Whew...can you believe it!? Already a year! It was my birthday last year that we were speeding down the 95 to get to the hospital only to be sent home for another 12 days.
On April 16th Rohnin decided she would start walking....two days before her birthday!
She got a new high chair/table set. We are really happy with it. She really likes it.
Haven making Rohnin's birthday cake...
Setting up the frosting.....
Finishing the decorations .....
Grandma helping with the presents!
Let's just say she refused to blow out here candle and she wouldn't eat the cake...but she did eat the pizza!
Grandma and Grandpa in VA sent her a cute jack in the box sock monkey.....she was completely freaked out the first time it popped out. But she has since become his friend.
Her new car.....she loves this car. She doesn't really ride it yet but she puts stuff in the secret compartment and pushes it all over the house.
Happy Birthday Rohnin Autumn-Aria! We love you!!!
Learning sustainability for our family and taking care of kids. Becoming a chicken mom in 2020! Our oldest- Haven, 17, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Cancer and ROHHAD Syndrome at age 3. We continue to battle these today.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Crazy couple of weeks
Well I've been extremely tired...since surgery (like 2 hours after surgery) I developed a crazy cough deep in my lungs. Both doctors assured me it was from the breathing tube and anesthesia. So by the third week and the third time seeing a doctor I had to beg and tell them I wasn't leaving until I had meds. Yay...I got cough syrup with codeine and an inhaler to puff on every 4 hours. I started that on Friday and at least I'm able to sleep now - still coughing but sleeping!
Here is Rohnin informing everyone that she is about to turn 1!!!
We went to the Dixie Kite Festival this past weekend....bad weekend for it. We were near 96 degrees.
I kept pouring water on Rohnin - she at least had shade.
But after about 30 minutes of being there we left - the heat is too much for a girl that could easily have seizures due to heat. She did get her free book for reading for the past few months.
My middle daughter...enjoying a day of napping. Best doggie daughter ever!
Here is a funny picture of Rohnin being bad. She got caught trying to mess up her sister's room. She likes to make Haven crazy!
Here is Rohnin informing everyone that she is about to turn 1!!!
We went to the Dixie Kite Festival this past weekend....bad weekend for it. We were near 96 degrees.
I kept pouring water on Rohnin - she at least had shade.
But after about 30 minutes of being there we left - the heat is too much for a girl that could easily have seizures due to heat. She did get her free book for reading for the past few months.
Here is a funny picture of Rohnin being bad. She got caught trying to mess up her sister's room. She likes to make Haven crazy!
Friday, April 13, 2012
ROHHAD in Scotland
This is an article written about one of our ROHHAD friends. She lives in Scotland. I wanted to share because there are so few of us and we need support and spreading awareness is the best way to do that!
This is Daniella right after she was diagnosed with ROHHAD Syndrome.
Daniella's problems began at around the age of 2 1/2 - which she started aggressively looking for food. Around Christmas 2010 Daniella fell seriously ill and couldn't walk. After lots of testing they found she was going in to kidney failure and started dialysis....then after suffering heart failure her family feared they would lose her.
Doctors worked hard to find a diagnosis for her and she is doing much better today as she is monitored and cared for 24 hours a day.
We love you Daniella......
Please read Daniella's article in the The Scottish Sun newspaper.
This is Daniella right after she was diagnosed with ROHHAD Syndrome.
Daniella's problems began at around the age of 2 1/2 - which she started aggressively looking for food. Around Christmas 2010 Daniella fell seriously ill and couldn't walk. After lots of testing they found she was going in to kidney failure and started dialysis....then after suffering heart failure her family feared they would lose her.
Doctors worked hard to find a diagnosis for her and she is doing much better today as she is monitored and cared for 24 hours a day.
We love you Daniella......
Please read Daniella's article in the The Scottish Sun newspaper.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
School blues
Haven had her school pictures taken. She is just getting so grown up. I can't believe she's 8 years old. It's amazing and crazy at the same time. She loves these hair flowers she gets from her Uncle Kevin in Hawaii. She has one for every outfit in most colors.
