tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89758621340851201082024-02-19T17:18:20.461-08:00The EyringsJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.comBlogger323125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-45274333748581946892014-03-04T17:07:00.000-08:002014-03-04T17:07:34.957-08:00Mardi Gras Parade and Rodeo Cookoff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a fun past couple of weekends. It started off with taking the kids to their very first Mardi Gras in Galveston. We went to the Family Gras event which had a children's parade, live music, vendors, and shopping. This family event was the perfect way to introduce the kids to the fun tradition of Mardi Gras! They had lots of fun and collected so many beads! I thought Katherine was going to fall over with all the beads she got! We even had time to stop into our favorite ice cream shop, it's the same one my grandparents and parents would take me to growing up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for the parade</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating some ice cream in my crazy hat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This hat matches his personality!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching beads from the floats</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't believe she didn't fall over with all those beads!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I even caught some beads</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But Matt wins for the biggest beads</td></tr>
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Matt and I went to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo BBQ Cook off while the kids went to spent the night with Matt's parents. There are over 400 teams that compete and hold 3 day long parties in their tents. To get into a tent you have to be invited, we luckily got tickets for a tent. The tent had free and good BBQ, free beer and wine, live band, dance floor, and a patio to hang out on.. yes it does get pretty fancy for this event! We got there a little early to go to the carnival without kids.. amazing huh! We had fun playing games and riding a roller coaster. Then we went to a craft beer garden where Matt was in heaven since they had his favorite beer.. Summer Shandy! We had a very fun night, complete with stuffing our face with funnel cake at the end of the night! Because Saturday night was so fun, Sunday morning was a little rough :) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving for the cook off</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WEEEEE!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun in full force! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah.. Beer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the chopstick they were handing out!!</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-46232771048500225272014-02-16T16:59:00.000-08:002014-02-21T07:57:53.604-08:00Colin.. the next Pitcher for Texas A&M ... WHOOP!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>SOME EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE!!!</b> Sunday April 6th Colin will have the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Texas A&M vs Alabama Baseball game. <b>HE IS SO FREAKING EXCITED AND SO AM I! </b>In November I sent an email nominating Colin to be able to throw out a first pitch (email and pictures submitted below). We were so thrilled that he got chosen <b>AND</b> that they are going to also include Katherine.. she she's to kick off the game by announcing "Play Ball"! It is going to be such a special day for both of them! </div>
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<b>So we are inviting all of our Aggie and non-Aggie friends and family to come out to Blue Bell Park in College Station on Saturday April 5th (game time 2:00pm) to watch and support both these kids and celebrate them coming off such a trying year with Colin's 3rd open heart surgery.</b> We are going to have a tailgating party before and after the game (more information on that to come). Tickets go on sale this Wednesday Feb 19 at 6pm online. </div>
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<b><u>Nomination Email</u></b></div>
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My name is Jennifer (Bynum) Eyring, Class of 2001, I am writing to nominate my son, Colin, who will be turning 5 in April. Colin is my hero and one of the bravest boys I know. He had a very challenging year and I think getting to throw the first pitch would be an amazing experience for him. </div>
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Colin was born with a rare and severe Congenital Heart Defect, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), which basically means only half his heart works (the right side). This summer he had his 3rd open heart surgery in 4 years, we spent a total of 32 days in the hospital. This was a very hard time for him, his 7 year old sister, my husband and I, and his whole family. </div>
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Colin has an amazing love of life and for Texas A&M. Colin went to his first Aggie Baseball game last year and LOVED it. He has been asking to go back to watch the Aggies all summer and fall. We have to remind him it is not baseball season yet. At almost 5 years old, Colin is a die hard Aggie, he even told me he could not marry a little girl in his class at school because she was wearing a "hook'em horn" jacket to school. He sleeps with an A&M sock monkey and loves to sport his Aggie gear on game days. Colin lets anybody and everybody know we are Aggies. </div>
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This spring for the first time, Colin will be cleared by his cardiologist to play a sport. Colin has been given the choice of many sports, he has picked T-ball. He practices hitting in the backyard with his dad and sister. He is so excited to finally be able to play on a team with other kids and to play a sport he loves, baseball.</div>
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Colin has a spirit that burns inside of him to keep fighting through all of his surgeries, doctor's appointments, testing, and hospital stays. Colin will always function with just half a heart but that does not stop him at all. He truly is my hero and would be a great example of the Spirit Aggieland. </div>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-1728999766362046842014-02-10T17:18:00.002-08:002014-02-10T17:18:18.454-08:00Overwhelming support for CHD's and some odds and ends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Friday was the kick off for Congenital Heart Awareness week. I had asked everyone to wear red in honor of Colin and all his heart buddies and post to my Facebook page so Colin could see all his wonderful supporters.<br />
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I was overwhelmed by the amazing response we got with friends, family, Colin's school, and friends of friends. It is hard to describe how touching it was to see how many people care about our little hero!<br />
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Other odds and ends.. since my last post I told winter to stay away.. well it did the opposite.. it has been so cold, we have had a couple of ice days where school was canceled. The kids did have fun on the 1st ice day with jumping on the trampoline and breaking the sheets of ice.. the closest we will to get snow here!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter sass!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that these pictures were taken only 4 days apart.. short on Monday and 75 degrees then 32 degrees on Friday with ice</td></tr>
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We went to a roller skating party a couple of weekends ago and the kids had so much fun! Colin at first was not having it but after seeing Katherine, me, and all his other friends skating, he gave it a try and LOVED it! It was a very fun family activity, we will be going back and doing more skating! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure what Katherine is looking up at</td></tr>
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I was very proud of our Girl Scout troop! For our community project the girls decided to pick up trash at a local park to help make it more beautiful. They enjoyed it so much, they were racing to pick up the trash as it was an Easter egg hunt. Katherine did a great job (well Mom & Dad) preselling GS cookies, she (we) sold almost 200 boxes in the presale!</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-32427996158784720322014-01-20T18:14:00.000-08:002014-01-20T18:14:21.401-08:002014 off to a fun and sunny start... Winter stay away!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am NO fan of winter at all! Cold weather and I are NOT friends. Guess that's why I live in the South and will stay there! But even here in the South, we have had some COLD weather, so we have really enjoyed the last 2 weekends with weather in the 70's and sunny. We have been soaking it all up and took our first road trips of 2014!!<br />
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Two weekends ago, we spent Saturday going through trails at the Houston Arboretum, going out to a nice lunch, and of course jumping on the trampoline. Sunday we took the kids up to Texas A&M, Katherine's idea. I am so thrilled that Katherine takes such a big interest in college, she thinks it is really cool to walk the campus. I hope this enthusiasm continues for the next 10 years!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids with a big stuffed Reveille (the A&M Mascot)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katherine's new friend, an A&M sock monkey</td></tr>
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This weekend we took advantage of a 3 day weekend and went to Austin with my brother and his family. Saturday started off with a beautiful hike that went up 500 ft elevation gain up a hillside. It was a beautiful view up top. I was so impressed with the kids hiking it up with no help, especially Colin.. that hike would NOT have been possible for him 6 months ago! He did it all by himself with plenty of energy left over!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin was so happy to make it up ALL by himself! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brownies can do ANYTHING!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt was excited too.. he is a trooper.. he did all this while recovering from strep throat!</td></tr>
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After the hike, we went back to the house and played in the water in the creek bed. Austin has been going through a horrible drought, so it was nice that there was water even if it wasn't a lot. But it was enough for the kids to have fun and float down a small rapid in an inflatable boat. </div>
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Sunday we got up and drove to Gruene (another one of Katherine's ideas) to eat by the river, shop, do a little wine tasting, and stock up on some wine. It was a gorgeous day.. sunny and 75 degrees. There was lots of people walking around the historic downtown and enjoying the springtime weather... winter can just stay away in my book! We have too much fun when it is NOT cold.<br />
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-25363493825644878172014-01-09T11:56:00.000-08:002014-01-09T11:56:22.682-08:00Special Christmas Memories and Goodbye 2013.. Hello 2014!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well we are back to our normally regular scheduled program.. Christmas break is over, everyone is back to school and work. I took off with the kids for just about 2 weeks, Matt was able to take off a few days here and there, but not as much as we wished he would have been able to. </div>
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For being off 2 weeks, it really went by fast! Leading up to Christmas was pretty busy! My parents stayed with us for a week, the kids loved it as now they are travelling for a couple months and we won't be able to see them. </div>
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We have some family traditions I LOVE for Christmas. We did our 3rd Annual Christmas cookies to Texas Children's Hospital. We made over 100 Christmas cookies and delivered to them to the heart floor patients, their families, and nurses where we spent over 30 days this summer. We also made our annual gingerbread house. Our elf was up to some crazy stunts this year including giving Katherine and Colin their very own white Christmas with snowballs for some snowball fights.. well actually about 500 cotton balls. The kids had a blast! I LOVE making all these fun and special memories with my family! </div>
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Christmas Eve Day, my parents took the kids on a little outing so we could hurry up and put together their big present.. their trampoline.... which they LOVE and have lived on since they got it. We had a lovely Christmas Eve at Matt's parent's house and a great Christmas day at our house with my family.<br />
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Besides all the Christmas stuff.. we had fun over the break going to the Natural Science museum, the zoo, Chuck-E-Cheese, the Houston Boat show, Brazos Bend State park for picnic and hike, and of course staying home and playing with all of our new toys!<br />
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We had a nice quite New Years at home. We got some small fireworks for the kids, party hats, and sparkling grape juice. We had fun ringing in the new year with the kids and an awesome Aggie win at the Chick-Fil-A bowl. The kids tried so hard to make it to midnight to watch the ball drop, they made it to 11:15pm. Katherine was so upset the next day that she didn't make it, so we you tubed it so she could count down with it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ready to see what 2014 brings... 2013 was a very emotional draining year.. it was one of the hardest years we had to face.. but it wasn't all bad.. we had some fun times too...1</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 road trips, 1 open heart surgery, 10 yr wedding anniversary, 30 plus days in the hospital, lots of laughter and tears, sunny beach days, tubing, good friends, supportive family, sleepless nights, cuddles and kisses, amazing nurses, water slides, Girl Scouts, tubing down the river, fishing, and so much more! Whew what a year!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I used the Flipagram app to make a year in review video! Watch and enjoy seeing what 2013 was like for the Eyring family!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10153658337130032&l=7983020400407575078">https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10153658337130032&l=7983020400407575078</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-83250583355662146212013-12-18T13:34:00.003-08:002013-12-18T13:38:46.651-08:00Cardiology Check up, Christmas Party, and the Magic of Christmas! What a great early Christmas present , yesterday Colin had a
wonderful check up from his cardiologist. Everything looks great, chest x-ray
was clear, no change to meds (only on 1 baby aspirin a day), gained 4 pounds
since surgery, pulse oxygen saturations at 100% (never has been that high, was
down to 80% before surgery), and we don't have to go back for 6 months!!! Yeah!
