A follow up

A follow up to today's blog.

I did indeed go work out at eleven.

My trainer left me as road kill on the track...........

WHEW!

The big C

So the big news on the street is the incredibly witty show "The Big C" on showtime. My husband has been watching the episodes at night, and has recorded them for me. Last night I finally took a break from everything, and headed up the Mike's man cave to see this show. The premise is about a woman who has been told she has small cell lung cancer, and there is no cure. So she finally just let's go, and honestly the show is brilliant. I highly suggest you watch it. If you don't have Showtime, I am sure you can get the episodes on youtube.com, or HULU. Anyway, there was one episode in particular my husband wanted me to watch last night. The mom who has cancer had put up with her sons rude comments, and insanely gross pranks for as long as she could. She finally got him back in a cruel way, but in a way in made a huge point. I won't ruin the episode for you, but you must watch it. Basically the mom had a great flip out, and even took red wine, and poured it all over her pottery barn couch. Mike looked at me, and said "The reason I wanted you to see this is because this will probably be you one day. You are just going to flip out with everything, come home, and tell me you are done, with me, and everything" I wouldn't ever do that, but nice he thought about me, and has figured out I am a bit tired.

Jude is still not eating well, or sleeping well. I am dragging tail end today, but I have to go work out at eleven. When Mike, and I went to lunch this past weekend he blurted out that he thinks it's time to convert the dining room to Jude's room. This has been the plan all along, but Mike has always insisted we wouldn't need to complete this until Jude was about 5. Although, Jude is getting so big that it is going to be difficult for myself, or the nurse to continually carry him up and down the stairs. Our dining room is perfect because it is separated at the front of the house. We would like to enclose the wall, and put double doors in. We will not be installing a closet because he can use his dresser drawers for his clothes. This will allow us to continue to market the house as having a separate dining room/study if we ever have to sell. We will have to save for this conversion, but it will get taken care of. I would like Mike to build shelves for Jude's therapy equipment, and it will be nice for Jude to have his own space.

Jude's doctor wrote nursing orders for Jude to increase his nursing after the surgery. I am hoping this is all he will need. This in turn will lower Jude's respite, and Mike will be getting a job! The next month should be interesting, and I am wondering how it will all turn out.

Busy bee, and more

Sometimes I wonder about writing this blog because everything seems to come across the wrong way. When I wrote about Mike, trust me when I say it's taken me a long time to finally write about that. I appreciate people taking up for him, but it's a very different situation than just depression. I am his biggest supporter, and I always rally behind him. Although, Mike is beyond the point of depression, and needs help. I have asked, and asked but he hasn't gotten any yet. I am hoping that the full time nurse will allow Mike to get a job, and get out of the house. He flat out told me he is going to go off the deep end if he cannot get out. Trust me, if I could trade positions with him I would. He is a wonderful dad, but this life has aged him greatly. He rarely shaves, looks tired, screams all the time, and is just beat down. Who could blame him, right? I totally get it! I really think getting him back into the workforce will help him. Also, it's been since the beginning of 2008 that we could just.......go have dinner without planning for seizures, medication, wheelchair allowance, and more. I KNOW you SN moms out there get it. This weekend was much better, and I think Mike enjoyed having me there with him. I think our trip in February is going to be amazing, and I am really looking forward to it. Plus, our calendar is pretty booked until December, so i think the time will fly by. I know he will enjoy showing me around some place he loves so much.

This weekend was busy as usual, but relaxing at the same time. I biked both Saturday, and Sunday to try to keep up with my work out routine. I took lunch off today to catch up, but I will be back to working out tomorrow. I am feeling much better, and I hope to inspire Mike to start working out soon too. When we met Mike was ripped from head to toe, and was wanting to become a trainer. Working out is a release of stress to him, and I know it would help him mentally. We both had stopped working out when our gym wouldn't watch Jude due to his seizures. Maybe we should open a gym that has respite services for special needs parents?

I had a Scentsy party on Saturday, and my friend Fleck went with me to keep me company. On Sunday my aunt came over to watch Jude, while Mike, and I went to eat lunch via a gift card we had received. It was all wonderful until our truck said we had 42 miles left until we were out of gas, and we ran out anyway. We literally both just laughed, and called roadside assistance. Just another day in our life I guess.

I am very busy this week. My work is busy, Emily's Smile Boxes has something MAJOR going on that I will inform you about in September, Jude's birthday is this weekend, his surgery is next week, and more. All that on top of Scentsy going through their spring/summer to fall/winter conversion. This has created a flurry of interest in Scentsy......which is awesome. So if I don't reply to you, or get back to you right away just know that is why.

Now if you would feast your attention to the right on my blog you will see a new link I put up for http://www.babybumpz.com/ . Please check out their site. For every headband purchased they donate a headband for cancer, or other charities. They are sending headbands for Emily's Smile Boxes, which is amazing. Not to mention they have some incredibly cute stuff!!!!

A pretty day

It's a beautiful day! I got up early, and fed Jude about four ounces. I also made myself a healthy breakfast. After that I went for a nice long bike ride, and I really enjoyed it. I realize that I have also been very down since all this happened, and my mental health is improving a lot since I have started working out again.

Jude seems to be very happy today. We are having a problem with him throwing up again, but I guess that will be over with in a few weeks....I hope. I am very nervous about Jude going under, but I will have faith that everything will be just fine. I have taken two days off work so I can be with Jude in the hospital. I had some vacation time left, and my boss understood.

