A Major Seizure...911

Friday night we went to a local Chinese Buffet for dinner. Jack looooves the buffet and watching tons of families eat (it's a big place and very busy). It was a great dinner...everyone was happy and Jack did very well eating noodles with a fork.

We got home and got Jack ready for bed. Around 8 pm we gave him his usual meds (Baclofen and Tegretol) and snuggled in to watch a little tv. Jack was totally fine but he seemed to be fighting sleep. It was around 10:30 pm. He was on the opposite end of the sofa and Jason was in the other room. When Jason came in the room I moved down to give him some room on the couch. I brushed up against Jack and he felt so hot. I actually pulled my hand away because it shocked me how hot he was! Jason ran for the thermometer and it read 103.5...the highest fever Jack's ever had that I can remember. He started moaning and we gave him Motrin right away. We took his temp again about 45 minutes later and it actually went up to 103.7. We then gave him Tylenol. That brought it down a little and at 1:00 am we decided to go to bed and take Jack with us to our bed. At around 2:30 am I awoke to a hot, hot, little body vomiting everywhere. He was shaken up and very hot. We did not have time to take his temp but I am sure it was over 104 or more. We rushed him over to the bath tub and Jason bathed him in luke warm water. After a few minutes Jack was playing in the tub as I stripped the bed. We took his temperature afterwards and it was 101 or 102 (I can't remember) but we weren't too concerned.

The adrenaline had everyone wide awake so we went downstairs to the family room to watch tv. It was about 3:00 am at this point. Jack couldn't get settled and he was bouncing around a bit on Jason's sofa. We noticed Jack started breathing heavily and I thought he was going to vomit again (we were prepared with a bucket and lots of old towels) instead he started grinding his teeth really hard. Again, I didn't think anything right away other than maybe he was chilled and his teeth were chattering. I asked him why he was doing that with his teeth and I asked Jason if he thought he could break his teeth that way? He sang part of the wheels on the bus song and then started with his teeth again. He was starting to stare at the ceiling and point to something we couldn't see up there. Jason handed him to me on my sofa and I had him in my lap. I was talking to him, asking him how he felt, and his head jerked to the left and stayed there. I asked Jason to try to get his attention and he couldn't. At this point I said out loud "I think he's having a seizure" and I placed him gently on the ground. His head and eyes were fixed to the left and his entire body started convulsing and jerking. Jason went to call 911 at 3:19 am and I stayed with Jack making sure he kept his airway open. There was a lot of drool and bubbles in and around his mouth. He was turning blue and his breathing was erratic and shallow. A police officer was first to arrive. I swear he showed up in two seconds. He was very nice and took Jack's pulse. A few minutes later two volunteers from the fire company came with an oxygen tank and mask. As they were placing the O2 on Jack the paramedics arrived. They assessed Jack and told me to go get my shoes and a coat. I don't remember doing this at all.

They carried Jack upstairs and out into the freezing cold night with just his little pj's on and an old towel covering his back. They got him on the ambulance and Jason sat in the back with them. They administered vallium (diastat) rectally and soon after Jack calmed a little but was still seizing. They also started an IV. It was close to 4:00 am and the ambulance took us to the med center.

I have zero concept of time from this point on. I know we arrived and they took his patient and insurance information and got us into a room right away. Again, what happened next is sort of fuzzy. They gave him ativan and took him for a CT scan. I think this is when I called my mom and Jason called his mom too. It was around 5 am. At this point Jack was agitated and kicking his legs but most likely out of the seizure. He still hadn’t woken up. We don’t know exactly when the seizure stopped but it was over an hour long and under two hours. I had no idea if he was going to be okay. I prayed he would be. They came back and told us the CT scan looked good. No bleeding or hemmorages or swelling of his ventricles. We talked to neurosurgery and they compared his scans to rule out a shunt malfunction. The ER doctor ordered tons of labs and it was then just a waiting game. I don’t remember when Jack started to wake a little but I think it was when neurosurgery was examining him. He scrunched his face and it was the first time I saw he was “in there.” They assured us he was heavily sedated and his reactions were normal. I felt much better after they left.

