RollersInVegas

I don't know what it is....but, these heart babies are just the CUTEST in the world!
So...this one is a little blurry...but, it's his personality...crazy eyes and crazy tongue!
Oh.....everyone can come over and just smooch under his little neck roll!!! (I'll share him!)

So...it appears that we're all getting together in Vegas in JULY!!! Everyone make the plans...I'll start cleaning now! (Because that's how long it will take!)

GUESS WHAT??? Isaac stayed off his O2 ALL DAY LONG today....and he's still in the mid-90s...so, I'm going to put him to bed without it and see how he does. It was so surreal today....taking him to the school and out and about WITH NO TUBES (well, except the feeding tube)...but, not HAVING to take the stroller and the O2 tank was just a miracle. Even if it was only for a day....we felt SO NORMAL! People talked to me more at Eli's school and his t-ball game....they just look and stare when they see the oxygen (like he's contagious....EEWWW...I'm going to let me baby breathe on your baby and then yours won't be able to breathe...) those are the kinds of looks I get. I'm glad he only has one head and 2 arms....or could you imagine the looks??

I TOTALLY forgot that Eli had a tball game tonight....BUT, we made it and he had a blast....but, that also meant that it was Kraft Mac-n-cheese for dinner (sorry kids....and Joe!).

I was rushing Eli to take a bath tonight so that we could do a little homework....and he looked at me and said, "mom....your heart is like a black tornado!" Can you believe that he said that to me....I was talking a little harsh to him...but, he wasn't moving. I'll black tornado his little backside (not really...but, urrghh...stinker!)

Hope everyone has a GREAT Thursday!!!

Just eating my hands!
I'm busy playing with the toys....look at my chicken legs! (at least they are touching the floor!)
So...this is how he starts off in this jumper!
Happy to see the toys sing and light up...
Then, he takes his glasses off!
Then, he loses control of his head and falls backwards...
whooo...then, he's back forward, glasses around the next, just smiling his sweet smile!

No throwing up today....a few wretching episodes...but, nothing too bad!!!
ALL the big boys made it off to school...although...we would have ALL loved to just sleep all day! Mark came over today to work with Isaac for speech therapy...I thought it was tomorrow...I must have put it in my phone wrong (oops)....it's a good thing that we were home. He gave me TONS of ideas on how to play with Isaac to teach him things that he should be doing already.

I did talk to Dr. Mayman today. He didn't have Isaac's records with him in the office close to my house...they were at the main office. But, he told me that they would fax them to me. SO, if they don't show up in my mail tomorrow (from the hospital), then I'll call his office and ask if they'll get a copy to me. Dr. Mayman is considering putting Isaac on a new prescription (I forgot the name...sorry), but it will lower his blood pressure...in hopes of promoting more blood flow to the lungs. So, his lung profusion scan is normall 60-40, and this time it was 57-43. This is odd to the docs, because his weaker PAs are getting more blood to the right side, than the "normal" pa's on the left side...hhmmmm..maybe those normal pa's are NOT SO normal! He doesn't want to rush to add another med for him...so, he wants to take the week to think about it. He's also sending the results to Dr. Hanley (good...just so he'll know how my little man is doing).

Joe watched Isaac for a little while tonight so that I could pick up Chris from scouts...and Isaac took a BITE out of his new lenses on his glasses! Now...there's a NEW SCRATCH on those new lenses. I really don't know how we're suppose to keep them on his face and OUT of his mouth!! I wish that I could just pop some contacts in his eyes each morning.

The big boys are in bed, we're working on finishing a project for Chris (yes...just want to make sure he gets that "A")....and watching American Idol (that we recorded earlier)...life is good!

Isaac just thew up all day...so, I gave him a break with pedialyte...now, it's 9pm and he's tolerated his 6pm feed...so, maybe he just needed a little break. GEEZ!

We had our last RSV shot this morning!!! YIPPIE!! Then, we got our new lenses put in his glasses...now he can see! We took Eli to t-ball practice tonight...and now we're just watching Deal or No Deal. Dr. Mayman called Joe tonight on his way home (he's SO SWEET) and he told Joe that he had copies of ALL of our reports and that I could swing by his office tomorrow and pick them up or he would have them faxed to me!!! SO...I'll call the office tomorrow. He told Joe that he just glanced at his MRI...and it talked about gray areas and white areas in his head...but, nothing EXTREME really stuck out at him. There are talks about adding a new med because his lung profusion scan showed off balanced numbers STILL. So...looks like nothing MAJOR...but, I will post everything as soon as I get my hands on the reports!

Other than that....I've got NOTHING! I've got tutus to make this week and I better get shaking!!

OHHH...my sweeties~ I told Joe that I was just taking this picture for us....and
that I would NOT post it on the BLOG...oh well...I told a little white lie!
it was just too cute!
I got a message on Thursday while we were at the hospital and his glasses are ready!
So, maybe we'll swing by the eye docs after our RSV shot :( and get those glasses back on his little head (to help those crossed eyes out!)

We had fun this weekend with Kyle and Brittany and the kids! Chris skipped his basketball game on Saturday to go see a movie with the guys...while Brittany and I took the little kids to Jo Ann's to get fabric to make fancy tutus!!!!

