up and running! Can you please change my age to 31 and my DH to 33? Thanks!

golden - hee, hee CC police! Too funny!

My parents are up this week helping me get the house together before K2 arrives. Plus, one of my cats got some bladder infection that caused his urethra to close up. Poor guy couldn't pee. He could have died if we hadn't gotten him to the vet so quick. So he spent last night at the vet hospital and I brought him home this afternoon. Our wallets are $800 lighter :rolleyes: but our cat is still with us :) .

Hope all is well with everyone!

[mommy2AlliWill]

Starting a new thread seems funny at this point. Jen, I am cracking up that you didn't even remember the password:)

Kelly, Lorraine, anyone else who is on LJ, or going to switch. I am
mom2alliwill over there. Tell me your names or friend me & I'll add you.

We are living a crazy life right now. Our kitchen is in full remodel so we are at my Mom's all day to avoid getting in the way. Add that to being 9 months pregnant & I am run down. The kicker is that the contractor told Chip last night he expects to complete work next Thursday or Friday.....two days, or one, before Will's birthday party. I am going to have a nervous breakdown.

[goldengbridge]

Thanks Jen for starting our new thread! Now the CC police won't arrest us! I need to stop:rolleyes:

Joann- You cute preggo!Hope the kitchen gets done ASAP!

Kelly- Have you had a chance to look over on LJ? Come on over, we'll be your friends:D

Sue- Glad the cat is doing better! $800 sucks! Thats really nice of your parents to come and help!

I had a manicure and pedicure yesterday and it was heavenly! One more day till I go to the Peri.. Anxiously waiting!!

[Islandbride1025]

Threadmistress, please change my age to "gulp" 37 and DH to 41. Thanks!

I consider myself pretty computer saavy but when I go to LJ, I don't know what to do. I signed up with the same username, but then what? Where are the forums, how do you navigate around?

Yikes, Sue, glad your cat is better.

Joann 2 years ago when we had our kitchen remodeled, they finished the day before my shower for Pie. And it still wasn't fully complete, the glass for one cabinet hadn't come in so that was open. As long as your sink and stove work, it shouldn't interrupt your party.

[goldengbridge]

Kelly- I dont know about forums, i just read everyones journal. Go to the top and click on manage friends. At the bottom you can add friends. Add me (same name as here), Joann, and anyone elses LJ name you have. Then you'll be able to read our journals. You can also post to your own journal. I just added to you my friend list so after you add me try to see if you can see my journal!

[SiValleySteph]

Can you guys add me to your lj friends lists too, please? I'm gapeachinca. One of these days I will figure it out... I don't think I've posted yet.

Oh, update us, sadly both DH & I are now 29.

I'm so jealous of the get together. It looked like so much fun! I love to see little kids playing together.

Everythings fine here. I'm in a funk, though, just so depressed about the future, which is silly because everything is great now and I'm not enjoying it. What's up with that? I think it's partly because having a child makes you think about the future a lot.

In the meantime, Lucas has us laughing a lot. He LOVES to sing. He's really gotten good. He has quite a repetoire of songs, he can hold a tune and he knows the words. His main songs are:
Baa Baa Black Sheep
the ABCs
Twinkle Twinkle
He also knows:
I'm a Little Teapot
Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
Head & Shoulders

It's hard to get it on video because it never fails that we don't remember the video camera until he's already sung the song a bunch of times and then he doesn't want to do it anymore. :p

Click here for some video for a few weeks ago. He's gotten better, really! :D

http://www.dropshots.com/photos/94926/20060728/s_214909.jpg (http://www.dropshots.com/day.php?userid=94926&cdate=20060728&cimg=0 target=_blank)

Anyone else have some video to share? :)

[Niko&Troi]

Hello All :D

Not much time to post. I haven't been getting any emails so I'm behind :/ The boys are asleep and I'm going to take advantage of the pool for a few minutes :D

Niko&Troi (Formerly NikosMommy)
Me: Lorraine, 37
DH: Brian, 34
Married: 8/7/02
DS: Nikolas Peter
Date of Birth: 8/30/04
Time of Birth: 6:19 PM
Weight and Length: 7 lbs. 6.05 oz. 20"
Siblings: 3 angels, Troi Michael 5/20/06

[jeggink]

Just a slight update for us, both DH and I are 33

Thanks Jen for the new thread.

I know I haven't been here much, work is keeping me busy, but I try to stay caught up!

Islandbride1025 There are no forums on LJ like you have here, it is just a jounaling site where you can add your friends onto a list to see your private journal.

[ez2luv]

Subscribing.......I will have some time and catch up...really I will!!!!

Ahhhhhhhh............:eek:

[Islandbride1025]

Hiya girlz! I haven't posted my pics from the gtg because my dad is adding XP to our computer. He's had it for 2 weeks and still hasn't done it yet.

Finally found my way over to LJ and friended those whose names I knew. I doubt if I start a journal, takes too much energy and I have none left. I'll stick to my drive by posts.

Summer is ending with a whimper (weather wise), we have no plans for the next couple of weekends. I guess I'll catch up on rest, if the kiddies let me.

Steph I know what you mean about the future, but enjoy today.

Pie's newest words are Dooby Doo, so I may rethink my Elmo themed party and have a Dooby Doo one :D. I've been trying to get her to hold up 2 fingers for her age, and she just won't keep that thumb dowm.

Hope everyone is good and have a great weekend.

[goldengbridge]

Kelly- Dooby Doo:p That is so damn cute!!! I love it! I have a really cute picture of Pie, do you want me to post it?? I can't get Andrew to put two fingers up either. They'll get it eventually!

I saw the Peri yesterday and all is well although its still very early. Baby is measuring right on track. I go back in 2 weeks for the nuchal test and then 2 weeks after that...although I don't think we'll be back from Philly yet. But we'll see. My level II is Oct 19th! The Dr there is so nice. He talked with me for a long time about everything that happened with Jacob and assured me that they would be keeping a close eye on me. Definately makes me feel better. I feel like I'm in a good hands there.

Andrew's bday party is tomorrow. I'll have pics on Monday! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

[marathongirl]

golden - glad you had a good appt! Have fun at Andrew's b-day bash tomorrow!

Island - the rest of our summer is (mercifully) quiet too. DH will be out of the country for a week starting Wednesday, but that's about it.

We got Claire a big girl bed on Wednesday and set it up in her new room. She and DH went out last night and she picked out the rug. I'm taking her to pick out sheets tomorrow. I'm so nervous about the transition since she is a little hellion about sleeping. I'm going to start her napping in the new bed, but will wait until DH is home from his business trip to get her in there at night. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

[ez2luv]

Hello all!!!

marathon - Good luck! I am so scared of getting a BGB, I love my sleep too much!!! Is there an easy way to do this??!!

Golden - Hope Andrew has a wonderful party, give him hugs from me!!!

Steph - That video is adorable. He sure is good with his songs! That is something that I need to really work on with Belle. She knows songs on the radio, and doesn't care to listen to kids' songs at all.
How do you post vidoe?? What do you use??
The future - I do that so much these days too, you are not alone.

I signed up for LJ, but never got around to doing one, Ithink I'll stick to the drive-by's too.....

:)

[AttyGrl74]

A new thread! I am SO FAR behind!

I'm going back to work on Monday - so I'll have more computer time.

I just got back from 2 weeks visiting my parents - where my car broke down AND we got evacuated from their house due to forest fires. Quite a time, let me tell you!

[ez2luv]

Atty - back to work already!!! Time flies!!! :eek:

[Chelsea524]

Hey everyone, I have not been here for ever, I try and come in and read along but never get around to posting. Sorry about that. Congrats to all those with the new babies and those that are pregnant again, we are currently TTC right now. Corbin turned two last week, luckily the terrible 2s have not started yet and hopefully they won't. He has decided on his own that he wants to potty train, I haven't been pushing it to much but when he asks to go potty I put him on, most times he goes, although there are many times that he doesn't ask, I am just trying to let him get the hang of it a little bit and then in a few weeks we will go full blown potty training. We just got him a big boy bed yesterday but he wouldn't stay in it last night or today for his nap so not sure how long that will take, he sleeps in the same kind of bed for naps at my moms during the week so I thought it would be pretty easy. Well, nothing else new really going on, I will try and make sure to post more often, with the new thread maybe it won't seem so overwhelming.
Could you updat my age to 24 and DHs to 35, thanks

[Islandbride1025]

Hope everyone had a great weekend. And the work week begins again, ho hum :mad:.

Anyway, Jen please post the pic you have of Pie, finally got our computer back this weekend so hopefully I'll upload over the next couple of days. How did Andrew's party go?

Wow Atty that time flew. Looking forward to having you back on the boards though.

Marathon I was supposed to make the transition months ago and chickened out. I now say after our construction complete and she is in her new room, I'll do it then. Who knows, I'm really dragging my feet about it.

Chelsea Pie is hit or miss with the potty. Sometimes she tells me sometimes she doesn't. She likes to wash her hands so she'll tell me she has to go when she doesn't just so she can wash her hands.

[goldengbridge]

Andrew looks sad because I told him he couldn't marry Pie till he was least 18:p

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i125/prugh12/Birthday012.jpg

Cutie Pie!!!!
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i125/prugh12/Birthday013.jpg

Birthday party copied from LJ-

I was actually a little dissapointed with Andrew's party. MIL and Mick's aunt offered to make food and I agreed. MIL showed 45 mins late and his aunt showed up over an hour late to the party which meant we had no food for the guests that had actually arrived to the party on time. I was pissed. Mick's dad was a big ass as usual. After they showed up I asked him if he wanted food and he yelled over to me that he had already eaten. How nice! You ate before you came and left my damn guests hungry because you decided to show up 45 mins late...wonderful! Mick told his dad when he got here that if he was going to smoke to go out front and do it. He didnt want him smoking in the backyard with all the kids around. Twice he saw him smoking in the backyard and had to yell at him. Ugh.

As I suspected SIL showed up with no gift...AGAIN! And I dont care if this sounds immature or not but I told Mick I'm not buying either one of her kids birthday presents for the next year. And I told him I'm not changing my mind! Absolute BS! I would never think to show up to a party for one of her kids without a gift. And to make things even better his 2 1/2 year old's jean shorts didnt even cover his butt because he was wearing 24 months shorts!!!!!!!! I swear! That the size the baby is in. OMG I could scream.

