So strong, stinky feet, sqeaky clean & super sweet!

Owen impressed me today when I was working in the kitchen...I caught him arching his back and I said "Are you stretching?" and he would repeat the 'arching motion' each time!

So strong!

I found my feet!!! Ok, so actually Owen did! I already know where mine are-but I'm not so sure I can mimic this newfound skill he has. We wondered if he'd be able to do this as it's a developmental skill he should've already been doing and with shorter limbs, it seemed a stretch for him-but here he is! We are so blessed each time he does something new! He has left sided weakness and grip strength issues, so this is quite a feat-pun intended;-)

Stinky Feet!!!

I laid down today when I put Owen down for a nap, but just before, I 'lectured' the boys on helping out more since they have been 2 little piggies since summer break started. An hour later when I came down with Owen, this is what I found. The first shot they didn't know I was watching. The second is when I said "Boys!" and they turned to me. They had plenty of soap and I must say Jacob is the world's best rinser, but moral of the story-you may want to not visit for a meal at our house for a couple days, because I didn't rewash the dishes;-)

Squeaky Clean!!!

On father's day, I dressed Owen in these new duds I got him super cheap at Target (don't you just love Target?). They have a great clearance now and these size newborn shorts actually 'fit'.

The first pic is to show the shirt, the second is to show the cute pose I caught...feel free to leave a comment with your quote that you think he's saying....this could be super fun to see what people come up with.

Mine is "Mom, God knows you are late for church taking these pictures of me!"

PS I had no time to proof, forgive the typos!!!

Ramblings...

For we walk by faith, not sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7

So as these pictures show, I can spend thousands of dollars on Owen's noggin contraption but these silly boys can put on dollar store goggles and voila! asymmetry city. Isn't it funny how hard we work to keep our kids healthy, etc but they enjoy looking silly from time to time. Anyway, thanks to Grandma Debbie for their care package, they love all their little trinkets and treats! They have near outworn the goggles already and they aren't even near the water!!!

I had a phone consult with Cranial tech today and Ginny (his orthotist/PT) just said we are going to have to really work with Owen to get this going again. He now has an open sore from his sensitive skin rubbing on things like the fabric of his swing and car seat. I am now going to try neosporin (sp?) and a band aid...go figure. At least he doesn't have much hair;-) We do get to evade our Monday journey to Chicago since he hasn't worn the band all week. Please, PLEASE, pray for his quick healing so we can get it back on again-I truly believe it was working. His response with the pressure spots are atypical but not unheard of. His head shape and fair skin are just 2 strikes against him-but we ARE NOT counting him out-and I WILL GO DOWN SWINGING!!!!

Of other interest-me...I usually don't talk about me unless it's my mood or in relation to parenting-so beware, this may be a bit boring but it's therapeutic (sp?) for me to get it out so here goes...

On the way home from Owen's surgery, I got a call from my personal MD's nurse. She relays how the doctor NEEDS to see me. I had an appt Monday but the Gary Catastrophe hindered things a bit. So, she proceeds to say that some of my labs were abnormal...as I think-oh great, here goes, I'm dying, I have cancer-no, a tumor!

Not so. I have EXTREMELY high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and to put a cherry on top of that medical sundae-high liver enzymes. How high you ask? I could tll you but then... you know the rest of the line. It's too unmentionable to type. I'm no newbie to this, pardon me, crap...I've had "issues" since college. I've always controlled it with diet and exercise. But the Owen/bedrest excuse made me forget my myriad of "fat" issues and I've proceeded to live by the Renay watchers diet. You know, the one where Renay eats and watches the scales climb in number? Stupid, stupid, stupid.

I knew better, now I must suffer. Oh, not just the typical suffering-but this kind.

At work the other night, I was in my fabulous powder blue scrubs in a c-section. The pedi for the case is one I know pretty well and she asks as the case is wrapping up, "DO you have something to tell me that maybe I haven't heard about already?

(Music from psycho with the woman in the shower screaming runs thru my head) I say no, I'm just fat, Owen's only 7 months old. Ugh.

She (and I) wanted to rewind time-what a dumb question to ask. I deserved it though.

Truth is, I weigh more now than I did at delivery (even with water weight from my death-defying pre-eclampsia act)....

So sad. So, so, very sad. Pathetic really.