She also said that she was very pleased to hear his developmental evaluation went
so well, she said that the doctor that evaluated Colin was bragging about how
smart and full of life he was! Our cardiologist also cleared Colin to play tee ball
this spring; he is so so so excited about that. He has been practicing hitting,
catching, and throwing the ball for months now in hopes that he could play this
spring! She noted how PINK he was and not blue around the mouth, nose, lips,
and fingers. I told her one of the biggest changes is his love of eating now
where before it was a struggle. Colin picked his treat for a great check-up –
going to the hospital cafeteria for brownies! I finally NOW feel like we are
past his surgery from this summer! We are truly blessed that he is doing so
well.<br />
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This weekend was my company's annual Christmas party. Matt's parent had the kids for the night, they went and looked at Christmas lights and did some Christmas crafts while Matt and I had a very nice date night. The party was so much fun and we even made it to the after party club. I think we got home at 2:00am.. didn't even know that time still existed. Had to read my facebook posts to know what exactly went on.. new rule.. no Facebook when drinking.. though there was a cute shout out to Matt and how much I love him for taking me to Whataburger at 1:30am! Lots of fun and good times and LOTS and LOTS of wine! Sunday was a pretty rough day but well worth it. In our hangoverness (yes it's a word) we wrapped presents, so if you get a present from us and it's not wrapped to the 9's.. sorry, best we could do recovering from a very fun party!<br />
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Other than that, we are just getting ready for Christmas and some much needed time off! I work half a day tomorrow then I am off until January 2nd! The kids have Christmas parties at school the next two days and Friday Katherine has half a day of school and it's Polar Express Day where she gets to wear her pj's. We are hosting Christmas at our house this year, so lots to get ready for that! OH AND MOST IMPORTANT, this Saturday we are baking TONS of cookies to take up to Texas Children's Hospital for those families spending the holidays in the hospital. Our elf has been up to some silly things so far this year! The kids love waking up to see what Herald got into, I am sadden to think one year that they won't have all the "magic" of Santa and the elves... but we are trying to instill into them now the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of our saviour, helping others, family time, and the seasoning of giving in all sense.<br />
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Hope everyone who is reading has a VERY Merry Christmas and a Happy Happy New Year!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herald making the kids' toys</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone got into the brownies and had a shot of milk!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasting marshmallows by the fire with Rudolph</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-38878081484144234672013-12-08T17:30:00.001-08:002013-12-08T17:30:24.779-08:00A wonderful Thanksgiving break and a trip to the North Pole! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. The kids were off school for the whole week and I only had to work on Monday. Poor Matt had to work until half day Wednesday. My parents were in town for the week. Monday they took all 3 grand kids to the Natural Science Museum, the kids had so much fun, they spent 6 hrs there! </div>
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Tuesday we took the kids down to Moody Gardens and went to the Rainforest, Aquarium, and a real funny 4D Ice Age Movie. I think everyone favorite part was the butterfly exhibit. </div>
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Thursday we spent Thanksgiving at my brother's house. We had a full house of family, good food, wonderful deserts, and lots of laughter. Our family has so much to be thankful for this year. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffA9pCpm3tAYIC2aD1A32EQhHuiWXKT20R1RvuREoQ9G4XCqP2UmtVcgtZ0fkKrJBwfHGRZTLzngszd_i1lweH8QIBkaEZN4b8PPrEMnhZWu6nXOTFbW8zCiuvt5mZ4ktKiRmVZC2gDw/s1600/DSC05440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffA9pCpm3tAYIC2aD1A32EQhHuiWXKT20R1RvuREoQ9G4XCqP2UmtVcgtZ0fkKrJBwfHGRZTLzngszd_i1lweH8QIBkaEZN4b8PPrEMnhZWu6nXOTFbW8zCiuvt5mZ4ktKiRmVZC2gDw/s320/DSC05440.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katherine wasn't into taking a serious picture with me, so this is what I had to settle for</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lBV9TqOQFHa1ieWGLovAjGEtR6s_AJTrWyDu31ctyjBA_BhDC2dEa86ATKVGXDAsJXhET5pwr64yflJF2Q3474BvupK-sCm4o5HKJ2kP9xneIN26hMgWiB1B2JvGTb4GkWuxs9haBDA/s1600/DSC05449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lBV9TqOQFHa1ieWGLovAjGEtR6s_AJTrWyDu31ctyjBA_BhDC2dEa86ATKVGXDAsJXhET5pwr64yflJF2Q3474BvupK-sCm4o5HKJ2kP9xneIN26hMgWiB1B2JvGTb4GkWuxs9haBDA/s320/DSC05449.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come on guys, act like you love each other</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZeEgh2lzABl1f-x6mlf15pK8ocfquAy6QrDkN3PWxM6WugfLLkCSwW72HmHAENxlf6Vs6WpBdT8eQd_RB6fFS3H990OFp9XA-fkK19n_dwXynp7Z6J95UZBozS8rRhbs_tStnI_AAc0/s1600/DSC05452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZeEgh2lzABl1f-x6mlf15pK8ocfquAy6QrDkN3PWxM6WugfLLkCSwW72HmHAENxlf6Vs6WpBdT8eQd_RB6fFS3H990OFp9XA-fkK19n_dwXynp7Z6J95UZBozS8rRhbs_tStnI_AAc0/s320/DSC05452.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjztrnH7uP3ukkKdg2sjGyhEF1tw7d2zbQr5qn_DHvdXoSKSlGs6NLDkOeoORwdnmydnyWbiWbkBjoBYta8Jar2oSF5VdtTY_woUX-2bTY8M0Aw6U-I9UN8SsJlCnIiKEdJsiLUfiFm4/s1600/DSC05455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjztrnH7uP3ukkKdg2sjGyhEF1tw7d2zbQr5qn_DHvdXoSKSlGs6NLDkOeoORwdnmydnyWbiWbkBjoBYta8Jar2oSF5VdtTY_woUX-2bTY8M0Aw6U-I9UN8SsJlCnIiKEdJsiLUfiFm4/s320/DSC05455.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katherine, Kannon, and Colin making a wish on the wishbone. They were all so serious.</td></tr>
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Friday we went and got our beautiful and fat Christmas tree and decorated it. One of my favorite things about Christmas, decorating the tree. The kids loved putting on the ornaments, of Matt and I had to go behind them and move them up since they were all on the bottom of the tree. Sunday we put up all the Christmas lights outside. It was hard for everyone on Monday to go back to school and work. But the week flew by pretty fast. This weekend we took a trip and ended up at the North Pole.. and look who we ran into! Today we went and saw Frozen, such a cute movie, the kids loved it! </div>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-87986176976806316722013-11-21T08:01:00.000-08:002013-11-21T08:16:03.028-08:00A year of many thanks<div class="MsoNormal">
With Thanksgiving just ONE week away I thought I would take
the time to list all I am thankful for. It has been one of the hardest yet rewarding
years. November is a time to be thankful, so here is a reason that I am thankful
for everyday of this month. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. My two beautiful,
loving, crazy, energetic, passionate kids who are my heart<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. My amazing partner
and best friend, who still makes me laugh and who is my soul<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. Matt's parents and
my parents for taking rotating shifts to help out with Colin and Katherine
before, during, and after Colin's surgery<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. My brother and sister in law for all their help this
summer watching Katherine and visiting Colin in the hospital <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5. A house full of laughter, love, and silliness<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6. For many many family fun trips this year (New Braunfuls
(twice), Port Aransas, Lake Travis, Galveston, College Station for Aggie
Baseball, and Fort Worth)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7. 10 years of marriage and loving each other more and more
every year<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8. All our friends
who came to visit in the hospital, sent care packages, cookies, games, and of
course their prayers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9. Colin's new found energy – It is amazing to see him run
and play and for the first time in his life, not get winded!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10. Katherine's heart of gold – she is more thoughtful and
loving than anyone I know<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11. Beach, pool, tubing, and water-slide days<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12. Matt and Jennifer fun trips to reconnect (Charleston,
Gruene, and College Station for the Aggie Football Game)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13. Two great schools that offer a wonderful learning environment
for both kids<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
14. Girl scouts – though it's hard work being the troop
leader, it is very rewarding and something that Katherine and I will always
share<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
15. Family - we have family all over that supports us<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
16. Hide and seek, craft time, story time, family movies
cuddled up in our bed, hiking, Wii battles, swing sets.. basically our everyday
family life with each other<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
17. Friends that are there not just in the fun times (tubing
down the river with you) but also in the darkest of times when you need it the
most, and that bring wine with them <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
18. Colin's new found love of food – we struggled with
eating and weight gain for 4 years, hopefully we now have it behind us!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
19. Karaoke machine – Love hearing the kids belt out all the
teeny bopper songs (Katherine – we are never ever getting back together… Colin –
this girl is on fire)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
20. My job that has allowed me to grow in my career but is
also so support of the need for family/life balance<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
21. Girl time with Katherine and a 7 year old who is not too
old to fall asleep in my lap<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
22. Colin's loving and cuddly nature, his love of life and
excitement<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
23. My children are thoughtful and think of others – when
mentioning Christmas the other week, they got excited about making cookies and
taking them up to the hospital like we have done the last 3 years in a row.
Their first thought was not about toys but other people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
24. Texas Children's hospital – this place has given Colin
life, I am so thankful for all the doctors, nurses, child life advocates, and
staff <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
25. That Colin got to come back home – some kids don't have
the chance to ever come back home after major surgery. I am so thankful he is
still here with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
26. Aggie Football – yes, you read that correctly. It has
been a great fun season and we love having friends over to watch the games. The
kids are big Aggie fans and love to sport their Aggie gear. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
27. God's love and support and our amazing guardian angels watching us from
heaven.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
28. Support from my heart family network<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
29. Bucees – Okay here me out on this one.. the kids love to
go there after school for a treat, we always make a stop on road trips when the
kids need to get out a stretch their legs. The smile on their face when we are
at the register getting an Icee is priceless. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And last by definitely not least:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
30. My life. I am thankful to have the life I have. It is
not always easy, it has its ups and downs, but it is an amazing life with the
people I love. It may not be perfect but it is perfect for me. I have two
wonderful children and a husband I adore. We have a great support system of
family and friends. We are active and cherish what life has to offer. We cherish
each other and the time we spend together. This year has been a very emotional
one but it has made us stronger as a family. And for that I am truly thankful! <o:p></o:p></div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-17035217053224454542013-11-10T17:55:00.002-08:002013-11-10T17:55:35.325-08:00Where to EVEN Start???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Where to even start??? Guess that's what happens when I only update the blog once a month and we have BEEN busy!<br />
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<b><u>Colin's Developmental Assessment</u></b><br />
Colin had an appointment with the Heart Center to see where he is developmentally (both physically and academically). They have started tracking kids with a heart condition a little closer on this level. Colin tested on par for physically for a kid his age and a little above academically. He will go see them in a year to be tested again. What I loved about this appointment is he had breakfast before we left (4 white powdered donuts) and then when we got to the hospital early, he had a breakfast taco while we waited. He has been eating so good, after fighting and crying about food for 4 years, it is a blessing to have him WANT to eat. He has gained 5 pounds since he left the hospital and is 2 pounds more than what he was before surgery.<br />
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<b><u>Matt and Jennifer's Day Of FUN, FOOTBALL, FOOD, and well Shots at 8:30am!</u></b><br />
Matt and I went to the A&M vs Vanderbilt game at A&M the last weekend of October. It was an early game (11:30am) so we got up to College Station at 8:00am and well hit the bars for a little bit for "tailgating" before heading over to the game. It was a nice day for football, sunny and high of 70. The Aggies won and Matt and I went back to tailgate some more and ran into some old friends of his. It was a great day. We are looking forward to taking the kids next year to their first game, we think they will be old enough to sit for 3 hrs for football!<br />