Andrew had a good time though which is what matters. Thankfully I dont think he caught on to all the crap that was happening around him. He had fun playing outside with his cousins and he had the biggest smile on his face when everyone sang happy birthday to him. He got the little people circus, lots of wooden puzzles which he can take the hospital, a car, some clothes...which I asked people to please NOT get him and obviously they listen so well..... some legos, and bunch of other stuff. His favorite gift seemed to be the baseball tee and mitt we got for him. Mick's teaching him to swing the bat. So the stressful day is over and I'm extremely glad. I want to enjoy the next 2 weeks before all hell breaks loose. Pics below! Notice Andrew's cousin Gideon, SIL's little boy, he always looks so sad.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i125/prugh12/Birthday006.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i125/prugh12/Birthday005.jpg

Gideon and Andrew
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i125/prugh12/Birthday001.jpg

Continued below

[goldengbridge]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i125/prugh12/Birthday011.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i125/prugh12/Birthday008.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i125/prugh12/Birthday003.jpg

[marathongirl]

Island - the bed transition is going so-so. Claire has napped in her BGB the last 2 days, but we have yet to spend a night there.

Golden - so sorry that your extended family sounds like they don't have 2 brain cells to bump into each other! That makes it so tough! Andrew's cake looked great and I'm glad he had a good time.

Atty - good to see you back!

chelsea - happy 2nd b-day to Corbin!

ez2luv - I've been on the LJ site once. No plans on signing up either - I'm a terrible journaler.

I've got an OB appt this afternoon. Less than 6 weeks 'til my EDD. I am SO not ready :rolleyes: .

[Islandbride1025]

Jen love the pics. Glad Andrew enjoyed his party. That's terrible about the food, but it's over now.

Pie will be 2 in 1 month and I still haven't figured out where to do her party. September is such an iffy month. Will it be cold or will it be hot??

[purplevega]

Hi Ladies!!!! New Thread, cool. My stats are not on the frist page.

purplevega
Me: Kim, 25
DH: Bill, 31
Married: 11/23/2003
DS: Ashton Stephen
Date of Birth: 9/9/2004
Time of Birth: 8:32 PM
Weight and Length: 8 lbs. 4 oz. 20"

Jen-How you doing mama? What the cake looks so good. Sorry about the IL's. Mine suck too.

Atty-wow back to work?! You just ahd that babe, time flies.

chelsea-Happy b-day to Corbin!!! and good luck with the TTC!!!

Marathon-Holy cow 6 weeks. Ok did you not just post you were pg?

Stuff going on with us:
Ashton is being tested for sensory intergration disorder. I think he does not have it but he has been super aggressive to other kids for about 6 months. Aggressiveness is a huge sign of this disorder but it could also be age appropriate. So I am going back and forth if I should have Ashton tested. I have the appointment, but am worried. Worried about what I do not know. Other than that same old same old. Working at home still, still going back and forth between wanting another baby or not. that about it.

Hi to anyone I missed!!!!

Kim

[AttyGrl74]

Hi all - back to work today. Kind of a bummer. I had to bring Tess with me b/c she can't start daycare until 9/5 - she'll be working here with me for the next two weeks.

Luckily she is an angel compared to Nora. She's currently sleeping in the sling.

I'm having a bit of a hard time actually getting into the work mindset. Part of me doesn't want to be here. A big part.

[marathongirl]

I had my 34 week appt today. The OB ordered another u/s because she didn't think K2 had grown. This u/s tech had K2 shrinking. So tomorrow I'm off to the hospital for a more in-depth u/s to see what is going on. The OB said if this baby doesn't start growing, they will go in and get him/her at 36 weeks. GROW BABY GROW!!! I can not imagine having a baby barely 2 weeks from now!

[marathongirl]

My follow-up u/s at the hospital was fine. I just think my OB is being overly cautious. I guess I'd rather that than have them miss something. K2 is measuring fine. I just don't grow big babies. DH and I are almost positive we saw boy parts. I've thought all along K2 was a boy, but I guess we'll see for certain in about 5 weeks.

[mommy2AlliWill]

Hi all! I am reading along but we have been out of the house every day completly limiting my computer time!

Jen -great pics, Andrew is sad he can't marry Pie until he turns 18 cracked me up!

Sue- glad baby is okay, read one post & thought maybe we were going to have birth date buddies:)

chelsea- good the see you!

Purple- good luck with Ashton's testing, hope it all turns out okay.

Cabinets are done, tomorrow my kitchen countertops will be installed & hopefully the plumber will do the sink/dishwasher/disposal et al on Thursday. Saturday is Will's 2nd birthday party. We so went lazy & ordered meats & salads for "build your own hoagies'. 37+ weeks pregnant with no kitchen was not motivating me to plan something more elaborate. I am having another baby in less than 2 weeks....holy crap!


Hi island, steph, atty, ez & anyone else! Can you believe our babies are turning 2!

[goldengbridge]

Sue- Please tell that little one to please stop making me worry! Glad everything is ok! Here's hoping he stays put for a few more weeks!!

Atty- Welcome back Girl!

Purple- Good to see you. Please keep us update with Ashton!

Chelsea- Good to see you! Stop in more often and

Happy Birthday Corbin

Kelly- Sept is an iffy month. Just from my experience its been pretty nice till mid Oct here at least.

Exactly two weeks till surgery and I'm starting to lose my mind. I can't even think straight. I've got so much to get ready and I feel like the days are flying by. Deep breath!

Sigh, my baby will be 2 in just 5 days. Sniff sniff!

[Islandbride1025]

Morning All! Am I the only one whose little one doesn't turn 2 until Sep? I don't remember there being a month gap. But then again I have bad short term memory.

Happy early b'days Will and Andrew. Happy Belated Corbin.

marathon glad everything is right on track.

mommy2alliwill please post pics of your finished kitchen. Love seeing remodels. Building your own hoagies sounds fun.

Purple good luck with testing.

[marathongirl]

Island - Pie's not alone in the Sept b-days. Claire won't be 2 until 9/16.

mommy2AlliWill - hope the kitchen remodel is going smoothly! I'm jealous - our kitchen looks like it walked right out of 1972. Maybe next year we'll look into doing something about it. I don't blame you one bit for doing a 'build your own sandwich' tray for Will's b-day!

golden - did you see the peri yet? How did it go?

purplevega - fingers crossed that Ashton's testing comes back fine!

[AttyGrl74]

Nora's birthday is 9/15!

Ditto to everyone what Sue said :D

[ez2luv]

Belle's B-day is Sept 18th....eeek, have done nothing but book pictures...

Golden - breathe! You are strong!

Purple - sending thought to you too.

marathon - <sigh of relief>

[goldengbridge]

Tami- Thank you although I don't really feel strong at the moment!:(

Sue- I cant beleive I forgot to post over here. Perinatal went great. Its still early but things look perfect so far. I talked with the Dr. for awhile about everything that happened with Jacob and he was really great. I go back next Wed for the ultra screen/nuchal test and then 2 weeks after that...although I doubt we'll be back from Philly. Fetal echo scheduled for 10/9 and My level II is scheduled for 10/19.

Jacob was due next Wed. I need lots of hugs that day!!

[purplevega]

Thanks everyone for the warm wishes. I am hoping the testing comes back fine also. The Sensory intergration disorder is a form of Autism so I am hoping to avoid that lable for Ashton. But if it does come back Ashton will be fine as long as he sees an OT for the next few years. Children with SSensory issues are almost always mainstreamed as long as the problem was caught young and treated. That is one of the reasons I want to deal with it now not later.

Will come back to do so later. Ashton just woke.

Kim

[mommy2AlliWill]

Will's birthday ios September too, we are just doing his party early since I am hugely pregnant:0

Island- I posted some remodel pics in my Lj, I made it public so anyone should be able to see. The plumber should (finally) be here this morning to finish up. Then we need to decide what about color & decortaing. That is likely to be post-baby.

http://mom2alliwill.livejournal.com/80050.html

[Islandbride1025]

mommy2alliwill I like the new cabinets, they extend all the way to the ceiling. Hope Will has a great party tomorrow.

ez you just reminded me..... Note to self: BOOK PICTURES!!!

[AttyGrl74]

Tess is 3 months old!
Some sister photos...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/attygrl74/DSC00621.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/attygrl74/DSC00627.jpg

[goldengbridge]

Kelly- Nors pigtails kill me!!! So damn cute! And I love how she's holding Tess's ear in the second one:)
How's the back to work thing coming along?

[goldengbridge]

Happy Birthday Andrew!!!

My baby is two! How is everyone??

[AttyGrl74]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW!

We love you!

[marathongirl]

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY ANDREW!!!

Where is the time going?!?!?!

[marathongirl]

Jen(golden) - my thoughts and prayers are with you today on Jacob's EDD. HUGS!!!

[jeggink]

Jen also thinking of you and the family today!! Lots of Hugs!

[mommy2AlliWill]

Jen- HUGS from me too.

[goldengbridge]

Sue, Judi & Joann- Thank you girls very much! I appreciate the thoughts and prayers and yesterday!

In my fog I forgot to wish NIKO a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Hope you had a great day!

I had my nuchal test yesterday and everything looked great. They're really covering all the bases with me. They sent me for tons of bloodwork and they informed me yesterday that they're going to start checking for incompetent cervix after 16 weeks. Since we don't know what caused Jacob to pass away they want to make sure everything is being watched- fine with me! The entire u/s the baby was sucking on its hands!

Gotta run cause I have a regualr OB appt but I wanted to check in with you. We leave for Philly on Tuesday morning but I'll definately update before then!

[marathongirl]

Jen - I'm so glad your nuchal went well and that your docs sound VERY proactive!

Joann - are you counting the days yet?

Atty - your girls are beautiful!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY NIKO!!!

I took Claire for her 2-year checkup yesterday. She weighs a whopping 24 lbs (20%) and is 34 inches tall (55%). She finally graduated to size 4 dipes - I already miss getting 102 in a package. I can't believe she starts pre-school next week! We have a playdate with one of her classmates this morning. Here's a pic of her baking cupcakes with my mom this week:

http://Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3AxxqUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXP Pl%3F87KR6xqpxQQQexJP0xJQlxv8uOc5xQQQPaQnJQn0nlqpf VtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPPl%7CRup6lQQ%7C/

Hope things are well with everyone!