So...this big, fluffy pink one was Kristy's (she's 7). This picture was taken BEFORE we added a MILLION rhinestones and flower ribbon!

This was Katie's tutu dress. It's my FAVORITE one so far! It's pale blue and purple and has marabou feathers around the top under the flowers! (So...Jen and Samantha...tell me if you want a dress instead of the regular tutu...Or I might just have to make a "dress up" box for my girls!!)
NOW...this picture is for MEGAN!!! The kids have been swimming ALL weekend! I hope it warms up for you guys soon! I HAVE to get off my lazy bum and get Eli in swimming lessons...he knows how to open the "child proof" gate that we have around the pool!!!
Yes....Chris is STILL a DORK! (but, he's my sweetie pie dork!) He's been trying to teach Eli how to swim...it's SO cute!

Isaac's been throwing up about 4-6 times a day:(...I'm going to give him another week to rest up before I call GI. I'm hoping it's not the new milk, but just all the other things that have been going on with him (the ear infections, now the cath)...poor thing just needs a break.
AHH...and we made it to church today!! We just stayed for the first hour...but, it was nice to go. It's 8pm, and Isaac is asleep on the floor, Chris is taking a bath, and Eli is playing games....how wonderful!! OH...me and the little guys GOT A NAP TODAY!!! (I was SO asleep...I drooled ALL over my pillow!) It was heavenly!
Hope everyone has a good week!
Our only appointments this week are RSV tomorrow, pick up new glasses, and Mark comes to work with feeding on Wednesday. EASY WEEK! If I get the hospital results...I will scan them and post them so that we can ALL REVIEW them and you can tell me what's new with my little man!

**Prepare yourselves...you will pee in your pants!!**

Ok...I TOTALLY needed to post early to get it all in (before I forget!)....and we get too busy tonight~

So....Isaac slept like a champ last night. I woke up every 4 hours to give Isaac Tylenol and pedialyte. He would stir a little...and go back to sleep. (I just knew we were going to have an AWESOME day!) We get up and get the kids ready for school. I take Eli to school...kiss him goodbye, and head back home. Isaac is watching Yo Gabba Gabba and bouncing like a mad in his bouncy seat. I'm able to start laundry, the dishwasher...man...this is GREAT!
UNTIL...the phone rings and caller ID says "Clark County Schools!" So...I think it's Chris who forgot a book again. Nope...it's the NURSE at Eli's school. It's 10:00 (he's only been at school for an hour) and the nurse tells me that he has thrown up and I need to come get him! hmmmm... I just started Isaac's feeds, but...I load up Mr. Isaac, the feeding pump, and the O2 tank...and take my sick baby to pick up my OTHER sick baby! I ask Eli is he's getting sick...and he said, "No,"..."it was just a bad cough that made me throw up!"
Well, that's good.
We're home now...Icky wretched a little, but kept his first milk feed down! (thank heavens!)
Eli is running around the house like a mad man (totally NOT sick)...but, I can't take him back.
Our day continues...everything smoothe...Isaac falls asleep, I watch a little Oprah...Eli helps me clean his room...perfect...our day WILL be ok after all.
UNTIL...I go to Christopher's school to pick up the kids. We drop the last kid off...and we're at a stop sign. I see a cute white dog with a leash just walking around. I tell Chris to look...and he BEGS to go catch the dog (because it obviously belongs to somebody). I agree....and he's off to catch the dog (while we're still at the stop sign waiting in the van). He goes behind a utility box..then, he comes out motioning for me to come over. So, I make a right turn with the van, and park on the side of the road. AND I see Chris, the dog, and an old lady on the ground. (and I'm just thinking...I am NOT giving money to this homeless lady--because there are tons of homeless people at the parks here). So, I come up and ask if the lady needs anything...(because, I've stopped...if she needs anything...then, I guess I should give it to her)....then, she says "well"...and I see blood ALL over the side of her face and hands. She had fallen while walking her dog. I ask if I can give her a ride to her house...and she tells me that she needs a minute..she can't get up just yet. So...I tell her that I'll drive to her house and get her son for her (because she can't remember her phone number to call him). She gives me directions....I go to the house (not knowing the name of the road or house number...because she can't remember it).....and no one answers the door on the house she directed me to.
SO...I go back (oh...and Chris is with her the whole time to make sure that she's not alone). She tells me that she's sure her son is home...SO....I go AGAIN...bang on the door until someone FINALLY answers. He says that he's NOT Jon (her son)...so, I go BACK to her and ask her again where she lives. She can only remember the house number now (but, that's better than before)...SO, I go back out. I decide to call information and ask for her son's name and BINGO...they give me the number and street address. The house number she gave was right...but,. she had me going in the WRONG direction. SO...I get to the house, NO ONE is home! I call..no one answers the phone!!! I go BACK to her again (and Chris is still with her) and tell her that maybe we should call someone to help her up (like 911)...so, we get the crossing guards to call while I continue to talk to her and figure out where her son is or if there's someone else that we can call for her. THEN, Isaac starts throwing up in the car...(Eli's on Isaac duty in the car everytime I get out to talk to the old lady). I tell the old lady that I need to take Isaac home, the ambulance is on it's way, and Chris will stay with her.
I pull out and the ambulance pulls in (thank goodness)...
I get Icky home and he is just wretching and throwing his little head up! Then, Chris calls to tell me that he's on his way home (he's walking) and he showed the paramedics where the lady lived. (because she was telling them to take her where she was directing me--the wrong way!)...