For my Scentsy fans, don't forget all the spring/summer scents, and warmers are going away 9/1. You can access my site at www.scentsy.com/JennOrtiz. It's my second job, and your purchase is appreciated. The new catalog will be up by 9/2, and there are lots of amazing Christmas presents that will be available.

The upper GI

Jude had his upper GI yesterday. The radiologist came out, and of course said "Well it's normal, and not normal". She didn't seem to concerned with anything. She said one intestine is lower than it should be, but she really believes that was from gas. She is going to leave the ultimate decision up to the surgeon, and sent everything over to him.

After much investigation, and talking to others we decided to skip the Mic Key, and go with the mini 1 non balloon. We are also requesting a specific pump. I put a call into the doctors office yesterday, but I have yet to hear back from anyone regarding this situation.

Last night was Emily's meet the teachers night, and it was interesting. It seems Emily will have her hands full with her pre-ap math, and science. She had a project due every six weeks in science, and it will be given in week 4 giving her two weeks to complete the assignment. So far she is liking middle school, and I hope that attitude continues.

Next week is Jude's birthday. I am grateful he is with us to celebrate it, and his sweet smile. I am grateful for the medical field supplied to us in the US. I am also grateful that I live in the mecca of medical technology. Dallas, Texas has so many wonderful doctors and facilities available. I am so thankful for the friends we have met that have taught me life's struggles only makes us stronger, and despite how difficult the past two years have been I feel blessed.

I guess I have decided that, no this is not the way I intended life to be, but I should be grateful for the life I have been given.

Surgery date, and shooting pontoons

Jude's surgery has been scheduled for Wednesday 9/8 at 7:30am. He will be the first patient of the day. After the surgery they have reserved a bed for Jude in the PICU. This makes me feel a bit better since he will have extra care. They have Jude's list of medications so I know they will be watching the Felbatol levels. We aren't sure how long he will stay, but he can probably come home by the weekend.

So let's inject a little humor since my blog has been very serious lately. So yesterday was what I deem a "craptacular" day. I didn't even mention yesterday that Mike got a speeding ticket on the way to the surgical center, or that Emily had an emotional day with her locker. There is more, but I won't delve into it all, let's just follow my cousins saying that "Mercury was jacked up" yesterday. My friend Kel had sent me a nice note telling me to go home, take a bubble bath, and enjoy a glass of wine. I emailed her back, and told her I am on a strict diet of no sweets, low calories, and no alcohol. Once I got home I was just spent! I gathered the family up, and a little money, and we went out to dinner. I figured we would be safe from any other incidents if we hid out at dollar taco night at the local Mexican restaurant, but I was wrong. As I was walking into the restaurant my pony tail holder snapped sending my hair flying in every direction. I knew I didn't have a pony tail holder in my purse, but I remembered seeing a black ribbon Emily had left. So as we were walking to our table, I fished through my purse for the ribbon. When I located it with my fingers I pulled, but it was stuck. So therefore, I pulled harder, and said ribbon then acted like a slingshot by shooting a tampon with great force into the air, and I watched in horror as it landed in the middle of the restaurant. The restaurant full of people there for dollar taco, and beer night. I avoided eye contact with everyone as I quickly walked to pick up the glaring embarrassment laying on the floor. Mike's back was to me, so he had no idea what had just taken place. Once we sat down I looked at him with disgust, and explained what happened. Emily said "what happened?". Mike replied "Your mom is dropping pontoons for everyone to see". That's it, this day officially sucked. So the waiter came over, and said "May I get you something to drink" and I replied "Why yes...yes you MAY!" Said diet went out the door last night!

Doctor visit

Well first thing this morning I hopped out of bed to see if Emily was ready for her first day of middle school. To my surprise she was standing in the living room looking beautiful, all dressed, and ready to go. Shortly after I saw Emily the doorbell ran which sent Bigs into a barking frenzy, and me into a shhhhhhhhhhhh don't wake the baby frenzy. At the door was Emily's friend Addison, and Casen shortly followed. We then recruited one more friend, and I was going to drive them all down to the bus stop. Half way to the bus stop I mentioned how I could have just car pooled them all the first day, and reminded them they had complained it would be "to embarrassing". Casen then protested he wanted to go early, and everyone followed suit. So here I sat in my gross clothes, no make up, and crazy hair, and off I jet towards their new school. I prayed I didn't get pulled over because I didn't have my purse, or cell phone either. This was a very fly by the seat of our pants moment. In fact, I was planning on laying back down for a few minutes, but that plan got nixed. So I dropped them off at their school, and they all marched out proudly holding their ID badges, and book bags. Emily had mentioned she had butterflies, but I am sure she is fine by now. I hope her middle school years are wonderful, I know it's such a hard age. So without delay, here are the three amigo's. Second part of the day was spent at the pediatric surgical center talking about Jude's surgery. I went in with confidence, knowing this was the right decision for the family. I left wondering what the heck we have just gotten ourselves into. The doctor was gracious, and sat down to tell us all about the procedure. He explained they will admit Jude into Dallas Medical City, and the surgery its self will last about an hour. He reviewed all of Jude's medications, and we talked about the
anesthesia team. He said they will have an ICU bed standing by if it's needed. He then told us they will go through the belly button with a scope, and then insert the button in the best place they pick on his stomach. He said Jude will stay at least 48 hours in the hospital. The doctor told us that he believes this is a decision that would have to be made in the future with Jude. He then told us the G button is really a decision that is made to better the family's life. So then Mike started worrying about that.