[goldengbridge]

I forgot to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KYLEE too!!!!

And today is Kyle's Birthday too I think so HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLE!!

I'm trying to keep up with everyone's bday!

[jeggink]

WOW, lots of birthdays! Congrats to all the mommies of 2-yr olds now, you have survived!!

Happy Birthday Kylee, Kyle & Niko!!! :D

marathongirl Wow, only size 4 diapers now. Not that I should say anything cause even though we are in size 4, I think we have been in them about a year now, LOL. DS is ~27 lbs and 34.5", major growth spurt in the last 2 months. We are just moving to 18-24 mth clothes, LOL.

AttyGrl74 The pictures of the your two girls are precious!!

Joseph turns two on 9/23, can't believe it, time is flying, literally :rolleyes: .

Also, *taking a HUGE breathe*, we are pg again, due 4/20/07, 6w6d today.

Some of you know from my LJ. We are still not 100% sure about this little guy, but will find out next Wed for sure at the Perinatologist. I did have a very quick u/s today on the dr's crappy machine and saw a good strong HB where before with the other two m/c's we could barely figure out if there was a HB so that is reassuring. He did not measure the fetus so we are unsure how that compares. I am seeing a Perinatologist, taking baby asprin, progesterone and was doing twice daily shots of Heparin which I have now stopped, thank god. My tummy was full of bruises! So I am crossing my fingers that this one will stick around, both DH and I really want this one!

[marathongirl]

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY KYLE!!!

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY KYLIE!!!

jeggink - congrats on your pregnancy! I will be keeping everything crossed that you have a happy, healthy, uneventful 9 months.

[purplevega]

Wow all this birthdays.

Happy B-day to Kylee,Andrew, Kyle & Niko!!!!

Ashton Turns 2 on the 9th. I am soooooooooo excited. His birthday will be a blast with the fire truck coming.

jeggink-Congrads, senting stick healthy vibes!!!!

marathongirl- We are still in size 4 also. We were cloth diapering, but Ashton knows that Elmo is on pampers. He is refusing to wear any diapers but the "Elmo Diapers".

AttyGrl74-What cuties, I want a girl!?

Kim

[mommy2AlliWill]

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAYS KYLIE, KYLE & NIKO!!!!

Sue- oh the countdown is certainly on, I even have the kids saying every morning "only 5 days until the baby comes". Claire is such a little peanut!

Judi- More congrats over here!

Will's 2 year check up was this afternoon. He is 29 lbs & 36 inches. He was so well behaved at the ped's office, it was like I had the wrong kid.

One of my friends is going to post our baby news in my LJ on Tuesday. Judi, Jen, Kelly, anyone who is on my FL please feel free to share the news in here!

[AttyGrl74]

Whoo-hoo to the birthday kids! Happy Birthday Kylie, Kyle and Niko!

Live it up 2 year old style - do the Elmo twirl & fall down dance and get hopped up on birthday cake!

[goldengbridge]

Live it up 2 year old style - do the Elmo twirl & fall down dance and get hopped up on birthday cake!

LMAO!

Joann- Unforunately Judi or Kel will have to post your news over here. I'll be in Philly! Will's a big boy too!

Sue- Aww, shes such a cute peanut! You're getting close too!

Hope everyone else is well. gotta run, i'm exhausted!

[ez2luv]

Happy B-day to all the big 2 year olds!!!!

We've been away camping for a while, so much to catch up on. Right now I'm busy doing sooo much laundry......

Hi and Hugs to all!!!!

(Atty - I love Nors pulling on an ear. Sassy!!!)

[ez2luv]

I know Island has done some travelling with the kids, can't remember if anyone else has.....

DH and I are thinking of going to Mexico this winter, and since we'd like to go for 2 weeks - we were thinking of taking Belle along.
I've never been to Mexico before, we are looking into the Playa Del Carmen area.
I have to make sure (medically) that Belle can go, but is it a good idea overall??
I think she's too young for the kids' clubs even.
She'd love it, but won't remember it.
Would we even be able to relax???
I need some opinions or suggestions, even on places to look into that would be the best for 2 year olds......

Thanks :D

(I think I'll post this in travel too....)

[goldengbridge]

Hello all my wonderful ladies!

I just wanted to stop in before we leave for Philly and since I'm going to be pretty busy tomorrow I wanted to do it tonight. I hope everyone had a great long weekend!

We leave early on Tuesday morning for Pre Op testing. Chest xray, bloodwork, check up, echo, etc. We're praying to be able to get into Ronald McDonald House since we really don't have the extra finances to pay for a hotel every night! On Tuesday I'll find out what time he's scheduled for Wed morning. I requested that he be the first case but we'll see. They like to put the newborns in first so we'll have to see whats happening that day. I'll probably stop in quick Tuesday night..thats if we get into the Ronald McDonalh house since they have computers to let you know what time he'll go in. If I don't get in here Im sure Judi will keep you girls updated. For anyone who is interested I'll be updated Andrew's carepage quite frequently throughout our hospital stay and especially during his surgery.

www.carepages.com
carepage name: andrewperez

They told me two years ago that he would need 3 open heart surgeries and I never expected them to come up so quickly. Although my faith has been shattered alot in the past few months i'm keeping a positive attitude and asking God to give me just one more miracle for Andrew. This surgery is especially diffucult and I've watched several little ones pass away. But I believe in his surgeon, the team taking care of him and more importantly, I beleive in Andrew.

Please keep Andrew in your prayers on Wed for a sucessful surgery! And we could use a few too:) I'll try to keep you updated!

I love you all,
Jen

[purplevega]

Big Hugs to Andrew and you mama. He is in my prayers!!!

Kim

[marathongirl]

Jen - big hugs to you, Andrew, and Mickey!!! You'll all be in my thoughts and prayers!

[Niko&Troi]

Hello All :D

I haven't been getting updates :mad:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OUR LITTLE ONES

Thanks for the birthday wishes for Nikolas.

Jen Andrew will be in our prayers...


As for us, things are going good. I'm just so swamped with two now. I wouldn't change it for anything in the world, but OMG, I have no time what so ever anymore. I finally downloaded pix off our camera that have been there since Aug 3rd :/

Nikolas' birthday day and party were good. There was a threat of rain on the party day but it held off. We didn't get to use the pool, but our neighbor lent us some of her yard toys so the kids played on those.
As for the actual day, we went to toys r us to use a gift card he got, then to Chuck E Cheese so he could have some fun, which he did.
I still can't believe my little baby is 2. It was very emotional for me. I was happy that he was turning 2 and Troi was with him, yet sad that his angel siblings weren't there to celebrate with him. Just a ball of emotions :/

Nikolas had his 2 year check up and he's 30 pounds, 3 feet tall. The dr said he's proportioned well and solid. He gets that from Brian's side. I did an unofficial weight of Troi and he's already up to 14+ pounds.

I had mentioned a while back that Brian speaks to Nikolas in German. Well now when Brian speaks to him in German, Nikolas answers him in German. I remember like yesterday when he could barely say two words, and now he's speaking in two languages :eek: Again, my little boy is growing up so quickly :/

And lastly, Brian is applying for a job with his company in England. In all honesty I don't want him to get it cause that would mean us moving VERY FAR from our family, but he wants it so I'm sorta keeping my fingers crossed. Not all the way though, only partially :p

Hope all is well with everyone else.

[Niko&Troi]

Nikolas no longer needs us to hold him in the pool. He actually jumps in alone now too. This was taken at the hotel pool when we went to the reunion, but he does it at home now too.
http://static.flickr.com/82/233448188_e3671234b8.jpg?v=0


Getting down at the banquet at the reuion. Niko was the second youngest, Troi being the first, but both got tons of attention.
http://static.flickr.com/84/233448189_7d325bb2ee.jpg?v=0


The cake and goodie bags. I printed the planes with the kids names on them.
http://static.flickr.com/96/233448194_5f31fef37d.jpg?v=0


Singing happy birthday.
http://static.flickr.com/93/233448190_507d176a8d.jpg?v=0


One of Troi
http://static.flickr.com/85/233458347_fc238ec7ec.jpg?v=0

[mommy2AlliWill]

Jen- I'll be thinking of you guys on Wednesday & sending all positive energy your way.

[Chelsea524]

Delurking to say good luck to Andrew, I will be thinking of you guys Jen! Wishing the best!!

[cpbride8203]

Sorry I have been MIA...promise I will write a longer post tomorrow.

Just wanted to pop in and say good luck to Jen and Andrew!

[marathongirl]

mommy2AlliWill - good luck with #3's arrival tomorrow!!! Can't wait to hear who he/she is!

[marathongirl]

Forgot to say a quick HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY WILL!!!

[AttyGrl74]

Happy 2nd Birthday Will!

Welcome #3 to Joann, Ally, Will!

Andrew & Jen - I'm thinking of you!

Lorraine - Niko is too cute for words and so is Troi.

Our little group here seriously has the cutest kids in all of cyber-land.

Well, I'm back at work fulltime now. Bah!
Tess is back in the infant room that Nora was in - which is great. But it still didn't make it hurt that much less to leave her.

Nora moved up from the Toddler room to the Mini room today, too. So this morning was pretty much complete chaos. We weren't allowed to visit the Toddlers b/c of separation anxiety, but we are welcome to visit the Minis and we can even take them out for lunch - so I think I'll grab Nors for some burgers tomorrow!

I hope you're all doing wonderfully in this crazy month where our kids turn 2!

(ps - we had our first public tantrum this weekend. Good times.)

[Islandbride1025]

Gosh I am so behind, but Happy Belated B'days.

Good Luck Jen, keeping you and Andrew in my thoughts.

Atty oooh I'm dreading the day that happens, but I know it's coming soon. Why do they put the candy near the register???? I push the cart so fast past it so Pie can't see it. She likes to press the debit card pad so that preoccupies her. BTW, you're girls are so precious, absolutely beautiful.

Lorraine love the pics. Niko is a daredevil.

ez don't know much about Playa del Carmen, we are going to Riviera Maya (near Cancun) November 5th. Our little ones are definitely too small for the kids club, but you could hire a sitter for a couple of hours for some adult time. If there are other families at the resort, she'll make friends. When we went to the DR, I got to relax when she took her naps.

