I decided last night, around 4 am (after you woke me up and I couldn’t fall back asleep) that you don’t have an ear infection at all. Because of the way Dr. C described what she saw, I am fairly certain it was wax, not puss.
You are the waxiest kid I know. And I am really bad about cleaning your ears. Bad in that I do it too often and probably too deep. I know I shouldn’t, but I’ll admit it. When I SEE the wax (and honestly, sometimes I can even smell it) I am more determined than I should be to get it. With Bubby, it’s not a problem. He isn't as waxy. And even if he were, I wouldn’t try like I do with you because I am sure he would thrash and lose an eardrum. But you cooperate.
I bet I have pressed the wax into the shape she illustrated on the examining table paper. I have learned my lesson. I will resist the Q-tips. But you are going to an ENT for a second opinion and possibly a wax extraction.
The good news is that you are feeling much better today. The bad news is that it wasn't well enough, fast enough, and the mini vacation we had planned needs to be postponed. The worst news is that now Daddy is starting to feel bad.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Ear, Earl, Early
You have been sick for 5 days now with a fever that can be brought down with meds, but just can’t be kicked. Now you have developed a cough (I believe courtesy of Brother), and are overall lethargic and weak, so last night I decided we would head to the doctor in the morning. If they couldn’t see us, then we would pop downstairs for the ER.
At 5 am you woke with a fever of 101.5. Usually you run about 96.7, so this is pretty high for you. I gave you a dose of ibuprofen and due to miscommunication and sleep deprivation, Daddy gave you a dose as well. It was about half an hour later when we figured out you were double dosed, and I flew to your room to pull back what I could from your button. Your stomach was empty. Seriously, Aud? It takes you forever to digest your milk, but when we OD you on meds you can digest that in no time?
We all went back to sleep, and when you woke up at 9 am I took your temp. 94 flat. Oops. I called the doc to get an appt and Honey headed towards the house to go with us. By 10:00 your temp was on the rise at 96ish, when we checked into the doctor’s office it was 97.9 and by the time we left at 12:30 it was closer to 99. Who would have thought ibuprofen was so effective in reducing fever?
We saw Dr. C in the clinic because Dr. L wasn’t in. She checked you out and determined you have a slight and occasional wheeze in your chest which she prescribed breathing treatments for, and ear infections. You have never had a problem with ears, so much so that I didn’t even consider they might be a problem. That makes me a little sad. Sorry Boo. We got a script for Amox, which in the past has always torn up your bottom. Thankfully, she scored us some barrier film sticks which are awesome and will save your skin. Literally.
(Side note: Your infection somehow led me to a struggle with the word “early”. Do you think there was somebody named Earl who always showed up places before he was supposed to, and because of that they started calling it “early”? I asked Daddy and he suggested it was the adverb for ear. All interesting thoughts.)
(Side, side note: I looked it up. It comes from the word “ere” meaning “soon; before [in time]".)
At 5 am you woke with a fever of 101.5. Usually you run about 96.7, so this is pretty high for you. I gave you a dose of ibuprofen and due to miscommunication and sleep deprivation, Daddy gave you a dose as well. It was about half an hour later when we figured out you were double dosed, and I flew to your room to pull back what I could from your button. Your stomach was empty. Seriously, Aud? It takes you forever to digest your milk, but when we OD you on meds you can digest that in no time?
We all went back to sleep, and when you woke up at 9 am I took your temp. 94 flat. Oops. I called the doc to get an appt and Honey headed towards the house to go with us. By 10:00 your temp was on the rise at 96ish, when we checked into the doctor’s office it was 97.9 and by the time we left at 12:30 it was closer to 99. Who would have thought ibuprofen was so effective in reducing fever?
We saw Dr. C in the clinic because Dr. L wasn’t in. She checked you out and determined you have a slight and occasional wheeze in your chest which she prescribed breathing treatments for, and ear infections. You have never had a problem with ears, so much so that I didn’t even consider they might be a problem. That makes me a little sad. Sorry Boo. We got a script for Amox, which in the past has always torn up your bottom. Thankfully, she scored us some barrier film sticks which are awesome and will save your skin. Literally.