On the way back Mike, and I discussed depression. He said he is just very bitter, and very angry. I explained that it was up to him to work through those issues so he can accept and appreciate Jude for who he is. He said he isn't sure he will ever be over being angry about what happened. He said I (Jenn) am someone that can forgive and let go, but he is a fight or flight, and he gets angry. I explained to him that being able to cope, and move on is the way I learned to deal with life. I started learning this when my mom died at 7. If you cannot learn to cope, then most people end up taking the wrong road in life, and I didn't want that. I explained to Mike that I understand where he is coming from. There are many days I just want to be able to breathe again, and I cannot. I explained that I admired the little two year old today at the doctors office toddling to push the elevator button, so there is always grief. Although, I feel like if I couldn't work through these issues then I never could really appreciate Jude. I couldn't appreciate his sweet smile, how he looks for me when he heard my voice, or the small advancements he makes. It's being able to understand that everything Jude does, and each day he lives is truly a blessing, and believing that.

After the surgery consult, I rushed home to get my car, flew into the house to grab my lunch, and back out to race to work. Once at work I sat down, and at my lunch at my desk while trying to catch up. The working moms life is always full of guilt for not being at home, and guilt for not being at work. The days you do stuff like this you don't get a break until you get home. I am not complaining, just putting things in perspective. Soon after I arrived my boss walked in, and said "So how did it go". I thought about that question.......how did it go........."as well as it could". I knew he needed a surgery date, but I didn't have one yet. Hence the fight Mike, and I got into later that I need the date to give to my work. He feels I am not putting Jude first when I plan to inform my work, but I am. Unfortunately, I just have the world sitting on my shoulders, and I have to work around it. I don't feel like chatting much today, it's been a hard day. I could use a glass of wine, but I am sticking to my diet.

Maui? I know you are out there!

The weekend update.

This weekend was good. I mentioned we went to Emily's training camp for school, and tomorrow is the big day. My little girl will be going to middle school. The rest of the weekend was spent cleaning Emily's room out, cleaning the garden out, doing laundry, and more. I also spent a lot of time with Jude. I played with him, watched him smile, and we showed everyone that would watch peek a boo. Jude has been very good lately just hanging out on his mat either on his back or tummy. He is pretty content, and enjoys people talking with him.

So I had mentioned my issues with my marriage, and that it's hard raising a special needs child. Friday he was again frustrated, screaming, and storming off. When he got home he said he wanted to go to Emily's training camp the next day. I just broke down in tears. When he asked me what was wrong I said, "Sometimes you are so hateful, and then you do something so nice". He immediately started crying, and said "I am just having a hard time with my son being disabled". He admitted it. So overall after that we did much better this weekend, and I made sure to show Mike a video I found. I encourage you to click on the link, and watch it so you will know what I am talking about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc4HGQHgeFE . After Mike watched the video he was a bit teary, as we all should be, and he said "but that's different it's him dealing with his own disfigurement, this is me dealing with my sons, and I have no control". I said, "but that's where you are wrong, you do have control, and Jude is very happy. He doesn't know he has issues, he is just a happy baby because he has loving parents, so this is your own disappointment with his condition that you will have to work through". It's almost like a light went off in his head, and he grew silent. Mike never grows silent. Normally I hear him yelling about how I am Snow White always seeing the bright side, but this time he seemed to hear me. He is a good man, he is just so frustrated.

Tomorrow we go for the G button consult. I will be sure to let everyone know the actual date of the surgery. Last night Mike was kissing on Jude's tummy telling him he didn't want them to put anything in the place he kisses. I assured him he still could kiss on Jude's tummy.

Here is another project I did this weekend. This is in my kitchen above the window, I thought it was fitting. I got it from my friend Stormy Denman on facebook. Here is her website: http://stormy.uppercaseliving.net

Middle school, and little pictures

Jude has been good today, but he has been hard to feed again. I showed Emily how Jude will play peek a boo today. She laughed because he really will hide his head in my shoulder, and then pop it up smiling, expecting me to say PEEK A BOO JUDE. Then his little head will go back into my shoulder, and will repeat the process.

We took Emily to her "middle school training camp" today at her new school. Can I just say the schools are getting bigger, and more elaborate. Her middle school is bigger than my high school, it's crazy. It was amazing that the school held a "training camp" on a Saturday, so that was very respectful to the parents that work. Emily is both nervous, and excited about starting middle school. The big test will be to see if the girl can access her locker, she had a bit of an issue with that today. Luckily Mike went with us because he helped her practice entering the combination on the lock over, and over. She comes by her lack of lock combo issues naturally because I am the SAME way!

So I ran across these pictures of a little baby Jude today before we knew he had serious issues. He was, and is so cute. Just love these.

The nutrionist, and my boss

It seems we have made the right decision with the G button. The nutritionist came by yesterday, and Jude has only gained 11 ounces in three months. She said that wasn't acceptable, and was glad to hear we were going through with the surgery. On top of that Jude threw up all over Mike, his back, and the sheets this morning. Poor Mike, he has just had it lately. I really think the G button will make things easier for him, plus with the nurses extra hours Mike can look for a job. I am so worried about Jude actually going under, but I am hoping this will be some relief Mike needs.