At this point we just needed to wait for the labs and the chest xray. They told us the lower lobe of his right lung had what looked like bacterial pneumonia — possibly from aspiration. We didn’t connect the dots until a day or two later — but 3 weeks ago during his apnea episode at CHOP while getting Botox he very well could have aspirated while they were suctioning him. So it all makes a little more sense now as to the sudden infection without any other symptoms like a cold, etc. General pediatrics came to evaluate him and said he may need to be admitted if his oxygen requirements remain high. (He was on 4 liters of oxygen). She weaned him down some and Jack hung out around 92% which was just at the acceptable point. She ordered more fluids through his IV, and also an antibiotic.

Grandma Linda and Brian came and took Jason home for the car since we both rode in the ambulance. I waited and watched Jack sleep. At this time I believe it was close to 11:00. We were waiting on our neurology consult and when the dr. came in I was so relieved! It was Jack’s regular neurologist!!! It was like seeing an old friend. We talked about what happened and he diagnosed Jack as having a Febrile Seizure. I explained how this was all so new to us. The type of event we witnessed before was just a small, small starting spell. Nothing like this. He said his Tegretol level was on the lower end of the therapeutic range, he has an underlying seizure disorder with abnormal eeg’s, and the very sudden onset of a high fever is what caused the event. He gave us a schedule to raise Jack’s Tegretol dose over the next two weeks. He also gave us a prescription for emergency seizure meds...it’s called diastat and it’s the same thing they gave Jack on the ambulance. We are to administer it if a seizure lasts longer than two minutes. This is somewhat peace of mind knowing we can do SOMETHING if this happens again.

Jason came back and I told him what the neurologist said and he took the prescriptions to be filled. General peds came back and took Jack off his oxygen all together and he did well. He was 93-94% for over an hour. He still hadn’t really woken up at all. I really wanted to stay the night — but looking back it really wasn’t necessary. We left with emergency diastat, antibiotics, and instructions to keep his fever down and to follow up with neurology and his regular ped within a week. Jack woke up a few hours after we got home and begged for food. We gave him some chicken broth and some pedialyte. He went right back to sleep and aside from waking every few hours to moan a little he slept all night (with us) on Saturday. His fever was still up around 102 and we rotated giving motrin and tylenol all through the night.

Sunday was a good day. His fever was down to 101 or so and he was playing and ate crackers, cereal, soup and drank lots of pedialyte. I asked Jason to stay home from work today (Monday) because I had to go for a cervix check this morning and I did not want to take him out at all and I didn’t want my mother to worry about watching him all alone while he’s still so sick. Today was a very mellow day. He’s been sleeping all day...I called the school this morning and explained what happened and told them he probably wouldn’t be in for the rest of the week. He was supposted to go to CHOP on Friday for a post botox check but I am canceling that as well and rescheduling for another time. My mom is free tomorrow to come over for a bit which I will be very grateful for.

We are tired but thankful he’s doing well. I am sure he’ll be sleepy for a few days as he heals and gets better. I am sorry if this was choppy and all over the place but I think I am suffering from a bit of post traumatic stress — I will keep everyone up to date. I am sure I left out pieces too and am forgetting exactly how things happened. Please keep our little man in your thoughts and prayers. He is getting better day by day.

PS — everything looks perfect from my check up this morning. So signs of preterm labor...cervix looks perfect. I’m 22 weeks on Wed.

21 Weeks Today

I can't believe I am only 4 weeks away from when I delivered Jack. I just want to make it through the next month -- and then go back to taking it day by day, week by week.

The Bean moves a lot! Instead of gentle little flutters I am getting fully kicked...after dinner when we're relaxing in front of the TV I can see by belly move. It's the freakiest thing. Of course when I go to show Jason the Bean becomes still -- but isn't that how kids are, even in the womb?

I have my next check up on Monday 1/29. I will keep you posted!

Just Jack :)

I love this picture. I had to share it! Jack's been standing like this randomly around the house. At my dresser, the tv, sofa, our bed, etc. He's been stepping too like he's testing the water...lol. I think at times he's contemplating taking an independent step.

