RollersInVegas

Going back to Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Wed, 09 May 2012 06:10:00 +0000

So, for the last few weeks, Isaac has been sleeping a little longer and wanting to take naps. Usually, this should overjoy a parent...but, it just didn't sit right with me. Remember, Isaac can't even run...he doesn't do anything that exerts a lot of energy. He just sits in his swing or rocking chair all day....or he's laying on the floor.

As I watch this change at home, I start getting calls from his preschool that he's just laying around on the floor at school too. So...I call our cardiologist. The appointment setter was nice enough to remind me that I was just there three months ago..but, moms know best, and they should see him

Whew. I just know that I'm over-reacting, but I'm ok with that. They get us in that week (last Thursday). Dr Ludwig listens to my concerns and then starts the echo. Then, turns to me and says , "can you be in Las Vegas in the next week or two? He needs to go in for a cath now!"

What??

He said that just since our last visit three months ago, the pressures in his right side have gone up way too fast. He reassured me that it's probably just narrowing in some pulmonary arteries that he just can't see on the echo and Isaac will just need ballooning or stents.
With my luck...all the fatty foods I feed him to gain weight has blocked an artery!!

Dang it

So...we have our cath next Friday (first one of the day...thank goodness). And dr. G knows isaac's heart as good as my Standord favorites. It just scares me to death that it's fairly urgent to get in and start working on it...And his only symptom was fatigue. His Sats are fine, no puking or wretching. It's just weird.

Now....if my nerves aren't torn up enough already. While I was on the phone with the heart center making my appt for the cath, Eli was in the bathroom getting ready for scouts. Something just told me to walk out and look in the garage (while I'm talking to the scheduler)...when I open the door from the laundry room that leads out to the garage...I see Isaac...STANDING in the ROAD.

Yes

He knows how to open doors now. And when he sees us getting ready, he will head for the door. I have NO idea how he walked over the threshold by himself ( he's not a good walker), or down the slope of the garage floor or the driveway.

Yes

I'm on the phone trying to save his heart and he could have gotten run over by a car.

Yes.
I do listen to that still small voice. All the time.

I need a nerve pill now.

As for the rest of the family, If Chris can pass algebra 2, he will graduate June 9th ( if he doesn't pass...he will be listening to my nagging all through summer school). Eli is doing awesome in school...and did I tell you that his car won first place in the pinewood derby race? And joe...got promoted. He's now managing over 100 banks.

(I typed all this in my little phone because I'm just too tired and lazy to sit at my desk) and...I don't see a spell check button!

Guess Who's FIVE years old today!!??!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 01:51:00 +0000

I know...what a slacker blogger I've been.
I'll try and do better.
Today, we're SO excited to celebrate Isaac's 5th birthday. We're not planning any crazy extravaganza....just some cake and ice cream and lots of presents (which he still can't open!)

Look at how much he's changed. From a babydoll in the NICU...

To our little stinker with the curl on top of his head...

To the wise old man with glasses...

To the MOST adorable creature on this planet!

To the now super cool kiddo that he is!

SO...at five years old, Isaac can:

work the ipad and iphone AMAZINGLY well. He can find his movies in Netflix, start his songs, and start his apps (he doesn't play them, just opens them...waits a moment and closes them)
he can say "ma ma ma"..but, he doesn't mean ME....he uses it when he's mad at something. He can also say "ne ne ne ne" which means NO. REALLY mad NO!
he giggles now...a few times a day. I love that sound!
he continues to love YoGabbaGabba and he also loves Dora.
his favorites snacks at the moment are sour cream and onion pringles and chips ahoy cookies (he can pick them up and eat them. Well, he doesn't really chew....they just absorb in his mouth and he can then swallow them).
he's still in his "special" preschool class and loves it. he gets all his therapies, horse therapy, and swimming once a week.
he LOVES to swing (so much so that we've made a swing for him to use in the living room)
he lets me brush his teeth now! (we have a singing Veggie Tales tooth brush and a Gabba one)
he can't talk, but he pulls us by the hand and guides EVERYONE to what he wants.
he his leg braces and still walks a little wobbly (but, he can walk~!)
he's still in diapers (and I don't see an end in site)
he eats four meals by mouth a day (pureed and I have to spoon feed him) He can't drink liquids yet, so they all still go in his g-tube
he hates wearing his glasses, but he has crazy eyes when he takes them off!

Isaac is our miracle baby and we're so blessed that he chose us to be his parents. He's SO lucky to have great big brothers that look after him and love them with all their heart (well, maybe Eli shows more love than Chris--i think)

Thanks for loving our little man.

Where to start...

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:48:00 +0000

First of all...Yes, I'm pretty sure those are gang signs that he's sporting, and yes...he probably will be in jail soon if he keeps driving his GIRL around in his car before it's LEGAL to do so.

The Beast continues to amaze us. He LOVES this computer (it's a touch screen)...and he loves to play NickJr....touching the screen, licking the screen...he just can't get enough.

And Eli. He's still working hard in scouts, and yes...he wears these glasses (with no lenses) daily...even to school. (they actually came in Isaac's DJ Lance Rock costume package)

We have just been SO totally crazy busy here. Let me just give you a quick rundown: (although, I can't remember where we last left off)....Since moving to Reno in July, we've:

Chris is doing just HORRIBLE in school (we can only hope at this point that he actually graduates THIS year)
Chris is NOT wrestling because of his grades
Chris wants to do LaCrosse this year (even though I've warned him he better get his grades up)
Chris had a girlfriend, then didn't, but he's now working on getting her back
The CrapStang continues to be crap and he loves driving it.