Hello to those I've missed. Ugh! Fall is upon us, so depressing.

[jeggink]

Update from jen (Goldengbridge)

The good news is that we got into the Ronald McDonald house and our room is REALLY nice! The bad news is that Andrew was absolutely terrified during his testing today. I felt so bad. He kept saying "All done, all done." Poor baby.

He's the first case tomorrow morning so he should go in around 7am. We have to be at the hospital at 5:45am....ugh. We stopped up in the CICU and it seemed pretty empty so thats always good. Just trying to get settled in here and keep up our strength for tomorrow. They say the surgery should last around 4 hours. We appreciate all the prayers-keep em coming!!! I will update tomorrow when I know more!

Just thought I would let everyone know! I will be sending lots of thoughts and prayers!!

Happy Birthday Will

[AttyGrl74]

Copied from Joann's LJ

It's a BOY!!!!!

His name is Owen. He has red hair! He is 8lb 7oz and 23inches. Tall boy!

She sounded groggy but good. She'll be home Friday and hopefully she'll come on and give us all the details. If Chip sends me pictures, I'll post them here.

CONGRATULATIONS JOANN, CHIP, ALLI, AND WILL. HAPPY BIRTHDAY OWEN!!

[marathongirl]

CONGRATS JOANN!!! WELCOME TO THE WORLD OWEN!!!

Yikes, this means I'm next!

[ez2luv]

Jen - I've been MIA for a few days...I feel bad to not have wished you well before you left.
I do hope that everything is going well....thinking of Andrew....

Congrats Joann!!! And welcome Owen!

Marathon - hee hee
Yikes, this means I'm next!
(as music from a scary movie plays)
Hee Hee

Island - Well, we're going to see what doc says first about Belle and Mexico.
Not sure what we'll do..... thanks for sharing your wisdom!!!

[jeggink]

Congrats Joann, welcome Owen!

Update on Jen (Goldengbridge), Andrew went into surgery at 7:50am.

[jeggink]

Update from Jen, about 1/2 hr ago

We just got an update.Things are moving along smoothly. They were able to get through the scar tissue with no problems. He also went on bypass with no problems. They're connecting the gortex shunt from his Pulmonary Artery to his Inferior Vena Cana. They're about half way through at this point.

Thank you for the prayers...keep em coming!!!! Will update when I hear he's off bypass.

Stills ending lots of prayers!

[jeggink]

Another Update from Jen (Goldengbridge)


We just spoke with Dr. Gaynor and everything went well. He was happy with how well Andrew did. He did say that his heart rythm is a little high right now but he assured us that after the Fontan that is normal. He will have pacer wires that go directly to his heart to make it more regular. Those will hopefully come out tomorrow. They just brought him up to the CICU and we're waiting to see him. Dr.Gaynor said that he will be extubated shortly and he would like him to drink a little by this evening. I just hope Andrew is able to rest comfortable and doesn't experience any pain or discomfort.

Please pray that his heart is able to keep a regular beat, that his body adjusts well to the new circulation, and that is able to rest comfortablly. I will try to update at least one later. We just can't wait to see our little survivor..

And I've been waiting 2 years to write this...

Andrew is finally POST FONTAN!!!!!! Way to go buddy!


Woohooo, way to go Andrew!

[marathongirl]

hooray Andrew!!!

[purplevega]

Oh I have tears for Andrew....tears of joy. Andrew has been through so much. Thank god he is doing well. Big hugs!!!

Kim

[jeggink]

Another update from Jen

Just a quick update-

Andrew was extubated right after coming out of surgery. He has a fever so they have him on continuous tylenol and they have wet rags on him. It is SLOWLY coming down though. His heart is still being paced and we're praying that his heart is able to beat regular on its own VERY soon. He has been waking up for a few seconds and saying "Mama" and then goes back to sleep. We're trying not to stimulate him and let him rest.

He's doing well at the moment minus the pacing for his heart. Although he's covered in wires and tubes he does look pretty good. Well as good as you can look after open heart surgery.

Please pray for his heart to have a regular pace soon. Thank you for all the messages. They mean so much to us!

Jen

[ez2luv]

Dear God Jen....I know that hearing 'mama' in those circumstances is the best/worst thing you can possibly hear.
I'm in tears just remembering the sight of my Belle post-surgery.

You are one strong lady!
I wish you all the best with all I have.

<<<hugs>>>

[marathongirl]

Jen - Andrew is such a strong little kid! I hope and pray you had an easy night and that things look great this morning!

[jeggink]

Update from Jen

Andrew had a pretty good night. He was waking up and getting upset but he calmed down pretty easily. He's drinking now and tolerating juice well. This morning is a different story. He's in a lot of pain and uncomfortable. He's not sleeping as much and keeps waking up wimpering. They just ordered an increase in his morphine. He's restrained to the bed (which is not surprising knowing Andrew) but he still keeps trying to jump out of the bed. He also keeps reaching his hands up because he wants to be picked up. Its breaking my heart.

They just gave him some more lasix because he has some excess fluid which they said is normal. They haven't decreased the pacemaker at all from last night so we're hoping they will begin to do that after rounds which should be sometime this morning. His chest tube is draining a very minimal amount but I know they won't remove his lines unless his heart can keep a regular beat which its not.

Please pray for Andrew to be comfortable and for his heart to regulate the beat. The sooner his heart can get adjusted the sooner the lines can start coming out and then we can hold him. I'll update later after rounds when I know more. Thank for you the continued prayers.

Jen

Woohoo Andrew, you are doing great, lets get that heart regulated!!

[jeggink]

Update from Jen on Andrew

After a rough morning he's doing a little better. Urology came in to check his circumcision because it was bleeding and he flipped out.
They pulled one of his lines. His chest tube is still draining blood so that will probably stay in till tonight or even tomorrow.

They tried to stop the pacemaker during rounds and he didn't tolerate it so hes back on that. PLEASE PLEASE pray that his heart starts to keep a regular beat. I really don't want Andrew to have to go through another surgery to get a pacemaker. He's more awake now and watching Blue's Clues and visiting with his grandparents. I'll update again later..

Jen

Comeone Andrews heart, lets get regulated!!!

[Islandbride1025]

C'mon Andrew's heart, we're all pulling for you. Those updates have me in tears but thanks jeggink, keep em coming.

Congrats Joann and welcome to baby Owen. Can't wait to see pics.

[jeggink]

Update from Jen

So we need prayers for PEE!!!!! They took out his catheter around 1pm and he still hasn't peed yet. Urology was up to see him because his circumcision site was bleeding. Someone will be up again tonight to look at it. If he doesnt pee soon they'll have to put the catheter in. They're giving him diuretics because he's looking very puffy but we're hoping once he starts peeing he'll feel a lot better. We're just afraid he's holding it in because its painful to go. So we need some pee very soon!!

He's down to only morphine for pain, lasix, and an antibiotic which is amazing for only one day post op!! They're hoping to pull the chest tube tomorrow but we'll have to see because its still draining. They tried to take down the pacemaker once again but he didn't tolerate it so its still the same. He's been getting pretty worked up today but he's resting comfortablly. He still hasn't eaten anything which we're hoping will change either sometime tonight or early tomorrow morning.

All in all he's doing pretty good. We just need some pee and for his heart to regulate and then we'll be all set. His last chest xray looked really good so please pray it continues that way and he doesnt get any effusions!

I'll probably update in the morning again. Thank you for all the prayers and messages!

Jen

I just spoke with her and Andrew is doing well except for the issues above. She sounds tired, but is holding up.

[marathongirl]

C'mon Andrew! Regulate that heart and empty that bladder!!!

[jeggink]

Update from Jen, woohoo Andrew, way to go, keep up those recovery efforts and you will be home before you know it. jen, make sure to take care of yourself!

I'm so sorry this update is late. I was over at HUP (Hospital of the Univ. of Phila) because I'm dehydrated and have a UTI. Not fun! I was pretty sick all night long here at the hospital with Andrew.

The prayers for pee worked. He finally went at 1am!!!!! He's gone a few times after that but he cries when he goes but at least he's going!! And for the big news- They turned the pacemaker OFF and its been off since about 7 this morning. They're going to leave the pacer wires in for a couple of days in case he needs to be hooked up again but he's off and doing well! Praise God! His chest tube is still draining so that will likely stay in until tomorrow. They're weaning his O2 and he's done to a respectable 1/2 liter! That should be gone by later tonight!

He's doing well! Only have the pacer wires which we aren't using and the chest tube and his arterial line! He's finished with his antibiotics and only on some fluids, morphine occasionally, and lasix! Way to go Andrew! Keep those prayers coming so he can remain off the pacemaker!!! I'll update again later.

Jen

[marathongirl]