Jack's been enjoying school and looks forward to the bus's arrival every day. If I tell him it's time to get ready for school he'll ask me "Bus?" and I assure him the bus will come get him when it's time.

Jack has a great sense of humor. He makes me laugh and loves to get attention this way. Sometimes it's hard because he can be a bit naughty and I have to turn away because I don't want him to see me stifling my laughter.

We watch Jeopardy almost every night after dinner. We unwind as a family and try to guess the answers...well, questions. I'd say we've been doing this almost every day since Jack's been born. It shouldn't come a surprise that last night he sang the entire theme song with "doo, doo, doo's" We were cracking up! I am not sure too many other kids his age would know this tune. LOL! He loves to sing and comes home from school singing a different song every day. The thing is, he rarely sings IN school. I told his teachers how much he sings at home and they were shocked. He won't open his mouth when the group sings. I don't think he's shy, and I am sure he'll sing with everyone else soon enough.

The effects of the botox are really becoming noticeable. His right hand and arm are much looser and he's impressing the OT at school with how he's playing with both hands!! We try to get him to do bigger movements (like high 5, or picking up larger objects) and he's doing great. I don't know if he'll ever have the accuracy to pick up small items (like cheerios, etc.) with that hand. I guess our long-term goal is to make it as much of a helper hand as possible. He will always make an attempt if we ask him to use his right arm. So we're encouraging everyone when you're playing with Jack to do the same thing! He of course will eat up the praise too!

Well, I've got a chocolate cake in the oven and have a few minutes until Jeopardy starts -- gotta run!!

A MUCH Better Day...

After what happened Thursday I was really shaken and nervous about my ultrasound appointment the next day. Could we handle bad news? Before Jack we lost our first baby girl Emma to a chromosomal abnormality 45 X which caused a severe Cystic Hygroma and deadly fetal hydrops. There was a zero % chance of survival. She was born still at 22 weeks gestation April 12, 2001. Then, two years later we decided to try again. We conceived Jack with no problems -- had many ultrasounds completed and an amniocentesis done to be sure there were no problems. We had a totally healthy baby boy -- until Jack's arrival at 25 weeks gestation. So now we're a little nervous about being pregnant again. We had our ultrasound on Friday and everything looks PERFECT! I really didn't realize just how much fear and worry I was carrying until it suddenly lifted when the dr. said our baby girl was perfect! Of course, there is still pre-term labor and delivery to worry about -- but I am being followed every two weeks from now on to have my cervix measured. So far at 20 weeks my cervix looks as it should.

Earlier Friday morning the representative from the equipment company called to say he was sorry to hear Jack had a rough go and couldn't make it to the seating clinic. He said the therapists at the clinic took a look at Jack's chair and didn't think he needed to be seen in the full clinic. So Mr. Equipment Guy said he could arrange for a delivery to our house! He then went on to say he had some time later that same day and could fit the TWO HOUR journey into his schedule! I thanked him over and over. This was wonderful news. I also told him I would be away for a while in the afternoon -- but my mother would be at our house with Jack. He also said if something came up and he couldn't make it he'd reschedule for the following week.

After the ultrasound appointment I called my mom to tell her the wonderful news. She said Mr. Equipment Guy was at our house setting up the chair already! I told her to tell him we'd be there in 20 minutes!! When we got home Jack greeted us at the door in his brand new wheelchair!! It was so cool! I really couldn't have asked for a better turn out to that week.

Jack needed no introduction -- he really knew what to do right away. He does have the circle thing going because he doesn't yet steer with his right hand. You almost have to see it in person to get how perfect it is for Jack! I wanted to share my ideas on how we intend to use the chair...

For longer distances. For this reason we did not order a tray because for us, it's not going to be used in a stationary setting. If he's eating he's at the table with us in his feeding chair. If he's working at school he's in a chair at the table with the rest of the children. If he's going a short distance he'll use his walker. Longer distances are fine with me. I am not sending it to school right away. I want to become familiar with it myself and get a feel for how we'll use it as well. I've mentioned before -- I want it to take place of his stroller at home and at school. He will continue to walk short distances with his walker (which, by the was is going WONDERFULLY!)

