Friday, May 29, 2015
Wrapping up the Week
Thursday Nana was moved from the hospital to a rehab facility. My sister was so stressed trying to pick out the right place for her to go to get better. We aren't sure if she will make it home again, which is heartbreaking, or if she will need to go to a long term skilled nursing facility. For now, we are just trying to get her up on her feet again. Prayers for Nana to just feel comfort.
Grandpa Todd and Grandma Monica bought all the girl cousins tickets to Phantom of the Opera for Christmas. Thursday night was the big night and they had so much fun! They all went out to dinner and then off to the show. Followed up with Ice cream and Kam didn't get home until close to midnight. I am getting old because I could barely keep my eyes open until Kam got home. I love all these girls so much.
Six am on Friday came too quickly and we were up and getting ready for Physical Therapy. This was Owen's first time back to PT since his hospitalization and we wanted to get to the gym before it got crowded for the day. I am so nervous that he is going to overdue it physically, but he was pretty self limiting. He bounced on the trampoline for a few minutes before totally feeling exhausted. He spent a good 30 minutes lifting mats and carrying them around trying to build his fort. He was pretty proud of it and it was good to see what his physical limitations are right now.
We rushed home so I could tube feed Owen and give him his meds and I was right back out the door with Logi. He has his 4 month well baby visit, a month late. This little guy is so squishy and delightful all the time. He was 18.9lbs (81%) and 27.5" (92%)... "little tiny chubs" as Owen calls him. We picked a couple vaccinations (I do only a couple at a time) and he barely cried. Mister tough guy like his big bro. The tongue is new this week too. Anytime he smiles.. out comes the tongue.. so adorable!
We wrapped up the day with hair cuts for all. Then housework, dinner, grocery shopping, and clean up. I am happy this week is over, but next week is another very full week. Life is busy and we wouldn't have it any other way. We are all HOME and that is really what matters. I am planning a trip to Stanford maybe around the 4th of July. Anyone know of any firework shows.. beach towns.. along the California coast?? We have done Oceanside a few years but now they do the San Diego show so that is in the running... anywhere else? Santa Cruz.. Monterrey...San Fran? Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Making The Most Of Summer
It is summertime in Sunny Arizona and we will soon be enjoying triple digit temps. We like to be outdoors and that means we spend much of our Summer poolside. Summer is my favorite time of year! Spending time with my kids, staying up late watching movies, afternoon naps, swimming for hours, and making memories. I am always looking for quick, grab and go snacks, that are easy to throw in the beach bag. Who doesn't love cereal? Eat it anytime, anywhere, and everyone loves Kellogg's cereal. These little to go cups are convenient and so easy for the kids to snack on poolside.
Keeping my kids busy indoors during the heat of the day is always a challenge. Well, I suppose if I allowed it, Owen would just play his video games all day. So why not get in the kitchen and try a new recipe even the kids can make. My kids' favorite summer treat is my Gooey Rice Krispy Treats with M&Ms. With only four ingredients they are quick and super easy. I simply follow the recipe on the back of the Rice Krispy box and add some mini M&Ms.
2. Add KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal and toss in M&Ms. Stir until well coated.
3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. Best if served the same day.
Get Creative!!! I also have thrown in graham cracker pieces, chocolate chips and mini mallows to make S'more treats. My newest find is adding a little coconut oil to the treats for a sweet coconut flavor. It's fun to let the kids come up with new ideas and it's a great way to spend time together in the kitchen during those long summer days. Make some memories this summer!
Walmart wants you to show us how you #MakeTheMostOfSummer with your favorite cereals from Kelloggs. www.walmart.com/MakeTheMostOfSummer
Leave me a comment and let me know your favorite summertime activity for a chance to win a $100 Walmart Giftcard!
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Stanford Visit
Monday, May 25, 2015
Memorial Day
Nana hasn't had such a great week and ended up in the hospital. My Sis lives with her and takes care of her as she is in the advanced stages of Alzheimers. She doesn't know that I am her granddaughter but she knows she likes me! It is not as entertaining in the adult hospital so I was teaching her how to take selfies. She got a kick out of it. Keep Nana in your prayers.. mostly for comfort and to not be anxious.