May be some moms out there can help me with something. For the first time ever Haven does not want to go to school anymore. We (dad and I) really like this school for it's education values but Haven is having a really rough time with the kids suddenly. Many of the girls are picking on her or making fun of her, kids are blaming her for "stealing" from them, saying she called another girl "fat" and now all the kids call her rude and mean. I really don't know what to do. Haven has always loved school and would rather be at school but now she doesn't want to go at all. She says she is told to handle it on her own and she is trying to do that but doesn't know how when all the kids believe the other kids. She told me after school yesterday that she can't believe she has to go for another 6 weeks...that she's counting down the days when she doesn't have to go back. This makes me seriously sad. I'd rather home school her then have her not like learning and going to school.
So please if anyone has any help or advice for me here send it my way. I'm not sure how to help her except to tell her to ignore them and focus on her studies. But reading about horrible teenagers in the news lately I don't want her to grow up - end up in high school with no friends - being made fun of - and then going berserk.
2 Weeks Since Surgery
Well it's been two weeks since I had surgery on a large incarcerated umbilical hernia and a smaller hernia above that. I have now met with the OB in regards to the baby and surgery. All is perfect there. Today I met with the surgeon for follow up.
Here is the scar after 2 weeks. Looking great. Surgeon was very happy. Hubby said he'll design a smiley face tattoo I can get for the scar! ha ha ha...
All I have to say is if you've ever had an incarcerated hernia (intestines poking through the muscle wall that get pushed back in to your body) then you understand how much pain I was in....while pregnant none the less. I couldn't walk for days at a time, couldn't lay down, could barely breathe. It was unbearable.....now, since the pain of the surgery is subsided, I am very happy I did it. Baby is perfectly fine and I can walk! I haven't had the extreme pain or anything. PS: exactly why I would rather push a baby out then have a c-section!
I do have to say Monday was rough with Rohnin. I was trying to be "normal" mom and do what I could. Picking her up a few times destroyed me by evening. It felt as though the mesh was tugging at my stomach and it was killing me. I've spent the last two days in bed (seriously sleeping about 6 out of 8 hours) and am back at "normal" today. Only 4 weeks left of limited activity.
Here is the scar after 2 weeks. Looking great. Surgeon was very happy. Hubby said he'll design a smiley face tattoo I can get for the scar! ha ha ha...
All I have to say is if you've ever had an incarcerated hernia (intestines poking through the muscle wall that get pushed back in to your body) then you understand how much pain I was in....while pregnant none the less. I couldn't walk for days at a time, couldn't lay down, could barely breathe. It was unbearable.....now, since the pain of the surgery is subsided, I am very happy I did it. Baby is perfectly fine and I can walk! I haven't had the extreme pain or anything. PS: exactly why I would rather push a baby out then have a c-section!
I do have to say Monday was rough with Rohnin. I was trying to be "normal" mom and do what I could. Picking her up a few times destroyed me by evening. It felt as though the mesh was tugging at my stomach and it was killing me. I've spent the last two days in bed (seriously sleeping about 6 out of 8 hours) and am back at "normal" today. Only 4 weeks left of limited activity.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Happy Easter
We hope everyone had a great Easter weekend......we stayed home all day Sunday and just relaxed with the girls.
Haven worked on another round of coloring eggs on Saturday
Yay....the bunny came! He found us!!!
The newest sock monkey to hit the collection.....Haven was so excited.
Miss Rohnin got a baby sock monkey with rabbit ears...
She found some...still a few more to find!
Rohnin even found one all by herself!
Rohnin ate her first boiled egg...she did not like the center. Deez waiting for some egg to drop....she knows Rohnin always shares with her.
Next up.......Rohnin's first birthday!!!
Haven worked on another round of coloring eggs on Saturday
Yay....the bunny came! He found us!!!
The newest sock monkey to hit the collection.....Haven was so excited.
Miss Rohnin got a baby sock monkey with rabbit ears...
Searching the back yard for eggs left by the bunny
She found some...still a few more to find!
Rohnin even found one all by herself!
Rohnin ate her first boiled egg...she did not like the center. Deez waiting for some egg to drop....she knows Rohnin always shares with her.