Here are some pictures:







The right wheel has pegs attached so Jack can push with a closed fist or the heel of his hand. He doesn't have to worry about trying to open his right hand and grasp the wheel. This is a great workout for his right side!

I am looking forward to using it. Right now I cannot lift it in and out of the car because I am limited to only lifting Jack when absolutely necessary. So we'll have to be sure Daddy is with us for our outings when we use it.

Jack is doing very well after Botox and the apnea during sedation. He doesn't remember anything (thank God). It's strange because he's never had a bad reaction to sedation in the 20+ times he's been under in his life. Right now I am not even thinking of "next time" but when I do think of it and we're faced with it we're going to be very nervous.

Well as I've rambled Jack's fallen asleep on the sofa watching Sesame Street. I usually take advantage of nap time to eat breakfast and shower...so gotta go!

A Baby GIRL!!!!!

The ultrasound was amazing. It was very in depth -- taking about an hour total. We met with the Dr. afterwards and he told us our baby girl looks healthy with no anomalies! She's measuring at about 20 weeks gestation and 14 oz. My cervix looks perfect as well. I will return in two weeks for another cervical measurement and will continue to go every two weeks for measuring.

Yesterday's Procedure

Oh my. We got to CHOP extremely early (after leaving at 5 am) which was a good thing because we got in to the sedation unit right away vs. last year we waited HOURS. So everything else went quickly too and Dr. D. saw us around 9:00 am for a final consult and he marked the areas and put the EMLA numbing cream on the injection sites. He also watched Jack walk (with hands held) and said he compensates and is able to keep his heals down by doing some crazy thing with his foot. I’ll have to try to explain it later. So then the sedation nurse came in and took our info and they got started with the IV.

Dr. D came back with a student (he was there just to OBSERVE) and the nurse gave Jack the sedation meds versed and fentenal. Jack cried a lot and seemed very angry — but he didn’t flinch one bit when Dr. D. started on his legs. The med student had to leave because he felt faint. Dr. D got both legs done in about 8-10 minutes and Jack suddenly STOPPED BREATHING! He had a horrible apnea episode and his sats dropped into the low 50’s — my heart stopped. He was losing color and turning gray. He was also not swallowing his saliva and not breathing. They did the blow by oxygen and bagged him, suctioned him and he took a breath. Then he was shallow breathing so his sats were up and down. Finally after they kept the oxygen on for a while he stayed up where Dr. D. could finish the injections on Jack’s right arm/hand. Dr. D seemed very upset — and worried through all of this. The meds wear off quick, so Jack “came too” and cried hysterically. The meds didn’t seem to agree with him at all this time with lots of agitation and the breathing difficulties.

We sat for a long time just holding Jack while he cried and he got better as the hour went on. They gave him some IV fluids and he ate a few crackers. When they told us we could go, Jack was crying but totally fine. We went straight to the car and I called the seating clinic and explained we’ll have to reschedule our appointment to pick uo the wheelchair. They were very understanding. Jack did great on the car ride home...just peacefully watched the cars and it only took us an HOUR to get home!!! No traffic at all. I think Jason was heavy on the gas a little too. Jason got us subs and french fries and Jack at like a piggy when we got home. He had a banana (of course), 2 packs peanut butter crackers, french fries and lots to drink. He napped in the afternoon and watched TV with us all evening. When bedtime came I put Jack in bed with me. There was no way I was going to leave him. He slept very well...we all did. This morning he's totally himself and happily eating breakfast.

I cannot believe how scary this was. I had that horrible helpless feeling...JUST LIKE THE NICU. Poor Jack. I am so glad that the next month or so is totally appointment free. I want Jack to just be a kid. It's amazing how much he takes in stride. I am counting my blessings today. I really am.

Botox Tomorrow...