SO...my easy day was as follows:
**Isaac starts wretching
**Pharmacy still can't get Icky's meds straight...I've been 3 times to pick up lasix
**Have to pick up Eli from school because of throwing up
**Pick up school kids...
**Chris saves old lady's life
(and it's only 4:00pm).....

Just another NORMAL day in the ROLLER household!
So....when you THINK you've had a tough day....P-L-E-A-S-E....call me and I'll ALWAYS make you feel better about your life.

**AND...I have to post early because Kyle (Joe's brother), Brittany, and the girls are coming tonight for the weekend....but, I HAD to tell you about our day!!!

***OH...and I made our appointment with the Neurologist (to follow up on this MRI and to schedule his EEG)...well, that appt isn't until JUNE 3rd! URRGHHH!
I DO NOT have the written results of all the tests yesterday....I just requested them. SO...hopefully they will come in the mail next week and we can ALL research them together!!! It's going to drive me crazy until I get them!!

Short and sweet again....

WE ARE HOME!!! They discharged us a little after 7:00pm!! So, the cath went great. The MRI...the nurse glanced at the report on the computer and told me that the spine looked fine. I said, "What about the brain?"...she said, "Oh..they found things"...but, she wouldn't tell me!!!

It's a good thing I pulled a Vanessa and had already gone to medical records and told them that I needed a copy of all reports today for other doctors (so, I could read them myself)...because who KNOWS when we'll get in to see the neurologist to read the results to me!

Icky's doing good...a little junky, cranky, and puffy...nothing the breathing treatments, Tylenol, and lasix can't fix!

Thanks for all the prayers...we felt SO loved today!

**4:30 update...
Icky is back in recovery. They extubated him just fine...although, he's still sleeping. He's getting a breathing treatment (because he's junky ALREADY!)...and I should be able to go back in about 30 minutes. Then, we'll make the walk down the hall for the lung profusion scan...and HOME!
WHAT A DAY!!!
Thanks for checking on us...and thanks for everyone that helped me coordinate this crazy day!!!

THE CATH WENT AWESOME!!!

Isaac's RV pressures are good. Not in the "gray" area...not in the "great" area...but, just fine for now! His pa's are open and not narrowing...which means...that we are CLEARED for cleft palate surgery in JUNE!! WHOO HOO!!! (I mean....Isaac will NOT be thrilled...but, I am. ) Better a cleft surgery this summer than a heart surgery!!!

Now...he's being wheeled down the hall for his MRI...then, Dr. G decided that he wanted to do a lung profusion scan after the MRI (poor boy will be GLOWING from all the radiation today!)

Thanks for checking on us!!!

Isaac went back about 10:45...

now...I just wait! They plan on just mapping the heart and getting pressures...but, if he shows that his pa's are narrowing...then, they might do a little ballooning while they are in there...

Then, they will keep him intubated and wheel him down the hall for his MRI.

THEN...I will be able to see my little grumpy bug!!!

The hospital DOES have wifi...so, no problems keeping you updated.
I don't expect anything out of the ordinary...just getting him off the vent, a little pedialyte in his tummy...and we'll make it home tonight!!!

Thanks for checking on us!!!

Isaac's still retching and throwing up...but, we decided to try some food...

But....he didn't really want any. It takes 2 spoons, 1 nuk brush, 1 red something (a tool that Mark gave us to put food on for Isaac to chew on)...and mashed potatoes, gravy, and baby food mangos!~
Eli gets $3 a week allowance (if he does his chores everyday)...but, he often opts to buy a toy and put it on the shelf until he earns it. This is a 2 week toy...he counts the days until he can open it!
Isaac has switched the monkey paci for a dalmatian today....and there's Eli again...
just making sure that you see his toy AGAIN!
He has been SO HAPPY today...I hate that he's going to be SO MAD at me tomorrow!

We've been busy cleaning and getting ready for tomorrow. We don't have to be at the hospital until 9am...so, I'm getting the boys up and dressed and dropping Eli off at school and headed to the hospital. The cath is scheduled for 10:30 and the MRI for 1:00.....and hopefully, we'll be home late!!!

I'll update the blog throughout the day...thanks for all the prayers!!

**NOW....onto MORE IMPORTANT things. (Because, Mr. Isaac will be fine tomorrow!)
Kate's Kart is up and running and the website is GREAT!! Krista...you did a fantastic job!!!
So...please look at Kate's journey in this montage, and send my sweet friend Krista as MANY books as you can (and all you mama's with Eagle scouts....this is a GREAT project for them to become involved in!!!)....We love you Krista...and love that you let us follow Kate's journey and you continue to let us be a part of your family!!!
www.kateskart.org Just click on the link and it will take you there....

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Isaac started eating something new!!



