Owen was so excited to open a card he got in the mail yesterday and there was a Build A Bear gift card inside... thanks M. Family!! {Owen has a thank you card in the mail} We have a Build A Bear store at our local outdoor mall and they strategically placed it between the Disney Store and all the Children clothing stores. Owen has been asking to go inside forever, but didn't really know what it was.
I have, of course, avoided it like the plague because Kam had a million stuffed animals and what am I saying.. she still does. Anyway.. I am a declutter freak so stuffed animals are always the first thing to go.
Owen was so excited to get a gift card to this mystery store that he has always wanted to check out. He was so excited that I knew if we didn't go right then, I would never hear the end of it. Just before dinner, we loaded up in the car and headed to the mall. Owen knew exactly which bear he wanted, "the brown one just like on the gift card, and I want to name him FUZZY".
He didn't take a second look at any of the animals and immediately grabbed the light brown one. The lady was super nice and since we were the only ones there, she took a long time and make the process so fun. After Owen helped stuff his bear... he picked out a special red heart to put inside.
He kissed the heart and made a wish, then helped put the heart inside. This takes on a whole new meaning than it used to.. cue the tears. Then Owen hugged his bear and promised to take care of him.
Owen was most excited about the grooming station where he brushed his bear. Based on Owen's over the top Spiderman outfit choice for the day... the bear builder lady already had the perfect outfit set aside.
Meet Owen's newest bear named Fuzzy.. aka Spiderbear. I told Owen we couldn't see his cute bear face and he said.. "you can see his cute fuzzy ears can't you?" He sure loves this bear, and the cardboard house is quite the hit around here as well.
When we checked out, the girl asked if Owen wanted to keep his gift card to play with. Of course he said yes! Then today as we were driving he said.. "I still have the gift card.. when are we going back to Build A Bear."
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Dance Competition
This weekend the girls competed at the Showbiz Dance Competition. They did amazing as always!! I woke up on Saturday feeling super yuck and ran to Urgent Care before they opened. It was a cold, rainy morning in the desert and after they confirmed that the junk I had was viral, their advice was "to get lots of rest". Ha. I raced home and grabbed Kam's costume to run to the seamstress. I dropped it off last week and asked that they let out 2 inches around the sparkly gold top and they took it in instead. Needless to say, she couldn't dance in it without alteration. I ran to the seamstress and she used her mad sewing skills to make it perfect within 30 minutes. I wish I had that talent!
After I got home it was time to get Owen's meds and settled in for the day before getting Kam's hair/makeup ready. Soon to realize that she didn't have her tan fishnets because they tore during her last performance and I pitched them. So we got Owen settled with Daddy and rushed to the dance store, then grabbed some lunch before arriving at the competition with minutes to spare. Gigi and my Sis met us there and I'm so glad the girls are old enough to just "drop off" backstage and we settled into the auditorium to enjoy some seriously awesome dance competition!
But first, I got my mandatory picture.. Kam's face cracks me up.. "get this over with".
The girls rocked it! We were there for at least four hours before heading home for some dinner. We were supposed to make a quick turn around and go back for the 10pm award show but my body was achy, my throat felt raw and I felt awful! Kam and I found that we could live stream the competition, so we watched the awards portion on my laptop while lying in our pjs in bed. All I heard was Diamond double platinum, Ruby Platinum and I drifted off to sleep. I have no idea what place or awards they got.
All day Sunday, I let the kids do whatever they wanted while I planted myself on the couch and watched the live stream of the solo/duo competitions on my laptop.
It is now Wednesday and I am feeling so gunky, my house wreaks of bleach and I am determined to keep this bug to myself. The girls have another performance tonight and then we'll get a little break for a week or so. Tis the season for dance and we all love it!
After I got home it was time to get Owen's meds and settled in for the day before getting Kam's hair/makeup ready. Soon to realize that she didn't have her tan fishnets because they tore during her last performance and I pitched them. So we got Owen settled with Daddy and rushed to the dance store, then grabbed some lunch before arriving at the competition with minutes to spare. Gigi and my Sis met us there and I'm so glad the girls are old enough to just "drop off" backstage and we settled into the auditorium to enjoy some seriously awesome dance competition!
But first, I got my mandatory picture.. Kam's face cracks me up.. "get this over with".
