To the hospital we go (again)

We have had quite the week at our house. It all started last Friday when Dan called me at work. Kourtney was starting to get a strange sore on her foot, so I called the doctor and in we went. Now you know there is a problem when the doc says "that's strange, I have never seen anything like that before" so she brings in two other Doctors and they say the same thing. So, she had an MRI done and we got a prescription for cellulitice. On Sunday we headed back up to the Doctors office (our fav. hang-out:) because the sore had blistered and was starting to form on the other foot. This time we saw a different Doctor, her main ped. Doc. Barhorst (who we love), and after the same response as the doctors before her she decided that Kourt needed to be admitted and the "infection" treated before it spread to her legs. They later (Tuesday) decided that the sores were caused by poor circulation and she needs to be massaged and rotated often. Before they could discharge her she contracted an upper respiratory infection and had to stay a couple more nights. They let her come home on Thursday and you know it is kind of hard getting back into the swing of things but its great to have her home again. They changed her feeding dose and added one more med (an anti-biotic, that can't be taken at the same time as her seizure meds), so its like we are learning everything again. Its is nice to have her home, and hopefully we can do everything we are supposed to do. Dan is the one who had to miss work, he called in for three nights. It makes more since for me to miss work but I carry the stupid insurance, that is all going to change in Jan. and I am so excited for that. As far as I know the surgery is still on, she never did have an ear infection during that ordeal. She is feeling better now and we can only pray that she stays that way.

Kourt update

I just wanted to let everyone know that the date has been set in place to get the first step of Kourtneys cleft repairs started. The doctors have decided on January 21. They plan on fixing her lip, pining in a prostitice hard palate, stitching closed the soft palate, and also putting tubes in her ears. The hope is that this will help with ear infections, and also the cosmetic aspect of it all. I am very excited for her, I can't wait until she can have all the tape off her face. They only stipulation is that she can't have any ear infections before then. I don't know how I will be able to keep her not sick for 2 months, but I am hopeful. They, at first, where planning on doing it on Dec.31 but after checking with all of the doctors that must participate the soonest day they can all do it is the end of Jan. Needless to say I was pretty upset about that, but I am glad they have a day and are willing to do it.

Also, about two weeks ago we went to see Kourtneys neurologist. They decided that it was in her best interest to change her seizure meds. Well one of them. They started her on the one (Topamax) that day to let it her system adjust to it. They need took her off the other med. on Tuesday (Keppra). Her body really did not like the Keppra being gone and on Wed. she had many seizures. Her ped. Doc told me to put her back on her normal Keppra dose and then Thurs. morning she called neurology to discuss what to do. So they decided to keep her on the Keppra for a while longer, and after the Topamax dose is stronger they will more slowly take her off the Keppra. She is much better now.

Gingerbread house

Oh the joy...Kim and I (at work) managed to start and finish our gingerbread house in one day. We actually got the building up about two weeks ago and then all construction was put on hold for thanksgiving, until yesterday when we where given just hours to do it. Of course it didn't turn out like Chef Duffs but i think its pretty good for two armatures and one day. I think expectations where very high and my boss was not to completely impressed,but I'm proud.If you want to see it in person, and are able...... Stop by Maceys in South Ogden sometime, Its on display (just do it sooner than later, It may not actually stand for too long.)

Also,this passed weekend we put up our Christmas tree. The kids where so excited, they loved hanging the ornaments and putting the train around the tree (which is already put away :)We also made muddy buddies with them. Who knew that such a simple treat could be so messy. It was a lot of fun

Kadrey and Jaxon

I was concerned about how the older two kids would respond to Kourtney beening home but they have both handled it very well. They both seem glad she is here. They argue about who love her more and they love to play with her.

So we had to go to the dentist last week and Jaxon has 4 cavities and Kadrey has to get braces. She is very excited to get them on, hopefully she will always feel that way because this is going to be a long process. Jaxon seems to think that if he takes really good care of his teeth that he wont have to go get the cavities filled - poor guy.

6 weeks

It seemed like we where never going to get Kourtney home. She was in the hospital for 8 weeks 1 day. They finally decided that she could come home and she has been here for 6 weeks. Everyday seemed to drag while she was in the hospital, but all the days seemed to blend now that she is home (it really doesn't not feel like 6 weeks). This morning when Dan and the kids got up Dan discovered that Kourtney's G-tube had come loose and leaked everywhere. So, he had to refill the "balloon" anchor that holds it in place. He did a very good job and is pleased with himself (I am pleased to because I don't know if i can fix it so I'm glad someone can.)