That's right...BUTT PASTE!!!
Caught ya!!!

We saw the pulmonologist today (which is the sweetest doc EVER!)...anyway...he said that Isaac's lungs were GREAT! Very clear, he checked his ears and the infection is gone...he gave us an ALL CLEAR for the heart cath on Thursday. He told me that Isaac's lungs are just still trying to rebuild good, healthy tissue...it will just take time. (they've just taken a beating with the heart failure, and all the intubations...but, he WILL be off O2 one day!)
YEAH!!!
Tomorrow....we rest.

One quick funny story for you:
Eli was counting backwards to me tonight and goes:
"five, four, three, two, one...one and a half, two quarters and one penny...."
Isn't that the funniest!!! (ok...if you didn't get it..read it again SLOWLY!)

I'm pooped and STILL have a million things to get done tonight!

I'll make this short and sweet....

Isaac is still blind. But, the glasses do help his eyes stay "centered"...so, I had to order new lenses. Which, are $189. But, they are going to ask the lab if I can get a free set under the warranty since we've only had them less than 2 months... (that would be AWESOME!). I asked the doc how I was suppose to keep the glasses on his head and out of his mouth....she told me to put "no nos" on his arms! Is she kidding me? Could you see Isaac sitting in his bouncy seat, glasses on, no no's on, trying to put his paci in his mouth, trying to put his glasses in his mouth....and then just looking at me in disbelief and screaming!~ I'll have to think of something else!

We see pulmonology tomorrow. Maybe they'll tell me something that I don't already know about his O2 requirements...or just reassure me that his body has been through a lot this year....and this is only temporary.

Chris and Eli are alive and well...working hard at school and hard on my nerves.

Joe...something has taken over his body...he has been the sweetest thing this weekend. Three days in a row...I'm in HEAVEN!

Me..,my snot is clearing out...my house is still messy, I did make dinner tonight (although the big boys only wanted Kraft Macaroni and cheese)....and I am tired. We're heading up to bed soon....so, ta ta for now!

Zoom in on this picture....do you notice the scratches on the lenses??
It's where he's been eating them!! It's a good thing that we see the eye
doctor tomorrow!!! How in the WORLD can they even sell kids glasses
that can't resist two little baby teeth!?!?
All smiles...crazy eyes and all!!!

We had a nice, quiet Sunday. I started it off like everyday...giving Isaac a bath. Which...by the way...takes FOREVER due to all the supplies that he needs taken off and then put back on! Anyway, off the O2 today...he was still in the 80s...We see the pulmonologist on Tuesday...so, maybe he can shed some light in to why we are still requiring oxygen. Tomorrow we see the eye doctor, which is good due to the state of his glasses! I can't afford to buy him $300 glasses every month...I hope they make teeth-resistant lenses!!

He's tolerated his feeds pretty well today...but, he still has a runny nose (that's accompanying those ear infections)...I hope that doesn't force us to reschedule our Thursday events...I couldn't stand it if we had to reschedule everything!

So...here's' our week (like you don't have your own weekly events!):
**I forgot when our RSV appt is...so, I have to call her first thing in the morning...I know it's this week...just not sure which day and time
Monday--11am-Isaac eye appt
Tuesday--1pm--Isaac pulmonologist
6:30pm--Chris basketball practice
6:30pm--Chris scouts (hmmm...which one will he attend??)
Wednesday--NOTHING!
Thursday--9:30--heart cath and MRI
8:00pm--Chris basketball team pics (I know...kinda late isn't it??)
Friday--HOPEFULLY, we got discharged from the hospital late on Thursday night..and we're home chillin!!!
Kyle (Joe's bro) and Brittany and their princesses come in from Utah for a weekend visit
**We're lucky that Eli (by total chance) doesn't have any t-ball games this week. There are normally 2 a week. Now...we all have time to get over the sniffles and one less thing to worry about!

Really...it's not too crazy...I'm just nervous about Isaac's Thursday. I know he'll do great....I just don't like EVER handing him over for anything~
I hope everyone had a great Sunday...and has a good week this week!

Hi...Good Lookin'...
Guess what Isaac likes to eat??
His tiny shoes!!! It's ok though...because the shoes NEVER touch the ground!
Still has the crazy eyes! And the tongue that thrusts forward..and the canula
up the nose. POOR little thing!

Mr. Mischief indeed!!!
This one is for you Colin! We tried chocolate pudding...didn't swallow much..
but, had fun making a BIG MESS!!!
Doesn't he look like a little old man?!?!?
and then, this is what he does to the glasses....
and then this.... Do you see a pattern?? He eats EVERYTHING but food!!!

Sorry that I haven't updated in a few days. It's been CRAZY here! I've been working like a mad woman trying to get the store website up...AND still working on it!!! We're all still working on the sniffles. MOSTLY, it's allergies for everyone...but, still exhausting. Isaac's been wretching again...so, I've backed his feeds down to only 6ozs every four hours (and only 5ozs of netrem jr. and 2 ozs of his old formula...I know that's 7 ozs....but, that mixture seems to work on his tummy...and so, I waste almost an ounce)... Nothing else new going on with Isaac....he's still on the amox for his ear infections...and still on for his MRI and cath on Thursday.