Eli LOVES his teacher (as do I)
Eli is in the gifted and talented program (of course he is)
Eli is making SO many friends at school (SO much better than last year)
Eli is NOT allergic to Nevada (yeah for us!) He's dropped 5 meds since moving from WA!
Eli is still the apple of my eye:)

Isaac can work the ipad now like there's no tomorrow. Starting his videos, rewinding them, turning up the volume. He's getting quite clever. Although, he's still eating it, and licking it...and getting food stuck where you charge it. (there's currently a big crack on the front screen. I anticipate a new one will be needed this year)
Isaac loves going to school. He rides horses, swims...they have his favorite chips and cookies and they even have YoGabbaGabba on a cd player for him.
Isaac rides the bus home from school everyday (like a big boy)
Isaac still doesn't talk (or babble for that matter), doesn't drink by mouth yet, and still eats stage 2 baby food by mouth. (he can eats Pringles and chips ahoy cookies by mouth...don't ask, because I don't know)

I LOVE Reno.
Joe and I have started eating vegan/vegetarian (when I have the will power) and I've lost about 15 pounds.
Over the last month I've had 3 different "attacks". After checking my heart, we discovered it was my gall bladder. We'll be taking that thing out in a few weeks.

Joe is my MAN!
Joe was diagnosed with Stage 2B colon cancer a few months ago.
Joe went through 2 surgical procedures to remove all the cancer.
Joe went through 6 weeks of chemo...all without missing a day of work.
Joe is crazy
Joe started back taking JuJitsu classes...and loves it.
Joe tore his rotator cuff...and will need surgery in a few weeks too (I guess which ever one gets it scheduled first gets to go first!)
Joe LOVES Reno and working with his new team here.

Well...that about sums it up. That's why I haven't been on here alot (I know, I've been working over HERE and not paying enough attention to this blog). I will do better. We LOVE all you guys that love us and check on us.

***Don't worry about Joe. He's too mean for cancer to take him down. They've got it all out...and he'll have check ups every 6 months to make sure it stays out!!

Look Who's Riding the Bus!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 05:34:00 +0000

Here comes the bus. I've been meeting her right in front

of the gates to our neighborhood...

Not sure if you can see him...but, he's sitting in his stroller at the

first window.

(the driver is taking off the straps that keep his stroller secured)

and then...they wheel him on out!

This bus has a driver and an aide (that's the ONLY reason I let him ride)

and...he's happy to see me! (i think)

Please notice...he has his paci, two books, and the driver even

has a cassette recording (front and back) of our favorite

Yo Gabba Gabba songs (in case of emergency!)

I'm so proud of him (and me)....

I still take him to school each morning...get him all settled in class and talk with his teacher.

THEN...I come home...

and relish in a moment of silence...

before I go out to wait for him.

IT is the BEST thing ever!

Family Fun Hiking

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 03:41:00 +0000

Have I told you lately that we LOVE it here in Reno?? We have been taking advantage of the outdoors as much possible. Christy sent me her baby backpack...and we already bought hiking boots when we were in Washington...so, it was the perfect day for a hike.

Last month, there was a fire on a mountain near our house. Eli calls it "Thor's Hammer"...because of all the burnt ground you can see. WELL...we decided to check it out!

Just look at my guys...

Isaac just loved sitting on Joe's back...

Then...the boys saw a lizard...and the hunt was on!

Yes...it took them ALL to catch that little thing! (ok, it

took just Joe...but, they all tried)

Can you believe how pretty it is?

and this is right in our backyard!

Literally...

I think this is the spot in the middle of the burnt mountain...

Eli striking a pose...

of course.

Chris...enjoying the view and staying as FAR away

from us as possible.

Taking a breather...

I am SO glad that I didn't have to carry Isaac.

And...before long...the baby was snoozing.

and Eli started leading the pack.

This weekend...we have GREAT plans! We're headed back to Virginia City to see the Outhouse Races! It's going to be SO much fun. Then, the next weekend is the Italian Festival!

OH...there are SO many things to do and see. I'm glad that we have the opportunity to do all these things now...because, I'm hearing that Reno gets a LITTLE chilly in the winter. BUT...then, we'll put on our snow bibs and hit the slopes!

GOSH..I can't wait.

In other news...Chris has his license. His car is registered. AND..he's almost mastered driving a stick. SHOOT...that means that I will have to let him drive to school anyday now...and I AM NOT ready for that. (no girlfriend yet...thank goodness)

Eli LOVES his new school and class. They got him in the gifted program and he's making friends. He's become the "first pick" goalie at recess when they play soccer. (so proud of him).

Isaac is trudging along at preschool. He has swimming two days a week, horse riding one day a week, music therapy, pt, ot, and speech. AND...we're trying to get him to hold his own spoon and feed himself (no real luck yet...but, we're doing "hand over hand" and I'm sure that one day, he'll surprise.). SIT DOWN...are you ready? Isaac is going to ride the school bus home from school tomorrow. NOW....I've met the driver, we're going to let him read his Gabba books, AND..the sweet driver is going to play "Yo Gabba Gabba" music on the bus for him! He should be in HEAVEN!

(I'll keep you updated on how that goes...)

Joe's been busy with work and other things...

and I'm just trying to get into a groove so that I can be a LITTLE more organized and productive. (if it's even possible)

Thanks for checking on us!

(and yes...go ahead and tell me how awesome my pics are!)

WE've been SUPER busy!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:11:00 +0000

Let's just talk about the weather here for a moment...

LOVELY!

Isaac LOVES to go to the park and swing his little heart out.

