As soon as the 1-week wait from swimming that we endured after Wesley's surgery ended, Carson came down with Hand Foot Mouth Disease. This was not a fun week! Between the late-nights of screaming in pain, and the long, long wait for the blisters to go away, we were all going stir crazy! Carson really only had 3 blisters--one tiny one on the tip of his tongue, one larger one (about a 1/2 cm in diameter) on the front/side of his tongue, and a large on in the back of his throat.
We quickly learned that lollipops are painful, sleepless nights exist even when kids are almost 3, and popsicles and chocolate milk can make an entire diet for 3 days.
We're really lucky that Wes didn't catch it!
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Wesley's updates
Wesley's surgery went very well. It was a one-day procedure--that only lasted a few minutes (though, of course, it seemed like forever.) After giving him a some Tylenol mixed with a med to help him relax, the anesthesiologist and nurse took Wes back to the operating room. About 20 minutes later, Dr. Casale came out and told us that everything went well and that he didn't expect to need to see Wes again. The cyst was sent out for testing, but expected to return benign (which, presumably, it did, as we haven't heard back in 3 weeks.)
Dr. Casale did apply a Dermabond liquid bandage. The bandage usually lasts several weeks and should not itch. However, in the hours after the surgury, the area under the Dermabond became swollen and purple--almost black. We were concerned, of course, and had to drive down to CHOP in the city. A few days later, when Wes had scratched the Dermabond off, everything cleared up. Obviously, we think he had a bad reaction to the Dermabond, and will make sure not to allow doctors to use that again.
Of course, you may be wondering about the heart murmur. We did have to postpone the surgery a week, as we quickly got an appt. with a Pediatric Cardiologist, also at CHOP. Everything was fine--no problems at all. The murmur is "innocent" but won't go away. They performed an EKG and an ultrasound--which was amazing! Its so great to see your child's heart! It seems there is something similar to a skin tab hanging in an artery. As the blood passes, this makes the murmur sound. While this will never go away, it will also never get in the way.
So... Wes is GREAT! Everything has now healed and he has no idea what we went through for him. Hooray!! All is well!!
Dr. Casale did apply a Dermabond liquid bandage. The bandage usually lasts several weeks and should not itch. However, in the hours after the surgury, the area under the Dermabond became swollen and purple--almost black. We were concerned, of course, and had to drive down to CHOP in the city. A few days later, when Wes had scratched the Dermabond off, everything cleared up. Obviously, we think he had a bad reaction to the Dermabond, and will make sure not to allow doctors to use that again.
Of course, you may be wondering about the heart murmur. We did have to postpone the surgery a week, as we quickly got an appt. with a Pediatric Cardiologist, also at CHOP. Everything was fine--no problems at all. The murmur is "innocent" but won't go away. They performed an EKG and an ultrasound--which was amazing! Its so great to see your child's heart! It seems there is something similar to a skin tab hanging in an artery. As the blood passes, this makes the murmur sound. While this will never go away, it will also never get in the way.
So... Wes is GREAT! Everything has now healed and he has no idea what we went through for him. Hooray!! All is well!!
Friday, June 09, 2006
Wes' 9-month well-visit.
We saw Dr. Alex today. Wesley was most agreeable throughout the apppointment, though a little more clingy. Gotta love the separation anxiety!
Our little guy weighed in at a whopping 19 pounds 10 ounces, putting him 35% on the "scale." He is 28 inches (40%) and his head measured 18 inches (60%). A very healthy guy!
For the most part, all is well. We are a little concerned about a heart murmur. Dr. Alex believes it to be innocent, but Steve and I have decided to take Wes to a Pediatric Cardiologist, and we're waiting for the doctor's office (CHOP, of course) to call back with an appointment time. Most likely, this will push back his surgery that was scheduled for next Thursday. But if the Dr. Donner can see Wes before Thursday and sees no problem with the anesthesia, then the surgery will proceed as planned.
I'm trying very hard to not panic and read all the research on the web. Here's a link if you are interested in learning more. We're fairly certain this will be innocent, but we'd rather be safe and have a specialist check it out.
Our little guy weighed in at a whopping 19 pounds 10 ounces, putting him 35% on the "scale." He is 28 inches (40%) and his head measured 18 inches (60%). A very healthy guy!
For the most part, all is well. We are a little concerned about a heart murmur. Dr. Alex believes it to be innocent, but Steve and I have decided to take Wes to a Pediatric Cardiologist, and we're waiting for the doctor's office (CHOP, of course) to call back with an appointment time. Most likely, this will push back his surgery that was scheduled for next Thursday. But if the Dr. Donner can see Wes before Thursday and sees no problem with the anesthesia, then the surgery will proceed as planned.