(Side note: Your infection somehow led me to a struggle with the word “early”. Do you think there was somebody named Earl who always showed up places before he was supposed to, and because of that they started calling it “early”? I asked Daddy and he suggested it was the adverb for ear. All interesting thoughts.)
(Side, side note: I looked it up. It comes from the word “ere” meaning “soon; before [in time]".)
Friday, December 24, 2010
Advent Event
Our family was asked to read the Scripture and light the last of the Advent candles for our Christmas Eve service at church. We agreed weeks ago. Unfortunately, you and Liam both began running fevers today. We thought you two could tough it out for a few minutes and decided to go ahead with our plans. Brother did well (although he somehow snuck his passy onstage), but you were making me nervous. As we waited backstage, you kept taking deep breaths and making a little bit of gag face. I was praying you wouldn’t get sick out there in front of everybody. Success. You managed to keep it together so well that I’m guessing nobody even knew y’all were sick. You were very pretty in your Christmas dress!
Since neither of you could be put in childcare, the plan was to light the candles at the beginning of service and then head home. But we had forgotten Daddy was signed up to help pass out the Lord’s Supper. So we stayed in the lobby and watched on the monitors until service was finished. We went home after deciding to pass on the Stephens’ family Christmas party. It’s no fun being sick for Christmas. I hope you both wake up feeling better tomorrow.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Miracle Child
Today was a special day for us. We went to Wal-Mart to meet some new special friends. This story goes back a ways, so we will start at the beginning.
Several months ago (maybe July?) Honey was in the Wal-Mart at 1960 and Eldridge when she saw a lady putting money in the Children’s Miracle Network coin canister. She walked over and said something to the effect of, “Thank you, that will go to help my granddaughter!” The lady asked to hear more about you and they got to talking. Turns out Hope works at Wal-Mart and heads up charity events for that location. Hope wanted you to be their next “miracle child”. Honey didn’t know what that meant, but it sounded like fun. So Honey said she would talk to me and we made plans to touch base with Hope soon.
Well, we knew August would be a busy time at Wal-Mart with school starting. And then Hope broke her foot and took some time off. And then I am not sure what happened, but before we knew it December had arrived. Honey called Hope and set up a time for us to be introduced. We met Hope—and many other members of the Wal-Mart team. They loved you right off the bat.
Several months ago (maybe July?) Honey was in the Wal-Mart at 1960 and Eldridge when she saw a lady putting money in the Children’s Miracle Network coin canister. She walked over and said something to the effect of, “Thank you, that will go to help my granddaughter!” The lady asked to hear more about you and they got to talking. Turns out Hope works at Wal-Mart and heads up charity events for that location. Hope wanted you to be their next “miracle child”. Honey didn’t know what that meant, but it sounded like fun. So Honey said she would talk to me and we made plans to touch base with Hope soon.
Well, we knew August would be a busy time at Wal-Mart with school starting. And then Hope broke her foot and took some time off. And then I am not sure what happened, but before we knew it December had arrived. Honey called Hope and set up a time for us to be introduced. We met Hope—and many other members of the Wal-Mart team. They loved you right off the bat.
Hope called Honey a couple weeks later and asked the whole family to come in today. Daddy had the day off work, so that was the plan. But Bub is sick—he has a pretty high fever and is totally not himself. So he and Daddy stayed home while you and I met Honey and Grammy at Wal-Mart. We got there at noon and they had lunch for us. We met another “miracle child”—Kira who was diagnosed with leukemia at age 5, and now, at age 10, is cancer free. Then it was time for gifts.
When we first met Hope she asked what kind of toys you liked and what your favorite color was. I explained how you like sounds, but it is hard for you to “play” with toys. We do most of the playing for you. She said she knew you could wear clothes, so asked what size.
Here comes the craziness. Those people had 25…count them…TWENTY FIVE individually wrapped outfits for you. “25 Outfits of Christmas” Hope called it. And cute outfits too! Can you imagine? She asked her co-workers to bring in a few, but people kept bringing them so that’s where it ended up.
When we first met Hope she asked what kind of toys you liked and what your favorite color was. I explained how you like sounds, but it is hard for you to “play” with toys. We do most of the playing for you. She said she knew you could wear clothes, so asked what size.