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<b><u>Halloween</u></b><br />
The kids of course had fun trick or treating with their friends. Katherine was a black cat and I was touched she asked me to dress up like her. I know one day, she will be "too embarrassed" for her mom to dress like her, so I really do treasure it now while she is young. Colin was a boxer which is so fitting because he is really a TRUE FIGHTER! Matt was his trainer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pumpkins</td></tr>
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<b><u>Trip to Forth Worth</u></b></div>
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The first weekend of November we drove up to Fort Worth to spend the weekend with our friends. The kids loved seeing Keira and Liam again, the kids last saw them at the river for Katherine's birthday weekend. We had a great time visiting and going to the Natural Science Museum where the kids got to dig for dinosaur bones, lay on a bed of nails, create paper airplanes, and learn a lot about science. Before we left we got to visit with my aunt who recently moved to the area, it was a short visit but we get to see her again for Thanksgiving.<br />
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<b><u>Other random things</u></b><br />
- Katherine's troop earned their first badge. It is a lot of work being their troop leader, but to see Katherine's face when she puts on her vest and when she earned her badge, it is all work it.<br />
- I am so blessed with having such sweet children. We were talking about Christmas coming up and Katherine said she liked Christmas because we make cookies and take them up to the hospital. They both got so excited that they wanted to make them right now to take to the people at the hospital. It was so touching that when they thought about Christmas, it wasn't about toys, it was about other people.<br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-6037899060248976522013-10-17T17:10:00.003-07:002013-10-17T17:11:51.506-07:00Girl Scouts, no fat diet party, and a box of something sweet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just a quick catch up on what's going on around here. We stayed home this weekend, it rained ALOT, which our yard and plants needed. And we needed the rest and relaxation.</div>
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Friday we had our first girl scouts meeting. I had a lot of fun leading the girls. I think I did a good job as Katherine has already asked me to be her troop leader again next year, I will take that as a good sign. We will see if by the end of the year, she wants me to be her troop leader again. I am excited about the quality girl time with her this year doing this together.<br />
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She is doing well in school (she still LOVES math and science) and is trying out for the UIL academic team on storytelling. She has made it past the first 2 rounds of tryouts, hopefully she gets pretty far and I think it is a great thing for her, but the final team is gong to be pretty small, so she might not make it. We are already so proud of her for trying something new.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UMHH5rY5t_Kv1yXaunh8px7SNoeGpwNw7zAdhqty810xwHWzhbDJ7EFW54F1LqW2-xA7BlEX6U1oabhDPSHiJCcaQvSff0905MrajR4avtAz08MWweuxQpy6K5GOpZJmXMGFoqN7jls/s1600/IMG_0796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UMHH5rY5t_Kv1yXaunh8px7SNoeGpwNw7zAdhqty810xwHWzhbDJ7EFW54F1LqW2-xA7BlEX6U1oabhDPSHiJCcaQvSff0905MrajR4avtAz08MWweuxQpy6K5GOpZJmXMGFoqN7jls/s320/IMG_0796.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being silly with the halloween decoartions</td></tr>
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Saturday night we had friends over for a joint party (A&M game AND Colin being off his diet). The kids had a blast running around the house with their friends and it was nice for Matt and I to get to hang out with the adults and watch a GREAT game (A&M won in the last seconds with a field goal). Our friend Robin was so sweet and brought over a cookie cake to celebrate that said "We love Colin". They were going to get the cake for him in the hospital but then he was put on the diet. The kids played until almost 11:00pm, then as soon as the last person left, they were passed out. We also decorated the house this weekend for Halloween, the kids are SO excited.. we already have our costumes.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_DRFSmElc5FBbdQ2TnC8yV0PgYWY8Coi_Flevpeu3ELbxf0JX_5PA4M5tDdKw_4IeniE3JrNHMery51MkFUwFq079KNLfh8BpQjqi-bvCrTrEPOLXmPxtddEe8JkFRhiVevLKcqXqzs/s1600/IMG_0803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_DRFSmElc5FBbdQ2TnC8yV0PgYWY8Coi_Flevpeu3ELbxf0JX_5PA4M5tDdKw_4IeniE3JrNHMery51MkFUwFq079KNLfh8BpQjqi-bvCrTrEPOLXmPxtddEe8JkFRhiVevLKcqXqzs/s320/IMG_0803.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdSAELa4RBABmkuSMVvRXeFps4Yfuj5P6G7fjQbYnxuMbYcPB2nH9W7MGnbuPuv8UjCMfJj78LJzSKrA3qbFnGl0xM7Gkh5qC8cMxIj4ONv0mjYaIWs5YokKq58CrQw-PdcOv5tmgD5M/s1600/IMG_0805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdSAELa4RBABmkuSMVvRXeFps4Yfuj5P6G7fjQbYnxuMbYcPB2nH9W7MGnbuPuv8UjCMfJj78LJzSKrA3qbFnGl0xM7Gkh5qC8cMxIj4ONv0mjYaIWs5YokKq58CrQw-PdcOv5tmgD5M/s320/IMG_0805.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyLm8xtiN8z4me_KZNFL5DWK81roDe7p1nYZVTVbyfTKG7uo45Z1Z33w7zP1CwWpHLRecBkE84tNTyVNYpZRDmwJk6G_sqGNA382HNtk7vRB9zKayNwcoVFzDEA4oNPRh-97Wr69B9vs/s1600/IMG_0812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyLm8xtiN8z4me_KZNFL5DWK81roDe7p1nYZVTVbyfTKG7uo45Z1Z33w7zP1CwWpHLRecBkE84tNTyVNYpZRDmwJk6G_sqGNA382HNtk7vRB9zKayNwcoVFzDEA4oNPRh-97Wr69B9vs/s320/IMG_0812.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passed out from too much fun and cookie cake!!!</td></tr>
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Colin has been doing well after surgery and being off his diet. He has SO MUCH energy (his o2 levels went from 82% to 97%) which basically means there was not enough oxygen running through his body before and that is why he was winded, turning blue, and just plain out of energy! His appetite has EXPLODED, he is ALWAYS hungry. Thank you GOD! We have fought and fought over food for 4 years.. begging, pleading, and fighting over food. He now wakes up and the first thing he says "I'm hungry!" the last thing at night is "I'm hungry". I feel so blessed after fighting about food, counting calories, trying so hard to make weight for a very important surgery. Colin now weighs almost a pound more than what we went in for surgery, even with a no fat and low fat diet for 10 weeks!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAglSPkYB32y0RgwxtAM5eSPLshZGTGwwIfsztQIRSCDGtiTIJ12w1mnB8slNayeRmEHzbvFWP4W2X1GK7OnOgwcIHIQccy5_EJYeqKk035LsWOEvfAsIUZWtVNkhDVKUIQwmXb9gPnc/s1600/IMG_0808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAglSPkYB32y0RgwxtAM5eSPLshZGTGwwIfsztQIRSCDGtiTIJ12w1mnB8slNayeRmEHzbvFWP4W2X1GK7OnOgwcIHIQccy5_EJYeqKk035LsWOEvfAsIUZWtVNkhDVKUIQwmXb9gPnc/s320/IMG_0808.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">enjoying his treat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEThyphenhyphenUXE42pfLoDFODDvMUs-TYcTr8UAXNz7cShxlh2vMXT523YEva83vgK5Y5w3WhPCJNYN2lwqw1bsPyzErayXOXbeyLztljh_6PWNoNidn_eWkqJamwwGgpLGf86-uAEPJ766hNfI/s1600/IMG_0814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEThyphenhyphenUXE42pfLoDFODDvMUs-TYcTr8UAXNz7cShxlh2vMXT523YEva83vgK5Y5w3WhPCJNYN2lwqw1bsPyzErayXOXbeyLztljh_6PWNoNidn_eWkqJamwwGgpLGf86-uAEPJ766hNfI/s320/IMG_0814.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect "party hangover" donut on Sunday morning</td></tr>
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Matt was so sweet this week, he ordered us some wine from the winery we liked in Gruene last week. But his order got doubled, so we now have 12 bottles of wines.. whoo hoo WINE PARTY! When I opened the box, Colin saw the wine bottles and say "darn, just beer".. ha ha ha, close but mommy is NOT a beer drinker!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_16-kf_QS6vApR4s2aMT7Kk9VGKzpemHts7QwAMS6RwKM5blcSWORpu79fJj31CCKgUCicDzz5D5O37Fr3XcgRQzVue0wxwhlJGiRsghDRIx97UCChV-TjSs_zMIZYnIh9qlPAyPH_w/s1600/DSC05177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_16-kf_QS6vApR4s2aMT7Kk9VGKzpemHts7QwAMS6RwKM5blcSWORpu79fJj31CCKgUCicDzz5D5O37Fr3XcgRQzVue0wxwhlJGiRsghDRIx97UCChV-TjSs_zMIZYnIh9qlPAyPH_w/s400/DSC05177.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-26718076676092267592013-10-09T06:29:00.000-07:002013-10-09T06:29:06.928-07:00This was a vacation, not a trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkZsCridh7UzU7-9ZTSUN-_s3hXeeGQa75IrjIvKqwDYAD41q9KHQR0KNw6nZer_GAPEfMr2N9_dJxxJ9LCE8BRx4Xlqs2h2fhB7tr1yfR54ftQEaahsbQMdi_JMTAMSlK1T6ACtYu2s/s1600/IMG_0762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkZsCridh7UzU7-9ZTSUN-_s3hXeeGQa75IrjIvKqwDYAD41q9KHQR0KNw6nZer_GAPEfMr2N9_dJxxJ9LCE8BRx4Xlqs2h2fhB7tr1yfR54ftQEaahsbQMdi_JMTAMSlK1T6ACtYu2s/s320/IMG_0762.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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I once read an article about the difference of a vacation verses a trip. A vacation is one you drink adult drinks at 10:00am, sleep late, and relax.. a trip is what you do with kids.. the scheduling, breakdowns, and 'are we there yet". </div>
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This weekend, Matt and I got to go on a vacation not a trip with our good friends who live near Fort Worth. We had 2 very fun filled days of tubing on the river, wine, music, good food, more wine, more good food, shopping, and well sleeping late. </div>
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It is just what we needed.. just what the "doctor" ordered after the last 3 months of a very stressful time. Matt and I both feel it is important to stay strong as a couple and have these moments in time, these memories, for ourselves. I have heard statically we are at a higher chance of divorce having a kid with special needs. We will not become that statistic. </div>
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Anyways, I digress as always. We wet to historic Gruene, TX and stayed at a very nice bed and breakfast right on the river. Our friends had the room next door and we had adjoining balconies that overlooked the river. The weather was perfect, just warm enough to get on the river but nice enough to enjoy walking around the historic downtown shops. </div>
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Friday Matt and I got there a little early, so we went and floated the river just the two of us. It was a nice time to just talk and hang out, no interruptions. Just peace and beautiful scenery, it was very refreshing. Saturday we went tubing again, this time a little more challenging of a float and us girls have the bruises to prove it. Tip, go through a rapid in your tube NOT on your butt! Of course in between tubing trips was visiting the wineries, eating good food, listening to several good live bands, and just having a fun time without worrying what the kids were doing, or chasing them down, or interrupting us. Diet and detox started Sunday when we got home!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqA-WMWiz0ueV_2VID9eOT0phTu9VmNLw3wT3xmc903Mk_u1dPKEmkb4Pe_Qok9Marecz2D250MwATRCEE2sHXiW9qsrKrKS3s-JQtFNbI-gnCol84gbK8EYXL36aqeklnqPLkb1GQWI/s1600/IMG_0720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqA-WMWiz0ueV_2VID9eOT0phTu9VmNLw3wT3xmc903Mk_u1dPKEmkb4Pe_Qok9Marecz2D250MwATRCEE2sHXiW9qsrKrKS3s-JQtFNbI-gnCol84gbK8EYXL36aqeklnqPLkb1GQWI/s400/IMG_0720.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our room, wish this was my view everyday!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect spot for some wine from the winery right down the street</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to float on Saturday. It was a beautiful day filled with lots of laughs!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda and I ready to get on the river</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the Guadalupe River, one day.. I will have a house on the river!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxhQi_L5QGekxlOyTgjICvV13xBszXlVKgvD8OVpfTJ4cLVh1lkVWvHB8bh89iLsrAoWXiLai9AAz-vnnHi63UaCGtYvhFNO-Saiw3BFprErgO7650V3wrURT9yiv3rVd9CSFCRgdsRw/s1600/DSC05136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxhQi_L5QGekxlOyTgjICvV13xBszXlVKgvD8OVpfTJ4cLVh1lkVWvHB8bh89iLsrAoWXiLai9AAz-vnnHi63UaCGtYvhFNO-Saiw3BFprErgO7650V3wrURT9yiv3rVd9CSFCRgdsRw/s400/DSC05136.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Besides the river, we had a few stops at a couple of wineries</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpdqXqeqjlCWLoiOIhrmhyphenhyphencRWDqXiv-EVzxuMnkpUfXHVBVG-JlkeSem1V7KB-Q8ESei5QO1flNtcpeJo3dVicdPqtTlsB8BwY2H-yeA-h3j6eUWvL237dGu9d5g3j7-_K2UJWionI6w/s1600/DSC05159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpdqXqeqjlCWLoiOIhrmhyphenhyphencRWDqXiv-EVzxuMnkpUfXHVBVG-JlkeSem1V7KB-Q8ESei5QO1flNtcpeJo3dVicdPqtTlsB8BwY2H-yeA-h3j6eUWvL237dGu9d5g3j7-_K2UJWionI6w/s400/DSC05159.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River on Sunday morning after the rain and cool front came in</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUouQXFZkdwIuuD7x2ZTzKxR6Wm0_TYGsvZROtDKxsetiSvQqh8DzfUb2Y06jfKn1ii7EP97P8uHFixP-3IAHgLAQ5ITheEmfRPOtN0GB_Wo3ceTDxG56rmhYHmo0rwcv8xE2_hriAbQ/s1600/IMG_0731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUouQXFZkdwIuuD7x2ZTzKxR6Wm0_TYGsvZROtDKxsetiSvQqh8DzfUb2Y06jfKn1ii7EP97P8uHFixP-3IAHgLAQ5ITheEmfRPOtN0GB_Wo3ceTDxG56rmhYHmo0rwcv8xE2_hriAbQ/s400/IMG_0731.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunsetting on the river</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwfnZmMjqW2NlE0ByGkTdkZNbs1tL5AHIJuGcXxN77pgXxSoOjlkUP18AtEmeMUtTe9bMq0pzauvrM2L9C8pGs9FZtg43DFsvSWZLy43do6SUzp5Ar7Hamu98v-qvKEEumtedrb-44XE/s1600/IMG_0737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwfnZmMjqW2NlE0ByGkTdkZNbs1tL5AHIJuGcXxN77pgXxSoOjlkUP18AtEmeMUtTe9bMq0pzauvrM2L9C8pGs9FZtg43DFsvSWZLy43do6SUzp5Ar7Hamu98v-qvKEEumtedrb-44XE/s400/IMG_0737.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listening and dancing to the Cody Jinks band at Historic Gruene Hall, one of the oldest dance halls in Texas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSBijsDJp2vEUg3eWDK5Jt3L6foimS9iG5TExWepCX4T3V5o5w9DhY3AW7BytIAimp2YNRg3AMmK7R3na3KAmEcwPr3XtE8ENC4UeoeOxF2Po1eKFvoOXam7-ddmYS9rSY0cIWrTKZ3U/s1600/IMG_0771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSBijsDJp2vEUg3eWDK5Jt3L6foimS9iG5TExWepCX4T3V5o5w9DhY3AW7BytIAimp2YNRg3AMmK7R3na3KAmEcwPr3XtE8ENC4UeoeOxF2Po1eKFvoOXam7-ddmYS9rSY0cIWrTKZ3U/s400/IMG_0771.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday evening a cool front came in, Saturday it was 89 degrees and Sunday morning was 56, the water was still so warm it had steam coming off of it in the cold air. </td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-60386037623594960152013-09-26T10:29:00.005-07:002013-09-26T10:29:53.355-07:001st road trip since surgery and we all needed it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past weekend we had a fun family road trip to the lake. It was our first vacation since Colin went on lockdown before surgery which was July 1. It has been a long 2.5 months with lots of stress so what better way to relieve all those emotions than taking a relaxing and fun trip to Lake Travis in Austin TX. We went with my parents and my brother and his family to celebrate both my dad's and my brother's birthday. We all had lots of fun and great family memories that will last a lifetime. </div>