The girls rocked it! We were there for at least four hours before heading home for some dinner. We were supposed to make a quick turn around and go back for the 10pm award show but my body was achy, my throat felt raw and I felt awful! Kam and I found that we could live stream the competition, so we watched the awards portion on my laptop while lying in our pjs in bed. All I heard was Diamond double platinum, Ruby Platinum and I drifted off to sleep. I have no idea what place or awards they got.
All day Sunday, I let the kids do whatever they wanted while I planted myself on the couch and watched the live stream of the solo/duo competitions on my laptop.
It is now Wednesday and I am feeling so gunky, my house wreaks of bleach and I am determined to keep this bug to myself. The girls have another performance tonight and then we'll get a little break for a week or so. Tis the season for dance and we all love it!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Owen's Birthday
Owen had the best birthday and spent it doing exactly what he loves most. He woke up early and was so excited to get right to opening presents. It was still dark out! He got a few Skylander Giants, Star Wars III for Wii and a Samurai Castle that "I just really, really want!!"
{The Samurai castle was returned to Target today because it wasn't working right and the buttons were hard for him to maneuver.}
After spending about 30 minutes playing with his castle, he started playing Star Wars until his Speech Therapist came over. Then he planted his bottom back on this spot on the couch and didn't move until lunch time. He was so thrilled!! I even brought him a sandwich and chips for lunch, which he barely touched. Kam stayed home from school... her back hurt from doing gymnastics the day before and it was the only day her brother would be turning FIVE!! She is quite convincing. :)
We took an afternoon ride to Sonic Happy Hour and Owen insisted on an Oreo Blast.. because "it's my Birthday!"
We then headed to Target because he couldn't wait to spend the money that Grammy K got him for his birthday. He bought another Lego Wii game and was so excited to come home and play it! Kam and I got started on his requested "Spiderman Carrot Cake". I love that you can see the 10 or so carrots he has stuffed in his cheek.
Kam and I dyed the frosting and used syringes as cake decorating tools. Not an easy task, but Owen was happy, so that's all that mattered.


When Daddy got home, I ran to pick up the Birthday Boy's requested "Spicy Chinese Food" and then we sang Happy Birthday. Owen was so excited to dig into his carrot cake. He first complimented Kam on the design, then said it was "delish!" Then he said "I'm done.. it was good.. but I'm not hungry." He ate a whole shred of carrot out of the inside. We had plenty of leftover carrot cake, so I was happy when my Sister came over today so I could send half of it home with her.
Owen cuddled in bed last night and said it was the best birthday! He had such a simple day, just the way he likes things. We have a few family birthday parties coming up to celebrate both kids' birthdays.. there will plenty of excitement and noise to come.
{The Samurai castle was returned to Target today because it wasn't working right and the buttons were hard for him to maneuver.}
After spending about 30 minutes playing with his castle, he started playing Star Wars until his Speech Therapist came over. Then he planted his bottom back on this spot on the couch and didn't move until lunch time. He was so thrilled!! I even brought him a sandwich and chips for lunch, which he barely touched. Kam stayed home from school... her back hurt from doing gymnastics the day before and it was the only day her brother would be turning FIVE!! She is quite convincing. :)
We took an afternoon ride to Sonic Happy Hour and Owen insisted on an Oreo Blast.. because "it's my Birthday!"
We then headed to Target because he couldn't wait to spend the money that Grammy K got him for his birthday. He bought another Lego Wii game and was so excited to come home and play it! Kam and I got started on his requested "Spiderman Carrot Cake". I love that you can see the 10 or so carrots he has stuffed in his cheek.
Kam and I dyed the frosting and used syringes as cake decorating tools. Not an easy task, but Owen was happy, so that's all that mattered.


When Daddy got home, I ran to pick up the Birthday Boy's requested "Spicy Chinese Food" and then we sang Happy Birthday. Owen was so excited to dig into his carrot cake. He first complimented Kam on the design, then said it was "delish!" Then he said "I'm done.. it was good.. but I'm not hungry." He ate a whole shred of carrot out of the inside. We had plenty of leftover carrot cake, so I was happy when my Sister came over today so I could send half of it home with her.