We finally took our first swim last night. Logi loved swimming with Kam while Owen was freaking out about the bees. He has been stung twice, always by the water, and now has a phobia of bees. He sees one and just goes ballistic. I convinced him there were no bees around and he was happy to get in the water until another lady said "watch out for bees, we have seen a few around here!" Grrrrr. Our time at the pool was cut short and we will try again another day.
Logan is changing so much each day. I found some old home movies yesterday of the kids that were entertaining for the late afternoon. They just grow up so quickly and these moment with first smiles, first food, first swim are cherished.
We have a wonderful Memorial Day planned! I am going to go visit with Nana at the hospital and then we have a family party this evening. Tomorrow morning Owen and I fly out to Palo Alto. He is a little more excited than I am for our little trip. I am on my toes all day.. counting calories, watching numbers on the scale, taking blood pressures, asking him how he feels... I am just so afraid I will miss something. It will get better with time. Happy Memorial Day and thank you to all those that put their lives on the line to protect our Freedom!!
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Logan -- 5 Months
He is about 18lbs and I have no idea how long, but not a small baby. He still eats just 3-4 ounces every couple hours. He takes several naps throughout the day and goes to bed at 7:30. He sleeps pretty good, only waking at midnight and 4am for a bottle and right back to sleep.
Logan busted in his first two teeth!! They came in a couple weeks ago and he is still a mess of drool so I suspect there are a couple more popping through soon.
He loves tummy time. I have never known a baby to love to be on his tummy so much. The second you put him on his back, he flips to his tummy and is ready to play! He is learning to scoot on his belly, Superman style, but can't get up on all fours quite yet.

These fingers are always in his mouth, and most recently, his toes have found their way there too. He loves to play with his feet.
It's finally time to start eating baby food, so we gave him his first few bites this week and he is still unsure. In Owen's words.. "He hates the apples, no way, he makes a yucky face. But the bananas are a YES because he smacked his lips."
Logi just "learned how to use his jumping feature" on the Jumparoo. (another Owen quote) You can see how strong he is and enjoy Owen's little commentary.
We love out little Logi and are so grateful for our "surprise" baby! I love that he smacks me in the face looking for Daddy's beard to play with. I love that he babbles all day and tries to repeat sounds that we are making. I love that he will cuddle me anytime, day or night, just snuggles. Happy 5 months little buddy!
Monday, May 18, 2015
Busy Monday
Kam is wrapping up the year and working hard to ace her classes. She will probably get a B in honors geometry which would still leave her gpa at 4.33. She is excited for summer break and is taking her world history online this summer to allow extra time in her schedule for Advanced dance, japanese 2 and drivers ed. We will have another licensed driver next year!
Owen contibues to struggle with weight gain and is barely 39lbs soaking wet. Not only is he getting tube feeds all day long, he is orally eating well. I think his body is just working hard and burning up all those calories. I am trying to avoid night feeds but may have to rely on the feeding pump all night again. Daddy took him for ribs and he was so thrilled..he only ate one. :)
Happy Monday...this is the start to our crazy busy week! We all have a nasty cold virus that we are trying to kick. Its too hot to have the sniffles!
Thursday, May 14, 2015
New Normal
I have been busy finding my new normal,
or my old normal. I am familiar with all the meds, but trying to get familiar with the new doses and on a schedule. I am loving the simple things like rotating laundry and cooking dinner. I am sure that will be old by the weekend.
We had an early morning appointment at the hospital. Owen saw Dr Z. and we had a quick visit with the nutritionist. Labs were no fun, but Monday's labs will be better. We have an echo scheduled Monday and I am hoping for some improvement.
Owen and Logan have developed a lovely cough but its from sinus drainage. Hoping its a small virus that they kick over the weekend. We have no plans. Lots of R&R!
Kam had finals next week and she puts so much pressure on herself to do perfect. I am looking forward to summer break so my baby girl can enjoy some downtime.