First Day of School...Looks excited, doesn't he. Eli has started making friends, is the first pick on the playground for soccer, and is in the gifted program. All is right in his world (for now).

First day of school for Isaac. He was just walking down that sidewalk like he knew where he was going. We decided to put Isaac in a Special Needs school. His class can only get up to 6 kids (where as a special class at mainstream school can get up to 15 kids). This school has all the therapies (pt, ot, and speech) and it even has music therapy, swim therapy, and horse therapy. So far..so good. The only downside to this school is that it's 20 miles away (one way). SO, many days I just volunteer in class or run errands on that side of town to save on gas.

There is the COOLEST sporting goods store here called Scheels. It has a ferris wheel right in the middle...look at Chris being such a good brother and riding with Eli...melts my heart.

Here's a pic of Isaac enjoying his horse riding. He gets to ride every Thursday...and he just laughs and does his dancey dance the whole time. It is just the cutest thing I've EVER seen!

Two weeks ago we had the Rib Cookoff downtown. We walked in the heat, ate some delicious food, and the kids rode a few rides...

and that's Eli in the middle going down the slide. (yes...he wore those huge sunglasses all day long).

Last weekend we had the Hot Air Balloon Races in town. When we pulled up to drop Eli off at school...we were shocked to see TWO huge balloons on the playground.

On September 9th...we celebrated the birth of Christopher. Nothing like a six pack of Coke and a dancing hula girl to make a teenager happy!

This past weekend...we ventured to Virginia City...an old mining town in Nevada. It was the annual Camel Race...and we had a BLAST! Isaac did a great job holding his ipad and just taking it all in (although, it overheated after about an hour and had to be put away)

This is what the camel races looked like. Then, ostriches raced...and then little kids chased Emus and chickens around the arena. It was so funny to watch!

That's what Isaac looked like towards the end of our stay at the Camel Races.

There are my other handsome boys...

(yes...i was beating the ladies back with a stick!)

Well...that's about it. I'm SLOWLY getting Isaac into all his specialists. Chris goes to take his driving test next week (i am shaking in my boots for him!). He is a HORRIBLE driver (he must get that from his dad...not me:) I am still unpacking boxes and trying to organize (I just don't like doing that kind of thing)...but, we are STILL LOVING Reno! It's just the perfect little town for us!

Two little monkeys

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 05:26:00 +0000

Chris is in Las Vegas this week visiting his friends...

(I stole this picture off his facebook wall)...

Looks like he's having fun!

OK...first...this is just an example of the crazy that I live with each day.

He was helping me clean his room...

dressed like this...

all DAY long.

SO...while I'm still recovering from my hernia surgery..I can't pick up heavy items...

like 30 pound butterball turkeys!

In my EVER evolving infinite wisdom...I decided to take off the side of Isaac's crib...

and it didn't fall apart.

AND...Sir Isaac and can in and out of bed ALL by himself.

(yes...those walls are RIDICULOUS...we're renting this house...but, I will paint them..

one day)

and...after his hard days of watching Gabba Gabba, eating every 3 hours...

it takes a toll on this little man...

He will just fall asleep in the middle of the floor...

and sleep for HOURS...

and now, it's almost 11pm..and that stinker is WIDE awake!

(I suppose I shouldn't have let him nap so long)

BUT...it's not nice to wake a sleeping baby.

oh my goodness...I am STILL in love with Reno! It's Hot August Nights this week...so, we'll have to get out and look at some classic cars (but...they're driving around all over town).

I still have boxes to unpack...and all the other household chores...one day...it will be done.

We did meet with our new cardiologist (his part of the same practice in Las Vegas). I loved him. Isaac is doing great. They told me that our docs in Vegas were already doing the valve replacements via cath...but, that Isaac won't be a candidate until after his NEXT surgery. IT's SO exciting though...maybe just one more open heart and then all the other tune-ups can be done in the cath lab!!

Going to go snuggle a stinker now...(that would be Isaac..not Joe)

Settling in....

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:05:00 +0000

(I have pics to post, but blogger won't upload them) I will try again tomorrow.

We've been....getting through it all.

I had surgery on my tummy last week to repair that hernia. Thank GOODNESS my sister Christy drove up to take care of me and the kids (because I was ONE HOT MESS)! We will NOT go into details, just know that I slept for two days, only waking to throw up or pee.

I'm finally off the big pain meds and walking ALMOST straight (I feel like I had another c-section....but, with no baby to play with). AND...I can't lift lard-tail(Isaac) for THREE weeks.

Joe's been busy with work. Chris was away at wrestling camp this week and next week he'll be off to Utah to EFY (like a church camp).

Isaac has been a BEAST. He doesn't like that I can't hold him all day. So...you can imagine how our days are filled (with him screaming at me mostly). I can imagine what our neighbors think.

Eli has been a wonderful helper with Isaac. He spends his weekends at the pool with Joe. (he calls it his "Fatherly Son" time. (and...fyi, I asked...and I'm NOT allowed to go to the pool with them when I'm better).

stinkers.

I started another blog...Since moving to Wa, and then to Reno, I can't coupon the same and have to change the stores....it's all a mess. SO, I decided to put everything i do and like into one blog. Tell me what you think

CountingToTen (because I do that 764 times a day...at least)

Missed us??

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 04:47:00 +0000

SO...wondering where we've been?

I can't even remember the last thing I've told yOU. (hold on a second...let me look back at the blog and see).

gosh...it's been a FEW weeks. SO...let me get you up to speed.