Let's see....GOSH..it's hard to remember the what's happened the last few days!

GUESS what we did tonight???
I went on a DATE with ELI to see Drake Bell in concert at the pavilion! (Drake from "Drake and Josh" on nickelodean!)... We took Eli's friend, Olivia...and they had a blast. We just had lawn seats....but, they got t-shirts, snacks, and rolled down that hill a million times! Joe was a SWEETIE and watched Isaac while we went....and Chris had a few friends over to play video games and watch movies. SO....TWO things that you should know from our day today....ONE...that Joe has been such a SWEETIE today, helping with the kids and OFFERING to help out (yes...this was the norm...then, the stinky job took the sweetness away...now, the sweetness is back--if only for a day!).. TWO...I think Eli is allergic to grass!!! Here's the thing...JOE is allergic to everything under the sun...including grass! Well, we don't have grass. We have dirt, rocks, and fake grass. Tonight, while at the concert....they were rolling on the grass all night...Eli's face and arms are ALL broken out and hurting him. I've given him benadryl and his showered....but, that poor little thing. He's NEVER rolled around in grass....and..I guess this will be his last time!

I'm sure there were funny stories to share...but, my brain is fried! So...I leave you with this...

**I love my kids and my husband--for continuously putting up with my nagging...even though the nagging doesn't make them move any faster, harder, or move at all
**I love my family (mom, dad, sisters, brother...and in-laws) for always being willing to help us with whatever craziness is going on in our lives
**I love all my heart friends--for always offering a shoulder to cry on, a second opinion, and just an open-door into their lives so that WE don't feel like we're the only CRAZY ones out there
**I love my friends at church--and even though we don't get out often, and I don't have playdates and friends over like we use to...I MISS it...and I'm trying to get back to "normal"...or at least a "new normal" for us.
**I love T&T and the love and friendship they give us daily
**I love my sweetie pie neighbor and her willingness to always help us
**I love the weather in Las Vegas...because I'd be TOO depressed if the sun didn't shine everyday
**I love our doctors...and the compassion that they give to Isaac...
**and I love our Heavenly Father....for giving us Isaac...for knowing that we NEEDED him in our lives and for all the experiences that we've had this LONG year...and for hearing our prayers when we prayed...and guiding us when we felt lost...and loving us when we felt alone.

***Really....the moon is full....and if I'm not LOVING too much...then, my attitude would probably be opposite...so....I'll spread the love!!!

I hope that everyone has a great weekend...and as for baby Elijah...I hope you start peeing, coughing, and get out of the ICU soon young man!!!

Look at my little sleeping angel...he makes my heart melt!!!

We had a really good day. I'm not coughing as much...so, I'm feeling better....Christopher brought home his report card (although we already knew that he made the A/B honor roll again...and Eli was excited to get back to school!

Our developmental specialist and physical therapist came over today. We had Isaac's annual evaluation. And...for the most part...he's on a 10 month level (so...not too bad!). BUT...for speech, he's on the 5 month level and for gross motor, he's on a 6 month level. Overall...it's what we already knew....but, he is improving so much everyday. He WILL talk one day...and he WILL sit up one day (soon I hope!). I've got big plans for my little man....

So...I made a new tutu today. It's one that can be slipped on a sleeping baby girl for a cute photo op~
So...of course I had to try it on my sleeping beauty....
He's going to kill me one day!!! It would be SO CUTE if he was naked, and his little bum was poking up in the air...with pink little puffs around him!!

So...tomorrow...I'm making one for Katie (our dog!)....

**Thanks for all the prayers for my heart babies...but, keep them coming...Elijah is still sedated, Emma isn't cleared to go home yet, and Drew is having a problem with his insurance approving his upcoming surgery at Stanford...please pray for my babies and their parents!!

No one's happy in the house if "mama's sick"! And...I am...so, everyone...feel sorry for my kids. Chris is the one who brought this snot into our house...and Eli and I have it now...I think I'll ground him! My head feels like it's going to explode, my throat is all scratchy when I talk....and Chris is getting on my last nerves! Eli and Isaac are asleep right now in the living room with me...I banished Chris upstairs.

I started Isaac back on his feeds of new milk and the old formula (almost half and half now)...and he has tolerated the transition very well today. He still has a fever...so, I just don't let the Tylenol and Motrin lapse. We also added Claritin to arsenoyl of drugs...maybe we'll clear him up.

Ok...so many of you sound as poopy as I do...so, here's your funny story (which, of course is brought to you by Eli):
"mom....there's a flood again!"
"What are you talking about??"
"The bathroom...there's a flood in there AGAIN!"
"Which bathroom Eli?? What happened?"
"The downstairs bathroom...there was a HUGE flood...but, don't worry...I PUT ALL the towels and washcloths on it and it's ok now."
"Ah....and where are all of those towels and washcloths now?"
"Oh...they're on the floor in the bathroom. I mean...there's still a little flood on the floor...but, don't worry...I cleaned most of it up. You know that plunger thing...YEAH! I used that and the towels...and I cleaned it all up!"
and he did.
I went into the bathroom and there were about 20 towels on the floor and about 30 washcloths...and there was still 1/2 inch of water STILL on the floor (I suppose it did look like a flood!)
Now....Eli makes it "flood" quite often lately. So, we had to have a talk about how much toilet paper to use and how often to flush the toilets (I can't stand low flow toilets...I like the old ones that flush 100 gallons with every flush...there were no problems back in those days!)
So...Eli assures me that he'll watch the tp usage when he's laying his stink bombs!
(all this while I'm laying on the couch DYING because I can't breathe one minute...or keep the snot from running out of my nose the next minute).