I'm trying very hard to not panic and read all the research on the web. Here's a link if you are interested in learning more. We're fairly certain this will be innocent, but we'd rather be safe and have a specialist check it out.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Milestones!!
Wesley's official first word: Uh-oh!
He started saying it yesterday... he's very into dropping and saying uh-oh and dropping. You know the game. At lunch today, I was trying to feed him yogurt and he kept shaking his head (something we realized recently that Carson still can't really do). But today while shaking his head, he said "no." !!!! He's also been saying "dadadadadadadada" for a little over a week--he just loves his Daddy!
In other milestone news, Wes is pulling himself up a little bit and crawling faster and faster. He follows Carson everywhere and waits and watches just to see Carson do something that makes him laugh.
Wes is loving foods--anything we can eat, he wants to. Still doesn't have teeth, though, so its still a bit of a challenge.
He started saying it yesterday... he's very into dropping and saying uh-oh and dropping. You know the game. At lunch today, I was trying to feed him yogurt and he kept shaking his head (something we realized recently that Carson still can't really do). But today while shaking his head, he said "no." !!!! He's also been saying "dadadadadadadada" for a little over a week--he just loves his Daddy!
In other milestone news, Wes is pulling himself up a little bit and crawling faster and faster. He follows Carson everywhere and waits and watches just to see Carson do something that makes him laugh.
Wes is loving foods--anything we can eat, he wants to. Still doesn't have teeth, though, so its still a bit of a challenge.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Milestone: First Haircut
You can tell by the pictures in Florida that Wes' hair was getting REALLY long. I'll post pictures soon, but Wes was a gem for the haircut. He smiled and was calm, even with the clippers. And he suddenly looks like a little boy!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Milestone: Wesley's crawling!!
He worked on it in Florida and tonight we watched him go across Carson's room!!! You go little guy!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Friday, May 12, 2006
A few quick pics from Florida
There are a lot more coming-- and many wonderful stories! Here's a quick glimpse at our trip to Orlando. Enjoy!
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Mild Milestone: First word?
Is "yay" a word? If it is, than Wesley said his first word today when we were clapping together!!
Potty Training Update
Friday was great--Carson even went poopy in the potty, he was so proud! He did have 3 accidents, but that's expected, no one is perfect. He earned a matchbox car (which Steve gave him with a whole race course set that's really for kids 7+ but he thinks is so cool.)
Today was even better! The only accident was a poopy that happened outside when he was playing. Carson wore underpants to soccer and Steve ran with him to the bathroom in the middle of the class (Carson used a urinal!!) And then they went to a "carnival" party -- no accidents! Again, tonight, he's in his undies!! His goal today was 8 times, so he earned bubbles (again, his choice.)
Tomorrow I think we'll make his prize more underpants!! This is just unbelieveable to me. Its so quick! My little boy is growing up.
Today was even better! The only accident was a poopy that happened outside when he was playing. Carson wore underpants to soccer and Steve ran with him to the bathroom in the middle of the class (Carson used a urinal!!) And then they went to a "carnival" party -- no accidents! Again, tonight, he's in his undies!! His goal today was 8 times, so he earned bubbles (again, his choice.)
Tomorrow I think we'll make his prize more underpants!! This is just unbelieveable to me. Its so quick! My little boy is growing up.
We've been hit
with Croup. Friday morning, Wesley was scaring Steve and me so much that we brought him into bed--his breathing was terrible. Went to the pediatrician around noon and, that's right, he has croup. He was just happy as could be climbing and chatting and grabbing for things at the ped's office. But I hear that its pretty normal for the kids to be happy in the daytime. Believe me, nights are awful!
Last night was really tough. I showered with him around 12:30, after we stuck his head in the freezer. Then Steve took him downstairs to the basement for the temperature change shock. Around 4 am Steve and I took turns in the bathroom with him--we make it such a sauna that its really hard for us to stay in there. After that, he slept with us and had a tough time around 7 am.
Fever reached 100.5 this afternoon and he's due for more Tylenol when he wakes up. He was really lethargic after his morning nap when we went on a walk, but I gave him some water and that helped a lot. He continues to have wet diapers and eat a little now and then.
He'll be better by Wednesday--we ARE going to Florida!
Last night was really tough. I showered with him around 12:30, after we stuck his head in the freezer. Then Steve took him downstairs to the basement for the temperature change shock. Around 4 am Steve and I took turns in the bathroom with him--we make it such a sauna that its really hard for us to stay in there. After that, he slept with us and had a tough time around 7 am.
Fever reached 100.5 this afternoon and he's due for more Tylenol when he wakes up. He was really lethargic after his morning nap when we went on a walk, but I gave him some water and that helped a lot. He continues to have wet diapers and eat a little now and then.
He'll be better by Wednesday--we ARE going to Florida!