Here comes the craziness. Those people had 25…count them…TWENTY FIVE individually wrapped outfits for you. “25 Outfits of Christmas” Hope called it. And cute outfits too! Can you imagine? She asked her co-workers to bring in a few, but people kept bringing them so that’s where it ended up.
And the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I just wrote a post about how long you are getting. My girl just doesn’t fit in 0-3 anymore because you are too tall. You have plenty of 3-6 month clothes for warm weather, thanks to your June birthday. But when it gets cool, the pickings are slim. Well, were slim. Not anymore. I told everyone how appreciative we are, and that those clothes are an investment. You very well might be wearing them for the next two and a half years. Then I went home and bagged all the 0-3 to make room in your closet and drawers.
You are so special Audrey. Everyone loves you.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Sheepish
Go figure.
So today Grammy and I went to Goodwill, and you will never guess what we found. Another Lambie, with the tag still on. Price: 99 cents. They obviously have no idea the true worth of a Lambie...priceless.
I have been looking for back-ups everywhere I go ever since you were born and have never found one. Within three days we get two new ones!
So today Grammy and I went to Goodwill, and you will never guess what we found. Another Lambie, with the tag still on. Price: 99 cents. They obviously have no idea the true worth of a Lambie...priceless.
I have been looking for back-ups everywhere I go ever since you were born and have never found one. Within three days we get two new ones!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
One of these things is not like the other...
The Splash ladies at church gave you a new Lambie today! Well, you know...a fresh Lambie! The picture does not do the shabbiness of the other Lambies justice. They have each been washed more than 50 times and are well “loved”. In fact, the new one doesn’t even feel the same. Won't be long before he blends in with the others though. Thanks ladies!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Experiment
I am trying something new with your feeds. To avoid your monthly “Audrey Episode” where you vomit and have diarrhea nonstop, I am adding one teaspoon of Miralax each time I mix a container of your formula. That comes out to a little over half a teaspoon a day, spread out over the course of the day. Before I was told to give you 17 grams all at once, which is at least a couple tablespoons. And it messed up your digestive system for weeks. I am hoping this tiny, consistent amount will be enough to keep you regular. We will know in about a month!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Audrey Long Legs
You have gotten so long all of a sudden! Here you are in Bubby’s old 6-9 month jammies and they are way too short on you! I couldn’t believe it because you can still fit into most of your 0-3 month clothes thanks to your tiny waste. At this point you are about size newborn around the middle and size 9 months for the length of your legs. Dresses with leggings are about to be our new best friend.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Testify
NOVEMBER 9th
Today at my conference, we did a testimony workshop. We were given a general outline, and then time to work so that if we were ever asked our reason for believing in Christ, we would be prepared with an answer. Since my testimony is a lot about you, I am going to share it with you here. I really just spoke from the heart when I stood up front and told it to the rest of the group. So while I don’t have the exact same words, I am going to type from the heart and hope it comes out similarly.
(Editor's note: I warned the group as I got up that since I couldn't make it through their testimonies without crying, I couldn't hope to make it through my own. But I promised to try to avoid the "ugly cry". There was only one small moment where I got a little choked up, but made it through semigracefully.)
“I had a great life growing up. Nothing tragic ever happened, I never had any hardships. I am one of those who, until recently, would have said, 'My testimony is so boring.' I was raised in a godly home, and knew early in life that God loved me so much that he sent his son to die in order to pay the price for my sins, and then to rise from the dead so that I can spend eternity with him. I had good friends, good teachers. I went to a private Christian school through 8th grade, then transferred to a public school where I met my future husband. We went to the University of Texas, graduated and got married. Ten days later I became pregnant. So much for our five year plan.
“Audrey was born 9 months later with a rare genetic disorder called Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome. She had her first surgery at 5 days old and has had at least a dozen more since then. We spent nine weeks in the NICU testing everything you can think of, at least twice. And almost everything you can think of came back with something wrong.
“The first six weeks before we received a diagnosis we weren’t sure if it was genetic or environmental. I was asked all sorts of questions about my pregnancy and lifestyle and family history. Now it’s clear to me that the doctors must have known it was genetic. But at the time, a lot of guilt was associated with the idea that this might be because of something I did or didn’t do. I went over every event of my seemingly perfect pregnancy looking for something I might have overlooked.