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Colin had a blast on the lake riding the tube, fishing, exploring the island, and driving the boat. His face in the picture above is worth all the tears, the hurt, the stress, the nights at the hospital, the pain of the last 3 months. He had so much fun, so much energy, look at that smile! Kids are resilient, Colin is super resilient, and he is teaching me to let go of some of the hurt from the past couple of months. To go back to smiling and laughing, hopefully this is all behind us now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WvYev9ql415U6a92HtpB8SENxtgd6lC1sil96wGR-ZFqDhPJfGTKgMOfh_MlkAlI5EZ4wcVJkxyPMGpMPv35QA5DIk1Pw9HoFd-fP1kVfuauhF5SmoAI18S_0CtfEHUKBQeCIXzg96g/s1600/DSC05008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WvYev9ql415U6a92HtpB8SENxtgd6lC1sil96wGR-ZFqDhPJfGTKgMOfh_MlkAlI5EZ4wcVJkxyPMGpMPv35QA5DIk1Pw9HoFd-fP1kVfuauhF5SmoAI18S_0CtfEHUKBQeCIXzg96g/s400/DSC05008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I am so proud of Katherine for getting past her fear on getting on the tube and getting out there to try it. Once she got on, she found out how much she liked it. She had so much fun playing in the water, hunting for clam shells on the island, driving the boat, and hiking on Sunday. She has been through so much this summer, I am so glad she had the chance to go play and let that stress just melt away.<br />
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I will let the rest of the picture show how much fun we had on our trip. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAp-s_aEeWWCm3Cn0dVggf6G11NpdB3G5Jtfd3Nc_rhzO9IhxiOFbpNbUAhDUTZk-_g9T6iJSEti1sJ8AB0ku1HsXRpFXMySXx4olgHQFI8rieCKy9WFUuAJ8d2fcCNnhxb4PZbvP9E4/s1600/DSC04900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAp-s_aEeWWCm3Cn0dVggf6G11NpdB3G5Jtfd3Nc_rhzO9IhxiOFbpNbUAhDUTZk-_g9T6iJSEti1sJ8AB0ku1HsXRpFXMySXx4olgHQFI8rieCKy9WFUuAJ8d2fcCNnhxb4PZbvP9E4/s400/DSC04900.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin and grandma searching the island for pirate treasures</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67EdTdBjPdmQTcPhZ-6Lmzqrd4XxLAy-Bf0oqDfKEKnn98aWyCmcnZRUx9NhMaUOiXxr2JVyIekb8yrogDc2kCNRFaJKD25tp52RCNVPL8jnF_Pm54OPTStJ2gNXICuGtr06FMgtZdt0/s1600/DSC04861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67EdTdBjPdmQTcPhZ-6Lmzqrd4XxLAy-Bf0oqDfKEKnn98aWyCmcnZRUx9NhMaUOiXxr2JVyIekb8yrogDc2kCNRFaJKD25tp52RCNVPL8jnF_Pm54OPTStJ2gNXICuGtr06FMgtZdt0/s400/DSC04861.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little fish splashing around</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8KXy_zZ8DUlTZ74MHMsowE51vJB-4HtTRii-ks75sxFaXdBEMvlImV1x0TGDwYlqytjA7FXQg_qTPS7MZe9jxZ3c-epfsic3sIwkkBw363l5tXxNue5kabBY2TBqZTK6XFWY3HY7Aow/s1600/DSC04874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8KXy_zZ8DUlTZ74MHMsowE51vJB-4HtTRii-ks75sxFaXdBEMvlImV1x0TGDwYlqytjA7FXQg_qTPS7MZe9jxZ3c-epfsic3sIwkkBw363l5tXxNue5kabBY2TBqZTK6XFWY3HY7Aow/s400/DSC04874.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin loved just standing on the shore throwing rocks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSdn3h7QbRK4j8qWRs5a6IBpsFJO5WXQodztouXE0xDMOfo0wFuNeNgv6NlhrFRWi9g9ckt1Q7G8WCDRe8qNhD1dqg_i9HRWm4k0ekPN-kdUeuDnb_l-YOsWe4Vs_qHuVGI2_kukWOmU/s1600/DSC04887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSdn3h7QbRK4j8qWRs5a6IBpsFJO5WXQodztouXE0xDMOfo0wFuNeNgv6NlhrFRWi9g9ckt1Q7G8WCDRe8qNhD1dqg_i9HRWm4k0ekPN-kdUeuDnb_l-YOsWe4Vs_qHuVGI2_kukWOmU/s400/DSC04887.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lake levels are so low because of the drought in the hill country. But we had fun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6UCjmRpn7AytT7RjvxODedMNSAUzbM7fTL4iW05FEFW21XyF_uNdVuPEcAZNzeZzaFhJrlvwY7La3ggMzXhr_IAVgTdglarVSnhiKd1sYYWkj3m2rkuhN29wQHtZGaoQKd6QXfsnswQ/s1600/DSC04906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6UCjmRpn7AytT7RjvxODedMNSAUzbM7fTL4iW05FEFW21XyF_uNdVuPEcAZNzeZzaFhJrlvwY7La3ggMzXhr_IAVgTdglarVSnhiKd1sYYWkj3m2rkuhN29wQHtZGaoQKd6QXfsnswQ/s400/DSC04906.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katherine, Kannon, and Colin exploring the island. This was all covered by water until the drought. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-l_P2CH1m-6tJLXPo_GWWwegiSAvrkavF9MAVv9_uYvQ_UEPSdoPDDhqt8GUZ2dANfQbGUziUYw6LwEfCTO36sEHjVhUBs5-45ITDlvg3T5LaEQsoZ0GcCXRT4Mb2lmrDuOmgawFPPU/s1600/DSC04927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-l_P2CH1m-6tJLXPo_GWWwegiSAvrkavF9MAVv9_uYvQ_UEPSdoPDDhqt8GUZ2dANfQbGUziUYw6LwEfCTO36sEHjVhUBs5-45ITDlvg3T5LaEQsoZ0GcCXRT4Mb2lmrDuOmgawFPPU/s400/DSC04927.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad chilling on the boat, it was his birthday present from my mom..an afternoon on a boat with the family</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJD5j-8GdPraG2qjIRIE8fk5RkYRsG24ovc3_QJNoWs3mBad8C6S3NvpZ5_uMc7CwI_01OyIHEpT7atiR0KoZdVEwbDgP1PvM5Tr1qQXDbACnOsyUluCJw-pFegMoApZwVA-oaM1H0Go/s1600/DSC04928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJD5j-8GdPraG2qjIRIE8fk5RkYRsG24ovc3_QJNoWs3mBad8C6S3NvpZ5_uMc7CwI_01OyIHEpT7atiR0KoZdVEwbDgP1PvM5Tr1qQXDbACnOsyUluCJw-pFegMoApZwVA-oaM1H0Go/s320/DSC04928.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin trying to catch the big one, he LOVES to fish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7sJLg7ZdENO2JnPKOngE7-lRa7Gac6faiKB7YHB-KIHMhM7qMl2qQrOFxmKpgbs_IhVDd9Ztw8H8ojP4p_WBUvJsewl9WzLVpABODB7YK7UgJHl_OdzRVk3MoqSziQW33atJabO9U-I/s1600/IMG_0679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7sJLg7ZdENO2JnPKOngE7-lRa7Gac6faiKB7YHB-KIHMhM7qMl2qQrOFxmKpgbs_IhVDd9Ztw8H8ojP4p_WBUvJsewl9WzLVpABODB7YK7UgJHl_OdzRVk3MoqSziQW33atJabO9U-I/s1600/IMG_0679.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad and me were the first to give the tube a try</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2sniuGyPNGjWqe87wewQsCI1nP9AZT7rIUpwucDAZzAY109ShtE-ET5IwCj9CGQppkLsvPyW-vgxt1FZi1nNYM8B0OVmg_y6J_i-rTigSl01iwYmhnbmB6BaGmiA9iqjNmlr8byx3LI/s1600/DSC04947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2sniuGyPNGjWqe87wewQsCI1nP9AZT7rIUpwucDAZzAY109ShtE-ET5IwCj9CGQppkLsvPyW-vgxt1FZi1nNYM8B0OVmg_y6J_i-rTigSl01iwYmhnbmB6BaGmiA9iqjNmlr8byx3LI/s400/DSC04947.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then Matt got on it and was a stud :) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OZQNuaXeMBSTssHZdf8YUJ0T5X3c5EhOppk4lvP6yW71U3jWxk0j748NJPBPyqYt16DcT-9J-8uz-0XTpNofcvLHdYz_eCbZAy-6CoqqM_qecXVT1Rq4UPW1PP5jiIiwU3PcCST95JY/s1600/DSC04975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OZQNuaXeMBSTssHZdf8YUJ0T5X3c5EhOppk4lvP6yW71U3jWxk0j748NJPBPyqYt16DcT-9J-8uz-0XTpNofcvLHdYz_eCbZAy-6CoqqM_qecXVT1Rq4UPW1PP5jiIiwU3PcCST95JY/s400/DSC04975.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then my brother took it to a whole other level </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPg4c4CGZIjfbPyH-7d1k3BozlzE7MyDaqOMVZUlwcaZF4fD20wISPbf04Ugi7zMhJVw1RBsfwIEBtKPfRHpjnv9gka5zGGYPEFRI_sdIAjRsPNC7bo2_S-VGxdf1UIU7MXOPvtjNlI0/s1600/DSC05030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPg4c4CGZIjfbPyH-7d1k3BozlzE7MyDaqOMVZUlwcaZF4fD20wISPbf04Ugi7zMhJVw1RBsfwIEBtKPfRHpjnv9gka5zGGYPEFRI_sdIAjRsPNC7bo2_S-VGxdf1UIU7MXOPvtjNlI0/s400/DSC05030.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katherine getting a driving lesson from daddy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbmgQVAOCJAt6uOq5sQ-1DEhxVP38aHdFJDS4V1KAUae_6yuStTr2g99ezucRLcGqsrFAtT5aAnxtx42yQZlLwU3ZBYo29ugRMfBf48l2HZvvLm9snVkrinnzqmC-4vU0_g2FS73Cffk/s1600/DSC05044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbmgQVAOCJAt6uOq5sQ-1DEhxVP38aHdFJDS4V1KAUae_6yuStTr2g99ezucRLcGqsrFAtT5aAnxtx42yQZlLwU3ZBYo29ugRMfBf48l2HZvvLm9snVkrinnzqmC-4vU0_g2FS73Cffk/s400/DSC05044.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin driving the boat pulling Matt and Katherine behind him.. who are the CRAZY people who let the 4 year old drive???</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x4zb6zODWfeBmkf2Jom9okeb8LaFOqsjOitwvRl2gupClXhBsoifqgCzL4L9DjVJeliXpp_wDXRCARoCpMyrdlboRRVz5rJY2ie0AMG4BGG8E4eXYrv0rsNYtCcitAxyohz-0Rt0CEg/s1600/DSC05101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x4zb6zODWfeBmkf2Jom9okeb8LaFOqsjOitwvRl2gupClXhBsoifqgCzL4L9DjVJeliXpp_wDXRCARoCpMyrdlboRRVz5rJY2ie0AMG4BGG8E4eXYrv0rsNYtCcitAxyohz-0Rt0CEg/s320/DSC05101.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kannon and Colin admiring the view from our hike on Sunday</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVRUzNxvTZ69eGB72HILVCYldmg_sloi2pe40rahl3d-Yrzv8e8YRCWWChzIsUINLSMO_E9QNApxKzK54agADVSLzmlawNcZyVWxubpBPNfBxr7Y_bdn1yaXWppfrpeiCq9S4xCTsb0k/s1600/DSC04860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVRUzNxvTZ69eGB72HILVCYldmg_sloi2pe40rahl3d-Yrzv8e8YRCWWChzIsUINLSMO_E9QNApxKzK54agADVSLzmlawNcZyVWxubpBPNfBxr7Y_bdn1yaXWppfrpeiCq9S4xCTsb0k/s320/DSC04860.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWuqpH-mgUv6SsLFCMh335NE8tYOfXgmCZandd8je2J6gTJgAIEuTVBXGEboQhib3D2vlsf23R02jwDIKNhen4cfNhdRvdrgbvxwcqmuHnuKLIMnnasgpndUPlEbddMvKoQOdLMUjnhk/s1600/DSC04879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWuqpH-mgUv6SsLFCMh335NE8tYOfXgmCZandd8je2J6gTJgAIEuTVBXGEboQhib3D2vlsf23R02jwDIKNhen4cfNhdRvdrgbvxwcqmuHnuKLIMnnasgpndUPlEbddMvKoQOdLMUjnhk/s320/DSC04879.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a gorgeous day </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7OZVWyVj-E8fX-QAYR_uOPZnpir_sfR5bQtnVWkZ5TbMNuBrPJ5i2Uqb2niLnDrTilgntFBhNLYcfnpVTx9jSpMgt0lFzp_8bPxMLOPLVFiaSyUm_Yb3Es7YCqFnuptH1TaT7m67Q8o/s1600/DSC04917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7OZVWyVj-E8fX-QAYR_uOPZnpir_sfR5bQtnVWkZ5TbMNuBrPJ5i2Uqb2niLnDrTilgntFBhNLYcfnpVTx9jSpMgt0lFzp_8bPxMLOPLVFiaSyUm_Yb3Es7YCqFnuptH1TaT7m67Q8o/s400/DSC04917.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were lots of sailboats on the lake that day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieva9E6-X49sZ4zd3-DHXCSvpQDAQt8sRfqgukaSF2LN-JK6-TD8Wg88lTcKyfbFUEomVtvoezSoldG895v2gLOC3ti3l6gi6g-AolQVXtuP5iqOkj5p9dq9bgahn33Y5gavtwSUOHmHQ/s1600/DSC05089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieva9E6-X49sZ4zd3-DHXCSvpQDAQt8sRfqgukaSF2LN-JK6-TD8Wg88lTcKyfbFUEomVtvoezSoldG895v2gLOC3ti3l6gi6g-AolQVXtuP5iqOkj5p9dq9bgahn33Y5gavtwSUOHmHQ/s400/DSC05089.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hike on Sunday</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6J42wcdyfMnF1lSvLjB0rdueaE-Am0cJZwPFOmCNiQZ9cKYOcgGHnK8GLE63R1R98XEEj-DyPbGaGvLicxD_v7pBvs1_oU_8Q-6G9vlRfi57WKXivuJxPSso2zs5BQtksansihAczrw/s1600/DSC05094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6J42wcdyfMnF1lSvLjB0rdueaE-Am0cJZwPFOmCNiQZ9cKYOcgGHnK8GLE63R1R98XEEj-DyPbGaGvLicxD_v7pBvs1_oU_8Q-6G9vlRfi57WKXivuJxPSso2zs5BQtksansihAczrw/s400/DSC05094.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view about halfway up the hike</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQT0YCb4VdYY2CgqzX19GtJmZnzk9AVuo63UnB2YPs7Y7CyoOKsTD_lUAoZMyN5viY1sw6jdM3WlNXQ_zCLkepuNVc1DHXeO2l0EdV5R6G1gDrhlRv5XUoah4CxcoJ5OdQ9WyRjO-BkE/s1600/IMG_0651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQT0YCb4VdYY2CgqzX19GtJmZnzk9AVuo63UnB2YPs7Y7CyoOKsTD_lUAoZMyN5viY1sw6jdM3WlNXQ_zCLkepuNVc1DHXeO2l0EdV5R6G1gDrhlRv5XUoah4CxcoJ5OdQ9WyRjO-BkE/s320/IMG_0651.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice glass of wine in the country is what this mamma needed after this hectic summer</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-46349797441906317642013-09-15T17:09:00.003-07:002013-09-15T17:09:32.389-07:00Time to play catch up.. LOTS to catch up on!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Life is busy.... time to play catch up. AND WE have a lot to catch us on, so here it goes>>>></div>
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We were released from the hospital on Sept. 2, Labor Day. Colin was very excited to come home!!! Matt and Katherine did an excellent job of decorating the house to welcome home Colin, he LOVED it. That evening we took him swimming for the first time in 2 months, he was so so excited, he really is an outdoors kid and has been pretty limited on what he could do.<br />
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Colin had been home ONE day before he had an accident where he dropped a statue on his head making a large gash. Matt took him to the doctor and he said that he could get a stitch or two but since it was in his hair, it would cover it up. So no stitches needed BUT a great scare for everyone. This kid is going to give me so many white hairs.<br />
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Colin went back to the doctor on Friday Sept. 6th, x-ray looked great and his sats were at 95! So we were able to lift his drink restrictions.. YEAH!!! No more of him begging for water and having to tell him no! ALSO we got to lift his NO FAT diet to LOW fat diet.... AWESOME! This opens up so many doors when it comes to food. You can find LOTS of LOW fat food! After 5 weeks of struggling with the no fat diet, Colin can finally have chicken, turkey bacon, turkey tacos & burgers!! This has REALLY REALLY helped his appetite INCREASE!! He is wanting to eat, asking to eat, and is eating!! We normally eat pretty healthy, so low fat is pretty close to what we already eat anyways and it's not strange tasting like NO fat food.<br />
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Saturday Sept. 7th, we went to my nephew's birthday party. They had a large bouncy with a waterside. The kids had a blast! They really needed that, time to just be kids and have some good old fashioned FUN!! It was so amazing to see Colin playing for 6 hours.. bouncing, running, getting wet and NOT turning blue, not out of breathe, not shivering, not trying to keep up with the other kids. All the stress, tears, hospital time, sleepless nights, tears (oh I mentioned that twice).. is ALL WORTH IT to watch him play like everyone ELSE. For his heart NOT to have to work SO hard at normal kid activities. THANK you God for watching over my son! Even though the fluid is a complication and is annoying, Colin's heart is working perfectly!<br />