Owen cuddled in bed last night and said it was the best birthday! He had such a simple day, just the way he likes things. We have a few family birthday parties coming up to celebrate both kids' birthdays.. there will plenty of excitement and noise to come.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Happy 5th Birthday Owen!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mr. Owen on FIVE fabulous years!!
You are the sweetest, kind hearted, loving, stubborn, cuddly, happy, smart, silly, social, and BRAVE boy we know! You have come so far and we couldn't be more proud of you!You bring so much joy to our family, and make us laugh a million times a day. We love your smile, your charm and the way you give the tightest hugs! Your toothy grin, your folded ears, there is not anything about you we do not adore. I will always love your night time cuddles and the way you ask me to sing "Baby Mine" and "You are my Shunshine"... only you could love my horrible voice. You love reading books, playing video games and all things superheros. You love watching football and wrestling and you scream with excitement as you follow the plays. That squeal of delight makes us all smile from ear to ear, you happiness is contagious. You are the bravest boy and not a day goes by when you don't tell me "I can't wait to get my new heart!" Today... we celebrate YOU and an amazing five years!! We know that each moment with you is a blessing!
Happy Birthday to You.. Happy Birthday to You.. Happy Birthday Mr Owen... Happy Birthday to YOU!!!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Varsity Game
The girls performed at another half time show last night at a local high school.. and they did fantastic! It's always a rush to pick them up from school, get homework done, get a healthy dinner in them, hair/makeup and out the door by 6!! We did it though. I ran the girls to the High School and quickly found my spot in the gymnasium to watch the varsity boys play some ball. I love to people watch and when I am in a gym with at least a hundred high school kids getting ready to cheer on their team, I am completely entertained. You have the cheerleaders that are super crazy loud, I seriously cannot believe I did that in High School. Moving on... There are the rebels that kind of stand off in the corner, the scantily clad girls and the boys that drool over them, the girls' basketball team sat in front of me, then the "nerds" were off to my left playing with their electronics and then front and center were the "popular" kids standing up yelling and just going nuts. Then there were the parents of the varsity players and seriously, they were much louder than any high school spectator last night. One of the refs had to have security remove one of the moms from the game because she was yelling profanities at the referees. Good times.
I can't believe my Kam will be in High School in less than 2 years, and I really wish I could just sign her up to be in any "click" aside from "those girls". The ones that laughed at the girl singing the National Anthem, the same girls that yelled at the security guard "lay off the donuts", and the same girls that could have covered up a little more flesh. Yikes!
Overall, we had a great night. The girls danced perfectly! Tomorrow they will compete and they have a 10pm award ceremony.. it will be a long, but fun day. Have a great weekend.
I can't believe my Kam will be in High School in less than 2 years, and I really wish I could just sign her up to be in any "click" aside from "those girls". The ones that laughed at the girl singing the National Anthem, the same girls that yelled at the security guard "lay off the donuts", and the same girls that could have covered up a little more flesh. Yikes!
Overall, we had a great night. The girls danced perfectly! Tomorrow they will compete and they have a 10pm award ceremony.. it will be a long, but fun day. Have a great weekend.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Comfort Food
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It has been COLD in the desert this winter. With temps reaching a highs of 50s last week, we were freezing! We live in the Valley of the Sun and are used to triple digit temps for at least half the year. It was a nice change to feel a little nip in the air, but I am grateful that we are back to our baseline winters of 70 degrees. I like warmth and sunshine. :)
During that cold front that flew through here, all I wanted to do is make warm soup for dinner and have hot cocoa for dessert. I only know a handful of yummy soup recipes and keeping them healthy is never easy for me. I like creamy soups. You know the goodies like baked potato, corn chowder and any other cream based soup... yummy! Since creamy soups are totally loaded with fat and carbs, I was on the search for something a little more broth based with beans and veggies. These are a couple that I found, tried and LOVED!!! They are my "go to" soup recipes now and so I thought I'd share!
I am totally not the greatest cook and could never come up with my own recipes from scratch. I just don't have it in me. I still manage to cook my family a hot meal for breakfast and dinner every day of the week. We rarely eat out around here, mainly because Kam thinks fast food is "too greasy" and Owen won't eat anything if it doesn't come out of the produce section of the grocery store. My kids also won't eat cereal or "quick" breakfasts.. they like eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, french toast... you name it. So, I have learned to cook and so I am always open for new recipes or ideas.