I broke my NICE camera (and I have YET to find it in it's packed box)....therefore no pics for you to see today.
We moved. It was LONG process...but, thanks to our friends in Aberdeen....we made it out of there and didn't forget too many things!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE our new house in Reno (that's where we're at now in case I didn't mention it before). We decided on a 4 bedroom townhouse in a SUPER nice community. It's big enough for everyone to have their own bedroom, I have my big bathtub, TWO master closets, a pantry in the kitchen, NO LAWN!!!, a few community pools, community clubhouse with fitness center, 9-hole golf course. It's just perfect for us.
and...did I mention...the SUN! It's back. I missed you!
The boys all got haircuts...including Isaac. (who now looks like a cancer patient). No worries...it'll grow back in a few weeks. (and...I got him a cute hat).
We LOVE our new ward here in Reno.
Chris is going to wrestling practice everyday. (thank goodness)
Eli is the ONLY boy in his sunday school class...SO...I need to find him friends.
There's a movie theatre here that's only $3.00 (with couches in the back. I know...you almost want to bring a sheet with you JUST in case)
Katie is in heat and there's been a poodle stalking her. She got out...we better NOT be having yorkiepoos!
We have ALL been sick this past week...but, getting over in and ready to be tourists.
I thought I pulled a muscle in my stomach this week...but, nope...it's a hernia. SO...(like I don't have enough to do transferring all school stuff and medical stuff)...I'll be throwing in a trip to the surgeon this week to schedule surgery.

I'm sure there's MORE going on...but, you know my poor decrepit brain. We've unpack the majority of our boxes....just things like MY clothes, MY craft stuff, MY sewing, MY office....stuff like that remains.

Joe loves his new team here in Reno...we all love our neighborhood...I really think we're going to settle down for a while here and just enjoy!

(I'll find my camera, get it fixed....and post pics soon)

I pinky promise!

Last day of preschool:(

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 05:03:00 +0000

It's the LAST day of preschool...and I don't have any pictures.

(my camera is broken)

and I can't take pics with my cell phone or Isaac screams for it (because he wants to watch you tube videos on it).

ohhhhhMY GOSH.........

I've been busy.

Last weekend, Joe flew UP to WA from Reno to pick up a uhaul with HALF of our house in it. Our super friends came to help us out...Chris (friend) drove down with Joe and Steph and the kids spent the weekend visiting and helping us out.

I'm just trying to finish cleaning and packing the house....trying to ignore obnoxious teenage voices in my house.

Eli turned 9 on Monday....(i'll post pics later)

I'll really do eVeRyThInG later...because I am a procrastinator and I have too many things to do this very moment.

I just wanted to pop in....let you know that we're alive...

and I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT MOVING!!!

SUnshine....Here I come!

Moving and Walking

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Thu, 26 May 2011 23:53:00 +0000

Don't look now....who's walking around the park!!??!?!?

Seriously...holding onto the rails..and walking up the steps.

One foot at a time...

like he's a professional and has been doing it for years.

He can wobble on the wood chips...

(and don't you love those transition lenses)

Everyone kept asking me where I bought those cute sunglasses!

He really didn't care for the slide...but, probably because

some big ole' boys came up behind him.

yep...just enjoying the sun!

TODAY...it's raining.

Sun time is over.

AND...I've posted it on Facebook...but, it's official...we are MOVING! To Reno, NV.

We weren't expecting a promotion for at least a year...we didn't seek it...the cards just fell into place and we're excited! I'm excited about the Katie Beckett that NV has to offer....the sun, the fun that we'll have. We've already secured a house...actually a townhouse in a superCOOl neighborhood (full of golf, pools with waterslides, and a fitness center on site!)

I am MOST excited because google said that Reno has 300 days of sun each year!!!! OH MY GOSH....I can just feel the vitamin D calling my name!

There's still no word on the minivan...it's probably in the bottom of a lake somewhere....or on it's way to Mexico.

I'm sure there's so much more to tell you about...I am SO sorry for my lack of blog posts. I will try to do better.

4 year old shots

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Wed, 11 May 2011 05:19:00 +0000

Poor little Isaac. On Thursday (of last week), he had his 4 year old well check. He weighed in at 29 pounds and 31 inches tall. He did have to get 3 shots...which gave him a 102 temp until Sunday night! This is how he spent his weekend....just chillin' and sleeping:(

If you read my facebook status...you know that our stinkin' van was stolen on Friday night.

It had YET to be recovered...

Sunday....I had the BEST mother's day! We went to church, came home...Joe and the kids brought me lunch from my favorite Mexican restaurant...I took a nap with Isaac...and got the newest Black Eyed Peas cd. (which Chris has taken to his room...and yet to return).

Monday...Now that we're a ONE car family, I took everyone to school and work...and got locked out of our house. I had to go to Joe's bank to get him. I had to KNOCK on the bank's doors and ask another employee to get Joe. PLEASE picture my clothes: a light blue nightgown that goes to my knees, purple pajama pants with orange candy corns on them, a black hoodie, and light blue fuzzy slippers.

yes...I looked like a homeless woman trying to ask for money.

Thank goodness Joe had the right key....and I was able to get home and feed my Isaac.

Tuesday...Nothing extraordinary has happened yet today (knock on wood). I'm working on a prom dress for one of Chris' friends (and yes...I will TOTALLY show you when I'm finished). Chris is still in drivers ed...doing mediocre in school...and staying out of trouble.

Eli lost another tooth last night (he was being sneaky and hid the tooth in an easter egg!) I almost didn't catch it!

MOSTLY....as ridiculous as it is about the dumb van...we couldn't feel more love from all of our friends and family that have offered whatever they could to help us out. Thanks for loving our crazy family....(group hug...everyone...grab your monitor and SQUEEZE!)