So, I'm doomed. Let the dieting begin. If you have any tips that work for you (aside from abstaining from a cotton candy/milk chocolate laden regimen...oh and they must be POSITIVE-I know I caused my health issues, I'm not dumb-just stupid.) I'd be happy to accept tips. For official diagnosis my main problem areas are self control, emotional eating, night-time eating, sedentary life style-the most weight I lift is my 12 pound baby;-), and general lack of good nutrition/exercise.

Of note, I do not drink juice, nor sugary soda, however, I drink Diet Pepsi like it's a food group. I also don't care for milk and I LOVE SUGAR!!!! Yum! I also have normal blood sugar and normal blood pressure (2 balls)...I do have genetics (familial high cholesterol and heart disease (strike one) against me.

So, I guess I should go now and continue on with my hunger pang day. Hoorah! Think positive thoughts for me-but only ones that are calorie-free;-) Off to the health food section-double yum:-)

PS I think I may try bike riding for exercise-of course, I have no bike...but if you are local and have dust on yours, maybe we could swing a pchef trade? I also am in need of one of those trailer thingys for the kiddos.

Surgery Success and Chicago Catastrophe!

The surgery went really well today. Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes.
Owen was a trooper. He didn't even have a meltdown until just before it was time to go back...pretty good for a baby that eats every 3-4 hours 24/7 (was 6 plus hours fasting with a decent blood sugar).

The best part was when he was beginning his meltdown just prior to surgery time. They decided to give him a little Versed to "relax him". Ohmagosh! He was soooo cute (and drunk looking:-). He could hardly keep his eyes open but he was fighting it so hard! He just kept starring at me and reaching out for my face. I truly wish I had a recorder with me, but the picture above was close;-) The main diff was he kept his mouth open just a little in his much relaxed state. We were so tickled! We being myself and my sister Heather-who loves Owey sooo much!!!

Finally an agonizing hour and a half after they took him away (ok, so-notsomuch....we fell asleep waiting;-) they told us it went well but that his extreme small ear openings and canals made it much more difficult than anticipated. So then we waited for them to bring him back from the recovery room-he was a "horse" not-so-happy camper. Luckily, since I'm such a smart momma (he, he), I had a bottle ready and popped it right in his starvin' lil' mouth. He of course, went right to sleep. He did get tubes and had lots of fluid in both ears-more in the left so his hearing test still showed a little loss but they think it will be ok.

So, we were able to venture home, and get some much needed zzz's (we were up at 4am).

He has been a sleepy beepy this afternoon but as you can see in the photos, he's doin' great already.

Did the Chicago Catastrophe label pique your interest...well, at least you read this far. Here's my drama, drama, drama from yesterday's misery.

We had a noggin' check at 11:30 so we left bright and early at 8:45. Not an hour into the trip we are stopped on I-65 for 20 minutes for no apparent reason in stand still traffic. Once I finally got back and going again, I made my usual pit stop just before getting on 80/94. Bathroom break and sometimes a drink for the boys. This time I also had to splurge on cold medicine as I was miserably snotting and snorting (sorry for the TMI). We were back and cruising and taking the 80/94 exit when panic came over me! Just driving along thru the construction haven (I should save havoc)...and a little unknown light came on my dash board. Hmmmm....what could this mean? I have run-flat tires and have never gotten a flat-could this be a warning light? So I call Tim at work (DH for dear husband for those of you who aren't in the "know" like I wasn't until recently). DH says to just pull over and read the manual.

So, I have 4 kiddos with me- my 3 and my niece who's 8 packed in the Sienna. I'm not pullin' over on the interstate! So I take the first exit and pull into the gas station/Subway. I read the manual and it's says adjust tire air pressure. Oh, whew...I can do that. So, I proceed to find quarters to pay for the air pump and the bread man with his truck is there and I just ask him how you know when it's full. He looked clueless so I wasn't so sure he was the best choice for inquiries. But, he came over to help me and he was trying to fill it as we heard the distressing sound of air escaping the tire. Ughhhhh...my first thought? Why God? My 2nd, what do I do? Then I calmed some and proceeded to find out that run flat tires are supposed to get you up to 100 miles before stopping (I stopped already though,ugh) so you could hypothetically get to a repair center. I was not near a repair center. Where was I?

I was in Gary, IN. Please tell me you know about Gary, IN...