My go to sites for recipes are allrecipes.com and thepioneerwoman.com. YuM! I can usually find what I want to make on one of these sites, but I do venture off to other sites or hit up family for recipes. The three soup recipes I have made several times and they are crowd favorites around here.
It has been COLD in the desert this winter. With temps reaching a highs of 50s last week, we were freezing! We live in the Valley of the Sun and are used to triple digit temps for at least half the year. It was a nice change to feel a little nip in the air, but I am grateful that we are back to our baseline winters of 70 degrees. I like warmth and sunshine. :)
During that cold front that flew through here, all I wanted to do is make warm soup for dinner and have hot cocoa for dessert. I only know a handful of yummy soup recipes and keeping them healthy is never easy for me. I like creamy soups. You know the goodies like baked potato, corn chowder and any other cream based soup... yummy! Since creamy soups are totally loaded with fat and carbs, I was on the search for something a little more broth based with beans and veggies. These are a couple that I found, tried and LOVED!!! They are my "go to" soup recipes now and so I thought I'd share!
I am totally not the greatest cook and could never come up with my own recipes from scratch. I just don't have it in me. I still manage to cook my family a hot meal for breakfast and dinner every day of the week. We rarely eat out around here, mainly because Kam thinks fast food is "too greasy" and Owen won't eat anything if it doesn't come out of the produce section of the grocery store. My kids also won't eat cereal or "quick" breakfasts.. they like eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, french toast... you name it. So, I have learned to cook and so I am always open for new recipes or ideas.
My go to sites for recipes are allrecipes.com and thepioneerwoman.com. YuM! I can usually find what I want to make on one of these sites, but I do venture off to other sites or hit up family for recipes. The three soup recipes I have made several times and they are crowd favorites around here.
Enjoy!!!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Growing
It seems like our days quickly turn into weeks, then months, and before we know it a year has passed! I was looking back on the blog for pictures of Owen's last few birthdays and found a post from last year with all the info about their well child visits last year. I was seriously in shock when I realized how much both have grown and changed in the past year!!
I'll start with Kam, whom I think has changed the most this year. Last year she was barely 5'4" and weighed about 106lbs at 12 yrs old. I found this picture just before her visit. She had just gotten her braces on a month earlier. She wore her contacts occasionally, but preferred her glasses. She didn't ask for side swept bangs yet and she didn't own a stitch of makeup. She even wore clothes from (gasp) Justice still!!
I'll start with Kam, whom I think has changed the most this year. Last year she was barely 5'4" and weighed about 106lbs at 12 yrs old. I found this picture just before her visit. She had just gotten her braces on a month earlier. She wore her contacts occasionally, but preferred her glasses. She didn't ask for side swept bangs yet and she didn't own a stitch of makeup. She even wore clothes from (gasp) Justice still!!
A year makes a BIG difference! It's rare to catch Kam wearing her glasses and prefers her contacts. Her teeth have straightened out a ton with her first year of braces. She wears makeup daily, but only nude eyeshadow and a touch of mascara. She doesn't waste time messing with the rest of it! Her bangs are cut, her hair is layered and she has grown a ton! She has outgrown ALL her clothes and now prefers to shop at Aero, AE and Wet Seal. She loves accessories... scarves, rings, necklaces, bracelets, she always has accessories on! The biggest change is that she is no 5'6" and weights 119lbs! She grew a TON this year!!! All her dance clothes are too small and instead of the cutesy booty shorts with sports bras, which are clearly not working out, she has chosen PINK yoga pants and razorback tanks. She is getting so big so fast and my little girl is officially a TEEN!!
Now onto Owen, whose changes aren't as obvious. I often worry that he's not gaining weight or growing or developing as quickly as others his age, but then I look back and WOW!! Last year at Owen's 4 yr well child visit, he weighted a whopping 32.5lbs and measured 35.5 inches. I still think he was barely at the 40" mark because he rode on all the roller coasters at Disneyworld. We just looked back on all the posts from his Make A Wish trip and he remembers every detail! Anyway, last year he was just beginning his obsession with all things Superhero, most importantly, Spiderman. I didn't know if it was a fad, or just a quick interest that he would quickly outgrow. I know now that it is HIS thing and he knows every superhero, villain and sidekick out there! He is a comic book nerd and I love it!! Last year Owen was totally into all the Disney Pixar movies and characters and was just starting to learn all his letters and numbers.