In all of the rush of the past week -- I totally forgot to mention Jack is going for another round of Botox injections at CHOP tomorrow. We have to be there at 8:30 am -- which means we'll probably have to get up before 4 am -- oh my. Dr. D. will be doing the injections in Jack's right arm and both legs under sedation. Jason is going with us thank GOD! I could not do this one on my own.

I also coordinated picking up Jack's wheelchair on the same day!! I am relieved to know it won't mean a separate trip. We meet with the seating clinic at 1:00 for instructions and then we can take the chair with us. I am forgetting what it even looked like. I believe I ordered blue -- but I now think yellow would have been a better choice! Oh no, it's like buying a car...lol. Seriously, I am equally excited and apprehensive about actually using it. I know it will be a good thing.

Here is the Kuschall Jr:



When you see Jack in it, it really suits him -- just the right amount of support -- I'll get pictures posted hopefully by the weekend. It's rather sporty, don't you think?

Friday is a big day as well -- we have the big exam and ultrasound for the bean! We'll find out if we're having a boy bean or a girl bean! I swear we won't name the bean "Bean" though! lol!

Edited to add:
Jack's ped put him on a ten day supply of Augmenten for the ear infections. She feels the infection will clear up within 10 days. Jack's behavior has improved and I can tell he's feeling better. Thank goodness...poor little man.

19 Weeks!

From BabyCenter.com
Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and he measures 10 inches, head to toe. His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine, and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. If your baby is a girl, she has an astonishing six million eggs in her ovaries. They'll dwindle to fewer than two million by the time she's born.

I can't believe it's the half way point. I am just 6 weeks from the time that I delivered Jack. Amazing. I pray to make it way past that point. Although in my mind I've come up with some contingency plans...it's what's getting me through! I know, no matter what, we can handle anything!

The end of the week is a busy time. Jack goes for Botox injections tomorrow at CHOP -- we have to leave at 5 am -- yikes!! Then another BIG DAY!! Friday, we have our ultrasound, and cervical measurments. Please keep our little family in your prayers.

MRI Results are in....

No shunt malfunction or enlarged ventricles -- he's in top shape there...BUT -- he does have a deep infection in both ears. We go back to the ped tomorrow morning for another exam and more antibiotics. I m so relieved to know it's not his shunt -- and to have an explanation for the ongoing pain, miserable moods and bad behavior.

For those that are more familiar with ear infections...Jason and I feel this could be the same infection he was treated for right around Thanksgiving and then again at Christmas. Both times he was given Amoxicillan. I am sure she'll prescribe something stronger -- but certain abx interact with Tegretol, like Zythromax. What do you kids usually get for a stubborn infection?

Also, 5 days into the infection we went back due to pain -- she checked his ears and said he was all clear -- which lead to the MRI to check his shunt. We continued to give him the meds of course, but how could his ear look all clear? Also, initially she only saw the left ear infected, now the MRI says a deep infection in both ears. What kinds of tests can she do to make sure we get it for good this time?

No Results Yet...

We don't have the results yet. Jack did very well under anesthesia although we had a scary breath holding moment -- but all was fine.

I must run -- Jack is very groggy and in need of some cuddles.

THANK YOU so much for your thoughts and prayers today.

I will update as soon as we hear.

Hopeful...

Jack's symptoms subsided right around dinner time last night...we watched him closely and he just seemed tired. Jason and I are really not sure what to think. My thoughts last night were if we needed to take Jack to the ER we would -- but everything remained quiet. He woke up at 2:30 am for the day??? But was not crying -- just awake. He at breakfast without a fuss and we both napped this morning to make up for the 4 hour gap last night!

I hope tomorrow's MRI shows everything is okay with his shunt. I will keep you posted.

Ruling out a Shunt Malfunction...

Jack started with a cold/ear infection right after Christmas. We went to the peds office on Friday and were given a 10 day course of antibiotics. Today is day 5 and while the fever has subsided his pain and crankiness are at an all time high. We went back to the ped this afternoon to see if the infection got worse. To my surprise it's completely GONE...all clear! That is a good thing, but Jack's definitely acting very sick and as though his head is in pain. Motrin and Tylenol keep him from screaming his head off, but he's got a very short fuse and only wants to lay on the sofa or on the floor. Right now he's playing a little with some toy cars, but moaning/crying in between.