Jen - so happy to hear Andrew is moving right along! Remember to take care of yourself - Baby #3 needs you healthy just as much as Andrew does!

~~~

As for me I'm 37 weeks today so now it's just a waiting game. Claire was on time, but I guess K2 could really come any day now.:D :eek:

[ez2luv]

This post is for Andrew!!! No Pacemaker!!!!

:D :D :D

[jeggink]

Updates on Jen! Come on Andrew, time to get up and eat!!! Lots of prayers!

92 September 09, 2006 at 10:23 AM EDT
Alright Prayer Warriors we need some prayers! Andrew's got a Plueral Effusion (fluid around his lung) on the right side that is moderate right now. We need him to get up and around and to eat to get that sucker outta here!!Come on Andrew we know you can do it!!!

He's sleeping right now but we're trying everything to get him to eat and walk. Please pray for the fluid to go away very soon!


91 September 09, 2006 at 07:27 AM EDT
Good Morning!

Andrew had a pretty good night up until 5am when he decided he wanted out of the crib and tried to climb out!! Mickey and the nurse got him under control and hes sleeping comfortably now with some morphine.

Today is going to be a big day. He needs to get up and around and begin eating. The chest tube is still draining and they won't take it out until hes up and moving and eating because that cause cause more drainage. Better out than in! Thats all I know for now but I will update after rounds which should be later this morning.

I am about the same but did get some sleep last night. I just think this hit me harder than usual due to the stress and anxiety. But I'll keep resting when I can and drinking lots of fluids!

89 September 08, 2006 at 05:34 PM EDT
Today was exactly the day we've been praying for! He hasn't needed the pacemaker turned back on! Hooray!!!! And he even got out of bed and took a few steps...much to his dismay. He was not happy at all and I must say I don't blame him! He even went for a wagon ride to the step down unit and crashed a little s birthday party! Thats our guy! He's been much more awake today and hasn't need any morphine since this morning. He's been doing pretty good on the tylenol. He had his arterial line and IV in his foot removed! Now all thats left is the chest tube and pacer wires! And the good news is that his heart rate had been low but its been higher since he started moving around. Now he just needs to eat!

He is just absolutely amazing and continues to amaze everyone. He's even been doing his barnyard impressions for the Doctors! His last chest xray was still clear so we're still praying for no effusions! All in all he has had a good day! Mom is going to rest at the Ronald McDonald House tonight and try to gain some strength back but Andrew is well so thats what most important! Thank you so much for all the nice messages. We love you all and can never thank you enough for all the prayers!

Jen

[jeggink]

Another Update!

Ok, he just ate ONE and A HALF oreos!!!! WOHOO! He's also drinking more milk. Its definately a step in the right direction! We just moved over to 6 East and we're settling in. PLEASE pray that his xray looks better tomorrow. The only thing holding us up is the effusion and chest tube!

He's been riding around the unit in his little red wagon and when anyone stops to talk to him he tells them "bye bye" Poor guy is just misrable. I'm hoping he feels a little better soon. Its so hard to see him like this.

I'm staying with him tonight and Mick is going to head home for the night to check on some things. I'll update again in the morning once we have more info on the chest xray. I hope I can report that its all clear! I have pics and I'll try to have Mick post them when he goes home!

Jen

[marathongirl]

Keeping eating Andrew! Lots of hugs Jen!

[marathongirl]

Forgot to say yesterday -

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY ASHTON!!!

mommy2AlliWill - are you and Owen home from the hospital yet? How are things going?

[ez2luv]

So So Happy Jen!!!!!!! :D

[purplevega]

Big hugs to Jen. You are one strong mama!!!!!


Ashton's birthday was yesterday. What a blast. We hired a fire truck to come and set up hoses for the kids to play in. The rain held out for us. My prayers were answered. The weather has been terrible for over a week, but was nice for the party. Ashton decided not to nap yesterday so he was a little tired. I made zite salad and garlic bread. I ordered a cake from costco and was impressed. Here are some of Ashton professional photos. Click the link.

http://www.picturepeople.com/viewsharedalbum.aspx?SharedPictureGroupID=1468707&ShareKey=60c08eb721534428b99afc05822109e1

Kim

[ez2luv]

Great pics, purple!!! What a sweetie!!!!
Happy B-day Ashton!!!

:D

[jeggink]

Yesterdays update from Jen. Comeon Andrew!!!

What a long night! I ended up back at HUP this morning at 5:45. Still vomiting and diarrhea. 3 bags of fluid later and more meds. Looks like I'm heading home for in a few hours to rest up so hopefully I can finally begin to feel better!

They haven't rounded yet but his effusion is the same but the good news is the tube is draining well and he's peeing well also so it might all level out. The nurse mentioned something about MAYBE going home mid week if the effusion gets a little better and his output remains good. He ate a piece of bacon but he drinking very well. He's sleeping right now. Please pray for his effusion to get better and for us to be outta here by mid week! I could use a few extra prayers too. Its very hard trying to be here for Andrew when I feel wiped out and sick.

Keep praying- its working!


Happy Belated Birthday Ashton!! Wonderful pictures.

[mommy2AlliWill]

Jen- Hang in there! Lots of prayers for a continued recovery for Andrew & that you are feeling well too.

Judi- thanks for posting the updates. One of the first things I did when I got home Friday was peek in here to see how Andrew was doing.

Happy Birthday Ashton!!

Sue- hope you are hanging in there. The last couple weeks are rough.

Thank you all for the congrats!! Baby Owen is perfect! He was 8 pounds 7 ounces at delivery & 23 inches long, my tall baby boy. Alli & Will are doing great & I am slowly recovering from the c-cestion. Nursing is going great & I have had a lot of help with the two older kids....it is really, really hard being the Mom of 3 though.

A quick pic of the proud siblings:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/mom2alliwill/100_1949.jpg

[jeggink]

Update from Jen, lots of prayers and thoughts needed for Andrew!

September 11, 2006 at 12:41 PM EDT
Andrew needs LOTS of prayers. His chest xray showed that his effusion has gotten worse. They've decided to put another chest tube in which requires sedation and inserting another one into his chest. I don't know how much more we can take at this point. I feel so bad for Andrew. Needless to say we aren't going anywhere anytime soon. I'm just emotionally and pyshically exhausted and I know Andrew is as well. I can't stand to watch Andrew go through anymore. We're both sick and misrable and just want to go home.

PLEASE pray for this effusion to go away ASAP so this new chest tube will be able to be removed and for Andrew to have minimal pain through this extra procedure.

Jen

[marathongirl]

Lots and lots of prayers coming your way Jen!

[ez2luv]

Thinking of Andrew......

[jeggink]

Another Update

Just a quick update- the drained 10 ounces of fluid from his right lung!!!!!!! He's still waking up from sedation. We still need LOTS of prayers for this to clear up.

I probably won't get to update until tomorrow some time. Mick goes back to work so its just me here. Lets hope I start feeling better ASAP!

Until tomorrow,
Jen

[ez2luv]

Well,
In a mad dash to get Belle's B-day party ready for this weekend.
Last year I went way out (too far out).
This year with work and school, I just don't have the time to prepare anything.
I am buying her cake this year. I really wanted to make it, but just don't have the time nor energy
(HA - I can't see myself trying to paint Dora on a cake!!!)

I still have to get her a couple gifts!!!!
I'm out of ideas though, I gave them all away to others....

I got her 2 year pics back though, here are a couple.....

http://static.flickr.com/85/241179264_577327ce76.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/81/241179258_01af0941d1.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/90/241179268_28e8620976.jpg?v=0

:)

[Islandbride1025]

Jen stay strong, it'll get better.

purple great pics, so handsome.

ez she is absolutely adorable, looks like an angel.

mommy2alliwill my browser won't let me see your picture. Aww, I wanted to see Owen.

I've noticed this in other threads too, I can only see certain pictures. Is this happening to anyone else?

[jeggink]

Sorry late getting in for Jens update, very busy here today.

Hello everyone.

Andrew had a pretty good night probably due to the sedation they used for the chest tube. I actually got a little rest too which was nice. They decided they were going to pull the old chest tube so they gave him morphine and got him all ready and then the surgeon came in and said it wasnt ready to be pulled. Talk about getting your hopes crushed:( They're doing another chest xray and they said they would probably wait until tomorrow. The new chest tube really hasn't been draining all the much after the initial 10 ounces. His chest xray from this morning showed his lung remains clear- thank God. The Dr said they usually leave it in for a few days to see what its going to do and they also switched him over to oral diuretics instead of IV. The oral ones are supposed to not be as strong so they want to see if the fluid will stay away with the oral stuff that he can eventually be sent home with. Its just mentally exhausting at this point because the chest tubes are the boss and until they decide to stop draining here we sit. Andrew is just misrable and doesn't want to be here and I don't blame him.

FYI- the Lehigh Valley Heart is this weekend. Here is the link again for anyone who wants to donate- nows the time since its coming up in a few days!!!

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=149451&lis=1&kntae149451=0D081EEF98FF476C994C0B6919786E66&supId=138999550


If anything changes I'll post later after Mick gets here after work.

Jen



ez2luv LOVE the pictures, very cute!

[mommy2AlliWill]

Jen - praying for Andrew & you, thinking about you guys all the time.

Judi- thanks again for posting Jen's updates!

island- I used photobucket since I heard snapfish no longer works here? Not sure.


ez- what gorgeous pics!!

[jeggink]

Update from Jen

September 12, 2006 at 07:41 PM EDT
Hello All

I wanted to ask everyone to say some prayers for Andrew tonight. Please pray that this fluid starts to dry up. And that his one chest tube can come out tomorrow sometime. If we could all lift him up in prayer because I'm not quite sure how much more my little fighter can take. He's terrified of everyone and hes just had enough. Everything else is going fine but we just need to get this fluid under control.

I will update tomorrow after rounds when I know more. He will have had a chest xray by then so I will know what the plan is.

Thank you to a special person who saved me from the edge today. You know who you are and I love you very much.

Tomorrow I hope to have wonderful news,
Jen




From this morning..
Both chest tubes are still draining too much. Nothing is getting pulled today. The hell continues....

Still waiting to talk with Andrew's surgeon who has been away. I'll update later.

Jen

[marathongirl]

Oh Jen - my heart goes out to you guys!

I love the pics everyone has posted! Too bad snapfish won't let you hotlink anymore.

At my appt yesterday, I was a good 2cm dilated. Not that it means much - I was 2cm dilated with Claire for about 3 weeks. But things are moving along.

Claire is doing well in school. She really likes the teachers. I actually got a job at her preschool. I'll be working one afternoon a week as a classroom aid. I can bring both kids with me too.