A year later and again, WOW! He has changed so much! Aside from his obvious love of Superheros, he is loving zombies, ninjas and all things weapons! He downloads a bunch of apps on his iPad everyday and is such a gamer. He has always been a gamer, but it has been teetering on obsessive lately, so I have had to cut him off at times. It's the best discipline/reward tactic out there.. earning screen time for good behavior, losing it for bad behavior. It works wonderfully for this little charmer! The biggest change in Owen's physical appearance is his less than obvious growth, until you look at the numbers. Much to my surprise, he has grown a TON this year!!! He is just a few days shy of his 5th birthday and he is now 43" tall and weighs (almost) 38lbs!! That is at least 5lbs and 3 inch growth in just this year! I am seriously so excited about this!
I wish time could stand still and my babies would be small forever, but at the same time, I love watching them grow and change. So proud of these two!!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
5 Months and Counting....
Ah man, we had the most relaxing three day weekend! We had a party with C's coworkers on Saturday and other than that, we just hung around the house and I got some chores done. Kam is feeling much better and was back to school today. Owen got a haircut and it looks so much better.
I almost spaced that Owen had a cardio appointment scheduled this Wednesday and I didn't write down the time so I called on Monday to confirm the appointment. They told me it was actually "tomorrow" (today), so we arrived at our noon appointment to find out that it was really scheduled for Wednesday and I was right all along. Sigh. Our transplant NP was there so she did a checkup and we squeezed him in for a quick echo. I don't know the results yet, as Dr J. wasn't in, but I'm not concerned. Owen has been doing phenomenal lately!
As of today, Owen has been waiting 5 months, 22 weeks, or 154 days {however you want to look at it} for his new heart!! I can wait many more months if he continues to be stable at home. It's seriously such a blessing! He has his moments where my heart breaks for him. Like on Saturday, at the party, there were some boys running around the backyard playing tag and wrestling. Owen said "I want to collect some friends". When I asked him if he wanted to go play with them, he said "I can't play like they do." Then today, when I took off his oxygen to change his cannula and he took a deep breath in sans oxygen and said "Mom.. I CAN breathe!!!" The cannula is so much a part of him that he thinks without it, there is no air. Ugh. Times like these make me pray so hard that a heart comes today!! Then there are times where he is just thriving and doing so good, I can't imagine him undergoing another open heart surgery. Especially one where they will remove his heart and pray like crazy the new one beats inside him. I can't even think about it without getting chills.
So we continue to wait. Learn. Grow. Make memories. In less than a week, this little handsome guy will celebrate his 5th Birthday!!
Friday, January 18, 2013
Our Week
Some days feel so busy that I don't even sit down, while others offer a nice break from our everyday hectic. I got a call from Kam's school nurse yesterday and I went to pick her up. She has had a small tummy bug, but felt good enough for a little Carver's custard. This morning she woke up feeling really achy, tired and her throat was "kinda sore". I let her stay home today to rest up since I'm afraid she's going to get worse. While Owen was busy creating monsters and saving the world on his video games, Kam and I watched 'Pitch Perfect', which was questionably PG13, but pretty good! I love watching movies with my favorite teen.. tomorrow we are on the hunt for 'The Breakfast Club' and 'Sixteen Candles'. Thankful for long three day weekends!
We relaxed the rest of the day and I feel so lazy that I just whipped up a green salad for dinner. It has just been one of those days. I did try to convince Owen to let me take him for a haircut since his messy mop of hair makes me a little crazy. It grows every direction and just looks messy all the time. He agreed that Daddy could cut it tomorrow.. he pinky promised.
I received an email early in the week that we only have until Feb 1st to turn in our open enrollment forms and Kindergarten registration! I may have temporarily had a panic attack as I have no idea how to go about picking a school for Owen. I started by calling the district and first speaking with the Kindergarten director. She gave me the names of schools with half day Kindergarten programs, which are {apparently} unpopular. Yay for smaller class sizes! I then spoke with the district Health Director and asked her about the school nurses and was pleasantly surprised to hear that there are full time RN's at every elementary school. She even added a few that have a background in cardiology. I then spoke with the special needs director to find out what I may need to get together for Owen's 504 and if/when he needs to be re evaluated for an IEP (Individual Education Plan). You may remember that he was tested in the fall and tested out of an IEP because his strengths are too great and it brings his weaknesses to an "average" rating. I think he's going to thrive and do great in a regular Kindergarten environment, but I do have a few concerns about his lack of strength and coordination. He still cannot climb, run, jump and has a hard time stepping down from a small curb. We still have at least six months to work on these goals, but we need to have a plan in place for him as well. I don't foresee him needing tube feeds or medication while at school for two hours.