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This past week has been tough. We have all been sick in some way. I made the difficult decision NOT to go on my planned work trip to Edinburgh, Scotland (I was set to leave this weekend). I know I made the right decision, it is just not the right time to travel and my family comes before my work. I am very lucky to have such a supportive company. But it was hard as I was looking forward to this trip and take my job very seriously.<br />
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Friday Colin went in for a chest x-ray (right now he is going weekly to keep on top of this fluid problem), the chest x-ray showed a small amount of fluid building up, so we increased his lasix (diuretic) but for now are keeping everything else the same. He has another x-ray this coming up Wednesday to see if that helped. Pray that was what was needed and that we get this under control.<br />
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This weekend Katherine officially became a GIRL SCOUT. And I must be crazy as I am her troop leader. No one else volunteered and I can not stand for the awkwardness of everyone just starting at each other, so I raised my hand. I am excited about the quality girl time with my daughter and her friends, I think this will be a great experience for the both of us.<br />
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So in the last two weeks, we have just been trying to get to our normal life... spending time together, baking brownies (licking the bowl which is the best part), cheering on the Aggies and Texans, and having some fun quality time together. The last couple of months have been really hard, hopefully the hard times are behind us!<br />
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-59876072264786946372013-08-30T15:26:00.002-07:002013-08-30T15:26:33.181-07:00Ready to bust out of here! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-fk0LHojZfOBfZDyFk9oE4r_genZO0yzqJuvOT-jIirNp_Ea1Gz0-znzuOheImnOmpGBLCYBIfLdqCb2NgkrwRzAeD6UT-mSam0aIFjzYoqSSbJfbqkjUNx9YS1Ghx17tjnSjwxzHO8/s1600/DSC04741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-fk0LHojZfOBfZDyFk9oE4r_genZO0yzqJuvOT-jIirNp_Ea1Gz0-znzuOheImnOmpGBLCYBIfLdqCb2NgkrwRzAeD6UT-mSam0aIFjzYoqSSbJfbqkjUNx9YS1Ghx17tjnSjwxzHO8/s400/DSC04741.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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In Colin's own words.. "When my picture looks better, I get to BUST out of here"! <div>
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Colin's chest x-ray has been looking better and better each day, the fluid in his chest is starting to come off with help of the IV diuretics, just not enough to be able to leave just yet. Today they decided to add a 3rd diuretic to see if that helps speed up the process. The doctors are trying to decide how much is okay to go home with and treat at home and trying to get a mix of the right combination and amount of diuretics to get the fluid off and to prevent it from building back up again. </div>
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At this point, we are not having to put a tube in since it is draining on it's own. But there MIGHT be a chance that if it does continue to barely come off, then we might need a new game plan. </div>
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Today they let Colin go off the floor since he is acting 120% normal and very active (maybe they let us leave for awhile since Colin is running around the floor, maybe they need some peace and quite). So Colin rode the escalator in the lobby about 20 times, went and got a haircut (on the 16th floor they have a stylist that cuts hair for free), made wishes in the fountain, and stood on the skybridge to watch the train pass by below. We have of course done our normal laps around the unit. </div>
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The nurses and doctors keep noting this does NOT look like a kid who is in here for fluid issues!! We have come to find out that the amount of fluid Colin had on his chest was actually very large and was pushing all around his lung, Colin is just too strong of a SUPERHERO to let it slow him down. He did not and has not shown any signs of being in distress due the fluid. So glad we had a check up and they caught it before it got him in serious trouble. </div>
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The thought of why the fluid built up.. Colin's x-ray the other week looked "AMAZING" so they cut down his diuretics. This decrease in medicine allowed for the fluid to build back up. This just means Colin will need to be on diuretics just a little bit longer and have to take it slower on decreasing the medicines. </div>
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Colin's heart looks great, so as stressful and boring being back in the hospital, we are very thankful for being here JUST for fluid issues and NOT heart issues!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning x-ray</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the light rail go by.. some freedom from his room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Escalator fun, over and over again</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a much needed haircut, it has been 2 months</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wish is to get OUT of here!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom put me to work answering her emails</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-59749754431076841782013-08-28T06:24:00.001-07:002013-08-28T06:24:40.210-07:00Admitted to Texas Children's Hospital.. Fluid build up... BOOOO!Yesterday was Colin's 6 week post op check up with cardiology. We were expecting to be lifted on a lot of his restrictions and to get back to pretty much our normal lives and routine... but Colin's body had other plans (the complete opposite really).<br />
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But before I get into how we ended up with a room on the 15th floor (Cardiac step-down unit), the GREAT NEWS is Colin's heart function looked great and no leaking in his valve! Colin's Fontan surgery is serving his heart really well. And we are very very thankful for that!<br />
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OKAY.. So Colin's echo and chest x-ray showed a build up of fluid. Colin had a chest x-ray 10 days before that looked "amazing", so they went down on his diuretics. But with that decrease of medicine, the fluid has been accumulating without us knowing. When we got discharged from the hospital, they gave us warning signs to look for fluid accumulation: tiredness, labored breathing, changes in his color. Colin exhibited NONE of those warning signs, he has actually been bouncing off the walls, full of energy. Even his doctor was shocked after seeing the x-ray and watching him RUN around the room as pink as can be.<br />
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So the decision was to be admitted and put in an IV to give him IV diuretics which are much stronger than the oral ones he was taking and to increase the amount he is on. There is a chance that if it does not clear up with the meds, a chest tube will need to be put in to help it. Colin is food/water restricted this morning just in case the tube needed to go in. We are waiting on them to make a decision on that.<br />
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His O2 sats when we were in clinic yesterday were at 92, then we came to the floor it was 94.. but overnight he was hanging around 88, so this morning they have him on a low does of oxygen through a nasal cannula.. which he is pretty mad about having. But the good thing is they just have it resting under his nose at this point and NOT taped down and in his nose.<br />
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Fluid is a common problem for post Fontan kids, so this is not really a shock to us considering we spent 25 days here because of fluid, but it has been a blow back to reality that Colin's body is still trying to recover from surgery even though he looks and feels fine and is ready to get back to his normal life, it is just going to take us longer.<br />
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A Few prayer request:<br />
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1. PLEASE PRAY that the IV diuretics quickly solve his fluid problem and we can be home very soon.<br />
2. That he does NOT have to get a chest tube again.<br />
3. That this does not break his spirit having to be back in the hospital yet again, because it has broken mine just a bit. I have to admit, I cried when they admitted us back in.<br />
4. His O2 sats are just low due to fluid and that once the fluid lowers his O2 goes back upJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-43300568419487964552013-08-18T17:56:00.001-07:002013-08-18T17:56:17.847-07:00Getting back to normal and surgery update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have been home a little over a week now and it has been great (but not without some challenges). I am amazed that Colin just 4.5 weeks ago actually had his heart stopped (when they worked on his valves) by his team of doctors! You would never know looking at him know and the energy he has! We are truly blessed and are oh so grateful!</div>
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Friday Colin had a check up with the surgical team. Colin has two teams that look after him, surgery and cardiology (Cardiology appointment at the end of August). His scars are healing wonderfully, his chest x-ray looks "amazing" and his heart sounded good! He O2 sats were at 95, according to the Mayo clinic, it is a normal range for anyone. Great for a kid with half a heart. All great things to hear. We are awaiting on his blood to work to see if we can start weaning him off some of his diuretics. </div>
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His original date for cardiology appointment was set for September 10, but they are trying to move that up to be 6 weeks post op (which would be August 27th ish). At that appointment we are supposed to 1) Get off the fluid restrictions (I hate telling a 4 year old in the summer, no, you can't have anymore water, he has become obsessed about drinks) 2) wean off more of his diuretics 3) Get echo to check his heart 4) Get lifted on his sternum precautions 5)And maybe just maybe be switched off the NO FAT diet to LOW fat diet. I am crossing my fingers on this as it would be SO MUCH EASIER! NO fat is getting pretty hard and is causing a lot of stress between Colin and me (somewhat of a power struggle). He of course wants things to eat that he can't eat.. CHICKEN.. he is growing tired of the same bland no fun foods. And as much as I try to make it interesting, he is counting down until "I can have regular food again and no more no fat food" (and I quote). </div>
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Even though the diet and fluid restrictions are challenging and stressful, they are a nuisance, they are no reflection of Colin's heart and the success of his surgery. I am amazed at Colin's strength and how he has bounced back. He runs around and is not out of breathe anymore, he is no longer turning blue from lack of oxygen in his body. He is a little more mature, he kinda had to grow up in the school of hard knocks. I see great changes in him. He amazes me everyday.<br />
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Katherine went to Colin's appointment for the 1st time, usually she is in school. She was so good about keeping him entertained. She is the most amazing big sister ever. She even cried when they would not let her go into the chest x-ray room. She didn't want to leave his side. She is so protective over him. He is so lucky to have her and we are so lucky that she has a heart of gold!<br />
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So we are moving on with our lives, trying to get back to "normal", whatever that means. School is starting in one week, we have meet the teacher this week. I took Katherine shopping this weekend to get new shoes and school supplies. Sad to see summer end as we did have some fun times, but ready for the fall and ALL the adventures to come! I have a work trip to Scotland in a little under a month, not sure if I am ready for that!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin LOVED helping Matt mow</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOx9rp-Itdr-C0w9TYISi4Fo0C3qZlJ2dkXEtEgeoTREG12ttprogqJfBURp3QhGMHH2fHR7h3rllnSY06QmkrGtFiINYpnMQaWDfJc1dRYS19Mi2SCehaSpg7VUfU-ggAJz3C4hs4dIg/s1600/DSC04660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOx9rp-Itdr-C0w9TYISi4Fo0C3qZlJ2dkXEtEgeoTREG12ttprogqJfBURp3QhGMHH2fHR7h3rllnSY06QmkrGtFiINYpnMQaWDfJc1dRYS19Mi2SCehaSpg7VUfU-ggAJz3C4hs4dIg/s320/DSC04660.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katherine had to help to once she saw Colin doing it and in a dress</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-30464619742339527522013-08-11T14:34:00.002-07:002013-08-11T14:34:52.804-07:00And we are home!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have actually been home all weekend!!! I am just now getting a chance to sit down and catch up on the blog. Friday morning Colin's x-ray showed a decrease in fluid, enough to let us go home!!!!! 25 days after Colin's Fontan, we got break out of the hospital. We got the news at 8:30am that we were going home and finally got our walking papers at 1:00pm. Colin was super excited and also bouncing off the walls wanting to leave. Each time a doctor came in to check him out, Colin would grab his shoes and say let's go, hard to explain to a 4 year why it takes a hospital almost 5 hours to let you go home. Colin was smiling ear to ear on the way to the car, and so was I! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKy0gUcgv3FcdbQW_Ieupp5Q9yziqJsKMHXcR_1XVKUmA6kAocPoUJ3n1yiFkcc_2GfIJ_aiLZ6Hf9Oy7ROgCKOJaW7I9W30UbJlgPv0gjdOo5EsCO2Sm5XztTroz987ZRDgjc7gsUNs/s1600/IMG_0097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKy0gUcgv3FcdbQW_Ieupp5Q9yziqJsKMHXcR_1XVKUmA6kAocPoUJ3n1yiFkcc_2GfIJ_aiLZ6Hf9Oy7ROgCKOJaW7I9W30UbJlgPv0gjdOo5EsCO2Sm5XztTroz987ZRDgjc7gsUNs/s320/IMG_0097.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
I did explain to him though we have a check up at the hospital on Tuesday, so we will be coming back in just a few days. When we go on Tuesday, he will have another chest x-ray to make sure the fluid is decreasing and not increasing and they will be looking to take the stitches out of his chest tube scars. Colin was sent home on 3 medications ( 2 diuretics which are temporary - he will just be on them just they get complete control of clearing out all the fluid in his chest, then he will weaned off of them) and then his normal daily dose of aspirin. Colin also came home on fluid restrictions to help dry him out more, he can only drink 28 ounces a day, so that is a challenge. At Tuesday's appointment, we will get a better idea when he will be allowed to drink more and when we can stop restricting his fluids.<br />
