Working' It Wednesdays - New Year's Resolutions

I've already posted about my New Year's goals - you can read about them here :)

I also posted about the word I chose for the year - you can read about it here :)

The Attack of the Evil Asthma

When Bruiser was in kindergarten - actually on the second day of kindergarten! - he was admitted to the PICU with severe asthma exasperation.  He was in the hospital for 3 days.  And his mother, the kindergarten teacher (not his but in his school) couldn't be with him because what kindergarten teacher misses the first week of school???

But, moving on, that hospital stay was the start of a long road with our boy.  There was another PICU stay that school year (February, I believe) and several ER visits for treatments.  After many trials and errors, we settled on inhaled steroids for daily management of his asthma.  It worked, well, ok.  He needed it daily...unable to even take a break during the summer, when symptoms tend to be less.  (Remember this...it's important later!).

We made it through first grade with no hospital stays, just an ER visit or two.  Then our insurance decided it was too pricy to cover the steroid Bruiser was using and we switched to a different one.  He slowly went down hill and we started spending a night at the hospital here and there.  Every cold or virus was scary...and we carried multiple inhalers with us everywhere.  The day he walked into the ER and collapsed on the lobby floor is deeply ingrained in my memories...he was so, so, so, so sick.  But thankfully multiple duel nebulizers and steroids worked and he bounced back fairly quickly with each episode.

By third grade we became so much at recognizing his symptoms and knowing when he needed to head to the ER.  The good news is we got him treated quicker.  The bad news is that we ended up making multiple trips within days of each other because we could stretch him a bit and then he'd regress and get worse.  Right after Halloween of that year, we made 3 separate trips to the ER until he was diagnosed with pneumonia (or "as-monia" as they called it) and he was finally treated with magnesium and admitted.  This led to switching his daily meds back to the expensive one that we now pay out of pocket to cover and adding in an allergy pill.  That year brought another hospitalization or two.

Then we reached this past summer and that's when it went way down hill.  In August he was admitted  for exasperation and treated with 2 different oral steroids for a long duration.  In September we caught it early at the pediatrician and again treated with a long high dose of steroids.  Repeat in November with an admission and then again December with another admission...both with high-dose, long courses of steroids.

At this point he was no longer clearing his lungs.  He just sounded junky all the time.  Our amazing pediatrician determined it was time to refer to Boston Children's Hospital, since it's close and we needed to take advantage of the expertise.  This is where thing went a bit crazy.

While there is normally a long wait for appointments at such a world-reknowned hospital, we immediately had an appointment within the week with an allergist.  And that allergist presented a detailed plan of attack - allergy blood testing, immunology testing, appointment with endocrinology to assess steroid effects, and appointment to assess the structure of his lungs and test for cystic fibrosis.  Scary stuff but little did we know it was about to get scarier!

When we went to set the appointments, we were told the wait for endocrinology was 8 months.  We got a call the next day saying they wanted in their Boston office the next day.  Way to stress 2 normally calm and relaxed parents out!  What did they know that we didn't and why did they want him seen so urgently?

After a very sleepless night we headed to Boston to see the endocrinologist.  After a very detailed history, it was determined they had no new answers but requested more testing.  He needed to have a blood test done at a very specific time the next day.  The big concern was that all the steroids (daily inhaled and high-dose treatment ones) may have tricked his brain to stop his body from making steroids on it's own.  This is a major issue when he's sick or injured and his body wouldn't have the stress steroids to help him heal.  So we made plans to have his blood drawn the following morning and didn't expect to hear results until later the next week.

Well, you know it's not good when the doctor calls with results the very same day :(.  So apparently Bruiser's body was making so few of the stress steroids, the lab techs couldn't even record the results. This meant a definite diagnosis of adrenal suppression and prolonged additional medication when he gets sick.  And if that sick includes vomiting?  Then the hospital for IV meds or we will need to learn how to administer injections.  Yup.

That was the week prior to Christmas and we've already had one episode where we've had to give the additional meds due to a fever virus.  And we all survived it :)

The good news?  His body can recover from this.  Generally it takes the body as long off steroids to recover as it's been on steroids.  The bad news?  Right now he's been on steroids for 4 1/2 years straight...and he's still on them.  So that means we have at least another 4 1/2 years of adrenal suppression and treatment.

By the time this posts, we will have had a follow-up appointment with the BCH allergist and will have gotten more results from his blood test - allergies and immunology.  I'll be sure to post more with what we learn and where we are headed.  We are aware of one option to get him off the daily inhaled steroids - but that involves a slow injection every 2 weeks (and any needle with Bruiser involves pinning him down and hearing him say "wait, wait, wait! I'm not ready yet!"...it's entertaining, embarrassing, and exhausting all at once!).  So...to be continued...