At the peds appointment she had her office set up an MRI to rule out a shunt malfunction...we go Thursday morning at 11 am...and of course if he gets worse we'll head straight to the ER. We want to be doubtful that it's his shunt because he's not vomiting, having seizures, etc. It's a little frustrating because those are not always the only signs of a malfunction/problem. All I know is there's a problem and since Jack can't tell me specifically what hurts we must rule out a shunt malfunction.

To those who've been there, what are your kids usual signs of a problem? (((hugs))) and thanks in advance.

PS -- Christmas pictures are in the DECEMBER ALBUM

The Croc and the Keekaroo...

I know it sounds like I'm talking about the zoo -- LOL!!

They both arrived yesterday.

I am floored at how much I already LOVE the new equipment...take a look!

The Keekaroo with the tray


The Keekaroo without the tray
LOOK at how STRAIGHT he's sitting!!


The chair is excellent quality. I ordered the padding and it looks durable and comfy. It did require assembly, but it wasn't hard. I highly suggest this chair!

Now, the croc! At first it was iffy -- Jack was leary of the vendor guy and didn't know what to make of the croc walker. After the man left and after Jack had his nap we tried again. It's so adjustable it's got literally hundreds of configurations. It comes with a little pouch to hold the allen (alan??) wrench. He can steer and everything!! This is something he couldn't do until this afternoon! His walking was limited to a straight line! Now, he's all over the house!!! His first task was to go to the Christmas tree (laughing all the way)!!!



I hope to bring it with us more places because he truly is independent with it (except getting up into it, but we'll work on that!) He needs room to roam! I was thinking of the corridors at the hospital (let him run over a few people -- ha ha) or the mall early in the morning before the stores open. Of course the mall will wait until after Christmas. Any other indoor ideas?

Jason was amazed too. This isn't just a subtle difference -- this is a jaw dropping, jump up and down difference!

Jack's Christmas Program

The kids were so cute. They wore reindeer antlers on their heads and sang several songs (although most just looked a little stunned to have an audience). I was giggling through tears. It was so sweet and so cute! After they sang their songs the kids got a HUGE surprise!!! SANTA CLAUS came to visit!!!!! Some were scared, some seemed indifferent, and others seemed rather happy to see the man in the red suit! Jack was all three!

Jack and Miss L. his teacher.
He was asking her if he could come sit
with mommy, grandma and grandpa!!

Jack takes a "cookie" from the
"cookie jar" to give to Santa Claus!!

HI SANTA!!!!



Jack Tells Santa his
Christmas list!

A New Template...

I felt like a change :)

The Keekaroo...(funny name, I know)

Oh, wow -- strange how things happen. I was browing American Baby magazine and found a small advertisement in the back for a chair that looks a lot like the tripp trapp chair!

It's MUCH MUCH less expensive and the ad had a code for a FREE TRAY! They also pay for shipping too. The chair is designed to fit a child (Typical or SN) from 6 mos. to 15+ years!







Check it out at:

http://www.keekaroo.com

With the chair, cushions, and free tray my total was $175 -- I am thrilled considering the ordeal we're having with the feeding chair and insurance.

Yay, it's a good day!

The CROC is COMING!!!!!

WOW!!! What a great Christmas present!! Jack's walker is going to be delivered on Dec. 20th!!!!! The rep will come to the house and everything!!!!



This has been since JUNE!!!! Wow, I never realized how s-l-o-w of a process getting DME is!

The Wheelchair is on order and several pieces have arrived at the Philadelphia office. We'll have to travel to Philadelphia (2 hr trip) to get the chair -- could be before Christmas too! I am excited to get the chair too. I will be waiting for his next IEP meeting to send it to school with him.

Does anyone use a wheel chair at school? I have to be sure he won't be "stuck" in it all day -- I know the school is great with getting kids in different postions/equipment throughout the day but I really want to emphasize that it's to be used in place of the cart he uses now.