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After heart surgery, the breastbone is wired together and limits Colin's activities for 6 weeks. Tuesday will make 4 weeks since surgery, so we still have 2 more weeks of NO playgrounds, swings, trampolines, Wii (because of the arm movements), pushing or pulling, throwing, lifting up by the arms, and no public places. He was heartbroken coming home there is no Wii and no air hockey for right now. Colin will be able to swim once the breastbone restrictions have been lifted AND the chest tube scars heal over.<br />
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Of course Colin still has 5 weeks left of his mandatory no fat diet (we are counting down until Sept. 13 - when we are ordering pizza, cheeseburgers, cake, cookies.. we will all get fat that day). Yesterday Matt went to the store to load up on all fat free items for the house. Colin is now trained to ask before he eats something "is this fat free mom?". And Katherine is the fat free police, if she sees Colin eating something, she questions us to make sure we only gave him fat free food. It will be an interesting 5 weeks. My mom made him a black bean, rice, sweet potato, oatmeal cheeseburger and it was actually pretty good. Colin ate half the cheeseburger and some homemade fat free fries. It is doable, it just that some thought to really plan out meals and try to come up with kid friendly ideas.<br />
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Matt's parents helped us clear out of the hospital and my parents met us at the house with Katherine. Both the kids were thrilled to have everyone home again. The kids partied it up Friday night on Katherine's karaoke machine. Saturday we did a lot of chores around the house since no one has been living here for almost a month, lots of cleaning to do. Then we went to my brothers for dinner and have some wine, kick back, let the kids play, and just enjoy a "normal" Saturday night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnCgJtQ6O_X1dd4ITYzHNA_cB0raqaA2vlIZhVOS8w2zj_JbASkyknotlRVwYK3HxG_-dz351V-yCr5R8fL_wu0RWMhpjzzlcS3sMG8LQubTP0UErZ4qxvb2hmwPmWnVYinQHCGvbl2A/s1600/IMG_0101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnCgJtQ6O_X1dd4ITYzHNA_cB0raqaA2vlIZhVOS8w2zj_JbASkyknotlRVwYK3HxG_-dz351V-yCr5R8fL_wu0RWMhpjzzlcS3sMG8LQubTP0UErZ4qxvb2hmwPmWnVYinQHCGvbl2A/s320/IMG_0101.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome home hugs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogmvWeNMtzD5mQUnM1Bhgj5hNTrhya3Rbb3l9O7PP802vqVgpijpLHSvtMQMCHGcKdFi60TNmzcgkZKJVsbdkBXbUwMgMpGKZdtbWv8gJFon1llGnrNtMh1J68UmpyJd_N1cXGfK8_pE/s1600/IMG_0118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogmvWeNMtzD5mQUnM1Bhgj5hNTrhya3Rbb3l9O7PP802vqVgpijpLHSvtMQMCHGcKdFi60TNmzcgkZKJVsbdkBXbUwMgMpGKZdtbWv8gJFon1llGnrNtMh1J68UmpyJd_N1cXGfK8_pE/s320/IMG_0118.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We needed to add fun back into our lives</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYy1E1GlGelnZVqON4KBZCgRdNRZdtDgSB7Od3QN5wA_cQWnk7hUoV7jiJTvjhpw1vaIrU_Woruc_OYjCFVEqBAl7ZWoKJoDTzmrTOZWLdFpRoRWNVe1QgOIwFa-HjDS8XhJtniDhjHk/s1600/IMG_0124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYy1E1GlGelnZVqON4KBZCgRdNRZdtDgSB7Od3QN5wA_cQWnk7hUoV7jiJTvjhpw1vaIrU_Woruc_OYjCFVEqBAl7ZWoKJoDTzmrTOZWLdFpRoRWNVe1QgOIwFa-HjDS8XhJtniDhjHk/s320/IMG_0124.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Break it down</td></tr>
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We are very blessed to have Colin home, to have our family back together in one house. I am ready for normal life to begin again. This was by far the hardest emotional month I have ever had. It drained all of us in a lot of ways, now it is time to rejoice in the gift of Colin's heart. Please pray that the fluid goes away without of having any more hospital time. Please pray this is Colin's last surgery ever needed! This weekend was amazing to have all of us together, in our home.. to be able to smile, laugh, play, cuddle, sing, dance, and be silly. These things made the 25 day struggle worth it. And soon it will all be faded memory. </div>
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Thank you all who came to visit us in the hospital, for those who sent care packages, helped out watching Katherine. Thank you for all those who have been searching far and wide for fat free kid foods. Thank to my wonderful co-workers that sent us food and money to help pay for the ridiculous cost of parking. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family in our lives.<br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-62164420772675930972013-08-08T14:30:00.004-07:002013-08-08T14:30:36.028-07:00And it's out, no more chest tubes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedR2gG-VB4o7BR5MPmcXKAKxWMBj8MQTvIzFIffj4hrYH7XM7MHYBMD_ls71yho5DsCIlxeD3Mqa0xU8PbL7K5QghG29n3Iz411j5I4sztohxBzdEnoiALUIZkxYlJaBAcRi3EHMnA-c/s1600/DSC04644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedR2gG-VB4o7BR5MPmcXKAKxWMBj8MQTvIzFIffj4hrYH7XM7MHYBMD_ls71yho5DsCIlxeD3Mqa0xU8PbL7K5QghG29n3Iz411j5I4sztohxBzdEnoiALUIZkxYlJaBAcRi3EHMnA-c/s400/DSC04644.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
Colin got the last of his chest tubes removed this morning! YEAH! It has been a long time in the making! We found out yesterday that his drainage was pretty low and if remained low over the course of the day and night, it would be pulled in the morning. I didn't say anything except to family so we wouldn't get our hopes up. This morning at 8:30am they came and pulled the tube out at bedside. It was a rough morning since he woke up at 6am wanting something to drink and could not have anything until they pull the chest tube and he got chest x-ray (which was about 9:30am).<br />
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BUT YEAH!! We are chest tube and IV free now! Colin has nothing on him at all!!! He is only on 2 medications (diuretics) and one full baby aspirin. He is no longer on enalapril and they are thinking of not having him on it anymore.<br />
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The plan is if his chest x-ray looks good in the morning, then we could be out of here by early to mid afternoon tomorrow! That's right we might be on our way home! Tomorrow will make 25 days since the date of his surgery. Though our recovery was a little longer than expected, Colin is doing so good and his heart is doing excellent. It is well worth the 25 days in the hospital to have his heart not having to work as hard.<br />
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He still has 5 more weeks of the fat free diet, but we are trying to make do. We have a wonderful army of family and friends scouring the grocery stores for kid friendly fat free foods and researching fat free kid friendly recipes.<br />
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We have had a great amount of visitors and friends stop by in the last few days to help keep Colin entertained. This 4 year old is so over being here and has amazing amount of energy and just keeps going and going and going, so it's great to have friends his age come by and burn off some of that energy. Colin has been flirting with all the nurses.<br />
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Please pray that his x-ray looks good in the morning and we can head out of this place. As much as I love this hospital, they have given my son an amazing shot at life, it is time for us to go home and be a family together all under the same roof. Colin said when he gets home he wants to play with the dog then have the whole family play Wii together, I think we can make that happen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb468zF7CrG-Qt9nidi_YK6a5YAgoaXUm2VS_NN_2kPypb_bvKenGS0kKdNjvhSc82c_HE9F11nd7OQWKpZAiFsDktMQpxDFHIxn6J5NZ1yanlLtPeeHujQT7dxMyIXZ5Qpl86GIAOBs/s1600/jenga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb468zF7CrG-Qt9nidi_YK6a5YAgoaXUm2VS_NN_2kPypb_bvKenGS0kKdNjvhSc82c_HE9F11nd7OQWKpZAiFsDktMQpxDFHIxn6J5NZ1yanlLtPeeHujQT7dxMyIXZ5Qpl86GIAOBs/s320/jenga.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A game on Jenga with daddy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG9Ij0_-tfjIsTcMHzNIDkdEDvn6PDcKKI-cbhYJDdZuBdfCP9m33VvJUkO5CyH2PPvDGANshAyc0iM-uni5ddz6Sh7C07pEZgEbYqHEVv_ZGil-G7PKA725oAIevOUdrK6K3zOB4CFo/s1600/rocking+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG9Ij0_-tfjIsTcMHzNIDkdEDvn6PDcKKI-cbhYJDdZuBdfCP9m33VvJUkO5CyH2PPvDGANshAyc0iM-uni5ddz6Sh7C07pEZgEbYqHEVv_ZGil-G7PKA725oAIevOUdrK6K3zOB4CFo/s320/rocking+out.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocking out in the play room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aKCfmWdFNfpnZIiZXFWXjfZw_EptAmkk2SxMq4bKY8XVyySfvpfQrlgybvrqcdDZXELZsgX00Uwm-no7VSKH1Wh_7mHm1-iiXW_XYsVglA7tvK3SN1B-l0A7sHc60JFvpmHpPtsyp-U/s1600/whitley's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aKCfmWdFNfpnZIiZXFWXjfZw_EptAmkk2SxMq4bKY8XVyySfvpfQrlgybvrqcdDZXELZsgX00Uwm-no7VSKH1Wh_7mHm1-iiXW_XYsVglA7tvK3SN1B-l0A7sHc60JFvpmHpPtsyp-U/s320/whitley's.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love visitors</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-37709973123659238192013-08-02T18:45:00.001-07:002013-08-02T18:45:06.866-07:00One down, One to go! Step Down update # (I lost track)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yeah big day.. Colin got 1 of his 2 chest tubes removed!!! One step closer to going home. Once the other stops draining, it will be pulled, and we can go home about a day or two later! Though it was a successful day, it was a LONG day. Since they had to fit him into the surgery schedule, they did not let him eat or drink but a few ounces of apple juice for the WHOLE day!</div>
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Colin did really well considering the circumstances, he did have a few screaming fits about wanting to drink water. "Mommy, please just give me some water, I am so thirsty." I am very thankful for the grandparents being here, they were great distractions! So they took out the left chest tube and added a few stitches into the right just to make sure it stays secure. They also gave him a dose of antibiotics since the left one was a little irritated just to make sure.<br />
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Now that his fluid tested positive for chylous effusion, he is now on his FULLY FAT FREE diet. The dietitian came and spoke with us today. It is not impossible but will be somewhat of a challenge. We will just have to be creative. The hard thing to realize is no chicken or pork (which he loves). Colin eats and loves chicken but chicken has some fat to it, so it's a no go. He can have no fat lunch meat and hot dogs. There is a way to make no fat spaghetti and they do have fat free cheese, tortillas, and refried beans. After getting his tube out, he had his first completely fat free meal.. turkey, cheese, yogurt, grapes, and peaches.<br />
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The doctors said now that they know he has chylous and is on the fat free diet, the fluid should really start to clear up and stop draining and then we can GO HOME!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0J-lh1aP0dOCi32LSDO96wO5iRc-XZvbZgfOe2-BeT89QO6nRqPjb7JauywOAw3ZBtmTWFQZFsxyIi3PRD4DA3i-yVjl8xtOSQ80pM3uibe5QZySPIeFrQRiwgJqssWOgzott4yd6tQ/s1600/IMG_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0J-lh1aP0dOCi32LSDO96wO5iRc-XZvbZgfOe2-BeT89QO6nRqPjb7JauywOAw3ZBtmTWFQZFsxyIi3PRD4DA3i-yVjl8xtOSQ80pM3uibe5QZySPIeFrQRiwgJqssWOgzott4yd6tQ/s320/IMG_0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They put this sign on the door since Colin was so agitated about not getting to eat or drink and it was supposed to stop his food from being delivered, but guess that lady could not read</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxlyi4oRpGNMQVm4UcQw0vBmJI2ryvaLYmBb-JVHfD78ZH6iwgUfAhZOfTFc_dr87kNvjxuURjcVvfZ01H3b1CosbxrasKI6TRbrg5zJzo8Qwc1KGzZmOqF8_Pg1YMn9uzcKl8qc8xpQ/s1600/IMG_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxlyi4oRpGNMQVm4UcQw0vBmJI2ryvaLYmBb-JVHfD78ZH6iwgUfAhZOfTFc_dr87kNvjxuURjcVvfZ01H3b1CosbxrasKI6TRbrg5zJzo8Qwc1KGzZmOqF8_Pg1YMn9uzcKl8qc8xpQ/s320/IMG_0012.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin gave up on crying about food and drink and decided to take a nap</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepNoqkxdcOVBv-u8tJraRuqFvmbhyGoq6bXU_1wpAghX8bSlow-VrI9NV1vraRvhLgNqIjQe5Q_eNLYAIxty9ouvGhxDILZNVB1gAYhk4sfJoQfDr6RhQW0sr5v22RNLN6dHqGiCjSvM/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepNoqkxdcOVBv-u8tJraRuqFvmbhyGoq6bXU_1wpAghX8bSlow-VrI9NV1vraRvhLgNqIjQe5Q_eNLYAIxty9ouvGhxDILZNVB1gAYhk4sfJoQfDr6RhQW0sr5v22RNLN6dHqGiCjSvM/s320/IMG_0018.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin right after getting his tube out, he did amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsXi_uqSoy8XaA5FfjBmRvEKJv6wgsDP1e-acxbWzW6D9DNgY7-YKdpE83Rakt3xKbdMvqTanGPpuXVsbPEWBmUGRthsgluzI5qzWmGsHK7wQvMXIF1VBBjfJauRvTB6fCjTi5nDBx2s/s1600/IMG_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsXi_uqSoy8XaA5FfjBmRvEKJv6wgsDP1e-acxbWzW6D9DNgY7-YKdpE83Rakt3xKbdMvqTanGPpuXVsbPEWBmUGRthsgluzI5qzWmGsHK7wQvMXIF1VBBjfJauRvTB6fCjTi5nDBx2s/s320/IMG_0026.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin enjoying his fat free diet</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-78064276805164683212013-08-01T17:30:00.002-07:002013-08-01T17:30:36.639-07:00Slight set back<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande,Tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;">Colin's fluid draining came back positive for chylous effusion.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande,Tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande,Tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><br /><b>EXPLANATION:</b> Sometimes the fluid draining from the chest contains fat, lymph. If the pressure within the chest area is high after surgery these vessels can leak fat into the chest, a chylothorax. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande,Tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande,Tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b>WHAT IT MEANS:</b> Starting tonight and for AT LEAST the next 6 weeks or more, Colin will be put on a STRICT low to no fat die</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande,Tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;">t (they will discuss with us tomorrow) to help get rid of the fat that has leaked into the chest cavity. It does not slow down our process of going home, it is going to be a WHOLE new way of what he can and can't eat. He will be followed up through chest x-rays, once it is cleared up, we can introduce fat back into his diet. