In the dark..........

Tuesday I took Mark for his 15-month check up. I had my list of questions and warned the nurse on the phone last week that this appointment would be a counseling session as well as a check up.

As soon as our doctor came in we got right down to it. I shared Mark’s symptoms back in August. To make the situation more confusing, the allergen test (RAST) came back positive for a milk allergy, which by the way, is not 100% accurate. Considering Mark has not reacted to milk-base formula or dairy products, we are ruling that out for now. His celiac panel came back negative too, but when I limited gluten for a few days his bowels improved. Again - more confusion!!!

When I received the lab results over the phone I called U of C’s Celiac Hotline and spoke to their nurse. She mentioned celiac blood screening may not be accurate in toddlers as young as Mark and to come in for an initial visit and Dr. Guandalini will perform the intestinal biopsy the same day (the only 100% accurate way to test for celiac disease).

So I am left without answers as of yet. Mark’s growth chart is still climbing and consistent with “the curve”: 24lb 10oz and in the 90% range in height and head circumference. Stunted growth is a common symptom of celiac disease; however he gained 2 pounds since his last check up in June.

His bowels are normal some days, but when they seem loose, etc, I have to ask, “What if this is celiac?” Mark has been waking in the middle of the night again. Is he experiencing cramping or going through the usual sleep problems toddlers go through? The “what ifs” are driving me crazy!!!

After talking to the pediatrician, we have to get answers. We need to rule out everything and move on. October 10th at 9:45am Mark will have the biopsy done. It is not a fun appointment because he can only have clear liquids that morning until 8:30am. Try telling a toddler he cannot eat or drink. YUCK! And I won’t even begin to discuss how a toddler comes out of anesthesia. It is grueling. I am prepared since Matthew went through the procedure when he was diagnosed. Please pray for a smooth day. Pray everything goes quickly.

We will get through this. We will get answers and move on. Only for a season....

I hope all of you have a great weekend.

Wordless Wednesday: Leaves & Laughs

When does chaos strike?

Do you have a time of day when everything is crazy? When everyone needs something all at once? You wish you had an extra set of hands?

In our home that time is after school. The moment we walk in the door chaos is about to happen.

Matt attends half day kindergarten. As the van enters the garage he is ready to use his built up energy and ride his bike. Of course Mark cannot be left out, so he follows after Matt with his mini big wheel trying to keep up. Mark has only mastered how to push backwards, but he feels accomplished.

So there I am. Outside. Watching my boys yell, laugh, fight over who gets what and run around. Until...........

“Ok, boys, time to go in!”

Mark is already upset that he has to go inside. He is an outdoor kid through and through. As I carry Mark, Matt wants to start his homework. He grabs his school folder and everything falls out. I need to sort what needs to go back and what stays home. While this is going on Mark is doing his typical I-need-something-now yell letting me know he wants lunch......not later, but now.

Matt thinks he can start his homework right then without reading the directions first.

“Hold on.......put your name on the paper and wait for me to help you read the directions.”

I quickly prepare Mark’s lunch which usually consists of some type of canned veggie with Easy Mac or PB&J. I finally have him settled! Now back to Matt.........

“Ok, it says here........”

Matt starts his homework. Done in 5 minutes. Yes, only 5 minutes! Then he proceeds to read me his "Letter of the Week" book over and over again. Don't get me wrong, I love my son reading, but I am being pulled in so many directions at that very moment. He reminds me again and again that I am not paying attention. I start to feel guilty.

“Mom, I want lunch now.”

So I am back in the kitchen making lunch for Matt while Mark is already done. He wants out to play.

Mark is released. Matt eats lunch. Wait, Mark isn’t quite done because since his brother is eating, he has to........again! Back in the highchair Mark goes.

In a matter of seconds my countertop is cluttered with Matt’s crafts/worksheets. For those who know me, clutter and I do not have a good relationship. Lunch stuff is scattered every which way . I am going through everything from Market Day forms to PTO newletters. There is always something to read and fill out. Information overload!

Everyone is done eating. Clean up time. Wash Mark’s face and hands. Gather all the forms. Pile up Matt’s work for Daddy to see when he comes home. Wipe off the kitchen table. Load the dishwasher. Nag Matt to put his stuff away. Listen to the boys run around and literally screech at one another. Need I go on???

There I am. Longing for Mark’s afternoon nap. Anticipating Matt’s “down time” when I allow him to watch TV or play on the computer. Waiting for MY TIME! It is just around the corner................

And then I prepare to do it all over again tomorrow.

Our Weekend

Today I stayed home from church with the boys. Steve attended since he had a youth leaders meeting after the early service. Usually he gives me the opportunity to get out when the boys are sick. Love that!

My boys are getting over a nasty cold/cough. Matt started on Wednesday and it took a couple days for Mark to catch it. He had a horrible croup attack late Friday night. Thank God over and over again for our nebulizer machine!!!

Steve and I have slight symptoms, but not bad. We were itching to get out of the house yesterday so we just decided to go for a drive. No destination planned........just drive. Was that medicine for the soul or what?? We brought some snacks and soaked in some local sights.......if there is such a thing! Sorry to say our area is not that exciting. We laughed, talked, and shared while devouring Peanut Butter M&M's.

I am not sure what I enjoyed more this weekend: going for our family drive or getting McD’s for breakfast this morning and stopping by Dunkin Donuts on the way home for a latte. Oh, my latte fixation!!!

This week Mark goes in for his 15-month check up. After a good “counseling session” with my favorite pediatrician I will know what our next step is with Mark’s possible celiac test.

Man, I sure linked a lot here. I think that’s enough to read. Enjoy the rest of your weekends!!

Everyday Pumpkins

"...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11

Fleece

So warm. So cozy. Works great with a mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or chai.

Fleece

I own 3+ Old Navy Performance Fleece tops in my closet. Perfect on a crisp fall day at the park or pumpkin patch.

Fleece

It keeps my children warm. Whether its pants, sweatshirts, sleepers, jackets, hats, or gloves.....it works!

Fleece

In our family room I have a basket full of blankets by the fireplace. Some are green. Some have ducks on it. Some show off my hubby’s high school. They are used frequently.

Fleece

It works on sick days. To cuddle with and hide under while sleeping.

Fleece. It’s a beautiful thing and an Everyday Pumpkin through fall and winter seasons!!!

Wordless Wednesday: Sippy Success!

We came........we saw.........we conquered the bottle!!!

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It took about 5 days and now we are in non-bottle bliss.

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So much for a Wordless Wednesday, but I had to express my delight and Mark's shown here.