I hardly have photos of Owen because he has boycotted clothes since being home. ;)
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Home
This morning started with a 6am wake up by the Intensivist. Dr Nigro was on his way in early to remove Owen's broviac (like in his chest). Owen woke up and said "no way are we doing that bedside!" He told the surgeon he would rather go to the OR, so it was booked in the next half hour. I was able to scrub in again and take Owen to the OR and help him drift off with the "super yummy bubblegum, strawberry mask." Thirty minutes later he was done and back in his room. He was less than thrilled to have a new IV placed in his hand. Poor guy. We did a lab draw and removed the new line and told him he was done!
I spent the entire morning getting his meds filled, room packed and double checked all his home monitoring equipment for accuracy.
We hit the road home by 1:30!
Larissa had Logan for the day and she also went to the High School to be there for the Golden Scholar ceremony. Kam and Connor were honored once again for their academic excellence! We are so proud of them both!
We decided to swing by the high school on our way home to surprise Kam and pick up Logi. Finally...we were all going home together!
Mr Owen had one last request for his favorite Kung Pao Beef and Hot spicy soup!
I have been crazy trying to unpack and get on a new med schedule. We had some fun visitors...our HLHS buddies William and Bryson stopped by with their moms. It was fun to chat and take a break from unpacking.
The plan moving forward is transplant clinic visit Thursday morning with labs. ECHO, transplant clinic and labs on Monday again. We will probably still fly out to Stanford on Memorial Day like we had originally planned ..before his heart failed. We will first make sure he is stable for travel. Life is not slowing down anytime soon, but tonight, we will all sleep under one roof. Just s it should be. We are haunted by the events of the past month and are so grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers.
Monday, May 11, 2015
The "Plan"
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Mother's Day
Owen's nurse, Lexy, helped him make me the most perfect gift yesterday. Inside the jar were little notes from Owen with reasons why he loves me. "You help fix my heart."
"You do things for me."
"You play games with me."
"You are so nice to me."
They went on and on...such a sweet gesture and I may have cried big ugly tears when Owen hugged me and thanked me for being his Mom.
Carson brought Kam and Logan to the hospital in time for lunch. We had Honeybear BBQ hospital style. Kam made me the sweetest card and told me how grateful she is to me. I love this sweet girl of mine that made me a mom 15 years ago! Carson got me the best card as well...I tear up now as I have read it several times. I am so lucky!
Monica and Todd came by with a bouquet of balloons just for me. My Sisterwives sent me a very generous SPA Giftcard. My Mom, Dad, and Gigi came to spend the afternoon with us. Kelli, Chris, the little girls and Nana came with deserts for all from AJs. We headed out to the rooftop garden to visit with family.
It was hard saying goodbye to everyone, especially my little family.
I am grateful to have such amazing women in my life. My Mom, my Nana, Kathryn, Monica, my Sister, Larissa, Janesa, Kamri and Aida. I am so lucky to have three children that allow me to love them. Kamryn made me a mother and taught me what unconditional love is. Owen has taught me to appreciate every moment. I am stronger and braver than I ever knew I could be. Logan is teaching me patience and to go with the flow. There is nothing more challenging or rewarding than raising my babies. Happy Mother's Day!
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Saturday Family Day
The plan is to relax all weekend. We spent the day as a family with Owen, played fames and I got my butt kicked in UNO by all thre of them!
After a few laps around the unit with this comedian, we are settled in his room for the night. Hoping to watch a movie and then call it a night after his billion 9 o'clock meds.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Four weeks
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Long Days
Today I raised the question at rounds about a discharge date. In all honesty we are not doing anything here that I cannot do from home. He is being monitored closely every 3 hours and I understand that he was just decannulated from ECMO 2 weeks ago. With that said, I have managed his heart failure for years! I have blood pressure machines, a pulse ox with HR monitor and can weigh him daily. I will even bring him to clinic daily for labs and/or to do vitals. I just don't understand the benefit of staying inpatient with this brovic/ij line we aren't using but is a huge infection risk and the risk of contracting illness is higher inpatient.