OH...and do you know what CHRISTOPHER did to me today. He called the house at 11:05 (I know...because I looked at the clock). He told me that he was in the office and he NEEDED me to bring his English book to him NOW or he'd get a bad grade! Now...I have to leave my house at 11:15 to pick up Eli from school. Luckily...the schools are only 1 mile in opposite directions from our house....so, I loaded up Icky and jetted to the middle school..handed off the book (which, by the way, he didn't even give me a hug OR kiss for) then, we loaded icky back in the car and jetted to the elementary school where we were EARLY picking up Eli.

It's CRAZY windy in Vegas today...dust is just blowing everywhere...so, this city is just full of snot balls I'm sure!

**Heart baby updates: Emma might get out of the hospital SOON and Elijah's surgery went great today...thanks for including my heart babies in your prayers. Every time that we've had a major surgery with Isaac (or just a trying time)...we feel such peace...and we know that it's from the faith and prayers that we have and that we receive from others.

ok..that's it...i'm laying on the couch...NOT cooking anyone dinner....and just filling up my plastic bag with tissues~

I took Isaac to the peds this morning...he has a BAD double ear infection and had a temp of 104 while we were in there! So...he's just on antibiotics adn if the fever isn't gone in 3 days, then we return.

I'm in a poopy mood...I had to wait an HOUR at the pharmacy for our meds (after I dropped them off 3 hours before), they couldn't get all of them to go through insurance (of course) and I'm snotty with little sleep...and CHRIS and ELI were out of school today (all of that together is about to push me over the deep end).

So...I'll post tomorrow...and hopefully we're all in a chipper mood and our snot is gone.

**OH...Master Elijah goes in tomorrow morning for his heart surgery...PLEASE keep that little chubster in your prayers!!!

ISAAC has gone crazy!!!

We went to bed last night...and somebody else took over his body! He was up EVERY 15 minutes choking. I had to get up (every 15 minutes with him) and suck the saliva out of his mouth and snot out of his nose. He's getting sick. OH NO! (I knew that I should have sent Chris away...I'm sending him to you Crabby Old Man!!!)

So...with the excess saliva, the "i forgot how to swallow", and the runny nose (which he's NEVER had) he started wretching and throwing up again! We're on pedialyte feeds to help with the wretching and throwing up...but, poor thing just looks so pitiful. Looks like we're making a trip to the peds tomorrow to check the ears, throat, rsv...I'm going to have them run all the tests.
He didn't even get to go swimming today:(

The big boys did though...and they are still out there (for like the 4th time!)

Please keep Elijah and Emma in your prayers...Elijah is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday and Emma had hers on Friday.

Well...how about this picture...crazy eyes and snaggle tooth! (Chris doesn't pose for me very often...but, he still exists!)

We made it to the swap meet today....VERY COOL! It was HUGE and just like walking in Mexico! Nothing that I could work at...but, very neat to visit and wonder around!!!

Chris had a basketball game this afternoon...and he SCORED a THREE pointer (well, I thought it was only 2...but, he told me his foot was behind the 3...so, I'll let him have his glory!) He barely made it...he's SICK as a poor little puppy dog. SO..you know what that means...HE HAS TO STAY FAR AWAY FROM ICKY! I've started him on antibiotics that we have...hoping that he'll stop coughing and sneezing everywhere.

If Icky gets sick and can't have his cath and MRI...GOSH...I don't even want to think about it. Here's why it's so important to have all of these procedures in this one day:
1)to find out if his heart is healthy, or if his pa's are narrowing, the valve leaking too much, or the RV pressure is too high
2)if the heart is healthy...YEAH...then, we will be cleared to have his cleft palate surgery in June
3)we need the MRI of his brain and spine to check the dimple at the end of his spine and check his little melon to make sure everything is working properly up there
4)they NEED to draw those immunology panels. His CD-8 count has been low...and if it isn't increasing...then, they've warned us of bone marrow studies in California

SO...although I really don't want to know any of the above...I'd just like to keep him home and pretend that he's a perfectly normal, happy, healthy baby...I know ALL of these tests need to be done. So...we're going to have to be on lock down for the next 2 weeks...I may have to ship Chris outta' here! (and anyone else that starts sneezing!)

We HEATED the pool today....it's in the 80s (MEGAN) and we've heated the pool to about 80...tomorrow I MIGHT put Icky in it and see what he does. Probably, he'll just poop in it...or throw up in it...but, I'll get pics if we get him in!

He had another good day. He's still on the O2. He just likes watching me take it around, tripping over the hose, and untangling the feeding pump hose and the O2 hose. Still tolerating the transition of the new feeds well...just making me work my bum off everyday as usual!!!