We had major plumbing issues yesterday. Raw sewage spilling into the downstairs hallway. That's cleaned up and fixed thankfully, but the new floors that we had put in last September will need to be ripped up and replaced.

[jeggink]

marathongirl Ohhh, 2 cm, how wonderful!!! Oh my, that plumbing issue sounds horrible!! It's to bad you have to replace those floors, yuk!

Update from Jen!

September 14, 2006 at 08:31 AM EDT
We FINALLY talked with Dr. Gaynor last night about 8pm. He said the drainage in both tubes had slowed down from the day prior. He said that usually when that happens it is pretty uncommon for it to pick back up like it was. So we're hoping thats what will happen and the drainage won't pick back up. As of the morning the new chest tube had only drained 40 all day yesterday which is wonderful!! And the middle one that hes had since surgery drained 120 which is still a signifigant amount and way to much to be pulled. He's scheduled to be taken down to x-ray to get a more detailed look at his lungs. We should know more later this afternoon. I'm suspecting the right chest tube may be pulled either later today or tomorrow. If that happens we really have to focus on the left side decreasing. Dr. Gaynor said he's happy with Andrew's progress and from a cardiac standpoint he is doing well. It just really sucks because I feel like our lives are being controlled by these two tubes and until they decide they're done, we just sit and wait. Talk about frustrating.

We're hoping and praying for only a few more days possibly. Its just so hard because their is another little girl who just had her Fontan at CHOP and shes been there for 3 weeks waiting for her effusions to go away. I can't imagine 3 weeks! I feel so bad so I'm praying for them to go home soon too.

I will update later when I know more. Keep praying!!!!

Jen

[mommy2AlliWill]

jen - lots & lots of prayers for you guys!

sue- ugh! Sorry about the plumbing issue, just what you need, right?

[purplevega]

Oh Jen, you are a brave mama!!!! Big hugs.

Sue- Sounds like baby will be hear sooner than later.

Ashton has been ill with an ear infection. We are on the mend and taking it easy.

Kim

[Islandbride1025]

Dropping in to check on Andrew, always thinking about y'all.

marathon you're still hanging in there. Good for you being able to work at Claire's school. That's horrible about the plumbing.

Howdy to everyone else. Nasty rainy day here in NJ.

[marathongirl]

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY NORA!!!

Jen - lots of prayers that this is all behind you soon!

purplevega - sorry about Ashton's ear. Claire started with a runny nose this morning.

Hello to everyone else!

[ez2luv]

Happy B-day Nora!!!

I feel like I'm getting sick too. Actually I went into Belle's room last night before I went to bed (ya, I'm a checker!!)
Her room reeked of puke!!!
I searched everywhere, she woke up and gave me the nastiest look for waking her up...anyway, couldn't find anything at all......
???

:)

[purplevega]

Happy b-day Nora!!!!!

Kim

[jeggink]

Happy Birthday Nora

Happy Birthday tomorrow Claire!! (not here much on weekends!)

I to am getting sick. Hate being sick and pg, yuk!

Update from last night
September 14, 2006 at 05:51 PM EDT
Still waiting to see Dr. Gaynor as of today but we did see the resident. His chest tubes have both decreased ALOT! Praise GOD! As long as his xray looks clear tomorrow and it doesnt pick back up with the drainage I *think* they may pull the right tube tomorrow. They said they dont like to pull them both at the same time. It feels so good that I think prayers are beginning to be answered with the major decrease in fluid. Please keep praying that the drainage stays low and he'll be able to have them pulled over the next 2 days!

He's hanging in there. He walked a bit today and played a tiny bit in the play room. He also has been eating pretty well for all he's been through. All the nurses love him and keep telling him how cute he is. But I told them that he already knows;)

Hopefully only a few more days..

Until later
Jen

[AttyGrl74]

Thanks girls!

And Happy Birthday Claire! (tomorrow!)

Tami Belle is just gorgeous! She looks very grown up!

Jen & Andrew Sending thoughts and prayers for easier recovery...

I was thinking about Steph last night - has she been on lately?

Nora's b-day party is tomorrow - and I'm not really prepared. Ah well. It is still mainly just adults. We're having it at a park in a shelter which is right next to the playground, so that will entertain Nora and any of the 2 or 3 other kids who may come. Grilling burgers and hotdogs and that's about it!

[ez2luv]

Atty - Sounds like a nice party.
Wish we could do ours outdoors. I've had to downsize the b-day guestlist becasue we have to have it inside.
It's supposed to snow tonight :eek: I hate, hate, hate snow.
Very strange that it's so cold already, Sept is usually the nicest month.
I think we're in for a very long winter this year. I'll be definately making some island plans!!!

~DH and I are taking a road trip tonight to see 'Phantom Of The Opera'. I've seen it a few times and DH hasn't yet. He's so excited, it funny and cute!
Our dayhome provider will be taking Belle and she'll be staying there overnight. It'll be a first for her staying there, I hope it all goes well.
Then, I have another BBQ get-together for work to go to on Sat night. Then, the b-day party is on Sun...and I still need to prepare!!!
It's going to be a busy weekend!

:D HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLAIRE!!!!!!!

[SiValleySteph]

I'm here! I'm just boring! :p

I've been following along with Andrew's progress. I hope he is continuing on his upward swing today! It's so hard to imagine Andrew in a hospital bed since he is such a lively boy (from his pictures).

I'll post more later when I'm feeling a little less boring and I don't have a meeting to go to... :D

[jeggink]

Update from Jen this eveing
Today has been a difficult day. Andrew hardly slept last night and was up all day as well. The good news is that his right chest tube was pulled around 3pm. We were told yesterday that the left could be pulled on Saturday if the drainage stayed low but low and behold this morning it picked back up again:( Will this ever end??

He seems a little more comfortable without the right one and now they have to watch carefully to make sure the fluid doesn't being to re accumulate on that side. They said they won't even consider pulling the left until the drainage decreases dramatically. So I'm asking for a few more prayers please. Please pray that the left tube begins to stop draining so it can be pulled in the next few days and for the right one to remain dry as well. I'm not sure how much more any of us can take, especially Andrew.

For anyone wanting to send ecards please remember he's now in 6 East, not the CICU. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Love,
Jen

[purplevega]

Happy B-day Clair!!!!!!

Andrew stop draining. I can't wait to her all the chest tubes are out. Big hugs Jen!!!!!

Kim

[jeggink]

Happy Birthday Belle!!!

OK some updates from Jen from the weekend. I will post this mornings 1st as Andrew needs some prayers...

September 18, 2006 at 08:04 AM EDT
** Urgent Prayer Request**

Last night around 10pm Andrew's nurse noticed his chest tube has dislodged itself. Then all hell broke loose. Turns out the stitch came loose and the whole thing was hanging out. People started running into the room, he was rushed back to CICU. A chest xray at midnight showed that air got into his left lung and now it is collapsed. Right now he is back in getting yet ANOTHER chest tube re inserted to drain the air out. They have him on 2 liters of O2. I honestly don't know how much more any of us can take at this point. I'm not sure what is going to happen right now. Please keep him in your prayers for a safe procedure as they anesthesize him again and that they can get the air out of his lung and that this chest tube doesn't have to stay in very long. And mostly please pray for comfort. He has been through so much and I can't imagine how much pain and fear he is in.

I'll update when I know more

Jen




September 17, 2006 at 05:53 PM EDT
His chest tube has barely drained ALL DAY!! Could this be it? Could the end of plueral effusions be near? I feel like I need to keep my excitement and my desire for home in check or that tube is going to start again. Deep breathe and positive thoughts. As long as the drainage is minimal and the xray tomorrow morning is good Andrew should be able to have it pulled tomorrow. He needs lots of prayers tonight for no drainage and a clear xray. And maybe one for a little tiny bit of happiness because he is absolutely misrable. We keep telling him to hang in for a few more days but of course he doesn't understand. Please pray!

I'll update after rounds tomorrow morning when we know more!!

Jen


September 17, 2006 at 08:56 AM EDT
GOOD LUCK TEAM ANDREW!!!!!

The heart walk is this morning and I'm sorry we can't be there! Your team captain will be there in spirit! We'll be wearing our tshirts at the hospital! Thank you for everyone participating in the walk this year and for everyone who donated. Have a great time walking everyone!

Also a BIG thank you to Karin from Saving Little Hearts for the wonderful care package! It is wonderful.

His drainage decreased over night. They're going to keep a close eye today and tonight and maybe tomorroww....fingers and legs crossed.... please keep praying!!!

Remaining hopeful,
Jen


September 16, 2006 at 01:00 PM EDT
Nothing new to report. The left tube continues to drain. Dr. Gaynor was is and is still happy with Andrew from a cardiac standpoint. He said they would try to play around with his diuretics to see if they can get some fluid to come off. He said to try to be patient. Easier said than done. He had a better night with Daddy night last night so I'm hoping he'll start sleeping a little better. We're going to try to get him up as much as possible this weekend and get in to the playroom to try to brighten his spirits. Hopefully it won't be too much longer till we can all go home.

I haven't announced this on this page yet but now that I have some good news I think its time. We're expecting again in March. I had an ultrasound this week and it appears the the baby has a 4 chamber heart! Thank God. I have to go for a fetal echo here at CHOP on 10/9 for a more detailed look. Last week when I was really sick we were quite scared but everything is looking good with this little one.

Keep praying!

Jen

[Islandbride1025]

So much has happened these last 2 days, Jen we are thinking of you and your family.

Happy Belated Birthday's to Nora, Claire and Belle.

Pie's is Wednesday with her party on Saturday. I'm having it at an amusement park for kids. Hope the weather holds.

Not much going on, construction still hasn't started on our addition, by now I thought it would have been framed, but contractor is backed up with all the rain we've had. One of these days, hopefully. I want my new bedroom by Xmas.

[SiValleySteph]

Oh no. Jen & Andrew & family, we are thinking of you all, especially with this temporary set back.

***

I have another little video of Lucas if anyone is interested (click the picture for the video):
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/94926/20060916/211523.jpg (http://www.dropshots.com/videolink.php?userid=94926&cdate=20060916&ctime=211523&showVideo=1)

[marathongirl]

Jen - continued good thoughts and prayers!

Happy 2nd Birthday Belle!!!

[ez2luv]

Well, we had Isabelle's party yesterday.
All went well, I was sooo exhausted!!!!
Lots of work, very stressful - as you all know, of course.
Gone for another year.

Today is her actual birthday, we just went out for brunch this morning wth FIL, had some pancakes.
Today will be a quiet day.