Next up.......Rohnin's first birthday!!!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Reluctantly turning 37
I have decided not to acknowledge that I'm 37.......although I did enjoy the party tonight. It was a nice and relaxing evening.
I special ordered homemade pizza from grandma and grandpa --- Haven helped to create it.
Rohnin supervised....
Then came a yummy desert --- my request - Cherry pie with vanilla ice cream!!!
thank you again!!!!
I special ordered homemade pizza from grandma and grandpa --- Haven helped to create it.
Rohnin supervised....
Then came a yummy desert --- my request - Cherry pie with vanilla ice cream!!!
thank you again!!!!
Photos of the Week
HUGE THANK YOU TO GRANDMA AND GRANDPA FOR WATCHING OUR GIRLS ALL WEEK! I wouldn't have made it through the critical recovery period....1 week down and 5 to go before I'm officially released. PS: Only 11 weeks left before the boy is born!!!
Here are a few fun photos of the week - if you are on my FB you've probably seen enough of these!
Rohnin hanging at Gma and Gpa for my bday!
Haven working on her Easter eggs with Grandma
Almost finished....
Rohnin leaves her mark on a poor defenseless egg....
Becoming daddy's girl....
Hanging with Grandma at the park
She looks like she's up to no good
More park time
Mmmmm....toys....
Happy baby girl....
Hair bow party at the neighbors....
Thank you so much again for all your help the past week and a half.....
Here are a few fun photos of the week - if you are on my FB you've probably seen enough of these!
Rohnin hanging at Gma and Gpa for my bday!
Haven working on her Easter eggs with Grandma
Almost finished....
Rohnin leaves her mark on a poor defenseless egg....
Becoming daddy's girl....
Hanging with Grandma at the park
She looks like she's up to no good
More park time
Mmmmm....toys....
Happy baby girl....
Hair bow party at the neighbors....
Thank you so much again for all your help the past week and a half.....
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
IVIG received - much needed
On Tuesday we headed out to our other new hospital - Huntsman Cancer Institute in St. George. This is where Haven will get her port flushed every 4 weeks and then every 6 weeks she will get her labs drawn and then every 8 weeks she will get IVIG. So, we actually get a one month break and then we're in ever two weeks for a month....then another month break. Then every few months she will head to SLC Primary Children's for a full run down of labs and check ups.
Her room was very nice at this hospital. It's bigger than my labor and delivery room and she had a private bathroom. I was very surprised and happy. She was very well taken care of.
Here is Haven hanging out with the Child Life specialist. He was great and they talked about everything.
Haven's first time having a male nurse. Jason was great...he was very willing to let Haven do her own flushing and everything. Accessing the port was easy and she did very well. She of course made sure he did everything the way her other nurse did it.
Nap time. I let her stay up watching Happy Feet Two the night before so she'd be nice and tired. She fell asleep about 20 minutes in to the infusion of the IVIG.
Oh....5 hours later we are done with the IVIG...now to do a flush of saline...wait 30 minutes...flush again and close up with Heparin.
Her room was very nice at this hospital. It's bigger than my labor and delivery room and she had a private bathroom. I was very surprised and happy. She was very well taken care of.
Here is Haven hanging out with the Child Life specialist. He was great and they talked about everything.
Nap time. I let her stay up watching Happy Feet Two the night before so she'd be nice and tired. She fell asleep about 20 minutes in to the infusion of the IVIG.
Oh....5 hours later we are done with the IVIG...now to do a flush of saline...wait 30 minutes...flush again and close up with Heparin.
If you've worked with Haven you know she wants to do her own flushing, blood draws, and Heparin. I was happy that Jason would let her since he'd never worked with her before.
She did extremely well.....at the end when the took the needle out they hit a small vein which caused blood to pour out everywhere. When I say pour out it means I thought I was going to pass out seeing so much blood. Haven, of course, was amazing. She grabbed napkins and put pressure on it and just asked everyone to get her stuff to help. Her nurse Jason was already on it...mom did not do so well and was not overjoyed at seeing so much blood come out of her child's chest.