And Just Like That He Turns Double Digits...

...and without my permission, I may add!

He was our biggest baby and so snuggly from the start :)

A baby with pudge?  We loved his squishiness!  And that sweet little head wasn't so little...100%ile on the growth chart for years...lol!  

Bruiser has taught us how to love unconditionally, to latch on and desire to learn all about a favorite area of interest (I can attest that we know more than we ever thought about Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and the list goes on...), how to think deeply and see things others miss, and how to love life fully!

He lives for quality time, puzzles and legos that challenge him, snuggles with Mommy, and new book series that he can devour.  He's a concerned and cautious big brother and thoughtful son even when he's not feeling his best.  He's had a rough year with lots of medical concerns that we are still trying to weed our way through but he questions very little and finds the adventure in each new challenge.  He may have his days and moments where he pushes every button and makes our world crazy...but he can turn it around with just a little smile or a sweet comment.

I'm really not sure where time has gone and what happened to my sweet snuggly Mama's boy...but I'm clinging to the moments he tells me he is never leaving me and will live with me forever :)...at least most days!  I take great peace in the fact we are raising him to be a loving and caring little boy who will go far in this world in spite of any challenges and hurdles he has to overcome!

Happy Double Digits, Bruiser Boy!

Weekend Wrap-Up - The Snow Edition!

There was a bit of a storm on Friday, leaving us with some fluffy white inches.  Bubba stomped through the fluff with his boots and then attempted a snow angel in his coat and jeans and no gloves...and you can imagine how that went!

I had a MOPS leadership meeting Friday morning and then we had our chimney cleaned and repaired in the afternoon - home ownership is not cheap or fun!  And then in the middle of that all, the tween child got sick at school...poor baby!  By Saturday we were on day 3 of a severe headache, high fever in the evening...but luckily only that one episode of tummy sick!  Some crazy virus and we put her on lock-down for the weekend!

Saturday we woke up to some white stuff and the promise of a bunch more before the day was over!  Bruiser was excited to check out the 'now!

I snuggled on the couch with these two for a bit and sent the Husband off to get a few groceries (and battle the crowds!) and Pull-ups.  He came home without the Pull-ups and had to head out again...lol! But it coincided with lunch time and earned us some burritos for the win!

Snowy days always lend themselves to binge watching and snacking...and I pulled out an old favorite!  LOVE this show!  (And I may have ordered the next 3 seasons so I own the whole set!)

We pulled out some forgotten toys, like this marble track maze.  And of course we play with it while sitting on the table, wearing plaid pants, and topless - or at least Bubba does :)

We made some chocolate fondue for a fun snow day treat!

And played out in the snow...at night!

I ordered this toothpaste dispenser and toothbrush holder on Amazon when it was a "deal of the day" offer.  Little did I know that my kids knew about it and had wanted it (thank you, tv commercials!)...I had 4 very excited children when it was discovered...lol!

Luckily by Sunday, Tater was feeling better.  She emerged from her room to play with her siblings.  I brought out play dough recently after hiding it for a few years...and the need to sweep my kitchen floor when they are done is totally worth the hours of peace it has given us this winter so far!  Now if we can only keep Bubba from tracking it all over the house!

We spent some time cleaning and prepping for the week.  I'll share in a post later but we have a clothing and lunch routine that seems to be working for us...and it only took me a year and a half to figure it out as a stay-at-home mom!  Lol!

After we got ready for the week, the girls asked to try Jamberry wraps on their nails (with a black tea soak to help them adhere better and longer!) and Bubba had to join in for one panda on his finger :)

I'm also wearing Jamberry's and I love them :).  I've mastered my application and they are lasting me about 2 weeks and my nails have never been healthier or stronger.  And not only that...they are so much fun!!!

We rounded out the week with some more snow play, early dinner for the kiddos, Awana, and date night dinner for the Husband and me with our friends.

As I sit here recapping the weekend, I find such peace as we start our week reflecting on this amazing Christmas gift from my Dad this year.  It's so meaningful I plan to keep it up all year :)

Friday Favorites 2017 - Edition #1

I'm excited to be joining in on Friday Favorites!  I love that I get to share things I love and have one less day to stress over blog content...lol!  