(ahh....and this is Eli nowadays...NEVER letting me take a picture!)

and...you get to see a portion of his hair. Back to normal!

Why are you crying?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Mon, 02 May 2011 23:07:00 +0000

Have I told you that Isaac has temper tantrums?

That he doesn't like to deviate from our route when we're driving somewhere. Today, I decided to show you what he does when we pull into Eli's school parking lot.

EVERYDAY we deal with this. (Make sure your volume is up...but, not TOO loud...it could cause temporary hearing loss)

(sorry the video is sideways...not sure what happened)

A Few of my favorite moments...

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 04:16:00 +0000

As I looked back on the last post that I'd made...I realized that I've been above and beyond a slacker blogger. SO...I plugged in my camera to upload the most recent pics...only to find that I've been a slacker-mom-photographer...

Therefore, I will share with you some of my favorite more recent photos....

I just love this one. You see the messy chaos that is OUR home...and you see

how in LOVE Isaac is with books...(ok...not books, just YoGabbaGabba books)

I am SO glad that we were able to travel a few weeks ago to visit our

friends...and they took us to one of the most beautiful

places that I'd ever seen (Deception Pass).

(and...it's a nice reminder of Eli's crazy hair)

WHICH is not crazy anymore....they shaved it off...and I'd show you...

but, I haven't taken a picture of it yet:(

Joe is really busy with work...therefore, it may be a FEW days before he

notices this picture. It is just the cutest thing I've ever seen!

Isaac sure does love him...

(and so do I)

I just needed to throw this one in. It's from our last appointment with the dentist.

One of the NICEST doctors ever...no one was even around him..

just wanted you to see what one of his tantrums look like.

And...you have HEARD of the phantom teenager that lurks our halls...

but, he exists. We turned his crazy orange hair to a super

dark brown...and he's as handsome as ever.

(and yes...still wants to be an underwear model)

AND...will kill me if he ever sees that I posted this picture.

Our days are busy as usual. Chris is in drivers ed (don't ask....), he's going to prom this weekend, Eli is reading some vampire series that made him cry last night (it had a sad ending), Isaac is walking ALL over the place and screaming at times (I think he's bi-polar, manic, multiple-personality disorder...all wrapped up into one cute little butterbean!)

We had a few sunny days lately...and it has just been beautiful. NOW...the forecast is for Rain...all week...forEVER probably.

Thanks for checking on us!

Eczema cheeks

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:47:00 +0000

We've dealt with dry cheeks forEVER with Isaac.

His little cheeks will break out with eczema patches SO bad

that they'll start to bleed!

We use everything...but, someone can't keep their fingers out of

their mouth..

and food off their face...

so, this is what we get.

I have so many OTC products that we use, prescription creams and ointments...

I just rotate them all.

Tonight....I gooped on a gift from Christy.

This is an udder cream...

She sent it a few weeks ago...we tried it...and it worked...

but, like everything else..

it only works for a few days.

I'll let you know how this batch works...

(and don't worry....after 2 minutes of gooping it on...he wipes his face

in my couch...so, most of it is off)

hence...the ineffectiveness of all creams.

Who's a big boy walker?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 01:04:00 +0000

Get your tissues ready...

it's been FOUR years in the making...

hours and hours of therapy...

three pairs of leg braces...

multiple walkers...

lots of cute therapists...

and now...may I present...the Newest member of the Walking Community...

Sir Isaac....

Dentist, Doc visits, and weight check

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 02:39:00 +0000

I love this little guy...

he just couldn't get any cuter to me!

Now...blow up this next pic. This is Isaac's tv. This is how he eats

crackers and what he does with them. That's what is smeared all over the tv.

Eli cleans it each week for me.

SO GROSS!

I forgot to tell you that LAST, LAST Friday, Isaac and I traveled TWO hours to Seattle Children's....to visit....the dentist!

AND....for a kiddo that will NOT allow a toothbrush in his mouth (only a washcloth on the front teeth)...he didn't have one single cavity! The dentist was absolutely the best....and was even able to paint some flouride on his little teeth. AND....we found out that Isaac is missing one of his front bottom teeth. (wierd.) He screamed his little head off...but, not because he was scared of the dentist...he screamed because I couldn't get wi-fi in the exam room and he wanted to watch Gabba videos on youtube.

seriously.

It doesn't matter that I have full episodes on my phone....he prefers youtube...over and over and over again.

THUS...bringing us to our appointment today. (ok, not today anymore, last week)

Neurodevelopmental.

You know you have seen a phenomenal doctor when he can tell you that your 4 year old son is really about a 9 month old and mentions Autism, retardation, and significant delays in one sentence. BUT...all that we already knew. It really is all under the "Digeorge" umbrella....Isaac just seem to be one of those kiddos with aLOT of the things on the "possible" list.

He's going to help me with Isaac's tantrums when we're out of our house.

You see...in our house, he's an angel. Serious angel. He's even good at school (no gabba tv either)??? BUT, take him anywhere in public...and his compulsiveness and anxiety and all around crazy comes out and he just can't control himself (and we can't control him either). SO, we usually just take turns going out of the house...not forcing Isaac on trips that just aren't necessary (you know...picking and choosing our battles).

For instance....Sundays. Isaac canNOT go to church anymore. It's just too much for him. SO, Joe and I take turns taking the older boys to Sacrament, then he comes home and I go to teach my Sunday school class...then, I go home and he teaches his class. (it really helps that the church is just around the block).

tender mercies.

Anyway...I'm really excited about ALL the Seattle Children's docs that I've met. They're SO AWESOME!