Friday, May 05, 2006
Potty Training update
Carson woke from his nap (without a diaper of course) yesterday and asked to put on underpants instead. He made it about 3 hours--even in the car! But had an accident during dinner. Woke up dry again this morning. I think I'll put a pull-up on him when we run out to the doctor today... but otherwise, wish me luck. We have NO plans this weekend. So we'll try diaperless--thank goodness its a nice day outside. We'll be taking lots of walks.
Good thing I bought another BIG bag of jelly beans at SAMS yesterday. Now I just have to force myself to save them for Carson! :)
Good thing I bought another BIG bag of jelly beans at SAMS yesterday. Now I just have to force myself to save them for Carson! :)
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Day at the Zoo
April 20 was a great day for a MOMS Club trip to the zoo. The boys loved every second of the day and can't wait to go back. Carson's favorite animal this year was the peacock and he serenaded them every chance he got. He also loved the HUGE elephants, hippos, monkeys, giraffes and zebras. Of course, the children's zoo was wonderful and we spent a while looking at baby chicks and their eggs. 
We borrowed a Sit N Stand stroller for the zoo from a friend. It was the heaviest thing ever when Carson was in it--but it worked perfectly! He loved being able to get in and out, and Wes really enjoyed being able to sit up as he took in the sites.
Look out animals... we'll be back soon!
Some recent pics
Carson's first Phillies game
Carson with Pop-Pop at the game
Wesley at Nana and Pop's Anniv. Service (March 2006)
Carson at Nana and Pop's the service
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Carson's ear tube fell out
Carson's been responding to nearly all of our requests with "HUH?" lately. We weren't too sure if this was a space filler as he thought of an answer, a bad habit, or if he really couldn't hear us. But about a week into the "huhs" we noticed a lot of earwax coming out of his left ear.
Today, I noticed a HUGE chunk.... and when I dug it out of his ear (no, I didn't reach in, it was already visible)... TADA! its a little tube surrounded by dark, hard, chunky wax!
I called the ENT's office and the nurse reassured me that this is fine. There is no need for him to come in to see Dr. Tom right away. Infact, since it did fall out, she and I both expect that his hearing will now return towards normal. She said its likely that the tube had already loosened and was working its way, with the wax, through the canal and out during the past few weeks, and that is possibly what caused the "huhs?"
I'm making an appt. to see the pediatrician before we go away next week for a quick check on the fluids. And for the flight we'll give him Dimetapp before we leave and then he'll drink and eat during take-off and landing.
For anyone interested, I kept the tube in an envelope. I think I'll put it in his babybook (ewwww... gross... disgusting!) No, I'm kidding. But if you want to see it, I do have it and can always take a picture. :)
Today, I noticed a HUGE chunk.... and when I dug it out of his ear (no, I didn't reach in, it was already visible)... TADA! its a little tube surrounded by dark, hard, chunky wax!
I called the ENT's office and the nurse reassured me that this is fine. There is no need for him to come in to see Dr. Tom right away. Infact, since it did fall out, she and I both expect that his hearing will now return towards normal. She said its likely that the tube had already loosened and was working its way, with the wax, through the canal and out during the past few weeks, and that is possibly what caused the "huhs?"
I'm making an appt. to see the pediatrician before we go away next week for a quick check on the fluids. And for the flight we'll give him Dimetapp before we leave and then he'll drink and eat during take-off and landing.
For anyone interested, I kept the tube in an envelope. I think I'll put it in his babybook (ewwww... gross... disgusting!) No, I'm kidding. But if you want to see it, I do have it and can always take a picture. :)
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Hmmm... is that a diaper on the floor?
So, I suppose its normal, but Carson has taken to taking off his diaper at night and naptime. He tells us it hurts. And the past 2 nights, Steve's gone to check on the him at night, and there has been a diaper on the floor. Carson's pajamas are pulled up, but there's just skin underneath. So, both nights Steve has taken Carson to the bathroom and Carson's been really proud that he went in the "potty." And he's been dry!
During naptime, we're just letting Carson sleep without a diaper, and praying that he will wake up before he needs to go.
I'm biting my tongue... but so far so good... knock wood.
Is this reverse potty training?
When he wasn't napping this afternoon, he still didn't want the diaper on. And I ended up running around the house with the carpet cleaner in my hand. Cleaning.
Who's ever heard of a kid who is trained when he sleeps but not when he's awake? Comments are welcome!!!
During naptime, we're just letting Carson sleep without a diaper, and praying that he will wake up before he needs to go.
I'm biting my tongue... but so far so good... knock wood.
Is this reverse potty training?
When he wasn't napping this afternoon, he still didn't want the diaper on. And I ended up running around the house with the carpet cleaner in my hand. Cleaning.
Who's ever heard of a kid who is trained when he sleeps but not when he's awake? Comments are welcome!!!
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