Keep my heart babies in your prayers.

It's another day with no pics...sorry. But...I've been a sewing, crafty FOOL today! And..I have to say...my tutu's are looking SO GOOD!! AND...I have a new "chalkboard placemat" that I'll post tomorrow. (they've been made, just haven't had a chance to upload the pics). It's nice to stay busy on something other than meds, tube feedings, diaper changes, and therapy sessions. I've been getting "lost" in working on these projects...it's quite therapeutic. My hopes is that I'll sell enough to help pay for the "extras" that have ISAAC written all over them! My boys are waiting for me to make something for boys...hmmmm...I'll have to think about that one...

Isaac was able to stay off the O2 until about mid-afternoon. He just started to have this "look" on his face, and started coughing...and you know what's next...so, I hooked him up...and he's been fine ever since! AND he's tolerating his feeds like a champ. We're up to 2ozs. of the new milk w/5 ozs of the old formula. Maybe by next week, we'll be on FULL new milk feeds...whooo hooo!!! Oh...and his bum is looking good (I'm sure that he'll be glad that I mentioned it!).

ELI MADE me play candyland AND some other game (a cranium seashell game) FOREVER today...he makes me play until he wins three in a row. It's been fun having him home this week, but...I'm glad he goes back to school next week.

OK...guess where I'm going in the morning. THE SWAP MEET! (or flea markets..that's what we call them back east). I haven't been to one here...can't wait!!! I'm a bargain shopper...AND...if it's nice enough...maybe I'll take my little beanie babies and tutu's on a few weekends and see what happens. That would be SO NICE to leave the boys with JOE on a Saturday and I just hang out at the swap meet (I wouldn't care if I didn't sell a thing...the break would be GLORIOUS!!!)

So...have I told you lately that I HATE insurance companies! We're still paying for Cobra...that's $1200 a MONTH for insurance...to make sure that Isaac gets to see all the doctors that he needs to. THEN, I just got a bill from insurance. Our portion of Isaac's recent visit to Stanford (which was only 4 hours TOTAL)...is $1450....we have to pay 10% of the bill. I'm trying not to think about his next heart surgery....because his stays run about 1MILLION dollars because he's there for SO LONG...what's 10% of 1mil...oh, i don't even want to think about it. I'm hoping that there's a cap on what we have to pay out of pocket (I just need to find the papers and look it up). Isn't it just silly that you have a sick baby....and spend as much time filling out paper work and fighting charges as you do taking care of your sick baby...you think they'd give you a break when they see the "wrap sheet"!
Ok...I'm finished.

***My heart baby updates: Micah is home with his snazzy new mickey button...getting all kinds of good food now...he'll be a chubster, Elijah was able to come home from the hospital...but, he's still freakin' out his parents, and Emma made it through her heart surgery today! What brave little ones we have...

We heard from the Heart Center today and Isaac's cath and MRI are scheduled for April 24th at 10:30am. SO...I just need to keep him healthy until then! They are going to do the cath first, then wheel him down the hall while he's still intabated and do the MRI of the brain and spine...and then wake my little man up (oh...and they'll get the blood for the immunology panels that we need!). I hope we're home that night...but, Isaac likes to hang out with the nurses...so, maybe just an overnight stay.

Isaac is only getting 1 ounce of his new milk mixed with his old formula each feed...and he is tolerating it well. SO, we'll start with 2 ounces tomorrow. No wretching or throwing up today...but, still on the O2.

Eli made me play battleship with him today...and he is such a CHEATER!
Chris had basketball practice tonight.
That's about ALL I've got for today...and I FORGOT to wash Isaac's teeth today. (bad mama!)

**My heart babies are acting up...Emma is scheduled for her big surgery tomorrow, Micah is keeping the nurses on their toes with his g-tube surgery, and Elijah is back in the hospital worrying us all...please keep them in your prayers.

Please keep

Look...our feeding pump supplies arrived today...with our NEW milk!!!
(I guess it will stay by the front door...I don't have an empty cabinet!)
OK...here's a new way to help Isaac sit up. It only takes 1 Boppy
and THREE pillows...and my hand...just in case!
OK...so, he thinks the idea of sitting up is leaning forward!
He looks like an old man looking over those glasses!
So..I take the glasses off. Look at that tongue...he has started
moving it forward alot. The speech therapist at Stanford said that
maybe he does it because it's easier for him to breathe...what?!?!
Now...he's getting the sideways lean!
The tv is funny to him...I guess he can see the big screen!
This little man has me WRAPPED around his little chubby fingers
ok...I'm not finished messing with him...it's tummy time!
Can you tell that he's not happy with me! poor little thing!