Anyway.. I took Owen to the schools with me so he could check out the playgrounds and he is just SO excited!! He does say he's "a little nervous because I won't know any of the kids' names." I hope that we hear back from our schools of choice that he was approved so that he can join in with his peers for Kindergarten round up, which usually happens in the early spring. Still can't believe Owen will be in Kindergarten, but we are thrilled for him!
Have a happy weekend!!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
A Season to Dance
The girls are smack dab in the middle of their dance performing season. It usually wraps up mid February and then competition season starts the last week of Jan and run through May. Then they have dance recitals the beginning of June and the fun starts all over again! Next year, we are done with performing team and will just focus on competitive dancing because we are all a little exhausted. Last night, after a long day of school, the girls had to do their homework before we headed out to perform at our local high school basketball halftime show. These are some of my favorite performances because admission is cheap, they are low key, and it's always fun to watch a little high school basketball game. The energy in the gym is insane and I really loved my high school years!
The girls varsity basketball team was intense and they were much more exciting on the court than any boys team I've ever watched. They were crazy good! Then our girls performed at half time and did a fabulous job as always. Both girl's costumes are getting so small since they wear the same performing costume for two years (to save $$). Time to take them in for a little upgrade though! Both of these girls are growing like weeds.
We were done early, around 8:30, but the girls were exhausted. Gigi took her hair out and stripped down in the car and I just had to get a picture of her. She was so tired last night, I'm sure she crashed hard!
The girls varsity basketball team was intense and they were much more exciting on the court than any boys team I've ever watched. They were crazy good! Then our girls performed at half time and did a fabulous job as always. Both girl's costumes are getting so small since they wear the same performing costume for two years (to save $$). Time to take them in for a little upgrade though! Both of these girls are growing like weeds.
We were done early, around 8:30, but the girls were exhausted. Gigi took her hair out and stripped down in the car and I just had to get a picture of her. She was so tired last night, I'm sure she crashed hard!
FOUR more performances this month, then a few biggies in February. They take their competition dances to compete the last weekend of the month and then they have a few dance conventions coming up as well! I love that they are enjoying dance so much. Kam is really getting the dance bug and is such a perfectionist and loves perfecting her technique. My Sis and I danced just as hard growing up and both danced like crazy through High School. It's fun to watch the girls sharing those same interests.
Good job girls!!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Weekend
Owen was discharged by noon on Friday and we had a quick exit. Our nurse was on the ball!! Owen was so excited to be home, it was if we were gone for months. Daddy and Owen played Wii while I took a long, well deserved nap.
On Friday night, I went out with friends and it was as great as always. We shared a back room with some very loud, rude, and half dressed teens. Turns out they were a large group of Gypsies, which I had never heard of, but totally fascinating. The waitress filled us in our their culture and then it made total sense. Good times.
Today we had Kam's dance winter showcase. It was actually an evening show, but with dress rehearsals and time preparing, it's an all day event. Gigi and Kam did a fantastic job on stage and we have a busy few weeks of dance ahead of us. I didn't take any pictures because there was no photography allowed in the auditorium. I would have stopped to take pictures backstage, like usual, but I was just trying to get out of the dressing room. Girls were coughing, a few had fevers and I just wanted to sanitize and get out of there!
Tomorrow we are going to have a little family party to celebrate Kam's birthday. We were going to go bowling, but again, germ central. This is the coldest winter I can remember in Phoenix, like ever, and the amount of people getting sick is insane. So far we have been healthy and I am determined to keep it that way.
I hope you are all enjoying your weekend!
On Friday night, I went out with friends and it was as great as always. We shared a back room with some very loud, rude, and half dressed teens. Turns out they were a large group of Gypsies, which I had never heard of, but totally fascinating. The waitress filled us in our their culture and then it made total sense. Good times.