So I do have a funny story to share. I have been following my diet, and I am happy to report I am down 5 pounds! By my trip in February I plan to be down another 10 pounds, tan, and muscular again. This is important to me because I used to always work out prior to Jude. I think I have been so stuck in a rut that I have let myself go. I am ready to get myself back again. So next week I start back to the gym, with following the diet. So today when I got up I put some nice jeans on, nice heels, a pretty in fashion shirt that is very flowy, and did my hair and make up. The shirt is white, with a pretty pink and peach flower, and has sparkles on the front. In other words, I made an effort, and this is what I got.

My boss walks in, and I am sitting behind my desk.

Boss: What the HELL are you wearing?
Me: what? you mean my earrings?
Boss: No that mu mu thing you have on.
Me: Mu mu?? It's a shirt, and very fashionable thank you
Boss: Well it looks like you came in your pajamas
Me: it does not!
Boss: stand up
I stand up
Boss: Oh ok, well see I couldn't see the cut off the shirt, it's cute
Me: Way to call me out there boss, I just lost 5 pounds, actually made an effort today, way to make me feel pretty buddy
Boss (laughing): well I like the sparkles.

Men! lol

Consult date set

Jude's surgery consultation is set for Tuesday the 24th. I have lots of questions for the doctor regarding where the surgery will be held, etc. I have listened to everyones advice, and I have a list of questions going. I am hoping they can do the surgery on Labor day the 7th. I will have off work, and will then just need to take the 8th off. I am unsure if they will do that, but we will see.

Last night I got Mike distracted (finally) from the situation at hand, and had him concentrating on our vacation in February. He finally started looking at the places I had researched, and he seemed genuinely excited about it. He even called his brother and researched the airline passes with him. We have some from a friend, but we still have to pay taxes, etc. If we use his brothers passes, it's a little cheaper. I am not sure which route we will go. So we finally picked a spot, and we set the dates. We really need this. I cannot express how much we need this.

Now I am making some phone calls to try to make sure we will have our nurse full time to help us after the surgery. I was told yesterday we had to wait until the surgery was performed, and then apply, but I am not accepting that. I want to make sure she is there for the recovery, and to help us manage Jude's pain (if any). I also want someone there that is experienced with watching G buttons for infection, and leaking. I know this is suppose to be a simple procedure, and I am going to keep the faith it will be. Although, we all know Jude normally doesn't do anything "simple". So I am going to ruffle my feathers up, and see what I can do about the nurse.

Setting the consult

Mike called the surgeons office this morning, and he is waiting on a call back. They will want to do a consult prior to the surgery itself so we can meet the team. We are going to try to set the surgery for mid September after Jude's birthday. Mike would teeter last night between being alright with the surgery, and still feeling defeated. He said he thought it was better to do this while Jude is young vs when he is older. He said "God forbid he is older and still not communicate he is in pain, so he would just lay there in pain". Honestly, I am not sure Jude's brain properly relays what pain is all the time. Last night I nicked his poor little finger while cutting his fingernails, and he laughed vs cried. That's how he reacts during his seizures a lot, he will laugh hysterically.

Mike also spent some time downstairs with us last night as a family. I got him to look at places we might go off on our vacation February. I told him I wasn't sure I could afford it, but I was going to sell my little heart out at Scentsy for the next few months. He seemed more interested in the idea of us going somewhere, and started investigating places to stay. He also had a large function on Thursday night where he will be able to promote his photography, and I think that will be good for him.

Thank you for the amazing outpouring of support, and advice yesterday. I so appreciate the kind words, and Jocalyns nice phone call. I will take everyone's advice into consideration when we go in for the consult. I did find out that the surgery will be performed at a surgery center vs the hospital. This led me to wonder about Jude's medicaid vs health insurance, this may lead to issues, but I don't want to tell Mike that yet. If that's the case then we will travel to Cook's where I know they can help us out.

One good piece of news. I am down 4 pounds since starting my diet. Bad news is I have a HUGE obsession now with Pei Wei Vietnamese salad rolls. Not the wraps, the rolls. They are 80 calories a piece......and they ate YUMMY!

The G button decision

So the time has come, we have decided to get the G button. Mike, and I have tried as long as we can to get Jude to eat normally. Jude had problems eating with me yesterday. He ate about 5 ounces at 10am, and didn't eat again until after 7:30 pm. That is just not enough! Mike called me earlier while I was working just exasperated, and said he thinks it's time to get the button. Honestly, when I heard him say that I just made up my mind that this is it, it's time. I went into action mode. I called the nurse to see what we need to do to extend her to full time to care for Jude after the surgery, and I then emailed my boss letting him know I will need some time off. Mike's job was to call the GI specialist to schedule the surgery. I have no idea if he has called him yet, but I doubt it. I know in the end this decision will benefit Jude, but it still makes us feel like we are giving up.

Mike is having a very hard time, and it's honestly it's wearing on our marriage. I am doing my very best to help him cope with everything, but there is only so much I can do. He now feels like a failure, and that nothing ever goes his way because of the G button. I understand his reasoning. It's not the G button itself, we know that will ease our life some, it's just the fact it's another step. It's Mike accepting the fact his son will never be more than a baby. We can hope, but there comes a point to where you do have to accept some realization. Mike was questioning why we had Jude this morning, but I told him we can never look back, and we need to appreciate Jude for who he is. I am unsure when we will schedule the surgery, but it will be pretty soon. I would like to wait until after Jude's birthday, but I am not sure we will. So we will be trained on how to properly care for Jude's tube. We will also continue with speech therapy to try, and get Jude to eat normally in the future.