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande,Tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande,Tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b>TIMELINE OF GOING HOME:</b> No time soon, Colin is still having too much output, it is slowly decreasing but not enough. I joked with doctor about next Wednesday and she kinda laughed and not in a good way. They are not concerned that he is draining slowly, it just happens to some kids and we have to wait it out. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande,Tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;">He is getting one chest tube out tomorrow since it is barely putting out and it is a little red and irritated. The problem is they are going to squeeze us in sometime but he can not eat or drink after 4am in the morning and they might not get him in until the afternoon, so I am going to have one very pissed off 4 year old tomorrow who is going to be begging for food and water and I have to tell him no. Please pray that we get soon sooner than later! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande,Tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;">It was a little hard to take the news today as Colin has been eating the BEST HE HAS EVER EATEN and LOVES food now and is wanting to eat. BUT the things he loves, the things he is eating is all stuff he will not be able to eat on this new diet. We have a meeting with the dietitian tomorrow to get more explanation of what he can and can not have and how to introduce this diet to a 4 year old. But I know some other mom's who have gone through this, so looking for them on advice on what worked well. Colin will loose weight on this diet, then we will have to work to get the weight back on him after this. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande,Tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;">So a tough say but the good news is his heart is doing good and this just means a little harder recovery than expected. </span></div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-26791340542683642952013-07-31T18:52:00.006-07:002013-07-31T18:55:42.450-07:00Radio Star Katherine and Race Car Driver Colin - Step Down Update # 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been updating my Facebook page but have slacked on the blog. <b>Colin update: </b>Still draining, that is <b>ALL</b> we are waiting on to go home. Once his chest tube drainage slows to about 30-50 cc's for a 24 hr period, then we can pull them and go home in about a day. We ARE slowing down but in a 12 hr period today he drained 60 cc's. So the last guess on when we are going home that I heard is Saturday, but I am not too confident on that. </div>
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We are very very blessed that Colin is doing so well, that besides drainage (which is expected and Colin is just taking longer but is no concern) that his surgery has been a success, that he is eating BETTER than before the surgery, that he is getting up and playing everyday. There are many kids in this hospital that are not as fortunate. </div>
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But it is hard to be living here, we were only expecting to spend about a week and half in the hospital and it might end up being 3 weeks. It is taxing on all of us and we ARE ALL ready to get back to our normal lives. Today Colin said in the sweetest voice "Mom, I can't wait to get out of here and go home, once the doctors take these things out of me". </div>
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Matt and I spent last night with Katherine and took her to the neighborhood pool, out to dinner, played in the backyard, Skyped with a friend, and watched Teen Beach movie for the 10th time. It is important for us to spend time with Katherine too as this has been hard on her as well. </div>
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BUT as long as we are living here, we are making the best of it. Today we racing around the unit with our remote control car and Katherine came up for Radio Lollipop. It is a program they have 3 nights a week, where you can talk on the hospital radio station and they open up the teen room for all kids to play. Katherine had a blast talking on the radio (Colin was not interested) and Colin had so much fun playing the arcade games (even some good old Pac-Man and Donkey Kong). They really do try to make the hospital experience as fun as possible. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTc2HaDVA0wyrI4E9iqMINVQ4kXUB6e8wZnJp16_rZHEWnG16u7hxPHiRMIyLBofwCMai33hXpunp145XAtN1yw5XIwXH8Gsts2jbtzF0gzyHmi1bfoKTuUWLdxv-yklMKcj8znvQK60/s1600/DSC04596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTc2HaDVA0wyrI4E9iqMINVQ4kXUB6e8wZnJp16_rZHEWnG16u7hxPHiRMIyLBofwCMai33hXpunp145XAtN1yw5XIwXH8Gsts2jbtzF0gzyHmi1bfoKTuUWLdxv-yklMKcj8znvQK60/s320/DSC04596.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katherine found her calling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImT8rVzzbvf6wdHCsynF3cdWJSDuCQPMhMjYEUP2X_q4TkUPIyICi7bx-HkLnBTdv9PqJfTJngZ5N5YXPDqwdVK5Z6KZSkXa9A5GbYixeNVwsUQnFy-FjapCUzOqCGY-HGe8P_ZwTtnI/s1600/DSC04606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImT8rVzzbvf6wdHCsynF3cdWJSDuCQPMhMjYEUP2X_q4TkUPIyICi7bx-HkLnBTdv9PqJfTJngZ5N5YXPDqwdVK5Z6KZSkXa9A5GbYixeNVwsUQnFy-FjapCUzOqCGY-HGe8P_ZwTtnI/s320/DSC04606.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin watching and listening to sissy on the radio, he did not want to talk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVDyvuLDF3tFJapYsVYji26EIWDDCXroY8NN3m-iEb5_F8VDvhNdraXq0Eq002trcO2gR7I7619lajPlFb8dpiZs-nbdY6uqXc7fJkUxCN0KtsKH0W698X7EkEc9BCdZ4n0i7U3iECA0/s1600/DSC04610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVDyvuLDF3tFJapYsVYji26EIWDDCXroY8NN3m-iEb5_F8VDvhNdraXq0Eq002trcO2gR7I7619lajPlFb8dpiZs-nbdY6uqXc7fJkUxCN0KtsKH0W698X7EkEc9BCdZ4n0i7U3iECA0/s320/DSC04610.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her radio name was "Kit Kat"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxCNZ66mvU9OuD2dbaG9ip3AmSSeAr9z0rYSF5mjARzGumfNP1WtXS18nvMlEs4cuWSzjx_Mkj_iFmSJEP_UKFt63mjXLCfLvVhpXC0Fc2aqUg-jrU8RVSiTjBRc6FG118EnolNra_CI/s1600/DSC04612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxCNZ66mvU9OuD2dbaG9ip3AmSSeAr9z0rYSF5mjARzGumfNP1WtXS18nvMlEs4cuWSzjx_Mkj_iFmSJEP_UKFt63mjXLCfLvVhpXC0Fc2aqUg-jrU8RVSiTjBRc6FG118EnolNra_CI/s320/DSC04612.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin the race car driver</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHa7rB616YQ0azJCdnt4FGqzJpG0ajkDGe5Dv9pFOxukPflus2glWwnyeZkly3lfxgG-BkBznndprk-r-IHWBg7dY7FSHbLgcOBqTGKe02iYB23ROAlWmiiT1OEewuvIAETYLkUxPKlc/s1600/DSC04613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHa7rB616YQ0azJCdnt4FGqzJpG0ajkDGe5Dv9pFOxukPflus2glWwnyeZkly3lfxgG-BkBznndprk-r-IHWBg7dY7FSHbLgcOBqTGKe02iYB23ROAlWmiiT1OEewuvIAETYLkUxPKlc/s320/DSC04613.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy teaching Colin some old school games</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENNQOda0CYNDf2kFrDeBnT8_jBCVW5zpBsUvNs65BrwcoAjtKGwqCx29SbyddYpitprzux1JuNWiDom7O8yLNGa-kHrTIOVJBv06S4iNUyBtE1qmAJZXHIO8X1_DgpSYUotXb2dpGb8Y/s1600/DSC04618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENNQOda0CYNDf2kFrDeBnT8_jBCVW5zpBsUvNs65BrwcoAjtKGwqCx29SbyddYpitprzux1JuNWiDom7O8yLNGa-kHrTIOVJBv06S4iNUyBtE1qmAJZXHIO8X1_DgpSYUotXb2dpGb8Y/s320/DSC04618.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Might need to grow a little for this one</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-81791065212266341262013-07-28T18:07:00.000-07:002013-07-28T18:07:08.070-07:00Still waiting ... Step Down Update # 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, we are still in the hospital waiting on the fluid to stop draining. They decided today to get more aggressive with the amount of diuretics Colin is taking to hopefully dry him up sooner. He is now taking 3 different ones, we are hoping to see fast results from this. Good news is that they are happy with his sodium levels so we stopped the sodium "saltwater" solution. Colin was really excited about that since he hated it and cried when he would see it!! </div>
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We are very blessed that all of Colin's tests have come back with great news and that his surgery has been a success so far. Just wish we were feeling blessed at home as we are coming up on 2 weeks of living in a hospital. I think we are ALL getting a little stir crazy.<br />
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THANK GOD for our wonderful visitors that have helped keeping Colin entertained! Thanks to both set of Grandparents who have watched Colin while Matt and I went and spent sometime with Katherine away from the hospital. Thank you for all our family who have taken turns watching Katherine and busing her up to the hospital, she IS Colin's BEST medicine, he has his best days while she is here. Thank you to my brother & sister in law for bringing our nephew up here to play and distract Colin. Thank you to our friend Erika for bringing her son Zach (who is in Colin's class) up here to bring presents and play for awhile. Thank you to a fellow heart mom, Holly, who brought Colin a present yesterday, he loves it! Please keep her daughter in your prayers as she is having her Fontan in 2 weeks.<br />
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Last night Matt and I took Katherine out to dinner, to one of her favorite stores (Barnes & Noble), and rented a movie. When we left dinner, we got caught in a huge rainstorm and got drenched. The kind of drenched that you couldn't just help cracking up because you are getting so wet. We all were laughing on the way to the car. As corny as it sounds, it was like a message from God telling us it's okay to laugh and have fun now, we are hopefully now on the downside of all this stress and hard times.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IdgGkIJAgqV5ut8LCfJrb6OB7im8obnu-gZPrIvsT8byg58ft_KMVpZQ608wTB5i1w_EZ-khtl2Op1cgjL6qMsEsIhQwZNQjZUY9yDcyzHtzFRvKAwXI6mmW7M_w-zSyjMjYQ_lbEjs/s1600/DSC04581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IdgGkIJAgqV5ut8LCfJrb6OB7im8obnu-gZPrIvsT8byg58ft_KMVpZQ608wTB5i1w_EZ-khtl2Op1cgjL6qMsEsIhQwZNQjZUY9yDcyzHtzFRvKAwXI6mmW7M_w-zSyjMjYQ_lbEjs/s400/DSC04581.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin and his friend Zach having car races around the unit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickN4RV210ItHc-T840iO2I8o2iEdhcjnVDNCK3X2a-_Fr-R19XLfDO23SVRMMT13DQaUm26yks13VbcYK5Fui12kHaAmsvXiB7XA__MxjGtgkoydi55nmb4Aji053fU-I7sYCEmQwj_c/s1600/IMG_9955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickN4RV210ItHc-T840iO2I8o2iEdhcjnVDNCK3X2a-_Fr-R19XLfDO23SVRMMT13DQaUm26yks13VbcYK5Fui12kHaAmsvXiB7XA__MxjGtgkoydi55nmb4Aji053fU-I7sYCEmQwj_c/s320/IMG_9955.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt and Katherine sharing dessert last night</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6T0wFM0R3uAQy8CG915d1i6PiZfjrMHNIQPJKbPESEX2qIbtr4zrhUNBbh0qmnuwDwaNv1lMRzgz0ojKkeGo47X2gqdlQRO3M33CeSheTg1WEMDHHV2KpMk9aSkOj7B292QUjFskqPaY/s1600/DSC04587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6T0wFM0R3uAQy8CG915d1i6PiZfjrMHNIQPJKbPESEX2qIbtr4zrhUNBbh0qmnuwDwaNv1lMRzgz0ojKkeGo47X2gqdlQRO3M33CeSheTg1WEMDHHV2KpMk9aSkOj7B292QUjFskqPaY/s400/DSC04587.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katherine and Colin having a "picnic" in his bed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn3DLO-f91FMDIMk8-m4SOhIHukLJyk0JyxFFwECmVWqyey4KaNwpi2NrxZ3dI3Yio1MVZV-DLdPyykRBYWpJ2OEzYRhb7hkI-KJi9ryD7OTjiC62OoL1cP6inoAuXM4pGUH6v7sx6p4/s1600/IMG_9968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn3DLO-f91FMDIMk8-m4SOhIHukLJyk0JyxFFwECmVWqyey4KaNwpi2NrxZ3dI3Yio1MVZV-DLdPyykRBYWpJ2OEzYRhb7hkI-KJi9ryD7OTjiC62OoL1cP6inoAuXM4pGUH6v7sx6p4/s320/IMG_9968.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a lazy Sunday in the hospital, if Colin cant come home, home will come to Colin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowJZ-c1P4le1Y5YzwcyolT3nlV5wYSupuJvpSWtrkzBiOl8v8dku-S19kYggmcwkXjTMBO4y-sBlDK9WvCZ_MINpdTiWHXjrRg9XQh-N_jhq5yW6alds0QwbyijOq-jZomF5rqZN69lA/s1600/IMG_9972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowJZ-c1P4le1Y5YzwcyolT3nlV5wYSupuJvpSWtrkzBiOl8v8dku-S19kYggmcwkXjTMBO4y-sBlDK9WvCZ_MINpdTiWHXjrRg9XQh-N_jhq5yW6alds0QwbyijOq-jZomF5rqZN69lA/s320/IMG_9972.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katherine and Colin playing "doctor", Colin is an expert at that!</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-87438603487721368802013-07-26T17:37:00.002-07:002013-07-26T17:37:25.567-07:00A day in hospital life - Step Down Update #6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not too much to report, still waiting for the fluid to drain out of one of Colin's chest tubes. The other one is ready to be pulled, once this other one is ready, we can go home. They are going to treat the fluid a little bit more aggressively to try to get it to finish draining. They have limited him on his liquid intake and have increased his diuretics to help draw off the fluid. There is still talk of maybe pulling the other tube or waiting to do them both at the same time. </div>
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Today they went ahead and did the exit EKG and echo on his heart JUST IN CASE we are ready to be discharged this weekend, that way the test will already be complete. Both test looked great along with his chest x-ray this morning. So from a cardiac standpoint, we are in good shape, just playing the waiting game on the fluid. They are still monitoring his sodium and he is still taking the saltwater solution to keep it up. Right now it is just below normal, but they have decided this will not keep us here. The rounding cardiologist thinks it is stress from having the tubes. Once they are removed, if it does not level out, we can investigate further from an out patient standpoint.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9qmYUhWT-bblEUtTFtYFJZq_vnDbTuV86eMTL3WfvCvOLBgt_yt7Q2Gn3fisTXxafd8sOo3h38qVyhMMVfqr5Gvr_lYPhqe3L_MuX-Zriocb0qH8kTFxx5R01AR3RybUlcrz3nv-niA/s1600/DSC04568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9qmYUhWT-bblEUtTFtYFJZq_vnDbTuV86eMTL3WfvCvOLBgt_yt7Q2Gn3fisTXxafd8sOo3h38qVyhMMVfqr5Gvr_lYPhqe3L_MuX-Zriocb0qH8kTFxx5R01AR3RybUlcrz3nv-niA/s320/DSC04568.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being really good during my EKG</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZrdL1otWdmWOiKRybhwZ2BKaaNbZMESBXlq_hiqTfinsKiWOzpOh5F-pFEi62qeeRuvfrBvPMFa3eJIXxghyE3jqsL4lDVoK6AZstBcA_QUK_5ZyREGEHFYrP6BgCUTuOFWB5g3KwCA/s1600/DSC04579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZrdL1otWdmWOiKRybhwZ2BKaaNbZMESBXlq_hiqTfinsKiWOzpOh5F-pFEi62qeeRuvfrBvPMFa3eJIXxghyE3jqsL4lDVoK6AZstBcA_QUK_5ZyREGEHFYrP6BgCUTuOFWB5g3KwCA/s320/DSC04579.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making sure she does my ECHO right</td></tr>