Tonight is Date night. Joe and I are going to rent a movie OnDemand...and eat and eat...junk.

OH...shoot. ALMOST forgot to tell you. Isaac weighed in today at 29 pounds and 37 inches. He's gained almost 2 pounds since I started his blenderized diet.

(it's ok...go ahead and pat me on the back)

I KNOW this is a late post....I wrote it last week. I'll get my bum in gear tell you about his birthday, our weekend adventures out of town...tons of stuff. BUT...there is a chocolate cake calling my name...and I simply can't keep it waiting! No worries...we're all good here in WET Western Washington....

yuck.

I think we have a walker!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 01:06:00 +0000

If you can walk more than 10 steps...I think that makes you a WALKER!

Isaac has been just cruising and walking so much lately. He's not a baby anymore....(wipe tears from my eyes). If you've met Isaac or been following him...it is simply a miracle that he's walking (even standing for that matter). I am so excited about the opportunity to chase him through a grocery store! I can't wait!

Chris has a choir concert tonight. The beast (Isaac) will NOT sit quiet anywhere....so, I'll stay home with him and Joe will watch Chris. Eli is Eli. I'm trying to talk him into seeing Chris sing tonight (he prefers NOT to offer his support). BOYS BOYS BOYS....I'm surprised I don't have a head full of gray hair!

Here's a LONG video of his attempt. I'll keep trying to catch him on video walking a longer distance....but, oh...he's just amazing. You will get to see all parts of his personality...his ability to tune me out, to stand in one place for 5 minutes, his race for the basement door, and his love for all things Gabba Gabba. (he doesn't walk until the end...sorry)

Short Video of Isaac Walking

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:43:00 +0000

Yes...you are going to be able to witness the Amazing Isaac and the ALMOST walking that he's doing! We are SO close. He's going to be running around this house before I know it...and I can't wait to chase him! You know....he turns FOUR years old at the end of this month..so, it's about stinkin' time!

Enjoy!

Tanks, Allergies, and a box

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 05:37:00 +0000

Eli checked out the blog today and informed me that I was WAY behind in updating you...

so...what have WE been up to? Well...

Eli's been working on his pinewood derby car. A tank, to be exact. Although it was like a knife in Joe's heart that Eli wanted a tank vs. a speeding race car...they worked on the tank for over a week.

Eli literally sketched out what he wanted. They cut the wood...and found gi joe tank accessories to mount on the top. It even had guns that shot off the top.

an yes...a fancy paint job.

and...even though it was a TANK...a beast of a car...he came in overall 2nd place! whoo hoo Eli!

and Isaac...here you are. Sitting in a box, eating your babydoll hand...watching YoGabbaGabba...

could your life get any better?

Isaac is STILL filling my days with the loudest temper tantrums he could manage. Although...he is quite cute. We also started putting the supersuit back on...it seems to be helping him with his walking attempts. He's still taking about 4 or 5 steps at a time...not running down the hall yet...but, making progress.

AND...to end our post...let's talk about Eli again. He had an allergy appointment today in Tacoma (about 1 1/2 hours away!). Joe took him (while I took Isaac to pt and school). WELL...guess who's allergic to the entire state of Washington? yep...trees, grass, mold....everything from this region. He's currently on:

Singulair (once a day)
Nasonex (twice a day)
Zrytec (once a day)
Flovent (twice a day)
Albuterol (as needed)

SO...with all that...he'll go back in 3 months. If he's still having the problems that he's having now...we'll talk about allergy shots. They gave us a list of other things that we can do around the house...new air purifiers, covers for pillows and mattresses (i've ordered them all already)....washing, cleaning, dusting, opening windows....

ahhhh.....do they not think that I already don't have enough to do each day?

bottomline...

Eli is a drug addict...

Isaac is a drug addict...

both of these boys are too expensive and keeping me up at night.

and Chris. HOLY COW...he just wants his drivers license. I stopped by the dmv today. They have NO idea what's going on. I told them that Chris was 16 1/2 and has had a permit for 1 year. They told me that he needs drivers ed, and needs a WA permit for 6 months...THEN, he can get a license.

Does that make any sense?

I must have had that look in my eyes when he was telling me this..because he told me that maybe I should call the "main" number...because they're changing the rules all the time.

REALLY?

How often do you think they change the laws on getting a drivers license?

Fabulous Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 04:23:00 +0000

Let me first by breaking some BAD news to you...

our Bugaboo stroller broke:( Joe bought us this AWESOME, yet expensive stroller after Isaac's 2nd heart surgery. We knew that he'd need something that would recline (because he had the most horrible reflux at that time), it needed to be comfy (for our prince), it needed to last a while (because we knew he wouldn't walk for a while)....

and here we are...

three years later....

and the bugaboo is broken...

and we left the money tree in Vegas....and cannot justify buying another one:(

and my back can't carry Isaac very far...

and he will NOT be walking long distances for a WHILE...

and if I buy an umbrella stroller...it just squishes him all up.

I do, however, have a "handicap stroller"...but, it's SO BIG and HEAVY...

great for a trip to Disney (if we EVER go again)...

but, NOT for trips to the docs or stores.

so....let us all bow our heads...and...remember....bugaboo....

Now...that we've seen the cutest baby EVER...and said a final goodbye to our bugaboo....let me make you smile!

Even though it's Monday...I'd like to tell you about you about our FABULOUS Friday.