I have requested some time off work in February. Our good friend gave us some airline passes, and Mike, and I are going to get away. I think we need the break from everything, and just some time to ourselves. Making a marriage last takes work, and especially when you have other issues affecting your everyday life. Honestly, I am pretty much a go with the flow type of person. I will do what I can to try and see the positive in every situation. Mike tends to get frustrated with me because I do that, but I just hate being negative. It's no way to live your life. Now don't get me wrong there are days where I don't want to answer a text, or a call, or anything because I am busy, and just overwhelmed. Days where I want to be happy for everyone elses good news, babies, and more, but I can't. Days where people's uplifting words of encouragement don't help. It happens, it's rare but it happens! By the way, this is one of those days.

Edward Cullen? Justin Bieber? Nope, it's Terry Fator

So remember I told you that my daughter has an obsession with Terry Fator? Well she had written him the cutest letter telling him she wants to be a ventriloquist just like he is. She then asked him to perform for her charity. Anyway, Emily received a response in the mail from his "fan camp", and explained Mr Fator is much to busy to perform for her charity. Regardless she was so excited to receive his letter, and a signed picture that it now adorns her door to her room.

Move over Justin Bieber, here comes Terry Fator.

The loft, and the beard

Yesterday when I got home Jude was SO happy to see me. He was ready for me to pick him up, and he just grinned from ear to ear. Mike told me that Jude had been very rude to him that day because he kept crying every time he picked him up. I just kind of ignored what Mike was saying because sometimes he is a man and complains for no reason. Although, later that night he picked Jude up, and started kissing him, and Jude's little lip poked out, and he let out the most pitiful heart wrenching wail. It was the type of cry that breaks your heart because the baby seems to have had their feelings hurt. So I took Jude back, and consoled him, and he immediately was better. Mike just looked at me a bit shocked, and a a bit concerned. I said "Well you were probably mean to him, and he has had enough" I was joking with him. Anyway, I finally looked at Mike, and said "It's your beard!". It was an ah ha moment, so Mike is shaving today.

Jude's seizures have greatly decreased since increasing the Felbatol. This is a God Send, and we hope it lasts. The nurse has been watching Jude closely, and monitoring his skin for bruises, etc.

So I learned to hold my tongue yesterday when I had an ill educated man in my office. The customer was telling my co worker how his wife is a therapist that travels from school to school working with children that are disabled. He explained how that was her "great tax dollars at work", and how she even has to assist those that are so disabled they will never progress any further. So therefore, their parents are getting "free baby sitting". Luckily my friend Jenn is pretty great, and told him they could sit and argue that issue, all day long. I think this surprised him because he did some serious back peddling. People that are not in a situation of having a disabled child no little about what your home life is like, and how you are desperate for some interaction for your child. Also the fact that they can progress, and to never give up faith.

We set up, well I set up, and Emily's Smile Box station at the house. My house has been flooded by cardboard boxes overflowing with beanie babies, and more. That is wonderful, but I needed it to be a bit neater. So I finally had the ability to go out, and purchase some shelving. I worked on getting everything organized, and I think it is beginning to look pretty nice. I still have work to do, but so far so good. Speaking of Emily's Smile Boxes, we are in need of small toys, coloring books, small puzzles, and stickers. If you are interested in donating please let us know. I did just get some information regarding applying for a grant from a a bank. I am not an attorney so looking over their requirements for the grant proposal is a little like looking at algebraic equations, but I will figure it out

I am going back home to work on the loft, and I hope it looks great finished. Also, on a side note I feel like a big girl today because I set up an IRA. I have mentioned that i have no retirement here at my office, and I have been very worried about that. So I saved a bit (which is hard with us), and strapped on my big girl suspenders. We will see how this pans out.

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Smile Boxes party pictures

As promised here are some pictures from the Emily's Smile Boxes making party. We are now working on saving for Christmas Boxes. To donate to Emily's cause please visit http://www.emilyssmileboxes.com/. Thank you so much!!!

Face painting fun:

Coloring Boxes:

Time to load up:

Jude and Aunt Docia, and Hanna

Unloading at Children's

Balloon hats:

Packing boxes:

The weekend update

The Emily's Smile Boxes making party went amazing. The news piece on NBC showed four times prior to the party so we had a few people stop by that we had never met. Unfortunately, I was so busy running around talking to everyone that I failed to properly greet everyone, but I tried. I was so thankful to all the donations, and new faces.

Mike and I loaded all the supplies that morning into two separate vehicles, and took it to the community center about eleven thirty. We then unloaded, and set everything up to be ready for the crowd coming to help at one. Once everything got set up we were ready for everyone to show up. To our surprise our amazing crowd of helpers put all 205 boxes together........in ONE hour! We were speechless. I was so exhausted from getting everything loaded, unloaded, and sorted that I only made about ten boxes. I felt like I fell behind, but I was also talking to everyone that arrived as well.

I then sent Mike back to the house to pick up Jude, and his nurse Charlotte, and a flat of boxes. I figured we would accept everyone's offer to continue to help. Once he got back I had the crowd color boxes that would be used for the Christmas Smile Boxes making party. We had hired Toybox the clown, and a face painter to entertain the crowd, and they were a hit! Toybox was amazing with balloon animals, and more. The face painter entertained as long as she could, and even painted a mustache/beard on my child........sigh! Jude even joined in the fun, and received a balloon hat, and a rattle specially made by Toybox the clown. The nurse, and I both noticed that Jude would perk up when other kids would come around. He would wiggle his feet like he wanted to walk, and his eyes would dart towards the kids, and he giggled. I know he wants to play so bad, and I hope someday he will. I was SO happy that his nurse came with us Sunday. I knew I could relax and worked the party, while Jude was in very capable amazing hands. Wonder if I could convince her to go on vacation with us...lol.