1.  Foam Roller

My back started hurting about 5 years ago...actually, more my neck and left shoulder.  And in typical mommy style, I let it go...and go...and go...and go.  Now that I have 2 mornings to myself (with everyone in some kind of school!), I started physical therapy and I have a looooooong way to go!  But this foam roller...total game changer!  Love it for my whole back...and my abs!  In fact, I came home and ordered one from my friend, Amazon Prime, immediately!

2.  Cedar Cove

A great wholesome Hallmark show on Netflix...3 seasons to binge :)

3.  Back to School

January 3rd was a happy day for me!  I was thrilled to send all 4 littles off to school after a long holiday break!  We are back to a normal and predictable routine!

4.  Swim Lessons

The littlest one (and he looks so little here!) started swim lessons Wednesday.  He spent many seasons of lessons sitting in his stroller, eating cheerios and watching his older siblings swim...and now it was finally his turn!  The little girl sitting next to him is his pediatrician's daughter...perks of living in a small state :).  His class has 3 kids and he's the youngest and the only one who didn't need the teacher's help to swim across the pool (with a bubble and a noodle!).

5.  Vacation Planning...

This is what gets me through the winter...planning for warmer days to escape to the sea!

We are planning a camping trip with friends to Maine in the summer.  4 nights in a tent????  I'm a bit concerned but you only live once, right?  And there's always wine...and coffee...and wine...

And then in the fall we are planning an escape to our favorite beach in the world (or in driving distance!).  We plan for the fall because rental prices drop and we can get a house right on the beach.  It's also the most amazing time to be down the shore.  I was always that teacher who found it irritating to have children miss class for vacations...now I never hesitate to pull my kids and give them real-life learning :)

Wow!  5 posts in a row!  It's so good for my soul to write and share :)

Favorite Binges!

***Please celebrate with me...this is my fourth day in a row posting!!!!  I'm on a roll!!!!***

In the past year, we made the decision to cut back on our cable (no DVR, no high definition box) and added in subscriptions to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.  I think the plan to save money backfired but we spent very little on movies and never go to concerts...so I feel I can justify my spending here :)

So I thought today I'd share some of my favorites and some of the favorites I've watched with my husband...because we all know there are shows husbands just have no interest in!!!!

My favorite "background" shows (to fill my days :) )...

Friday Night Lights

(Tim Riggins?  Tammy Taylor??  Need I say more??)

Gilmore Girls 

(The original episodes are the best, of course!)

Hawaii Five-O

Blue Bloods

(I want to join the Regan family!)

House

Hart of Dixie

Gossip Girl

One Tree Hill

The OC

90210 (the original and the remake)

The Glades

The Good Wife

Royal Pains

Pretty Little Liars

When Calls the Heart (Hallmark)

Cedar Cove (Hallmark)

Army Wives

Nashville

Damages

Chicago Med

Ally McBeal

Dawson's Creek

And the shows I watch with the Mr. -

Hell on Wheels

Blacklist

This Is Us

Madam Secretary

Mad Men

The Following

Prison Break

House of Cards

Longmire

Chicago PD

Homeland

TWD

(Because we need to study how to survive the zombie apocalypse!  And the story line is so good...it's not just killing zombies, I promise!)

The Crown

(So good!)

Designated Survivor

(Love it!)

NCIS

(We started watching from the beginning...because we aren't sure we ever did! And Kate is my favorite...always!)

Any suggestions of must-see shows we are missing?  

We attempted Breaking Bad and Dexter but couldn't stick with them :)

Enough

Every year I try to pick one word.  

One word that sums up my attitude for the year.  

My hope.  My vision.  

Enough

This year I picked the word "enough".  

I need this as a reminder as how approach this year going forward.  

We have enough.  We do enough.  We give enough.  We love enough.  

I have struggled with wondering if we are enough - in all we do and give.  I always go above and beyond the expected until I find myself worn down and burnt out.  This year I need to accept that what I do and what I give are enough.  I need to ignore my own guilt over what others think and want...because in most cases I create those demands myself...lol!  I can give what I am able and allow the people in my life to take it as they need it.

We always want more - more stuff, more toys, more money, more time.  We need to live in the now and with what we have.  One of my favorite country songs says "I've never seen a hearse with a trailer hitch" - and it's so true.  We can't take it with us and the memories we leave behind are so much more valuable.  Losing my mother a year ago made this so real to me - it's not the stuff she left behind that I turn to but the memories she created.  Memories are what I want to leave my children.  We have enough stuff - but there is never enough time together or enough memories shared.

I am amazed at how this word fits into my goals I posted yesterday - enough bad food, more time together, enough stuff that needs to be purged.

So enough reflecting - time to move forward with my day and making memories!