The feeding chair is another story! Our insurance denied the claim because the say it's not medically needed and they won't pay for "comfort" features or items that make it easier for the caregiver. It's for safety, positioning, etc. Jack is getting dangerous in his booster chair! He's too big and when he rocks I am afraid he's going to tip the dining chair! I am thinking of calling the school to see if we can borrow something -- perhaps a tripp trapp chair? We are appealing and I haven't heard yet whether or not they will cover it. I am not getting worked up over it because to me the most important items are on the way!!!! YAY!

Any ideas on what to do for Jack in the meantime (inexpensive ones, anyway?) this is what he uses now: (this pic is almost a year old -- so he's MUCH bigger now in the chair)...

MFM Check Up

Everything went well today. The bean has a great heartbeat! It was so neat to hear. It was a rather quick and uneventful exam.

I have to go for blood work next week and then in 3 weeks I will return for:

• Urine Culture (make sure the nasty bug is GONE)
• The HEAD to TOE ultrasound!!
• Cervical Measurements
• Quad Screening results

At that time we will most likely know the sex of the baby bean!! Wow, it seems to be going so quickly.

Bean's been very active -- I noticed a lot of movement yesterday and I got up to use the bathroom at 5 am, and stayed awake for a long time feeling bean shake and dance. It's like a tiny flutter -- so sweet to feel!

Anyway, Jack's not feeling well -- he has a slight fever. This will be his 4th illness since Thanksgiving. That's basically every day since...so I am going to run and get jammies on him so we can cuddle in front of the tv till bedtime!

15 Weeks Today!

I love this cartoon! While I haven't gone quite that berserk, I have been madly craving vinegar!! Pickles, pickled veggies, pickled beets, pickled eggs, salt and vinegar chips...oil and vinegar salad dressing, stuffed olives, just to name a few!

I am knocking on wood -- I think I am finally rid of my bladder infection!!! Thank goodness. Bladder infections are no fun, especially when pregnant. I will have a urinalysis tomorrow to be sure the bacteria count is down or preferably ZERO! I am currently taking Macrobid -- which is not a fun pill. It makes me sleepy, dizzy and sick to my stomach (and no, it's not all of the vinegar...LOL). Two more days of pills left.

From BabyCenter.com



15 weeks:
At around 4 inches long, crown to rump, your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 ounces. He's busy inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, which will help develop the air sacs in his lungs. His legs are growing longer than his arms now, and he can move all his joints and limbs. That means his hands are more functional, too. Sweat glands are appearing, and although his eyelids are fused shut, he can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, he's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but his taste buds are beginning to form. And if you have an ultrasound, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or girl! (Don't be disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down the gender depends somewhat on how clear the picture is and the position of your baby during the ultrasound; he may be curled or turned in such a way as to keep you in suspense.)

I will have another update tomorrow after my MFM appointment! I don't know if they are planning an ultrasound or not -- I know we are going to discuss the injections which we've decided against, and I will be getting the quad marker screening done at the lab (for genetics).

Till tomorrow!

Jack's Report Card...

The first score was from June, the second score is from December. There have been slight improvemets, no regression and overall looks pretty good to me!

I can't believe it will soon be a year since he started school!!!

If I had to "grade" him at home, or for outpatient therapy some of the items would be marked mastered. I understand the importance of measuring at school. It's a different environment without mommy or daddy, or a one on one therapist to give cues or encouragement!

I am very proud of our school boy!!

M - Mastered
I - Improvement
SI - Slight Improvement
NC - No Change
R - Regression

Imitate at least 5 consonant vowel combinations (mi for milk, ba for ball, etc.) -- SI, M

Build a vocabulary of at least 20 words and use two word utterances -- NC, SI

Initiate requests (verbal, signs or pictures) 10 times a day -- NC, NC

Follow one step directions -- NC, NC

Identify 30 vocabulary words (point to object or picture) -- NC, NC

Use two hands together to hold materials steady and use walker -- SI, NC

Visually attend to a book for at least 60 seconds -- SI, I

During book time visually locate a familiar object or character 4/5 times. -- SI, SI

Use walker in classroom independently -- I, I