After the party ended, we filled two SUV'S and my car full of boxes, and headed towards Children's hospital in Dallas. It took the Child life coordinators four LARGE bins, one small bin, and a wagon to take all the boxes inside. We had new helpers this time, and it was so amazing!!!

I will post some pictures tomorrow of all the great Smile Boxes activities. Now we focus our attention on Christmas boxes, and I feel a bit overwhelmed. After awhile people have "heard enough" about your charity, and they begin to move on. That doesn't mean you need any less help. We know Emily's boxes make a profound difference to the patients, and their siblings, especially at Christmas time. Cook's explained to us that the patients receive lots of donation at Christmas, but the siblings normally have nothing. So it's very important to us to get out as many boxes as possible. Our goal is 400 boxes, plus teddy bears for all the babies, and siblings. That means we will need at a minimum $3000, but would prefer $4000, to insure we make the boxes the best we can. So today my head SWAM with ways to achieve this goal. I posted an update on facebook, but didn't receive one response. So now I am trying to figure out the best way to achieve this figure. Any ideas are welcomed. Besides having Taylor Swift or Justin Bieber show up along side Toybox the clown I am at a loss. I do have some amazing friends that are talking about helping out including our great blogging friend Steve who once again dedicated a weekend day to helping Emily's Smile Boxes.

Jude is currently trying to crawl off his Cowboy's blanket, so I better go get him.

Jude's story

I have received an overwhelming response from Emily's news brief yesterday, and that's wonderful. One man even sent a donation of $500, which will help so many children. In addition to donations, and interest in helping her, I have received several questions regarding Jude's condition. I have started directing people to the blog. I then realized my blog is lengthy, and rather difficult to navigate sometimes. Many people have heard Jude's story, but I thought I would write it again for those that have never heard it before. So this is the condensed version.

When I married Mike I knew he wanted a baby. He and his first wife had suffered through five miscarriages, and it had been very difficult. She had a disease that prevented a viable pregnancy, rather they were ectopic. Mike's parents are in their seventies, and he had expressed to me that they really wanted to see his child before they passed away. So he was elated when I came to him, and told him we were expecting. It seemed the pregnancy was plagued with problems from the beginning. At first they couldn't find the baby via a sonogram, and the doctor worried the pregnancy was ectopic. Mike immediately began to panic because of what he had been through before, but luckily a little baby was seen only two weeks later (what seems a very long 2 weeks later). From there things were pretty much normal. We dreamt of the baby we would have, we guessed the sex, and we watched the baby grow. My OB has sonograms in every room, so with every visit we got a sneak peek. We went through our nucuel test, and everything looked perfect. The OB even said she thought we might be having a girl. So let me point out that the multiple in office sonograms showed everything was perfect with the preganancy! Since I was 35 my OB was precautionary, and requested I see the perinatologist next door for a level 2 sonogram. So my husband and I made our appointment, and went in all excited to finally find out for sure the gender, and that everything was fine.

When I settled myself into the table I stared at the large screen on the wall where the baby would be displayed. We watched the doctor go over every inch of our baby telling us everything looked perfect. He asked us if we knew the sex, and we said "no, but the OB thinks its a girl". He then made several off color remarks about the fact this baby was very much a BOY! In the next instant the doctor turned from joking to very quiet, and my motherly instinct knew something was wrong. "What is it?" I asked. "Your baby's brain ventricles are on the upper end of the normal range". "Well what does that mean?" I asked. " It means it's normal" he said. I am sure he was trying to calm my fears, but it sounded more like a father putting an end to a conversation. Then he said that just in case he wanted to get an amnio, and send us to UT Southwestern medical center for an in utero MRI. "That doesn't sound that normal" I said, and he just looked at me. I submitted to the amnio. I had had one with Emily.........(which was a very normal pregnancy), so I was prepared for what it would be like. I then knew there would be a week long wait or more before we heard if there was a genetic disorder. It wasn't the longest week EVER! During the wait they set up the appointment for the in utero MRI. Who knew you could MRI a baby before the baby had even been born.

I soon received a phone call that the amnio showed everything was normal, this brought much relief. So then we had to tackle the MRI. I hate closed spaces, I panic in elevators so much that I would climb several stories of stairs to avoid them, so you can only imagine me stuck inside something as enclosed as a coffin is. Mike was able to stand in the room with me, and he held my hand while they scanned the baby. Once it was over they came to escort us out, and I glanced inside the room where they were viewing the images. I saw the doctor resting on her hand on the table, covering her mouth, staring at the images in front of her, and I knew it wasn't good. After about fifteen minutes the doctor came to get us, and she escorted us to her office. When she pulled out a box of kleenex I knew it wasn't good news. She initially told us that we needed to keep in mind the "fetus" was only 19 weeks, and it was difficult to image a brain so young. Then she cleared her throat and told us "with that being said I have only seen one other case like your sons, and it wasn't a good result". I think it was the first time I had heard our baby called "our son". She talked in very technical terms, but my brain seemed to grasp everything, and before I knew it there were tears running down my face. I looked down, and when I looked up she had tears running down hers. "I am sorry" she said. "There are people that come in here that shouldn't be parents, but when I get a couple that truly wants a baby it breaks my heart to deliver news like this". So what had she said? She had taken out a sheet of paper, and drawn a brain. On either side of the brain she had colored in two black spots, and then said "it appears there has been a hypoxic ischemic event, these dark spots appear to be blood". It was months later that I finally realized her fancy words meant "stroke". She then said this had caused massive damage to the brain, and her prediction was the baby would have serious issues. She then said she would send the information over to our perinatologist.