~~~~

Jen - Best wishes, stay strong.

SiValleySteph - What do you use to post video???
I've been trying to figure that out forever!!!!!.........
What a cute video,
Belle says, "A B C D X Y Z" She's got a few to learn! HA!

[AttyGrl74]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELLE!

Thinking of you Jen & Andrew

[SiValleySteph]

I totally forgot about wishing everyone happy birthday! I can't believe I am so clueless! We have 2 year olds already!

I need to go and check out the list to be sure I don't miss anyone, but Happy Birthday Nora, Belle, Andrew, Claire, Ashton!!
Crap, I'm late for a meeting...

Oh video hosting is by dropshots.com - check it out ez2luv, I would love to see some video of Belle! :D

[ez2luv]

Thanks steph, I'm off to try the site......

:D

[jeggink]

Updates from Jen. Comeon Andrew, no fluid!!! Woohoo for no more tubes!!

September 19, 2006 at 05:40 PM EDT
The did pull the chest tube much to my surprise. We all have to pray that his chest xray tomorrow morning looks good and that the effusions don't get worse!!! He's going to have an echo tomorrow as well. I'm trying to take one day at a time and not get to ahead of ourselves. He's in pain right now from having the tube pulled but I hope he'll start to feel better soon. It has to feel better getting that out.

Thank you for all the messages and emails. I'm sorry I can't answer all of them personally. I just can't get more than a minute or two away from Andrew which makes it difficult. We really appreciate all the prayers!

Praying for a clear xray tomorrow morning.....

Jen


107 September 19, 2006 at 01:24 PM EDT
I wish I had an update with info but I don't. I'm frustrated. No one has come to talk to me yet and its almost 1:30. They told me last night the air was gone out of his chest and they would more than likely pull the chest tube this morning. He had 2 chest xrays done today and still nothing. If I had to guess I'd say they probably aren't going to pull it which doesn't make any sense to me since it has hardly drained anything.

Anyone who asks me about CHOP knows how much I love this place. We had such a wonderful expereince here the first and second time. Well I just don't know what happened here. I can't get a straight answer out of anyone. It is really starting to work my nerves. Paired with the fact that I'm here by myself during the week and I'm about ready to lose my mind. I'm sitting here day after day watching my little boy who used to be so happy and full of life just getting sadder and more withdrawn the longer this goes on. I just really wish there was family or someone who could come down and give us a little break. But the three of us march on because thats what we have to do.

My wish is to come back and post later that the chest tube got pulled but I don't have much faith that that will happen. I'll update when I know more.
Jen

[mommy2AlliWill]

Continued prayers for Andrew & jen!

Happy birthdays to Nora, Claire, Belle, & Madison.

[jeggink]

Wooohooo Jen!! Way to go! Can't wait till you tell us you are home!!! Andrew will be so happy!

September 20, 2006 at 01:00 AM EDT
Andrew just had his xray and echo to get ready for DISCHARGE!!!!! I can't even beleive it. His xray came back better today and although he still has the effusions his Doctors feel that they can be managed on an outpatient level. We just got back from his echo and hes taking a nap. Mickey's on the way to spring us out!

I will have to bring Andrew back on Friday for a follow up and I will likely need to bring him back several times for the next few weeks until the effusions clear up. I'd much rather VISIT Philadelphia than stay here so thats fine with me!

I will update when we get home safely but please be patient with us. Andrew will not be able to have visitors for a while yet. I will probably be a little slow with phone calls but please understand. Transitioning back home is going to take some time especially for Andrew.

We thank you all for your continued support, prayers, and love.

Until I update from HOME...

Jen

[marathongirl]

WOOHOO Andrew! :D Have a very safe trip home!!!

[Islandbride1025]

YEAH Andrew! Jen so glald you are going home. Being home will definitely speed Andrew's recovery.

Today is Pie Pie's birthday, sniff sniff.... Where did my baby go? She now crosses her arms across her chest when she's mad. Gotta stop that quick.
Took a Baskin Robbin's ice cream cake to her school, then more cake tonight and again on Saturday. There goes the diet :rolleyes:.

[jeggink]

Happy Birthday Pie!. Mmmmm, cake!

[SiValleySteph]

YEAH!!! :D I'm so glad Andrew was released.

Happy birthday Pie! And I realize I missed Will, Nikko, Kayleigh, and Kylie, so Happy late birthday to you all! :D

[marathongirl]

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY PIE!!!

[SiValleySteph]

I love ice cream cake. I'm so jealous of Pie. :D

Sue, Did you get all the plumbing mess taken care of? I hope it's all sorted out since #2 will be coming very soon!

[ez2luv]

Way to go, Andrew!!!!!! So very happy for you Jen!

Happy Birthday PIE!!!!!

:D

[marathongirl]

Steph - yes, for the time being the plumbing mess is fixed. The actual plumbing is taken care of and we shouldn't have a problem again. The insurance claims adjuster came out the other day, so now we just need to replace the flooring in the hallway, part of the family room and part of the laundry room. Yeah. BTW, are you still running?

~~~

As for me, I think K2 will be here sooner rather than later. My gut is telling me I won't make it until 10/1. I've pretty much got everything ready and finally packed a hospital bag last night. Now we just wait.

[purplevega]

Happy b-day Pie!!!!

Way to go Andrew. Happy healing thoughts!!!!

Kim

[SiValleySteph]

Sue, We have been lacksidasical about running. We really burnt out, I think, and then it was summer and we just didn't feel like it. We decided to start up again, so we did another 5k last weekend (our 5th of the year). It's going to be tight to reach our goal of 8 for the year, but it's still a possibility! :) Lucas loved last weeks because it was sponsered by Whole Foods, so there were all kinds of goodies at the after-run fair - he had Naked juices, almond butter sandwiches, Organic Valley milk and chocolate soy milk, organic cheese sticks, Annie's cheddar bunnies, organic apples, biscotti, etc., etc. That kid was stuffed! :D

[marathongirl]

Just wanted to say -

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY JOSEPH AND LUCAS!!!

I know I'm late on one and early on the other. Wanted to be sure I got them in!

Hope everyone is doing well!

[jeggink]

A post from Jen on her Carepage early this morning. Lots of prayers being sent their way!

***URGENT PRAYER REQUEST****

At 3:45 this morning Andrew was admitted back into the CICU with difficulty breathing. We're waiting to hear whats going to happen next. He needs all the prayers you can send.

More info later....

Jen

[jeggink]

OK, here is a video with pictures from Josephs Birthday. I hope you all enjoy! I will be making it private in a few days and remove the link.

http://www.clipshack.com/Clip.aspx?key=6803B15278DECD86

[jeggink]

Update from Jen

Long version-

At 11:30 last night Andrew woke up grunting and his sats were low. I called CHOP and they advised me to take him to Lehigh Valley Hospital. When we got there I had to explain to the ER Dr what HLHS is- never good!! He even mentioned something about Andrew being in congestive heart failure-not the thing we wanted to hear. I asked that his local Cardiologist be paged and he did end up coming in to see him and checking him out. They said his chest xray looked pretty bad but then again they didnt have anything to compare it to. The decision was then made to have Andrew transported to CHOP. He was stable so they let us drive him down. We got here at 3:45am. They did a chest xray and put an IV in. He fell asleep pretty quickly after that. Early this morning Andrew's Cardiologist and surgeon came in and talked to Mickey- I was passed out in the family lounge. The said that the fluid had not in fact gotten worse but his lung wasnt fully expanding because of the whole incident with his collapsed lung last week which made it appear that his whole was full of fluid. Again, our local hospital didnt have anything to compare it too. He was grunting as a way to push his lung out. He was been absolutely stable since he got here and his sats have been fine. They said they're going to continue with the IV diuretics throughout today and have someone come and do some chest PT on him to get some of that fluid moving to see if they can get his lung to open more. If he continues to do well and his xray looks the same or better tomorrow they will let us come home. PLEASE pray that is the case.Over the weekend Andrew was just finally starting to act more like himself. This is the last place on earth the three of us want to be right now. We are relieved though that hes ok and the xray appeared worse than what it really was. We're getting ready to move back to our home away from home 6 east.

I will update later. Keep praying!!

Jen

[AttyGrl74]

Oh Jen - Andrew deserves a break already! Big hugs to you guys. And lots of good thoughts and prayers.

Anyone know if there are shots at the 2 yr. visit? And if so are they bad?

Can I just say how fun Nora has become. I love being able to actually communicate with her in a meaningful manner (at least most of the time). She's getting all 4 of her 2 year molars right now - they're not bugging her, but what is cool is that we've been able to talk about the new teeth and we care for them together and we look at them every night. I just love this stage of linguistic development.

[ez2luv]

jeggink - What a sweet video!! Isabelle loved it too, she sang along.
Actually she waked up every morning singing 'Happy Birthday' to herself. She had done that for weeks now! Ha! Everyday's her b-day around here!!!!

Jen - Like Kelly said, enough already!!! So sorry this goes on and on. I pray for some peace for you all....

Atty - We just got bacl from bloodwork from Belle's 3-year visit. Not sure if this was a usual thing or not. As for shots (immunizations), she had hers at 18 months and not again for a few years.

````

I have been working at it for over a year now and she finally said it!!!!!!
A few days ago she just looked at me and said, "I love you, mom"!!!!!
Ahhhhh, the best thing ever!!!!
:D

We, we had an interesting last few days. Right now I have the stomach flu (hurts so bad!!!)
We had Harley (our dog) fixed last week with his yearly check-up, at the advice of the vet for his 'mood'. He was fine with Belle for the first year, and now she plays rough, jumps on him and pulls (and I don't think he's the right breed to withstand that)
Anyway, he got fixed, and the day after we brought him home, Belle jumped on him and he bit her (again)
He got her in the chin, and the tongue (she must have jumped on him mouth open for a kiss)
We spent the whole night in emerg, the next day I gave the dog away.
She's so sad, but it couldn't happen one more time.
Anyway, it's been a tough week, hopefully next will be better.
:rolleyes:

[Islandbride1025]

Jen oh no! Sending prayers and hopes of a speedy recovery.

Atty, Pie went on Friday and she didn't get a shot, she was given a prescription to get a lead test. Her next shots are at 4 yrs.

ez, so sorry about Belle and the dog. Feel better.

jeg my job won't let me view your video/pics. I'm sure they're great.

I woke up this morning with 1 swollen gland, it hurts so much to swallow. Went to our company's nurse, she said Strep, but when she gave me the test, it came back negative. Glad it wasn't Strep, don't want to pass that to the kids.

[marathongirl]

Jen - lots of thoughts and prayers!

Atty - Claire just got a lead test at her 2-year visit.

Not much else going on. Hope everyone doing well!

[marathongirl]

Can you ladies please send me some labor vibes? I think I'm ready to be done. EDD is this Sunday, but now I'm thinking I'll be PG into next week. Claire was 3 days late, which certainly isn't bad, I'm just done. It will be bittersweet as this will be our last child unless something changes 3-4 years down the road. At my OB appt yesterday, I was still 2cm dilated. I know that doesn't really mean a whole lot as things can change *very* quickly. My next appt isn't until 10/4 - that's already after my due date. Hopefully, I'll be cancelling that one.

Hope all is well with everyone!