“Maybe my once weekly soda was too much caffeine. What if I took too many baths that were too hot? I went to a Caedmon’s Call concert early in the second trimester. It was really, REALLY loud. I could feel the vibrations in my core. Did it shake her up too much? These are the types of ridiculous thoughts I entertained for that month and a half.
“Often, well meaning friends would point me to the passage in John were the disciples asked Jesus of a certain blind man, ‘Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’
“Jesus’ response: ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.’
"I knew the hearts of my friends who reminded me of this. They wanted me to know that it wasn’t my fault, that this was God’s will for her life. But to be perfectly honest, that verse didn’t make me feel better. It hurt my feelings. Deep down I thought, Really? God is so big and so powerful, he chooses to make my sweet baby suffer every day to bring himself glory? How selfish. Couldn’t he find another way? That doesn’t sound like my God.
“Then one Sunday, God spoke directly to me through my wise and sweet Sunday school teacher. She reminded my class of how in the original language, there were no capital letters, no punctuation, no paragraph breaks.
“The NIV reads like this:
‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.’
“But perhaps Jesus said it more like this:
‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened. So that the works of God might be displayed in him, as long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.’
“These things happen. And they suck. And we wish they didn’t. But God doesn’t necessarily cause them in order to bring glory to his name. When they happen due to sin in the world, he USES them to bring glory to his name. That sounds more like my God. Able to make something so precious out of something so apparently sad.
“Audrey is one of the best things to have ever happened to us. We have had some tough moments, but overall she has brought us an abundance of joy and laughter. People from literally all over the world know of her, follow her blog and love her. Countless people have told me that because of sweet Audrey, they don’t take for granted the health of their children anymore. Or they have cut back on complaining, because if Audrey can be so happy in her circumstance, they can too. I was told of a woman who realized she needed to reconcile a relationship because of Audrey. This little girl who is “capable” of so little has touched so many people and made an impact on more than just her little world. I am sure there are many other examples that I won’t be told till I am on the other side of heaven. And when that happens, Audrey can listen to the stories with me because she will be healthy and whole and just as beautiful as she is now.”
Today at my conference, we did a testimony workshop. We were given a general outline, and then time to work so that if we were ever asked our reason for believing in Christ, we would be prepared with an answer. Since my testimony is a lot about you, I am going to share it with you here. I really just spoke from the heart when I stood up front and told it to the rest of the group. So while I don’t have the exact same words, I am going to type from the heart and hope it comes out similarly.
(Editor's note: I warned the group as I got up that since I couldn't make it through their testimonies without crying, I couldn't hope to make it through my own. But I promised to try to avoid the "ugly cry". There was only one small moment where I got a little choked up, but made it through semigracefully.)
“I had a great life growing up. Nothing tragic ever happened, I never had any hardships. I am one of those who, until recently, would have said, 'My testimony is so boring.' I was raised in a godly home, and knew early in life that God loved me so much that he sent his son to die in order to pay the price for my sins, and then to rise from the dead so that I can spend eternity with him. I had good friends, good teachers. I went to a private Christian school through 8th grade, then transferred to a public school where I met my future husband. We went to the University of Texas, graduated and got married. Ten days later I became pregnant. So much for our five year plan.
“Audrey was born 9 months later with a rare genetic disorder called Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome. She had her first surgery at 5 days old and has had at least a dozen more since then. We spent nine weeks in the NICU testing everything you can think of, at least twice. And almost everything you can think of came back with something wrong.
“The first six weeks before we received a diagnosis we weren’t sure if it was genetic or environmental. I was asked all sorts of questions about my pregnancy and lifestyle and family history. Now it’s clear to me that the doctors must have known it was genetic. But at the time, a lot of guilt was associated with the idea that this might be because of something I did or didn’t do. I went over every event of my seemingly perfect pregnancy looking for something I might have overlooked.
“Maybe my once weekly soda was too much caffeine. What if I took too many baths that were too hot? I went to a Caedmon’s Call concert early in the second trimester. It was really, REALLY loud. I could feel the vibrations in my core. Did it shake her up too much? These are the types of ridiculous thoughts I entertained for that month and a half.
