Video of Jack Pre-Surgery, October 2011

Jack is a former 25 week preemie diagnosed with CP. He is 8.5 years old and is scheduled to have orthopedic surgery on 11/11/11. He is having an Adductor Release, Bi-Medial Hamstring Release, Post Tib. Transfer and Achilles Lengthening.

This video shows Jack in various settings to capture a pre-surgery look at how he is moving.

Severe Cashew Allergy

About three weeks ago, we were cleaning up dinner and I remembered I had some caramel popcorn with cashews - I grabbed the bag and gave Jack a few pieces. It's one of our favorites! Curious, morgan asked if she could have a "honey nut" and I told her of course! Didn't give it a second thought. After one small piece of cashew she exclaimed her tongue hurt. I figured she bit it or had a small ulcer that was bothering her. She went to sit down and I went to do dishes. She wasn't moving or talking and it looked like she didn't feel well. She whispered something to Jason and he called me over. Still, not suspecting the cashew, I went over and saw her scratching around her mouth. It was red and bleeding (from her scratching so hard). She then told me her tummy hurt and began projectile vomiting. Jason and I (sort of at the same time) concluded that she may be having an allergic reaction. She was breathing ok and seemed to be over the worst of it. We called the pediatrician on call and she advised us to give her Benadryl and to make an appointment in the morning. We were told to avoid all nuts until further notice.

We gave her the medicine and about 45 minutes later she threw up again. We stayed up late into the night watching her to make sure she was ok.

That was 3 weeks ago. In that time we saw her pediatrician who referred us to a pediatric allergist. That particular allergist had a 7 month wait list! So we were just starting to look elsewhere when I got a call from the pediatric allergist saying they want her in for Monday 12/19. I was grateful - thought they must have had a cancellation.

We went to the appointment this past Monday. They were fantastic. We learned that they got us a 'golden ticket' in to the Dr. because she felt we needed an epi pen ASAP. She felt Morgan's reaction could have very easily been life threatening. We weren't aware of just how serious it could have been. For anyone that knows us - we've seen our share. This one came out of nowhere and we are so grateful nothing worse happened that night.

They did some testing on Morgan and she was diagnosed as anaphylactic to Cashews. We were given an RX for the epipen jr. And we're told to avoid all tree nuts. Since she hasn't reacted to peanuts and they aren't related to tree nuts we were given the okay to let her eat peanuts/peanut butter. The risk is always cross contamination. So we are completely nut-free until further notice.

If we do reintroduce peanuts - it will be only in our home and only products she has had before.

If you are with Morgan she will tell you nuts make her sick and won't eat anything containing nuts. We haven't scared her with the details but she knows she doesn't want to get sick. So please do follow our lead and please if you feed my kid, read every word of every label! NO NUTS FOR MORGAN!

Major Orthopedic Surgery

Fun ideas/practical tips needed! Jack will be having major orthopedic surgery on both legs on Nov. 11th. He will be in casts from his toes to his groin and will need to be in a semi flat position for 6 weeks. His legs will be straight out in front of him. Typically he is very mobile (crawling, hopping, using his walker, climbing, etc.) so staying still is not something he does...ever! He will be non weight bearing so using a stander is a no go. While im very nervous about it all, I truly believe in this surgery and the results it will produce..I'm trying to think of fun things that can keep him occupied and also personal hygiene tips and tricks would be great too!! He is not potty trained, he uses diapers. He is having several procudeures done on his hamstrings, adductors, and achilies tendons, He is having releases, transfers, and lengthening (I don't know which goes with what unless I have the paper in front of me!) - it's a rough road with a lot of pain from what we were told. he will have a rental chair with the legs out and a recline/semi upright position as well, so he will be able to sit up to eat, watch tv, etc.

Talking With Jack 8.5 Years Old

Jack talks, sings and counts :)

What we did this summer :)

May 2011

June 2011

August 2011

September 2011

Pants on Fire

Jack wanted to watch TV.  He said "Watch pants on fire?" and I repeated "Pants on fire??" What has this kid been watching?? Lol!! and he said it again. Then, patiently, he said "Watch Yo Gabba Gabba....pants.". I was still stumped.  Glad that he narrowed it down I asked him again.  "Which Gabba, Jack?" to which he replied "Pants.....LEAVES....trees" and it hit me!  "Yo Gabba Gabba, Plants and Flowers!!!!!". Or The Green Episode!!!  We don't have it, but I set it to record later this week!

This is a milestone filled conversation for us.  He told me what he wanted - a show, a specific episode...and when I didn't get it, he chose different words so that he could be understood.  All without grunts, screams or shutting down.

He has come so very far with his communication over the past year!  I LOVE it!

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Peace :)

A rare lazy moment - all 3 at once!! This was Mother's Day morning :)

The Boys :)

One Year Ago...

One year ago today...half a world away we were officially granted the honor of becoming parents to a little baby boy named Tamene. We passed court April 27, 2010!!! We were absolutely elated and could not wait to meet him!!

Choo Choo!

A train of kiddies :)

Clean Room :)

Morgan was such a great help cleaning her room! She is growing up so quickly!

Send your story and pictures to MOWA

This was part of an email from the Joint Council.

Have you adopted from Ethiopia? Please send us up to 3 photos and 50 words or less with what you would like the Ministry to know about your child – we'll compile the information and send a book to the Ministry of Woman's, Children's and Youth Affairs.  Send your photos and stories by Sunday, March 12, 2011 to be included.  Please note that sending photos and stories gives Joint Council unrestricted right to use the information you provide.  Please email your photos/stories toemergency4ethiopia@gmail.com.  Thanks for your amazing support!

Welcome Home Tyler -- Our Adoption Video

Tonight, Morgan informed me she needs a husband! She said it's going to be Christian, a boy from school. She said "I need a ring, and he needs a ring. And I want a unicorn cake with a horn on top." and then, she paused and said "I think he's a good husband because he has a wheelchair like Jack."

I wish everyone saw the world through Morgan's eyes!

Morgan's Sign

Morgan was busy asking me for paper, tape, and crayons...then she called me over to show me her "No Tylers" sign!!!

And the back!

After...

Before...

Standing!

Tyler is growing up right before our eyes...He is 13 months old and just started standing for several minutes on his own. He's shy about it today because he toppled over a few times yesterday!