[purplevega]

Sue- Sending labor vibes!!!

Jen-Hope Andrew is doing better

Ashton, Bill and I are off to spend a weekend at Coco Beach, FL. I am speaking at a conferance and they are paying for the whole trip. Our hotel is right on the beach, so i am looking forward to being lazy at the beach.

One of Ashton's back molars pushes through last night. You would have thought the poor kid was in labor as much as he has been screaming and crying. I am been doping him up with pain meds as that seems to be his only relief.

Hi to everyone else. Hope you are having a nice week.

Kim

[AttyGrl74]

GO SUE GO!

[cpbride8203]

Hi girls! First I want to apologize for my lack of posts...I have not been handling my last few weeks at home too well. I really DO NOT want to go back to work on Monday. But I have been reading along and thinking of all of you.

Jen - I hope Andrew is doing better. He is in my thoughts!

Sue - I hope #2 shows up soon!

Joann - Congrats on the birth of Owen!!

Hello to everyone else and Happy Birthday to all of our 2 year olds.

I will write a much longer post on Monday from my desk at work (URGH!)

[jeggink]

Hoping you are in labor Sue!!

Jen had a drs appointment for Andrew today and had some not to great news. See below

I feel like I'm in a nightmare and I can't wake up.

Andrew is being readmitted as I type this to have another chest tube placed. The fluid on the left has gotten worse. I honestly don't know how much more my poor baby can take. Just when he was starting to act like himself he has to endure yet another procedure and more pain.

I have no idea how long we'll be here for. Its just so hard to not feel hopeless at this point.

I'll post later after the chest tube is in.

Just pray for this to end soon. And to make matters worse i'm here by myself with him.

Jen

[marathongirl]

Jen - lots of good thoughts and prayers coming your way!

No sign of K2 here yet.

[jeggink]

Update from Jen. Lots of prayers and Hugs being sent her way!

They removed 250ccs from Andrew's left Plueral space. And the bad news is that the effusions are Chylous- the worst kind to have. That means that the fluid is full of fatty tissue. So in addition to IV diuretics and the chest tube he can't have milk and will have to be a on a low fat diet. Chylous effusions take the longest to drain.

We need all the prayers we can get right now. Especially Andrew!!

More tomorrow,
Jen

[marathongirl]

Jen - all kinds of good thoughts, big hugs, and loud prayers being sent your way!

***

Well, it's October 1st and K2 has shown no signs of arriving anytime soon. I suppose since it's only just after 7am, he/she still has about 17 hours to make a timely appearance ;) . Claire was 3 days late, so hopefully it will happen sometime this week. Then again, my L&D with Claire was fast and furious so there's still some hope for today. At least I'll be able to watch the Jets vs. Colts game in the comfort of my own house. But I could really use some labor vibes sent my way. Thanks!

[jeggink]

Update from Jen

Sorry for the lack of updates today. Andrew's chest tube hardly drained anything last night. The surgical fellow wanted to check it this morning to make sure there wasnt a clot and sure enough there was and when he drained out the clot, 100 more cc's came pouring out!!!! My poor little boy can't get a break. He's been doing pretty good with the low fat diet and is even drinking the skim milk like a champ. I must say his spirts were pretty good today. He screamed when we took him to the playroom and when we stopped to talk to people in the hall but when we're in the room with him we was singing along to his Sesame Street dvds and talking with us.

They finally moved us to a private room this evening. Having a roomate is no fun especially when you're trying to sleep.

The plan is to continue on the low fat diet until the end of the week if the effusions don't start to dry up. At the end of the week if it looks like he's still draining they're going to take him in for a heart cath. We are praying this will not be needed because we really don't want Andrew to have to go through another procedure and more anesthesia.

This week is going to be tricky. Mickey started his new job at Ingersoll Rand on Friday and now instead of being close to Philly, he's now working in northern New Jersey. I don't know how the commute is going to work between NJ, home, and Philly but we'll have to see. Its just going to be hard for Andrew and I to be at CHOP all by ourselves. But if thats what needs to be done I guess we'll deal with it.

Please pray that Andrew's effusions begin to dry up and he doesn't need a heart cath.

Jen

[SiValleySteph]

Happy birthday Joseph! :D

On a sadder note, I am so bummed that Andrew is back in the hospital. We just got back from Hawaii this weekend and I spend the week thinking he was at home and on the mend. Jen, We are thinking of you and your family. I hope Andrew is able to come home again soon!

Oh, and Lucas had his brithday while we were in Hawaii. It was very nice. He got a kitchen for his present and he loved playing with it all day yesterday. All of a sudden it seems like he can talk really well. Just a couple weeks ago we were hanging out with her friend and I thought it was amazing how well her daughter was talking (the kids are 2 weeks apart) and now Lucas is talking almost as well as she was. Surprising how fast they change!

[ez2luv]

I don't know if jen is coming here at this time, but it's just aweful what they are going through. I keep coming here hoping there's great news.....I feel so bad, I just can't imagine. I want to hear you are all home safe and sound, more than fingers crossed.....

SiValleySteph - you have any pictures to share?? I should have reqested you bring back some warmth for me...longing for a warm vacation....mmmmm

Marathon - Made a lunch date with some friends, labor will come....hee hee.

Too much here to keep me busy and away from posting.....
Belle is VERY sick with a cold - fever, runny nose, not eating much nor drinking even juice (you know a toddler is feeling bad when they won't drink juice!!)
Plus, she's getting a couple molars and has one nasty bum rash on top of it.
Oh ya, it's Fun here all right.

I'm trying to study for my final this week (last one!)

Plus, we're getting new flooring this weekend, so we have to gut the entire house (somehow :eek: ) and move out for a week.

Like I said, I need a vacation!!!!!!!!!

[ez2luv]

By the way....I need some Halloween costume ideas......

:D

[jeggink]

OK, 2 updates from Jen.

This morning
Sorry for the lack of updates but its hard to get to the computer and take care of Andrew. He drained about 70 ccs yesterday and its slowed down considerably. We're just waiting to hear how his xray looks from today. If the drainage slowed down and his xray looks good then we're headed in the right direction. If the drainage slowed down and his xray looks bad things won't be so good. So i'm trying to stay patient and optimistic until I hear how it looks.

Other than that nothing new to report. Just really sick of being in the hospital. Its hard to see people come in after you and leave before you. I'm hoping and praying we do get to go home soon though.

More later afterf I hear about the xray-
Jen



This evening

His xray looks better! I spoke with Dr. Gaynor breifly and he said hopefully a few more days!! But he said hes not making any promises and I can't blame him for that. The drainage today has been minimal so I do think we're headed in the right direction. Please pray that this fluid keeps drying up and we're able to come home soon!

Keep praying,
Jen

[Islandbride1025]

Hiya all!

I can't believe you're still hanging in there Marathon.

Jen glad Andrew is such a strong boy. You and your family stay strong.

ez good luck with finals. Hmmm costumes, I was thinking princess this year. My aunt bought her a black cat costume, but I don't really like it. But you're creative so I'm sure finding something will be no problem.

Yes Steph please post pics of Hawaii, I'm sure Lucas had a ball.

Hi to those I missed.
~~~
Pie's birthday was very nice, the weather held up that Saturday. I'll try to post pics.

One more month and we are off to Cancun, goodness I can't wait.

[SiValleySteph]

Twist my arm...

Here's a link to his 2 year old pictures (on his birthday) shot on the North Shore of Oahu.
2 year old pictures (http://siqimo.blogspot.com/)

DH made an online photo album somewhere with picassa/gmail/whatever, but I'll have to get the link from him. This will do for now. :p

island, You're going to have so much fun in Cancun! I will be jealous for sure!

marathon, We are all eagerly awaiting news of K2! :D

ez, Lucas is supposed to be a panda. I say "supposed to be" because I am making the costume and I still need to make the panda helmet. Note to self: get back to work on that!

[marathongirl]

Jen - hoping to see really good news about Andrew soon!

ez2luv - good luck with finals!

steph - glad you had a good time in Hawaii!

island - Cancun, I'm jealous! How are the renovations going?

Halloween - Claire said she wants to be a princess. K2 is going to wear the orange cat costume Claire wore for her first Halloween.

No baby yet, but I've been having contractions all morning. Maybe tonight or tomorrow.

[purplevega]

Sue- Sending Labor Vibes!!!!

Jen-HAng in there mama, sounds like Andrew is on the mend!

Halloween-Ashton is going to be a Train Conductor. I bought blue and white striped overalls and a red shirt. I also got a red bandana and blue and white striped hat. The problem in FL is it is still hot in October and all the super cute costumes are so hot.

Ashton's molars are coming in and he is not happy. We went for his well visit today and he was 28 lb and 37.5 inches tall. His iron was 10.8 and suppose to be 11 so Ashton will be eating more Kale. Poor kid!!!! Other than that not much here. I think DH and I have decided that we will try for K2 in spring of next year!!! I am soooooooooooooooooo scared but my baby is not a baby anymore. I want a baby!!!

I spent the weekend at Coco Beach, FL at a La Leche League conferance. All the babies gave me more baby fever. But then I went back to the hotel room to a 2 year old that stayed up until 10 pm. So reality check. Think I will wait to spring......

Kim

[jeggink]

Updates from Jen from yesterday.

Morning
*One month since surgery*

Quick update-

Still haven't spoken with anyone as of this morning. Yesterday he drained 108 ccs....way to much for the tube to be pulled. They did say his xray looks a little better this morning. Waiting to speak with Dr. Gaynor. Please fluid- go away we want to go home!!!!!!!!!

I'll update later after I talk with the Drs. Keep praying for this fluid to go AWAY!

Jen



Afternoon
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!! WE LOVE YOU!

A little early but who knows when I'll get to update tomorrow! Mick I wish we could all be together on your birthday!

I spoke with both Andrew's Cardiologist and Surgeon. He has tenatively been scheduled for a cath on Monday but everyone is hoping he won't need it. They were going to do it Friday but Dr. Wernovsky convinced them to give Andrew a few more days. Dr. Gaynor was really upbeat today and said he was happy with the drainage so far. (He had only drained 25ccs at 3pm) But then around 4 he dumped a bunch more out:( Right now hes up to about 60 ccs for the day which really isnt bad and if Andrew hadnt been having all these effusion issues they would