Go to search.com and type in Gary, IN. You will see on the right side of the screen lots of things to find-crime rate pops up first. It is the 5th most dangerous city- IN THE NATION!!!! One website had it listed as murder capitol of THE WORLD!!!

What on Earth? Lord, why am I HERE? I wasn't panicking though. I was quite calm. I knew it was bad when I asked for a phone book and they called security. What gas station has full-time security? For a phone book?

DH was working back home to find out how to proceed while I had AAA trying to help.

To try to tame the long story, 3 hours of waiting in Gary, IN, Tim and a tow truck driver show up. The tow truck driver, says "Ma'am, do you know where you are? You are in Gary, IN-the worst place in the world to break down." Thanks fella, is all I could think.

SO, we load the kiddos in the camry and I get to ride with Mr. personality and get the 10cent tour of the "region". Once, we were at the tire repair center, DH takes Lindsey (our niece) to wait for the Van while I loaded up the boys to head into Chicago for Owey's noggin' check-which most people might've ditched at this point, but I forged ahead, knowing the poor little guys skin was starting to breakdown (like a rug burn-see photo) and he NEEDED to be seen.

They saw us 4 1/2 hours late and made adjustments, etc. Owen can't wear the band again until his head heals-bummer, we all thought he was making a lil progress.

DH was able to head home with Lindz after a simple puncture repair (free of charge-Praise God!).

I was trying to high-tail it home for a ball game for TJ at 7:20pm...he made it, just in time!

It was a crazy and trying day. Can't wait to go back next Monday, not!

FYI, Gary wasn't so bad-at least the Gas station/subway in Gary, wasn't so bad. Many people tried to help (few understood why I don't have a spare) and one lady even offered to go inside and get me a drink. Owen must have been nervous as he made 3 yucks while there and you can imagine how fun it is to cram 4 kiddos, a stroller and my exquisite physique into a stall to change his diaper. Oh, well-at least God had a few good laughs at my expense yesterday as looking back-it was quite comical...thanks for the memories Gary, IN.

So amazing! Plus, a fun new look and some new features!

I am so amazed to look at the beautiful gifts I've received from the Lord!

Our 3 boys are truly amazing and precious gifts. Watching them grow, play, etc is just the greatest blessing.

Here's a little update on our little Owen:

At his 7 month measurement check, he was 12 pounds, 12 ounces. 23 3/8 inches long and his noggin' was 43 3/8. Back dating him to 5 months, he is finally on the growth chart with his weight! His height isn't there yet but he did get closer to the curve;-) His head is not only on the charts, but went from the 25th percentile to the 60%!!! Now that's one smart baby!!! No seriously, head growth is a serious measurement, not to be taken lightly and with Owen's mild hydrocephalus, Dr. Ho knows about the increase, plus, we've had a recent catscan so the noggin's all good;-) While I know he's quadrupled his birth weight and gained almost 10 inches of length, he's still such a little guy to me. I forget how little day to day until I get those little reminders like at work when I take care of a new baby...just this weekend, a very average size newborn joined the world at 7 pounds 9 ounces. I was doing her footprints when I looked at the print and thought, I wonder how much bigger Owen's feet are than hers? Well, Tim brought the boys in for dinner with me and I saw first hand just how much bigger they "weren't"...they were the same size. I see him everyday and think he really looks perfectly proportionate...which he may be, but this baby looked perfect also at her 7# 9oz and 20 1/2 inch length. Anyway, just an observation to babble about;-)

Now...how 'bout the new fresh look of the blog? I finally overcame my fear and upgraded it. I added the map at the bottom where you an add your city and even photo if you want (thanks Tonya-you are so fun to copy from;-) Feel free to check out all the features and let me know what you think...I love reading your comments-more comments (so long s they are nice:-) would be great-it lets me know I'm not just typing to myself...am I?

I know-I am a blog junkie. I can't help it. But, here's the deal: Tim always says I should read more so, I write this blog and read other blogs. I learn all about people close and afar and how they deal with what God allows in their lives. It's wonderful and I'm thinking about adding the blogs I read to the side bar under a cool feature heading called "Other blogs of interest". If you want to be a blog of interest, let me know!;-) If nothing else, I've learned a lot about the challenges many others face and how wonderfu a life I'm blessed with. It's also enhanced my prayer life and journaling. Consider this verse:

With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine. Ephesians 3:20

Isn't that a truly incredible verse? Sometimes I think few of us really know what prayer can do if we'd just ask! I know when we were expecting Owen and everyone was praying fervently for mine and Owen's lives...it was a big thing! But, God wants us to bring to Him not just the BIG things, but everything!