Before we went back to the perinatologists office we visited a neurosurgeon with Cook's children hospital. He was phenomenal. He said that a baby's brain is like elastic, and even though the brain cannot heal permanent damage, it can reroute itself. He also said the brain is the most misunderstood organ in the body. He said the baby could have no issues, or issues ranging from dyslexia to severe. He then went on to tell us how many babies suffer strokes in utero up to 1 out of every 4000. Some people won't even know their child had a stroke because the brain heals itself, and they may just present with ADD, or some other issue later in life. After we left his office we felt a bit better, only to fall down again when we went back to the perinatologist for the follow up from the MRI. I can only imagine how the doctor felt coming into our room. He half smiled, and said he assumed we knew what they found on the MRI, and we acknowledged we did. His next words will always stay with me. He said "this is where we decide if you want to continue the pregnancy. If you do then you move forward, and you never look back wondering what if, and if you don't the same rule applies". We sighed. We knew we would keep "Jude", but we asked anyway. "What if we decided not to continue". He said " then you would have to go to the abortion clinic in Dallas because the hospital will not recognize the need for an abortion regarding a pregnancy that may be alright". WOW, I thought. Flashes of making my way through to a clinic with people picketing outside rang through my head. Then the doctor spoke "there are some people that have a type a personality and cannot handle a child with special needs. In fact, more often than not if a child is born to those parents and they are informed something has gone wrong...they will leave them behind". I was shocked! Really? Could people do this? So Mike, and I looked at the doctor and informed him that we cannot abort a baby that might or might not have issues, he was our son, and we were continuing on. He accepted our answer, and said they would scan Jude's head every two weeks looking for growth and development. If the baby did not grown we knew there were severe issues, and he might not make it.

The rest of the pregnancy was plagued with major issues. It's almost like my body was trying to terminate. It's was almost like nature was trying to take over. I had kidney issues, a serious blood and platelet problem, and early labor starting at 31 weeks. I was in and out of the hospital, wound up with an IV in my leg at home, and constant monitoring that would communicate via a phone line to a nurse on call. During this time Jude's head circumference...........grew..........every week. The doctors were baffled, and began to call Jude "a true miracle". Once we got to 38 weeks they requested we update them on his progress because he would give hope to other babies. Then it was time to deliver. After 12 hours of labor with Mike, and my cousin at my side I gave birth to Jude. It was of course, not uneventful! The epidural only took on one side, my platelets plummeted, and Jude suffered shoulder distosia. I remember the doctor saying "Oh hell no, this baby is NOT going to have shoulder distosia after everything he has been through". She commanded that my cousin (a mid wife), and the nurse crawl on top of me and push my stomach down as hard as they could. Mike was panicking, and I was pushing as hard as I could, and then we heard a cry, and I looked immediately at Jude's head. "It's small I thought" but not to small. Jude looked squished, but so beautiful, and he let out mighty cries.

The next day the pediatrician came in to tell us Jude checked out in the nursery 100% healthy, and we felt so relieved. Then the next day we found out that there were some issues on the head sonogram, but that he still seemed to be normal. He had perfect reflexes, was eating normal, reacted normal, and was deemed 100% normal with a 9.9 on the Apgar! We were more than thrilled at this news, we had our baby boy, and we thought he had overcome the odds!!!

We spent three glorious months assuming Jude was fine. He rolled over, was holding his head up, smiled, and seemed like the perfect baby. Emily had a beautiful brother, and she had become the perfect sister. I spent a lot of time playing with Jude, we planned Emily's 10th birthday party, I started a college fund through a whole life policy for Jude thinking he was healthy, and we moved on with our lives. We moved on... until one night when Jude was 3 months old. Mike had gone to a friends house. I was home with the kids, and suddenly Jude began to open his mouth over, and over, and I noticed his eyes fluttering a bit. Being a second time mom.......I knew........this was NOT normal. Mike walked through the door, and I said "I think the baby is having a seizure", and Mike fell down in front of Jude crying, it broke my heart. We took Jude by my cousins who looked at him opening and closing his mouth. She said it was different, but maybe just a baby thing. I still didn't feel comfortable, so we took him up to Cook's, where and I wrote down on the sign in sheet "possible seizure?". Suddenly I had a nurse rushing out to see Jude, and he looked into Jude's eyes. He then took us to the back immediately, and told the doctor something about Jude "focusing on the left", and possible Grand Mal seizure. WHAT?

We waited patiently to hear the results from the MRI thinking they would probably show something. They showed a lot. It no longer showed the blood from the stroke, but it showed massive damage. The doctor that came in just ran through the motions, and said Jude would never be more than a baby, he would never walk, he would never talk, and he probably wouldn't make it past five. We expected to hear news, but not that news. We were devastated. I was angry! I left the hospital staring at women with normal children, or who were pregnant envious of their happiness. I left that hospital, and left my normal life behind.