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Last night Matt and I spent the night at home with Katherine. It was great to spend time with her, we hung out and watched a movie, and cuddled in bed. I miss her so much. I am so ready to have all 4 of us home together again, where we belong. Katherine was very sad to be home with us without Colin. This has been really hard on her.<br />
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So right now it is really about keeping a 4 year occupied in a hospital, it has been one week since we moved out of ICU into our regular room. So here are the things that keep us occupied:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2i-7amx_IqI4v_86NmOLBHePrIUk3UjlOMW1QDftTxbKNa6jsnNpRfDvA3wrmqc6TV9j6Qyv0wuDD7nBeDpK7fnAkhTuuCebjN29Qya8tyZ9HOgZtpAtYG_3eMxCHupvsgcGwBhyW-0/s1600/DSC04562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2i-7amx_IqI4v_86NmOLBHePrIUk3UjlOMW1QDftTxbKNa6jsnNpRfDvA3wrmqc6TV9j6Qyv0wuDD7nBeDpK7fnAkhTuuCebjN29Qya8tyZ9HOgZtpAtYG_3eMxCHupvsgcGwBhyW-0/s320/DSC04562.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Car races, on your mark, get set, GO!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWT-5mv4ewnJUPVqAgX2PDegcZFhGKT8htc9y72HJLFF7y-xsHhh8Eys18IsZMO0k0gH_EdF9AJTJ-_NHQGF44CanCV56Wxlki1uuMj7ELXn0tAed2tINhCkOUcBUV_Tmd2sI9QhZDOEU/s1600/DSC04565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWT-5mv4ewnJUPVqAgX2PDegcZFhGKT8htc9y72HJLFF7y-xsHhh8Eys18IsZMO0k0gH_EdF9AJTJ-_NHQGF44CanCV56Wxlki1uuMj7ELXn0tAed2tINhCkOUcBUV_Tmd2sI9QhZDOEU/s320/DSC04565.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I get tired, have sissy push me around</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYO1xx83gd0BnpvfRHWsAEcMugwFoRZRhW-uIHN5-8Lcnqy06r2tIN5T9GKmtQs-uHbaJAJ6APsyP12-N41KiZrIRipYr6lS6wY4Yh5dMm414EXYvTMbaZyZ6Sk0z2gh_ogwhMyHLdRs/s1600/DSC04572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYO1xx83gd0BnpvfRHWsAEcMugwFoRZRhW-uIHN5-8Lcnqy06r2tIN5T9GKmtQs-uHbaJAJ6APsyP12-N41KiZrIRipYr6lS6wY4Yh5dMm414EXYvTMbaZyZ6Sk0z2gh_ogwhMyHLdRs/s320/DSC04572.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hang out with Daddy on the couch playing my LeapPad</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgChM-43N2dTh7tDMME-smZ2EXE9-b-p11nGCsnpSCFas_155frsmequKtNaeGkHKWR3pjdfRLNRGsYp91IgdwPeG76rDHHZ4ipUidx4-H72VZT0GTp201f3yqfkdcNyK3z8cJ4g7pIg/s1600/breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgChM-43N2dTh7tDMME-smZ2EXE9-b-p11nGCsnpSCFas_155frsmequKtNaeGkHKWR3pjdfRLNRGsYp91IgdwPeG76rDHHZ4ipUidx4-H72VZT0GTp201f3yqfkdcNyK3z8cJ4g7pIg/s320/breakfast.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating breakfast in bed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8h0neD_nyU1Z7v46gF97Aka3JdF2pVZ4Fq8_blQdcOrplesuNKjOldzwLN3kuOVUQRrpiw8_8UGBcQDoRIaFRH__e3cksrDNsP5dKUVED4TQlwOyrSiwk93x55d4fjqSOtBgyb8-Q9Qk/s1600/car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8h0neD_nyU1Z7v46gF97Aka3JdF2pVZ4Fq8_blQdcOrplesuNKjOldzwLN3kuOVUQRrpiw8_8UGBcQDoRIaFRH__e3cksrDNsP5dKUVED4TQlwOyrSiwk93x55d4fjqSOtBgyb8-Q9Qk/s320/car.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing about 20 laps around the unit a day in the cool firetruck</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJeabS0oaqOeX4vg0EFdgE4dEgdek6zHevDpyerIIoy9_YwKpjpLILOe5nsodGZH84AlNs4aXf6Z6-oyDPx1VhyyEHOwuHfxyPZ5Oq3PfN5kEo2rXcJpHt1RilLT3StABmVMrwBo753s/s1600/crafts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJeabS0oaqOeX4vg0EFdgE4dEgdek6zHevDpyerIIoy9_YwKpjpLILOe5nsodGZH84AlNs4aXf6Z6-oyDPx1VhyyEHOwuHfxyPZ5Oq3PfN5kEo2rXcJpHt1RilLT3StABmVMrwBo753s/s320/crafts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art and crafts time with mommy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtJQmGfULiwh6t3s0-_d2sy0Z8tzZILxyQLyrXba2bD3nzlpHnji-T7V2e_pPNeszS5AycCgKtn76GaLWuYSn9KmphEl7W1pD4ZJE7-nijVz1-Sz3pLEqqOMJqd1y6VpCnhQDfm8al4U/s1600/DSC04573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtJQmGfULiwh6t3s0-_d2sy0Z8tzZILxyQLyrXba2bD3nzlpHnji-T7V2e_pPNeszS5AycCgKtn76GaLWuYSn9KmphEl7W1pD4ZJE7-nijVz1-Sz3pLEqqOMJqd1y6VpCnhQDfm8al4U/s320/DSC04573.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get a sponge bath</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-75600510841202600962013-07-24T18:36:00.002-07:002013-07-24T18:36:55.552-07:00Colin is doing great.. mommy needed the doctors - Step Down Update # 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's start with Colin first... Not too much to report, still playing the waiting game on the fluid draining. It has decreased day by day, we are <i>almost</i> to the point of getting the tubes out, estimate of getting them out maybe on Friday, then going home this weekend.. MAYBE. Hospital time lines can always move in either direction, so you just have to go with the flow. </div>
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His sodium levels are almost back up to normal, so that is great news, so the sodium solution he is taking is working. All other labs are coming back normal, which is also great news. He is eating great actually and asking for food. Colin walked lots today, played in the playroom, even got to go outside the hospital and walk on the sidewalk and get to breathe the fresh air and see the sunshine. Our nephew came to play with Colin today, he loves to have visitors to play with. Both grandmas came and hung out today as well. </div>
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So we are just waiting on fluid to drain and trying to keep a 4 year old entertained who is SO ready to go home! </div>
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This morning, they were drawing a good amount of blood for all the labs. I can handle the finger pricks but this morning they had to use a needle. I have a long history with needles and fainting.. after they drew the blood, I passed out. Well the nurse told me I actually passed out 3 times and looked as if I was having a seizure. I was fine, my dad came up to the hospital to sit with me until Matt could get off of work. My dad took me home, I ate, had a long bath, and a nice nap in my own bed. I had not been home in 8 days,, guess it was a needed break for me. I got back up to the hospital after a couple of hours. So all the nurses know me now :) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-14BVPYNONirJ9YlIbXYEOdQbOqSM2g8wuW53HWarnNMQtG-gR32UUXc9WpiZ4Hc_xEOGcDqvczP1pg8ZHeLpDYRyESzyRK5t_jC9Lo6hdIf0hDv8lYDlUVvErC5IYeg8rmkntQn9Oqk/s1600/kannon+&+colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-14BVPYNONirJ9YlIbXYEOdQbOqSM2g8wuW53HWarnNMQtG-gR32UUXc9WpiZ4Hc_xEOGcDqvczP1pg8ZHeLpDYRyESzyRK5t_jC9Lo6hdIf0hDv8lYDlUVvErC5IYeg8rmkntQn9Oqk/s320/kannon+&+colin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin love</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsKG8U-U_IyO5x-nf28liMi6P-0Zhi02uCRp-tfwuVp0_yBGDZmlvJ0q_chfM9yOHyijFMzlLgPQPC7_BBHOTQ_14sZOamVL3L5QZecT2UqMF0wqe7ThzY7_HcPTRjmDxEo0PzHl8PKA/s1600/elevator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsKG8U-U_IyO5x-nf28liMi6P-0Zhi02uCRp-tfwuVp0_yBGDZmlvJ0q_chfM9yOHyijFMzlLgPQPC7_BBHOTQ_14sZOamVL3L5QZecT2UqMF0wqe7ThzY7_HcPTRjmDxEo0PzHl8PKA/s320/elevator.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding in the elevator to go get some ice cream</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUN64AEGmHO2l0oQpn2VcrlJDrIMLVFTvGfHPiyed5GzgCl8yu3H4wO_9UlUYREPD6cxyGif46lq2K-bQHnv1ow1mb6cDgbaAyNJoXIHcvqZ9QVy3XwpMmLOnNYu7MGsZ3dbUunLM9DM/s1600/DSC04555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUN64AEGmHO2l0oQpn2VcrlJDrIMLVFTvGfHPiyed5GzgCl8yu3H4wO_9UlUYREPD6cxyGif46lq2K-bQHnv1ow1mb6cDgbaAyNJoXIHcvqZ9QVy3XwpMmLOnNYu7MGsZ3dbUunLM9DM/s320/DSC04555.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't love ice cream!!</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8975862134085120108.post-83584732043839007012013-07-23T18:31:00.001-07:002013-07-23T18:31:27.551-07:00WE HAD A GREAT DAY - Step Down Update # 4<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXd6r7P7O3ER4u6K5d7_gILVBdKITMhsQwmp3om1tHRS_iLH6eGMxO02j5zZ1Pi5SaupW5zQN-UcDj58qKALpKu07NzGixgSPBRlPhcaO1ki3CnJnYc6YoX9XDG948RpXoafeRprLfw8/s1600/DSC04524+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXd6r7P7O3ER4u6K5d7_gILVBdKITMhsQwmp3om1tHRS_iLH6eGMxO02j5zZ1Pi5SaupW5zQN-UcDj58qKALpKu07NzGixgSPBRlPhcaO1ki3CnJnYc6YoX9XDG948RpXoafeRprLfw8/s400/DSC04524+-+Version+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Holding hands while take a ride around the unit</span></td></tr>
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We are now one week POST FONTAN! We waited 4 years to say that! Colin had a really good day overall. This is by far his best day acting like himself and playing. Of course it is great medicine to have big sis around half the day, she really brightens him up. </div>
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We are playing the "waiting game" with his fluid on one of his chest tubes. It has decreased a good amount over the last 3 days, but still needs to come down some more. One tube is ready to be pulled, but they are waiting to do they at one time. They have tested the fluid coming out of his tube to make sure he does not develop Pleural Effusions (this is a complication after the surgery that would put him on a special diet and more follow up post surgery). The initial test have come back negative, but they will keep testing to make sure. We have heard once they pull the tubes, you have a day or two until getting to go home, so come on fluid, let's drain!<br />
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Colin's sodium is low right now, so twice a day he is getting added sodium in liquid form. They are hoping it corrects itself with the help of this. If not we will look into other medicines, if that does not work, they will consult with a kidney doctor. Please pray this is just a side effect of surgery and his system will work itself out.<br />
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We started the day in a bad mood with lots of coughing but it is good for him to cough. They gave him some pain medicine to help and then he really came to life. He walked so much today, went and played in the playroom for the first time, even took an elevator ride to see the library upstairs. Katherine and Colin had wagon races through the unit, bubble wars (working on expanding our lungs) and even opened some presents form the prize box for eating so well and taking our medicine.<br />
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Today was Colin's best day of eating as well. He had a WHOLE piece of bacon for breakfast, 1/3 of a cheeseburger, apple slices, and some french fries for lunch, and 1/2 a cheeseburger and fries for dinner (worked so well at lunch, decided to do it again for dinner). He also ate 1.5 bags of chips today and some M&M's). Baby steps, but we are getting there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34EwwvuDIbujrB6VGVsJhPsK0XzuhHnDDe-3v9zCYeSkgu0-A7q_E0FPy0TmgGERdkqHiRtLnrs7vnBYpSR0nKy637ATycTBcWYHFXD4O4G_FddKybBhJT81eeyHoeLjHKT6eCf2Rt_A/s1600/DSC04528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34EwwvuDIbujrB6VGVsJhPsK0XzuhHnDDe-3v9zCYeSkgu0-A7q_E0FPy0TmgGERdkqHiRtLnrs7vnBYpSR0nKy637ATycTBcWYHFXD4O4G_FddKybBhJT81eeyHoeLjHKT6eCf2Rt_A/s400/DSC04528.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a walk around the unit, sorry Matt - Grandma cut your head off</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv01_FV96V7fjnuyeZCJ5-G9TK32wXDj4bKtkHDj58XYs1jRtPlOXc9FDSqPH6tYzMQgyYAo-qpJs6_9g6Qb4EARLyp68unFTh61ZUC-iLVuAHbWuSDuR5Avhh8RCVbqaMQD3SQs721zQ/s1600/DSC04532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv01_FV96V7fjnuyeZCJ5-G9TK32wXDj4bKtkHDj58XYs1jRtPlOXc9FDSqPH6tYzMQgyYAo-qpJs6_9g6Qb4EARLyp68unFTh61ZUC-iLVuAHbWuSDuR5Avhh8RCVbqaMQD3SQs721zQ/s400/DSC04532.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are surviving through this together, it's not easy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFv594OZYAiVKnvkreqgFyOiM5pmxnat_OElcqATnPqSZxineeQZZuIXUZ9YP7jDlW9FtMpl5_Zr6InVaWCj6e10it7BThFcEFtL0SBnWmfD_RUx6vlHZK8bVEPczse1SZzHraMJepINw/s1600/DSC04500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFv594OZYAiVKnvkreqgFyOiM5pmxnat_OElcqATnPqSZxineeQZZuIXUZ9YP7jDlW9FtMpl5_Zr6InVaWCj6e10it7BThFcEFtL0SBnWmfD_RUx6vlHZK8bVEPczse1SZzHraMJepINw/s400/DSC04500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THey love and miss each other so much</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidN2zGGZND2cs3xfmqUUjQfvuFqMNqDqnM_36_i1giSaHEJWUc2FqVIYVQCrxh7XL5K1bngGcALSp8D4NPlX3iWNqlCb-YDtAOZLNtNST-z2cdgUym_0q7rlPqPYUt-wdob5OBWWO8XNI/s1600/DSC04501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidN2zGGZND2cs3xfmqUUjQfvuFqMNqDqnM_36_i1giSaHEJWUc2FqVIYVQCrxh7XL5K1bngGcALSp8D4NPlX3iWNqlCb-YDtAOZLNtNST-z2cdgUym_0q7rlPqPYUt-wdob5OBWWO8XNI/s320/DSC04501.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coloring in bed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4z-w5e54KTIKan1L8W-px2Zm-PemvQFXMvdEkIrF106lA_Xm4RVAGIuoVaRNQi5sFZ0fWkKlg0o4Wkcm-aU-vd82dPgA5884Hu3iv4GqBM0e9E0er_Q2SGmeNITtaS7rPwG6_Q0goTs/s1600/DSC04508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4z-w5e54KTIKan1L8W-px2Zm-PemvQFXMvdEkIrF106lA_Xm4RVAGIuoVaRNQi5sFZ0fWkKlg0o4Wkcm-aU-vd82dPgA5884Hu3iv4GqBM0e9E0er_Q2SGmeNITtaS7rPwG6_Q0goTs/s320/DSC04508.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katherine has had way too much fun here in the hospital</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBrCEqu3Gcvx1FzLmCjL83gGLit85ttG3zIpCWDQB1gQtQrqTeY-AZPK36usB8Cqv_B4uM4KOquQaZnlOVQWfOhDlHh9QKG4IDH4Y1uCyrXdzWsY-nuQGMZlMgZduc-1T-2MpM6LedTw/s1600/DSC04542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBrCEqu3Gcvx1FzLmCjL83gGLit85ttG3zIpCWDQB1gQtQrqTeY-AZPK36usB8Cqv_B4uM4KOquQaZnlOVQWfOhDlHh9QKG4IDH4Y1uCyrXdzWsY-nuQGMZlMgZduc-1T-2MpM6LedTw/s320/DSC04542.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little elevator ride to get out of the room and off the unti</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzqMeNuGhatsqVjEoH-GFyypxsRCtHubmpwbdm9EqZWjqdxWpQrAmyRYsqSCDdB8AF3xgWquQxDlaueA6qsO9ySj4eOxBBkjLvuv80_ClkcaoolKAR13fbReQdHhus4ntKQDbNUra-kM/s1600/DSC04544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzqMeNuGhatsqVjEoH-GFyypxsRCtHubmpwbdm9EqZWjqdxWpQrAmyRYsqSCDdB8AF3xgWquQxDlaueA6qsO9ySj4eOxBBkjLvuv80_ClkcaoolKAR13fbReQdHhus4ntKQDbNUra-kM/s320/DSC04544.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin rocking out in the playroom</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01362098752808537211noreply@blogger.com0