Isaac is TOTALLY on blenderized foods. I am making all of his baby food by mouth and blending everything that gets put in his tube! He's tolerating it well...pooping and peeing well...and, if we're lucky...he'll start putting on the pounds! (not to mention....it will be nice to NOT have to pay for cans of Nutren Jr. each month..)Remember...there is NO Katie Beckett in WA (which totally stinks!) I am able to get about 1500 calories in him each day. OH MY GOODNESS...it's so exciting!
Eli had an assembly at school on Friday---Where he was given the "Smooth Sailer" award (for being the best student) of course he is! He was "Beatty's Best" every year in Las Vegas, so...he's been waiting to be recognized for his fabulous brain here in Aberdeen....FINALLY....they have seen the light!
Later that night, we all went to the High School where Chris had his wrestling banquet. He got his letter...AND...his coaches voted him "most improved". (they're trying to schedule a wrestling camp for the kids for this summer). He'll have a busy summer with wrestling camp, EFY in Provo, and I am trying as hard as I can to rub some coins together to get us back east to visit family this summer.

I think we're kicking all the sickies that have been floating around our house. AND...it is about time. There are still lingering coughs going around...but, nothing too bad. We're back to normal around here. SUPER thankful that wrestling season is over...and guess what's this weekend? PINEWOOD DERBY! I'll give you a hint...but, NOT showing pics until it's finished. Eli wanted a TANK...not a winning race car! (this SO hurt Joe...but, he helped and designed as Eli requested). They are in the garage as we speak...putting the first coat of paint on it. (I can smell it in here....yuck!)

Thanks for checking in on us!

Blenderized Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 05:06:00 +0000

WHAT is a blenderized diet you say? WELL....if you have to feed your kiddo through a tube in the belly...you're putting in cans of formula. Switching over to a "blenderized diet" means that I will STOP putting formula in that tube---I will, in essence, use food that he would "normally" eat, blend them all together, and feed him through the tube throughout the day. I will STILL feed him by mouth...he will just get MORE food in his tube instead of sloshing milk all day.

Does that make sense?

I have been researching and researching a blenderized diet for Isaac for MONTHS. There is just SO much information out there...and it's all relative to your OWN child...I was afraid that I'd totally screw it up. Using the cans of milk is easy...you're sure they're getting all the right vitamins and nutrients. If I fed him what my other boys eat...I'd be blending up mac n cheese and pizza rolls all day!

BUT...with inspiration from Andrea and THIS blog that I found this week....I took the plunge today and blended away!

I'm still working on all the details and trying to fit in MORE whole milk and water (he just can't have too much in his tummy at one time). BUT...I'll go ahead and schedule an appointment with our nutritionist to let her take a peek. (and...I'm sure that she'll need to tweet a few things)

Does this even make sense?

Measure	Ingredient	Calories	Grams Fat	Grams Protein

2 slices	White Bread	140	1	4
1/2 cup	Orange Juice	55	0	1
1/2 cup	Yogurt	115	1.25	3.5
1/2 cup	Applesauce	70	0	0
1/3 cup	Chicken	110	2.5	20
2/3 cup	Cooked Veggies	50	0	1
1/2 cup	Milk (whole)	80	4	4
2 Tbsp	Olive Oil	240	28	0
1 Tbsp	Flax Seed	40	2.5	1.5
3/4 cup	Frozen fruit	60	0	1
1ml	Multi Vitamin

Totals		960	39.25	36


By mouth	3 3-4 ounce servings	300

3oz	Bolus Whole white milk (4 times)	240	12	12

TOTAL		1500	51.25	48
	Total makes 5-5oz. Bottles	300 per bolus

	Blended Bolus Every 4 hours
8:00am	Bolus and Feed by mouth	400
11:00am	Bolus before Preschool plus h2o	300
12:30pm	Feed my mouth at Preschool	100
2:30pm	Snack at Preschool	25
4:00pm	Milk Bolus	80
5:30pm	Bolus and Feed by mouth	400
7:30pm	Milk Bolus	80
9:00pm	Bolus before bed	300


Total		1685

I started the day off with breakfast feeding by mouth and 5oz of Nutren Jr. (the canned formula)

By lunch...I had the blender rocking and food stored in bottles.

Tomorrow I will try to follow that schedule...looks like I'll be a feeding FOOL!

It's kind of exciting. I'm excited to see if he poops more regularly, if maybe it will smell LESS funky...but, mostly to see how it affects his energy level and chubLESS thighs!

My little guy is going to be FOUR years old next month...and only weighs 27 pounds. I have some work to do!

I'll take pics tomorrow of my blending....looks gross, but...we did it all day without ONE SINGLE CLOG!!! yeah for me!

So much to tell you....

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:45:00 +0000

Yes indeed...SO much to tell you...and SO little time.

Well...there's lots of time...I am just pooped. Plain ole POOPED. That should be my name...Kathy POOPED Roller. Sounds about right.

Where oh where to begin.

Let's see if I can remember the events of the week:

Joe had to drive to Olympia (about an hour away) to the nearest urgent care (because we live in the middle of NO WHERE)....he has pneumonia. He's been sick for about a month now. He's on his second round of antibiotics, second round of steroids, he has a regular inhaler and has also now added a steroid inhaler. He's just a sick, grumpy, OLD fart....(who is currently sleeping and will not be able to check this post for quality assurance until it has been read by hundreds).

Eli is getting over his sickies...BUT...because he's had such a horrible time with his asthma sn allergies, we have an appointment with an immumologist/pulmonologist/allergist in Tacoma (about 1 1/2 hours away) in a few weeks. He did, however, have two friends over to play last night and he went over to their house today for a few hours. It felt SO normal to have other kids here playing and letting him out of my sight for a while.

breathe....

my baby is getting old.