“Often, well meaning friends would point me to the passage in John were the disciples asked Jesus of a certain blind man, ‘Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’
“Jesus’ response: ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.’
"I knew the hearts of my friends who reminded me of this. They wanted me to know that it wasn’t my fault, that this was God’s will for her life. But to be perfectly honest, that verse didn’t make me feel better. It hurt my feelings. Deep down I thought, Really? God is so big and so powerful, he chooses to make my sweet baby suffer every day to bring himself glory? How selfish. Couldn’t he find another way? That doesn’t sound like my God.
“Then one Sunday, God spoke directly to me through my wise and sweet Sunday school teacher. She reminded my class of how in the original language, there were no capital letters, no punctuation, no paragraph breaks.
“The NIV reads like this:
‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.’
“But perhaps Jesus said it more like this:
‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened. So that the works of God might be displayed in him, as long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.’
“These things happen. And they suck. And we wish they didn’t. But God doesn’t necessarily cause them in order to bring glory to his name. When they happen due to sin in the world, he USES them to bring glory to his name. That sounds more like my God. Able to make something so precious out of something so apparently sad.
“Audrey is one of the best things to have ever happened to us. We have had some tough moments, but overall she has brought us an abundance of joy and laughter. People from literally all over the world know of her, follow her blog and love her. Countless people have told me that because of sweet Audrey, they don’t take for granted the health of their children anymore. Or they have cut back on complaining, because if Audrey can be so happy in her circumstance, they can too. I was told of a woman who realized she needed to reconcile a relationship because of Audrey. This little girl who is “capable” of so little has touched so many people and made an impact on more than just her little world. I am sure there are many other examples that I won’t be told till I am on the other side of heaven. And when that happens, Audrey can listen to the stories with me because she will be healthy and whole and just as beautiful as she is now.”
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Ouch
You had a tough day SweetCheeks. First off, you were sick Friday and Saturday. Just your usual Audrey sick—constipation that leads to nonstop vomiting and diarrhea and dehydration. So your bottom is absolutely raw and bleeding and painful. Then today, while we were at a lunch event for church, I stood up with you in my arms and noticed you were about to cry. I quickly realized your tube had gotten stuck in the crack of the chair, and when I stood, it popped your button out. That really hurts. But putting it back in REALLY hurts. I am sorry Boo. I hate it when that happens.
Later this evening, Bub was trying to be sweet and saying hi to you, but got a little rough and scratched you across the forehead. Of course, you didn’t even make a pouty face for that, because Liam can generally get away with just about anything as far as you are concerned. But it did leave a big mark, almost drawing blood, and it will be scabby and most likely scarred soon. Sorry again.
Later this evening, Bub was trying to be sweet and saying hi to you, but got a little rough and scratched you across the forehead. Of course, you didn’t even make a pouty face for that, because Liam can generally get away with just about anything as far as you are concerned. But it did leave a big mark, almost drawing blood, and it will be scabby and most likely scarred soon. Sorry again.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Stunt Girl
Oh my goodness. I can’t believe what I did today. You, Liam and I got to church a little late and I was rushing to get you into childcare so that I could eat, get dressed, get brother dressed, and get out onto the Path for our scene. I loaded up the stroller to the max…two diaper bags, my clothes, Daddy’s clothes, big blanket to sit on, a jacket, plenty of toys and snacks to keep Bub occupied during showtime. I wheeled you both into your classroom looking like we were moving in. Brother was fussing to get out and play with his friends, so without even thinking about it, I took him out of the front first. And the whole stroller went flying back with the weight of the bags. Immediately I dropped him and rushed to the back to see what state you were in. You were a little upside down, but not concerned in the slightest. You were laying down to begin with so fortunately your angle didn’t change too drastically. Still, I couldn’t believe I did that! I know better! I just didn’t think it through at all.
While you were brave as can be, Liam was terrified. He witnessed it all and screamed louder than I have ever heard him. He might have been more scared because I dropped him on his rear to get to you. But I like to think he was worried about his sister.
While you were brave as can be, Liam was terrified. He witnessed it all and screamed louder than I have ever heard him. He might have been more scared because I dropped him on his rear to get to you. But I like to think he was worried about his sister.
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