My Haven is amazing...she constantly blows our minds and she is a true rockstar. Love you Roo!!!!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
L&D --- great experience so far
So
already having to visit this unexpectedly a few months early I am very
happy with the accommodations and nurses. Although it did take us two
days to figure out how to get Kris in the door without fighting a nurse
to do it. They have a secret code you're supposed to say at the
door.....I was too drugged up after surgery to know there was a code!
:) Now we understand for next time..................
I am happy that this hospital has a great NICU, works with high risk pregnancies....and works with surgeries while pregnant!
Nice size delivery rooms.....Dad and siblings can come in before the whole breathing and pushing process starts. Something that wasn't allowed on my last delivery. So I am very excited about that...although we'll need grandma and grandpa close by because Rohnin did not like when I was in the hospital this last time...but it could've been all the tubes on me. Family can visit and be at bedside....we were limited to two visitors before. Just remember...if you are visiting you have to get the security code or they won't let you in....(note to grandma and grandpa not to let us forget!)
Not sure how the jacuzzi tubs work...but would be fun to try! I get the epidural at around 5 - 6 cm...and you definitely can't be jumping in a tub.
I love that the baby rooms in with you - not sure if hospitals take the baby anymore but I like this. Especially since I breast feed...I wouldn't want to have to call them to bring the baby in each time.
They have an online nursery for friends and family with photo services...Haven had this when she was born but Rohnin did not. So this is cool.
Not to mention I've already tried the food and it's super yummy...plus dad gets a free meal for all his work during delivery!
PS.....I'm sneaking a few dabs of port cream on my hand and wrist since this is where they love to put IV's. The IV is as bad as pushing the baby out to me!
Many of you have asked what names we are looking at for our boy....Well this is something that Kris and I usually don't finalize until we see the baby. We currently have a list of about 50 names (not joking)...we've gone through many of them and marked them off. We try each set of names out for a day or two and then decide if it flows with the last name. As of now I think we've narrowed it down to about 10 names but the final decision will not be made until we are forced to sign a birth certificate! :)
Anyway, we are seriously counting down the days to delivery....June will be a very exciting month. Currently our boy is due on my Grandpa's birthday making that a super special day and my hope is that he actually comes on that day. I already have 5 family members birthdays in June.....so here comes #6!!!!
I am happy that this hospital has a great NICU, works with high risk pregnancies....and works with surgeries while pregnant!
Nice size delivery rooms.....Dad and siblings can come in before the whole breathing and pushing process starts. Something that wasn't allowed on my last delivery. So I am very excited about that...although we'll need grandma and grandpa close by because Rohnin did not like when I was in the hospital this last time...but it could've been all the tubes on me. Family can visit and be at bedside....we were limited to two visitors before. Just remember...if you are visiting you have to get the security code or they won't let you in....(note to grandma and grandpa not to let us forget!)
Not sure how the jacuzzi tubs work...but would be fun to try! I get the epidural at around 5 - 6 cm...and you definitely can't be jumping in a tub.
I love that the baby rooms in with you - not sure if hospitals take the baby anymore but I like this. Especially since I breast feed...I wouldn't want to have to call them to bring the baby in each time.
They have an online nursery for friends and family with photo services...Haven had this when she was born but Rohnin did not. So this is cool.
Not to mention I've already tried the food and it's super yummy...plus dad gets a free meal for all his work during delivery!
PS.....I'm sneaking a few dabs of port cream on my hand and wrist since this is where they love to put IV's. The IV is as bad as pushing the baby out to me!
Many of you have asked what names we are looking at for our boy....Well this is something that Kris and I usually don't finalize until we see the baby. We currently have a list of about 50 names (not joking)...we've gone through many of them and marked them off. We try each set of names out for a day or two and then decide if it flows with the last name. As of now I think we've narrowed it down to about 10 names but the final decision will not be made until we are forced to sign a birth certificate! :)
Anyway, we are seriously counting down the days to delivery....June will be a very exciting month. Currently our boy is due on my Grandpa's birthday making that a super special day and my hope is that he actually comes on that day. I already have 5 family members birthdays in June.....so here comes #6!!!!
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