Yesterday I was THANKFUL for doctors! Xander came home from a birthday party Saturday night with a 103.9 fever, horrible sore throat and then was up barfing most of the night. I took him to the doctor Sunday morning and he was diagnosed with strep.

A few hours later he broke out in hives on one of his arms. Got to the doctor again... and he sent us off to the ER because he was concerned that he had a possible bacterial infection. We spent 5 hours in the ER. It took the nurses 4 tries to get his IV in. He was dehydrated (due to throwing up all night and day), cold and nervous= poor veins. He was such a trooper! He didn't move or complain when it hurt. He just took it like my little man! They drew his blood, gave him fluids and another antibiotic IV. He is already allergic to Penicillin, then Zithromax from his hives earlier this afternoon. So they gave him another antibiotic which they said had a very slim chance of him being allergic to. WELL he broke out in hives all over his arms within 15 minutes. Cross that one off the list too! They stopped the antibiotic gave him steroids and Benadryl. By this time his arms were covered with hives!!

After a few more hours they allowed him to go home. By the time we got home his legs were covered front and back! So I called the ER spoke with the kind doctor who told me to give him another dose of Benadryl and that the hives will come and go.

The final diagnosis was acute strep thankfully not meningitis. Today he was hive free, but he had red splotches on his chin and face. It looked like he had a sunburn so off to the doctor once again.... At least this was his regular doctor which he had to see for a follow up. He was a bit freaked out that she would send him back to the ER and calmed down once she said she wouldn't do that to him. Thankfully this is just part of the antibiotics that we was allergic to working their way OUT of his system. GOOD RIDDANCE I say!

He is feeling SO much better today! I was so grateful yesterday for all 4 of the doctors who helped Xander and the 3 kind nurses. It is humbling to trust someone with one of the greatest gifts I have ever received, Alexander, and feel certain that they will help to make him well again.

Where would we be without doctors and antibiotics? That is a scary, scary question! One I am grateful that I don't have to worry about. There have been so many times that doctors have helped me in my life- 10 surgeries, 2 in-vitro babies, pregnancy with all of my complications, strep, sinus infections, collapsed lung etc.... I am literally HERE today because of their knowledge, diligence, drive, compassion and desire to HELP OTHERS. I know that they have spent countless hours away from their families so that they can help me, a stranger for the most part, make me or my family better and for this I will be eternally grateful!

Rock On!

Tonight I am thankful for LEGO Rockband and the fun time the kids and Paul have playing it and I listening and singing along in the background.

Alyssa really rocks out on the drums

Xander is a great guitar player

Paul was the singer tonight

It is fun doing this together and enjoying songs from the past and present. I love fun family togetherness!

Today I am thankful for so many strong women in my life! They have provided such wonderful examples of strength and fortitude. They have been there to support me, lead me and guide me throughout my life. Their strength has enabled them to persevere despite adversity and come out stronger, wiser and full of hope.

My 97 year old grandmother who is happiest in her garden and serving others

My sister and my mother- There is not enough space on this page to explain how much they mean to me, nor do I think I could ever do it in words. I can not imagine my life without them.

My mother in law who is such an example of courage and determination

My sister in law who has been such a great example of enduring love.

My sweet girl I know will one day be an amazing woman. She has already shown such strength. I look forward to seeing what the future holds- but not too quickly. I want to hold onto her for as long as I can before I set her free.

Home

Thankfully not today... but soon

January 9, 2009

Today I am very thankful that it was Paul's morning to take Lola out in the POURING rain! I am thankful for our home which provides us with a safety and warmth from the perils of the world. It is filled with love and a safe haven from ALL of life's storms.

It brings to mind the primary song Home

Home is where the heart is And warmth and love abound.

Home is where warm, circling arms go all the way around.

Home is where there's father, with strength and wisdom true.

Home is where there's mother And all the children too.

Home is where our Father, Who dwells in heaven above,

Guides us in the way we live And lets us feel his love.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Today I am thankful for messages like this In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

They warm my heart and remind me that there is so many things to be grateful for no matter how big or small!

Slurp away!

Today I am grateful for awesome orthodontists! Dr. Greg and Dr. Lisa are wonderful, kind, patient and never rushed us. As a matter of fact they put Xander's retainer off for a little more than a year now and gave great advice for him to be patient and wait. It worked out great since Alyssa and Xander both got their retainers today. They have been eagerly awaiting this for a while now. You can't tell by just looking at them that they have retainers until they speak. It is quite funny to hear them talk! It is difficult for them to swallow their spit so there is a whole lotta slurpin' goin' on in this house. If you want a good giggle just watch the video!- okay video to follow....it won't upload. I am also thankful for A & A being such troopers. They have to wear these retainers ~22 hours a day. They can only have them out for eating, brushing and sports.

It will be nice when they are second nature to them. Until then.... slurp away!

Just horsin' around

Today I am grateful for the opportunity that Alyssa and Xander have grooming, riding and learning about horses. It was their last day of a 10 week course so they had a horse show. They got to bring ribbons and tie bows in their mane. I stayed and helped them with this in the stable. The horses seemed less than enthused about these bows.

It really gives you a sense of how huge and powerful horses are when you are so close to them. When they don't want to do something and pull back it was a bit scary to me, but the kids would just push them gently and show them who is boss. One of the other horses got into Xander's horses paddock and I went over to check on Xander and he is leaning against the horse with all of his body weight to keep him out.

Here is Alyssa bridling her horse. He is a tough one to bridle! I tried to hold his head and was quite intimidated when he kept bobbing it up and down and pushing me away. Alyssa says he is like a bobble head. Kim helped her get most of it on and Alyssa did the rest.

Alyssa went for the minimalist look with only one bow.

In the arena they paraded around and had a fun time. They can't wait until next week when they start the next series of 10 lessons!

I am grateful for their instructor, Kim, who teaches them how to ride and respect the horses.