Isaac....is a TURD blossom...the cutest turd that you ever did see...but, still...a TURD. First of all, he still loves Gabba. And...I don't even mean love...I mean obsessed with it. It needs to be playing on multiple televisions, ipads, ipods, and cell phones all at the same time. AND...now, the boys have showed him YouTube....and someHOW he KNOWS that the youtube videos of Gabba are different than the saved movies that we have....and he has a preference.

Let's just imagine....you're in the grocery store...with your cute little turd in the front of the cart....just smiling at you. He immediately reaches in your purse and pulls out your cell (which, you better have FULLY charged at all times)....and starts pushing it at you. This means, "mom....I want to watch Yo Gabba Gabba NOW". You really should push the buttons as fast as you can...he can't wait very long.

Then...once the video starts to play...he's smiling the biggest smile....so precious...UNTIL, he reaches for the phone and starts pressing buttons...WHICH STOPS the video. He proceeds to scream (the kind of scream that everyone STOPS in their tracks and looks for the child abusing mother). You have to quickly find that video again....and get it started (all while maneuvering a cart, a turd in the front, holding a cell phone, and actually finding the groceries on your list).

NOW....just imagine....that you reach the back of the store...

where YOU DO NOT GET CELL PHONE RECEPTION...

the stored movie you have of Gabba doesn't work...

he NEEDS youtube....

like a meth addict needs his fix...

he's freaking out, screaming, swinging his arms, snot pouring out of his nose...

and you start walking as fast as you can to get that milk and bread and head to the front of the store where reception is better.

you find youtube again...

wipe the snot off his nose....

try to unload your groceries, while holding the phone in his sight of vision....

(remembering also that these videos are only about 2 minutes in length...)

pay the clerk, restart another video...

run to the car in the rain...

while STILL holding the phone in his sight..

then....you throw that turd in the carseat...and close the door.

NOW...he can scream his little head off...

the doors are closed!

until you open the trunk to put the groceries in...

he's still screaming...

people in the ENTIRE parking lot can hear....

you're throwing groceries in the back (trying to tell the cute turd that there is a tv in front of him playing....because it IS playing a gabba movie....always is)

You return your cart...just wishing that you could just stand out in the rain for a few more seconds...to enjoy the quiet....until a homeless person starts heading for you...then, you flee to your van with the screaming turd....

Turn on the van,

turn up the radio...

and listen to the turd calm down as he FINALLY realizes that there is a television playing in the van...

and we drive home.

Repeat EVERY freaking time we leave the house.

I am going to become a hermit.

seriously.

Other than Isaac doing this...really, everytime we go out. I'm really not sure what to do about it. If you don't take the cell phone out...he just screams the entire time. (an ipod isn't good enough anymore). He really is obsessed with it....He does this in stores, doctors offices, anywhere we go. The only place he is semi-complacent is at school....and he can only go there for 2 hours a day.

On another Isaac note...we saw his gi doc on Tuesday. We're going to start him on a blended diet soon (as soon as I order the darn book). AND...we needed to get his blood drawn...we think he has food allergies (his skin is just horrible and it's breaking out in horrible patches now). I wasn't hopeful (it's been almost 2 years since he's had a draw)...and they got it on the 2nd stick. It wasn't clotting, they got enough...and he didn't pass out from all his screaming.

WHEW!.

Can't wait to see the results.

Back to Isaac. He's been sick all week...getting really junky on Friday. His sats are still fine...but, I think I'm taking into an Urgent care tomorrow (YES...an hour away)...because peds think kids don't get sick on holidays?

BUT....you really should know that as much as my little Isaac is a complete turd....and gives me headaches like I've never had in my life....I can't imagine my life without him. He is learning so much each day (he's starting to vocalize "mamamama" now!), he's taking more steps independently, and he's just a big boy going to school each day. I hope you don't think I'm being mean to him calling him my turd...it's just funny....BUT...he really does act like a turd when he isn't in our house.

In our house...he's an angel....the best baby EVER.

Extra Feeding Pump Bags

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 01:07:00 +0000

Have I told you that Isaac knows how to take his shirt off now?

THIS is how I find him most of the day...

too stinkin' cute!

I have about 45 Kangaroo Joey 1000ml feeding pump bags if YOU or someone you know could use them. Just email me or leave a comment and I'll send them to you. (Isaac was switched back to the Infinity pump when we moved up here).

Mold in Washington State?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 05:01:00 +0000

Who would have thought?

We are NOT prepared for rain...everyday....every SINGLE stinkin' day.

Now...I will show you most disgusting picture EVER.

That is the inside of Chris' car...on the car...is MoLd. GROSS.

You see...when we moved up here...we had Chris' car moved (we're still working on it). We, however, didn't know that ALL the windows leaked and the sunroof. Therefore...after a few months of sitting in constant rain...I decide to go out there...and looky look. I'm not sure if I can tackle the job of cleaning it out...or if we should just push it off the mountain and take our loss.

I googled "cleaning mold off of car upholstery" and most sites said to air it out, spray with white vinegar and just scrub it out. WELL...we had a day of NO rain here....so, I opened the doors, sprayed it down....

and it's still wet...

and I had to close it up because it's raining again...

which means more mold will grow...

and I'm stuck.

I'm thinking about calling a carpet cleaning company to see if they can come and clean it out.

(although, thinking about spending ONE more penny on this heap of junk makes my stomach churn).

I'll let you know how it pans out. Because, Chris has finished his wrestling for the season (he came in 6th place in regionals)...so, he'll want to get a job and get his LICENSE! (which I've been so fortunate to dodge up until this moment).

I will update you on the rest of the family later....just know that we're all alive and well.