Thank you

I just wanted to thank everyone who helped or participated in the fund raiser that Macey's held for Kourtney. I want to let everyone know that with your love and generosity they were able to raise over $3300.00. Thank you everyone. I know that life gets crazy for everyone, thank you for remembering about us and for caring and praying for us. Once again Thank you.

Fund Raiser

I just wanted to remind everyone that Macey's is having a fund raiser for Kourtney tomorrow. They are having a BBQ-for three dollars you get a hot dog, chips, drink, and a cookie. So if you can, please stop by. Also, I just wanted to thank everybody for all you do. I am grateful for your prayers and concern, and also for caring. I am so thankful. I know I dont always show it but I am very thankful for all of you.

Parent Teacher Conference

Today I went to Kadreys parent teacher conference. She is doing really well in school, she is learning everything she needs to. The only problem she has is talking too much. The teacher said that it doesn't matter where she gets moved she always finds someone to talk to. I figure that as long as she is doing her work and learning that being social is not the worst thing. Its better then being so shy she can't play or enjoy herself (like the beginning of last year).

Kadrey and Jaxon both got to pick out a book from "The Book Fair" today - they were so excited. It is so amazing what a little bribe can do (and i figure a book is an okay bribe) They managed to get their whole room clean and i only help a little:)

Hospital Trip

Well, I guess its called round two. Kourtney ended up back in the hospital over the weekend. She did come home on Sunday and I am glad that this time it was only two days (and not two months). She ended up with a respiratory infection and was having a very hard time breathing and that was causing her heart to work a lot harder, so the doctor decided she needed to be admitted (even after my small breakdown). She is now feeling better and is on the road of recovering from this.

My work is having a fund raiser for Kourtney so there are big posters of her in the store. Jaxon didnt know about the pictures and was shocked and almost upset that his sister had pictures all over, he then had to show Kadrey all of the pictures and they ended up beening pretty excited. I am happy that the two older kids are handling having a baby sister and all of her challanges so well.

update

I just thought I would quickly tell you about Kourtneys appointments today. The ped orthodontist said her bones in her palate area are moving nicely, he also has started the lip tapping process (one day she wont have tons of stuff tapped to her face.) We were told that by taping the lip the scar wont be as big and the wound will heal faster. Her G-tube had granulated tissue (beef looking growth) which they burned off today. She also had her blood drown and her med levels are still to low so we had to up her dose per day again and she has another cold.

Kourtney

Kourtney has been home for almost three weeks now, she is eleven weeks old-the time sure does fly. It has been a wonderful challange to have her here, even after learning all of the medical things we needed to know I don't think anything could have prepared us for actually having her home. She has been to the doctor 5 times and also has a home nurse that comes once a week. She has already had a "cold" (type thing) and is finally over it, however we were warned that with her palate and syndrome she will most likely get sick a lot. Poor girl has to have her blood drown once a week (to check her med. levels and also her liver), she has to go to the orthodontist once everyother week (to check her "nam" and make needed adjustments). She is handleing everything like a trooper and I am sure she is just as grateful as we are that she is with us. Tomorrow she has two docotor appt. poor little thing - she usually only leaves the house to go to the doctors- she has gone on two walks and loves being in the car.

Halloween

We do seem to always be running around trying to get everyday things done-however we did remember friday was Halloween, got the kiddies some costumes, and took them trick-or-treating. It was really a lot of fun. Kadrey was Hannah Montana, Jaxon was spiderman (thanks to my friend Kim), and Kourtney was a cute festive baby. We were only out for about an hour but ended up with enough candy to last us a year. The kids had fun dressing up and hanging out with their cousins. Kourtney had to stay in the stroller because we were slightly worried she would get too cold, so she did not get to be in the picture. About half way through our trick-or-treating evening Kadrey ended up ditching her wig because it kept slipping off her head (I could not get her to stop running, she was too excited). Jaxon also ended up taking off his spiderman mask because he could not see well. But it was a lot of fun. Kadrey is in the middle with her coat on and Jax is the first spiderman (holding the black bag).