We had early interventions over this morning. Isaac weighed in at 17lbs 4 ozs, 28 3/4 in long, and I can't remember his head numbers...but, his head is on the charts. So..he's short, underweight, and has a big head (considering)....what a LOVE BUG!!! (oh...and he has tiny feet)...like he wears 0-3 month shoes...I can't even buy real shoes for him yet! They helped me develop a schedule to transition Isaac to his new milk. (he was very cranky after his last feed...I hope that he was just tired and it isn't the milk hurting his tummy!) Oh..and she saw that Isaac has two teeth....and she asked me if I was washing them daily with a washcloth. OH MY GOSH...I AM NOT! Silly me...I've been too busy with the O2, feeding pump every 4 hours, 4 breathing treatments a day, and NINE meds given in a day (and two other kids to acknowledge each day) ...I haven't been brushing his little teeth! What's WRONG with me!!!??? I guess I'll add that to the list of negligent things that I've done to my poor baby...and put it on my to-do list! (seriously...I never even thought about it...i've lost my mind!)

I haven't taken a nap yet this week...there just isn't a free minute. I know..if I'd stay off the computer...I could sleep HALF of the day away!!!

Joe is at a gala tonight for work (black tie)...and he popped in, changed into his tux and Eli asked him why he looked so FANCY! Joe wears a full suit to work everyday...i couldn't believe that Eli could tell the difference (because his tux had a necktie, not a bow tie). He's very observant!

ummm....I can't think of anything else that's happened....so, here's your funny story for the day...of course...it's Eli AGAIN!

Because we spent half of last year in the hospital with Isaac...we had lots of help with the big boys. So, I made little signs to put on the door out to the garage. Reminding them about things that they needed to make sure they had with them for school that day (books, homework, coat...etc). Well, there was a list posted high for Chris and one posted low for Eli. The lists are still up...and they (ELI) still reads his everyday. WELL...the last thing on each of their lists is, "Have a good day....I LoVE YOU!) Eli ran into the living room and said to Chris, "Mom loves ME more!"
Chris said, "What??"
Eli said, "I have TWO exclamation points after I love you and YOU only have ONE! That means that she loves me MORE!!!"
Can you believe that little stinker. Chris just rolls his eyes at Eli and Eli is just giddy because he thinks he has proof now that I love him more!!!
(at least he pays attention in school and knows about exclamation points!)

Hope that gave you a chuckle. I hope all my heart babies behave tonight. Please keep Micah, Elijah, and Emma in your prayers. (and that Isaac tolerates this new milk...I don't know if they'll take it back if it doesn't work!!!)

I forgot to post this last night..
Cindy went to the Nick Jr. website to see what all the "Yo Gabba Gabba" fuss was about...and LOOK at what she saw:

click here

Then, if you click on the right arrow to move to the next picture...it's Mr. Eli.
Thanks for finding it Cindy!!!

Why don't we start off the post with a pic of Eli at his game yesterday...
Can you see his little head looking for his mama!?!?
Such a sweetie!!
Look Megan...here's TROUBLE!!!
Two pics in a row with good eyes...and a smile...WHAT?!?!?
oh well...I lost the smile...and there goes the eye!
(isn't that the craziest thing...he is wearing his glasses more!)

No time to post yesterday...I had Eli at home...AND I let Chris skip school. We just goofed off. I did take Eli to the park in the morning (and Isaac tagged along in his stroller). The back of my beck got FRIED! Who would have though that I needed sunscreen on my neck...GEEZ! BUT...I will NOT complain about the weather here...it's PERFECT! Although...it's going to be a little cool tomorrow...only high in the low 70s (we'll have to pull the jeans out again!)

Isaac....starts his big boy new milk tomorrow. But, Dr. Baron told me to wein him over slowly...so, I'll let you know how it transitions. We haven't been given a date for our heart cath and MRI yet...but, it's just taking them a while to coordinate the two back to back (what trouble I cause!) Isaac ate some refried beans with whipped cream today. And..you know that means 4-5 baby spoons full...but, we're still making progress! He slept in this morning until 9am...I wish I would have known that....I would have let Chris skip another day of school just so that I could sleep that LONG!!! AND ...speaking of sleep...I checked my number on my bed last night (because my back was hurting again)...and it WAS changed. It was on 50...and my number is 25. I know WHO DID IT!!!

Did I tell you that Mr. Chris made the A/B honor roll again...we're so proud of him!
Joe actually made it home tonight before 8pm...I CAN'T BELIEVE it!!!

Now...are you ready for your funny story??
You know it's about Eli!
He came into the living room today and said, "Feel my mustache!"
So...I did...and I said, "Eli...I don't feel anything."
He said, "EXACTLY! I SHAVED IT!! Dad left his razor in the bathroom downstairs!"
WHAT?!?!?
"Yep..I shaved my mustache, nose, eye brows, arms, legs...and I tried my hair!"
and that he did. He did shave off the little white hairs on his face, his arms...and his legs! He did try the head...(because I see hair in the sink)...but, I don't see any patches.
Now...if you didn't know Eli...he did this last year. HE SHAVED his head to look like Mace Windu...from Star Wars Episode III.
Do you see what I put up with on a daily basis...I live in a house FULL of crazy boys!!!

***Micah has his g-tube surgery tomorrow, Elijah is still on for heart surgery on 4/15, AND Emma is scheduled for 4/11! Please keep my heart babies in your prayers....we love them so much!

**AND..did you watch American Idol?? That's my favorite version of "Somewhere over the rainbow"...what a cutie pie...he did such a good job!!!