Today we had Kam's dance winter showcase. It was actually an evening show, but with dress rehearsals and time preparing, it's an all day event. Gigi and Kam did a fantastic job on stage and we have a busy few weeks of dance ahead of us. I didn't take any pictures because there was no photography allowed in the auditorium. I would have stopped to take pictures backstage, like usual, but I was just trying to get out of the dressing room. Girls were coughing, a few had fevers and I just wanted to sanitize and get out of there!
Tomorrow we are going to have a little family party to celebrate Kam's birthday. We were going to go bowling, but again, germ central. This is the coldest winter I can remember in Phoenix, like ever, and the amount of people getting sick is insane. So far we have been healthy and I am determined to keep it that way.
I hope you are all enjoying your weekend!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
IVIG Round 7
So we are just starting round 7 of IVIG! I still cannot believe Owen has been on the transplant list for 20 weeks now! Time has flown by so fast. Anyway.. we are here in the CVICU and Owen is doing great. We arrived at around 4:00 and we were prepared and protected. There was a symphony of coughs throughout the admitting area and even on the unit. We had masks and Owen was hidden in a tent under his stroller. No germs were breaking that barrier! We got to his room at 5ish and met his transplant NP here. She was apologetic about the miscommunication yesterday and she was on the ball. We kept our door and curtain shut and all people entering his room are scrubbing up in the yellow gown, gloves and masks. We are on a mission to stay healthy!!
I also had the ICU docs look at Owen's elbow since we still haven't had it looked it. He has been moving it around and the swelling is gone, but they ordered an xray in his room. That was easy. I just looked up the report and it shows no fracture, so hooray for strong bones!
The IV team came up just before dinner. We got a good stick in his right hand and drew all his labs, but the IV was a failure. So they got one on that huge vein you see in your wrist. After the tears were wiped, dinner showed up. Owen dined on super yummy nachos (sarcasm inserted here) and dried carrot sticks.
We started his IVIG around 9:30 and everything is going smooth so far. Whew. Owen is sound asleep as I type this. He loves our hospital "sleepovers" and so it makes it kinda fun. We watched movies, played with his iPad and had a picnic on his bed for dinner. It's nice to not have to worry about laundry, dishes, running errands, and all the other distractions that come in everyday life. In the hospital.. time just kind of stands still. There is nothing to do but make your own fun.
I'm going to go make my bed on the couch and call it a night. Goodnight.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
IVIG Fail.
As you can see from this picture, Owen was thrilled to be heading to PCH for his IVIG today. Turns out he is a much happier boy as of right now, because the hospital screwed up and now we aren't going. As if me calling at 9am, 11am, and 1:30 wasn't enough to confirm that we were looking for an estimated time of bed availability, I called at 3:30 and was sent to the CVICU charge nurse. She said and I quote "we didn't know Owen was coming today." So my three previous phone calls confirming he was on the schedule? So frustrated.
She then proceeded to tell me that the ICU docs said that it's best he come tomorrow. Apparently they have beds, just not enough nurses.. "because we didn't know he was coming." The on call cardio in the CVICU said even she didn't know Owen was on the schedule. Ok.. so tomorrow?
"We will let you know sometime tomorrow if we will have bed availability." Seriously? I was super annoyed and frustrated seeing as my car was packed and I had a very irritable little guy all morning that was pretty much dreading and anticipating his trip to the hospital to get poked. Not to mention that getting a heart kiddo like Owen packed up and ready to go to the hospital is not a small task with his oxygen, feeding supplies, meds, ect.
So we came home, unpacked and I called our transplant NP. She apologized and called me back 30 min later and said that the issue was simply not having enough beds, but that they knew he was scheduled. Ok. Seriously? So what's the story and who dropped the ball so we can correct it and not have it happen next tiem. Sorry, I am just venting. If it was an issue of bed availability, then you could have told me that during one of three calls to 'bed placement' in Admitting. That was not the issue. So I asked the same question.. "so tomorrow then?" Same answer.. "we'll call you tomorrow and let you know."
I get that the CVICU is unpredictable and things come up. I get that there may be a short nursing staff, or limited bed availability. I also get that mistakes happen. What bothers me so much is that this is Owen's 8th IVIG treatment since August and we have had an issue every single time.
Thanks for the midweek vent. :) So tomorrow then. We shall see.