Anyway...it's out of my hands. They are fearful about sending him home. His heart has not recovered fully, he is in heart failure and we don't have an exact understanding of what caused this rejection. It is scary. We also cannot keep him contained in a hospital room just because we are scared. We picked a tentative discharge date for next week with no promises.
We are VERY grateful the he has done so well and how far he has come. We also know he is not out of the woods and heart failure can be a beast. I am learning a big lesson in patience!
Time to go play our evening round of board games. Tomorrow is a new day....time to get creative!
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Avengers: Age of Ultron...A Special Day!
At 1pm today, I met Whitney from Harkins along with Lee from Marvel Studios. Lee flew in from Burbank, CA just to see Owen and brought along the new Avengers: Age of Ultron! He missed the May 1st movie release and has been counting down the days for this movie for the past year! He was totally surprised and so thrilled!
Whitney brought him a big fuzzy Harkins blanket, tons of popcorn, a super cool Marvel Marathon Medal (only those that have seen all the Marvel movies get these), some awesome tshirts and more goodies! It was so generous.
Lee, a production security coordinator, from Marvel brought another bag of goodies and special things only for Mr. Owen.
We turned off the lights, closed the blinds and watched the entire movie. Daddy and Kam were here for the movie and it almost felt like we weren't in the hospital for those 2 1/2 hours. We all loved the movie! Owen loved the scene with Hulk vs Iron Hulk. It was so fantastic and Mr. Owen will be talking about this experience for a really long time! Thank You to Lee for taking your entire day to fly out to Phoenix and make this Possible. I hope you found some good grub on your way back to the airport. It was a pleasure meeting you. Owen has been telling everyone he is coming to work for Marvel in 10 years!
He has been wearing his Capt America suit all over the unit telling everyone about his day. Thank You to Whitney at Harkins for making this possible as well. You were incredible to take a simple request and run with it! Thanks to Laura for thinking of it and sending Owen's info along. Finally..a shout out to my Sister Wives for loading Owen up with Avenger jammies and MashUps for the big day!
Shortly after our fun ended, Owen had another fun visitor. Mrs. Zale, his 1st grade teacher, dropped by with some gifts and hundreds of cards from the school. We are going to have fun looking through them all. Owen was also given the Super Shark award at school which is a big deal.
The dress up didnt end. Since he was all dressed up as Steve Rogers, he decided to throw on his Capt mask from Daddys coworkers and had fun shooting disks out of his shield. He is never in bed the last two days and it appears his tummy issues are subsiding. He is off monitors and they just do an assessment every few hours. He is all over the place and keeping super busy. HEART FAILURE will not take this Superhero down!
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Monday, May 4, 2015
Busy Day
He did get up and out of bed again. We wandered the halls with PT and did a few exercises...then his tummy started to hurt. He played in the chair for a while.
Teacher Mike came around and Owen got some math done. I kinda love that the hospital doesn't do common core math. Just back to basics.
School was short because Owen was waiting all afternoon for bingo to start. We played and won a huge magic set. If only we could figure out to actually perform the tricks...
Owen complained of his tummy hurting again but then asked me if they had an oven here? He was craving spicy buffalo chicken wings...random kid. I ran down to the grill and had them whip some up. He was in heaven! Three cartons of milk were guzzled as he tried to tame the spice, but he loved them!
Owen had an echo and xray this morning as well as a full panel of labs. We are hoping to have a plan by Wednesday on our next steps. Owen asks each day what the plan is...if only we knew. :)
This little bubba chubba has been a dream. He just hangs out with us at the hospital all day and is so chill and happy. I missed Kam today but will go home tomorrow night and let Daddy take over hospital duty. C has been working his buns off...keeping up with Owens blends, doing all the bottles, helping Kam, and taking care of Logi. He is working all week on top of everything else.
Can't believe we have done this for almost 4 weeks now with no real break in sight. We are getting through it and making the most of the situation. We are blessed!