Ok, well, it is Sunday and all-but I'll end my pulpit preaching for now;-)

Please remember Owen in your prayers for his Surgery this Tuesday the 12th. I'm trying hard to have faith that all will go well but I have a bit of uneasiness with his small size and frequent eating-6 hours of fasting seems so long for him (and me driving him screaming to Indy!). And then there's the uncertainty of the hearing test, labs, etc. I must remember: With God's power working in me, He can do MUCH, MUCH MORE than anything I can ask or imagine!

I also have his band on him again, but that pesky red spot and bump has returned. I'm tryig to not worry about it...I took it back off for his nap and will reassess when he finally gets up (we are at 3 1/2 hours and counting). We will travel back to Chicago in the am for an official check and adjustment.

Lastly, a huge thank you to Matthew and Nicole...you know why;-) You are such a blessing! I've walked past the thank you card section a bundle of times and have to do what I intended (a nice thank you card). You guys are great!

Bands officially off;-(

So, Owen woke up this morning with a mean, ugly, angry RED SPOT...not just any spot either! A Big ole red bump! Authentic swelling and all. Guess what the band people said about it..."oh, that's not supposed to happen". Hmmmm....it's not easy being a medical marvel.

Speaking of being a medical marvel. Apparently, there are 2 cases of Owen's type of Chromosome deletion in the literature. So, how's that for being 1 in a couple billion?

Ok, so truth is, this whole gene mapping thing is pretty new so it really just may be that there are only 2 reports because it's so new, but let me boast in our rarity for half a second;-)

Tim and I had our blood drawn today to see if we are the originators of Owen's medical mysteriousness or if we don't have the deletion, then it's considered de novo (new) fancy, huh? The geneticist saw Owen again today and was of course, baffled. Unfortunately, Owen disobeyed and didn't pee on him or anything! They also will do some more tests on Owen to see if there's any endocrine component plus a few other things.

Ok, so back to the band issue. Essentially we are doomed to make a trip up before Monday's scheduled check but the worst part is, he can't even wear the band again until the silly red spot goes away!!! It's been 8 hours and it's still there-ugh.

So, that's the news for now. Check back in a few minutes as there's sure to be something new;-) he, he:-)

Bands official:-)

Just some starters...it was a long but pretty good day. Please pray that he would do well and that the red spots would go aaway---if they don't, another 6 hour trip for adjustments asap! UGH! Off to Indy in the am for more genetic stuff-will update more then;-)

if wishes could come true....

Just a cute picture that Penney's took of Owey at his 6 mos shots. Got 7 month ones today...I truly can't believe he'll be 7 months old tomorrow.

Off to Chicago Monday to get the "band" -dun, dun, dun, DUNNNNN!

Rollin', rollin', rollin'....

It finally happened and I'm afraid there ain't no stopping him now. I found him on his belly in his big boy crib after nap time yesterday but thought it a fluke...but I was wrong.

The boys were all playing upstairs and TJ yelled down, Owen keeps rolling over and won't stop.

So, it's official...my big-headed boy can finally roll onto his belly, but that big heavy head makes him roll back to his back just as fast. It's all quite cute and makes my heart heavy. One, because he's growing up (well, all but his belly, he still eats every 2-4 hours, ugh).

Second, we got a call from genetics and they found some abnormalities in one of Owey's chromosomes. It makes me sad...I know God made him perfect, but hearing that something really did get messed up in his wiring is like, well, just sad. I have wanted an answer so badly to why he's small and now I'm wishing I didn't know again. Ok, enough boo-whooing. As waiting seems to be a theme in my life, more tests must be done to give us conclusive answers. I find myself wondering what conclusive is nowadys, anyway!



Come to papa, cute lil pink bear!
I'll get you my pretty, evil cackle;->

Maybe if I just get this leg high enough..


I should've taken those pilates classes for babies!



Ah, a big victory for the little one!

A big Happy Memorial Day!

An Owey first, in his big boy crib now;-) In case you were wondering how Angels sleep, you now have your answer.