She then proceeded to tell me that the ICU docs said that it's best he come tomorrow. Apparently they have beds, just not enough nurses.. "because we didn't know he was coming." The on call cardio in the CVICU said even she didn't know Owen was on the schedule. Ok.. so tomorrow?
"We will let you know sometime tomorrow if we will have bed availability." Seriously? I was super annoyed and frustrated seeing as my car was packed and I had a very irritable little guy all morning that was pretty much dreading and anticipating his trip to the hospital to get poked. Not to mention that getting a heart kiddo like Owen packed up and ready to go to the hospital is not a small task with his oxygen, feeding supplies, meds, ect.
So we came home, unpacked and I called our transplant NP. She apologized and called me back 30 min later and said that the issue was simply not having enough beds, but that they knew he was scheduled. Ok. Seriously? So what's the story and who dropped the ball so we can correct it and not have it happen next tiem. Sorry, I am just venting. If it was an issue of bed availability, then you could have told me that during one of three calls to 'bed placement' in Admitting. That was not the issue. So I asked the same question.. "so tomorrow then?" Same answer.. "we'll call you tomorrow and let you know."
I get that the CVICU is unpredictable and things come up. I get that there may be a short nursing staff, or limited bed availability. I also get that mistakes happen. What bothers me so much is that this is Owen's 8th IVIG treatment since August and we have had an issue every single time.
Thanks for the midweek vent. :) So tomorrow then. We shall see.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Back to School!
Winter break is officially over and Kam has to go back to school tomorrow. We had a really relaxing break and stayed 100% healthy!!
Aside from Owen's incident with the stairs. Good thing he has some sort of super human healing power because look how great it's healing after one week!! He has full range of motion and the swelling is almost completely gone.
I'm sure Kamryn is dreading her first day back to school.. I remember how tough it was after long breaks. We finally got Sis' report card in the mail this week for her first semester of Jr High and she rocked it with a 4.2GPA!! We are so proud of her!
This week is going to be a busy as we get back on schedule with therapies, dance and school. Throw in Owen's IVIG on Wednesday and I am going to be wishing we could go back to our relaxing time off.
I never posted about Kam's birthday, but she had a fun day! She got a new iPad mini with a super cute chevron hot pink case. We took her out to lunch at Cheesecake factory and she wanted a huge slice of their fudge cake for her candles. It was simple, the way she likes things. She opted out for a big party this year, so we are getting together with family next week to do a combo party for the two kiddos instead.
Speaking of birthdays, Owen says a million times a day.. "Is my birthday still in 3 weeks?" It sure is.
Happy top of the week to you all!
I'm sure Kamryn is dreading her first day back to school.. I remember how tough it was after long breaks. We finally got Sis' report card in the mail this week for her first semester of Jr High and she rocked it with a 4.2GPA!! We are so proud of her!
This week is going to be a busy as we get back on schedule with therapies, dance and school. Throw in Owen's IVIG on Wednesday and I am going to be wishing we could go back to our relaxing time off.
I never posted about Kam's birthday, but she had a fun day! She got a new iPad mini with a super cute chevron hot pink case. We took her out to lunch at Cheesecake factory and she wanted a huge slice of their fudge cake for her candles. It was simple, the way she likes things. She opted out for a big party this year, so we are getting together with family next week to do a combo party for the two kiddos instead.
Speaking of birthdays, Owen says a million times a day.. "Is my birthday still in 3 weeks?" It sure is.
Happy top of the week to you all!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Happy 13th Birthday!!!
Happy 13th Birthday to the sweetest, most beautiful, kind, loving, intelligent, funny, helpful, talented girl we know!
I can't believe my baby girl is a teenager!! Kamryn came into this world at 6:30 on the 3rd day of January. She had silver highlights in her hair and the cutest little face. She was so long and just a tiny little thing. She was our little millennium baby. We were so young and we couldn't wait to start our lives as new parents. Time sure has flown by, but when I stop to remember all the amazing times we've shared with her, it feels like a lifetime! I just want to say Happy Birthday to our most wonderful daughter we could have ever asked for. Love you Sis!! To the moon and back a zillion times. And since you just LOVE It when I sing.. Ha.. here it goes..
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday Dear KAMRYN
Happy Birthday to YYYYOOOOUUUU!!!
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