Owen in his bumbo seat just wishing he could have a bite of big bub's poptart






The boys had a blissful day outside in the water, with their bikes and more!

Through casting...i-pass;-)

1 Peter 5:7

CAST all you cares upon Him, for He cares for you! (my emphasis added;-)

Well, lol, Tim came up with this witty verse, which is so true, due to our adventure today-Owen's casting appt. We headed back to Chicago and here's some photos and details of the memorable event. And as for the verse, I need to meditate on it because I really have been going "nutso" with all the insurance run-around (they denied us;-( and issues with the geneticist, ENT docs, etc.

On a positive note, I feel so blessed that Tim came today! He was very supportive and helpful. In fact, you'll see his hands and him don the apron (in case the cast goo was strewn across the room-but it wasn't;-P in the photos with Owey.

Ya know the expression, 'it's a God thing'...today, I believe that happened.

We were discussing on the way up about I-passes, you know-the toll road pass thingy you can get. We decided to try to check into it because of the frequency of our trips, etc. We asked at a toll and she told us we could look into it at an overhead oasis. Then, when we were close by Cranial Tech, Tim saw a Burger King (which he wanted to go to vs the oasis on the way back), so I figured the Oasis was out. But, he still stopped for me to run in and just "see". Anyway, long story short, it takes 2-3 weeks via online or mailed apps, but by the Grace of God, I-pass had a 2 hour set-up at this Oasis only today while I was there!!!! We left with the I-pass in hand and easily saved 20 minutes (and half price tolls) on the way home. It was a small thing but meant so much to me! Tim thinks the pass saves even 30 minutes plus off our drive (in the future) as there are 6 tolls total. Again, a little thing, but saving 50% and the time of stopping thru 6 tolls, will really make those weekly ventures-well-just better!

The Owester did so well today (and so did big brother Jake!). The whole thing only took about 10 minutes and the end product is an Owey head cast for his soon to come "head-sicle". They'll use this mold to make his band and the head-sicle to follow his progress. We got even more good news that because of his age adjustment back to 4 1/2 months, they are expediting his Band processing and we have our fitting June 4th. We may be called in as early as next Thursday if it's in sooner.

Ok, so for the HUGE prayer request! Please pray that when he is fitted, that it fits and that no pressure spots are evident as it would mean an extended stay in Chicago for adjustments, etc. They can't allow the red spots from pressure as it can break down his skin fast and then he couldn't wear the band until his head healed. This isn't usually a problem, but can happen so I am praying we are spared and the band just fits and starts doing it's thing!
Ok, better scoot-here's the pics from today!

Getting TJ off to his 2nd to last day of 1st grade

Jakes being the entertainment during the casting.

You're gonna do "what" to my noggin'?!?!


I have a mom who can find a photo opp in a waiting room!

Big Daddy dons the apron

Seriously, what is she smiling about?

You're putting that over my head and holding my arms down...call CPS!!!

It can't be gone-more milk-more comfort food-please!!!

Seriously, what is HE smiling about?

You've got to be joking me! Will this stuff come off?

Ah, yes-I guess it will.

My Owen head cast. Head sicle coming soon!

Fresh duds for this clean baby. Naptime, here I come!!!

Hope you enjoyed the Photo Recap of my big adventure!

Chicago bound...again.

So close!

blue eyes to melt your heart...

Just wanted to quick update that after much thought, we have decided to proceed with Owen's casting appt. He will be casted this Thursday morning and I believe we'll have to head back for the fitting in about 2 weeks. No, insurance hasn't approved it. They in fact, have told me verbally they will deny the request-not suprising as I went "out of network"...convenient that the only company in the country that specializes in plagiocephaly is OUT of network for Arnett HMO.





So, I'm taking on a bunch more hours at the hospital to pay for gas, the band, etc. I know that when all is said and done, I will be able to look Owen in the eyes someday and say, we did everything for you possible and always God provided;-) Please continue to pray as this journey begins, that our weekly trips to Chicago are quick and uneventful-and of course, for safe travels.





Also, that the band treatment would be a huge success and work even more quickly than they anticipate and that somehow (hmmm...maybe because God is soooo good) that HMO will either allow the treatment or accept the appeal. Oh, and that TJ and Jacob deal with all this well-it's going to be a LONG, hard 4 months;-(