Once we went through our steps of grieving we gathered ourselves, and pulled ourselves up . We found a new neurologist who did not put an expiration label on Jude. We sought out therapy, a nurse, and all the help we could obtain. We battled insurance companies, and the state to make sure Jude had the best he could get. We spent countless hours in and our of hospitals. He battled a round of pneumonia (which is what will normally kill a child in Jude's condition), and we learned of countless other mothers in my same circumstance. I met amazing people with amazing children that had special needs, and then I learned to never look through someone that is different again. I learned to asked questions, to educate myself, and to put down my pride and accept help when it was offered. I learned that many times I had to console others when they thought they were consoling me. It was a different way of life, but one that seemed to offer more than what I thought it would. During one of Jude's many hospital stays where we smelled the horrible smell of EEG glue, Emily stepped forward. She was lonely, and bored, and also needed to find a purpose to work through what was happening. Emily came up with the idea to help others, and we started Emily's Smile Boxes. Suddenly little Jude had inspired my amazing daughter to do something heroic, Jude had at such a small age, had a legacy.

We know that Jude's condition is never truly stable, and can change at an instant. He has such a severe form of epilepsy that it has it's own label, but labels don't matter much to us so I won't post it. He is also legally blind, and has cerebral palsy. His immune system is very vulnerable, and he receives several medications several times a day. In December of 2009 Jude suffered a horrible bout of the rotavirus, and CDIF. After Jude recovered we had a doctor tell us he was amazed Jude made it through, but he is our little fighter. We are so blessed, and so thankful for Jude. We have met amazing people through Jude's illness. I encourage you to click on the links to the right to read about Kendall, Max, and Rheagan Leigh, and their heroic mothers. Jocalyn has been invaluable to me with information, and education. SO our road has been difficult, but laced with so many blessings. I believe someones story is always worse, and we should be thankful for what we have been given. We pray for as many days as we can get with Jude. The first neurologist may have been harsh but at near the age of two Jude is still about a 3 month old, but we love his darling smiles.

I feel like Jude follows the slogan like the Army's. He has done more by the age of 2 than most of us will do in our lifetime!

A little update

We are having a quiet day at home today, and it is lovely. I am still not out of my pajama's, and just relaxing on the couch with Mike, and Jude. Emily is spending the night with her dad tonight, and he will then bring her to the Smile Boxes making party tomorrow.

Jude seems to be doing very well today. The increased Felbatol is decreasing the seizures, and the spasms. They are not gone completely, but their intensity have decreased greatly. Anything that will decrease his seizures is wonderful. We now have to test his blood in the next few weeks to make sure the Felbatol is within the right limits. Oh, and since we have started the iron supplements we have noticed that Jude's coloring is getting a bit better.

Tomorrow is Emily's Smile Box making party in Grapevine at the Grapevine Convention Center from 1-4. Yesterday NBC channel 5 ran an incredible piece on Emily and her upcoming party. I have not been able to find the video online, but here is the article http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local-beat/Delivering-Smiles-One-Box-at-a-Time-100136099.html. I was very impressed with Emily, because she completed this interview on her own. I had to work so she was responsible for handling everything that day. Mike was there with her, but she did everything on her own. I was also very impressed with the reporter. She really spent time making sure the report was done in the best possible manner. We also found out she had to work really hard to overcome Dyslexia, and through determination made it as a reporter.

I just finished watching Marley and Me again so I am off to wash all the tears off my face. Sigh!

The Circus trip was amazing. Barnum and Bailey really went above, and beyond to make Emily feel amazingly special. Mike, and Jude were not able to go because Mike was still not feeling well. Honestly, it was for the best because the whole event was long, and very loud. Since they didn't go we took Emily's cousin Faith with us, and I think she had a really good time. Once we got to the American Airlines center they instructed us to go through the employee entrance to meet our coordinator. Emily, and Faith then began commenting on how they could tell people they worked for the Circus once.

Once we were inside they greeted the three Barnum award winners, and their family. To read more about the award you can go to this link: http://thebarnumaward.com/. They don't have the DFW winners up yet, but they should soon. After the initial greeting they took us for a special back stage tour of the workings, and operations of the circus. We learned some very interesting facts, and it was fascinating seeing everything up close. We learned that there are 300 people that travel with the circus including staff, entertainers, and families. They still travel by train, and everyone pretty much lives on the train. They also took us for an up close personal look at the animals, and I was glad they did this. Due to negative press in the pass I was very interested in asking questions regarding the treatment of the elephants. They didn't have to take us back there, and they didn't have to answer my questions, but they did. The gentlemen that performed the tour was very honest with me. I told him I have friends that boycott the circus because of the elephants. He said, "and I understand that. This isn't the place for these animals they should be free. We have 23 elephants that have been bred into captivity, and we treat them like we would want to be treated" He went on to tell me how they retire their elephants earlier, and they have an elephant resort in Florida. How they have also set up an Asian Elephant conservatory, and more to try to save the great elephant that are going extinct. The animals had large nice set ups on the bottom floor of the facility. They also had "outside" time, and "pool" time. I could also tell their trainers just adored them. I know it's still not the place for them, but it did make me feel a little better seeing how sweet the elephant and her trainer were to each other (and this is when they didn't think I was looking). Faith, and Emily both got to feed "Asia" the elephant, and she loved the bread.

After we met the animals including a feisty mini horse named ramsack, we went on to the big ring. We were let into the main stage of the circus to meet, and mingle with the clowns before the public appeared. The clowns dressed the girls in funny outfits, did little tricks with them, and took lots of pictures. After that they let the public in, and we were swept off to interview with channel 11 for a news story that will run Friday morning. Emily also talked to KRLD and should be featured tomorrow morning on 1080 am. Once the circus started they whisked the winners Harry, Emily, and Grace to the side entrance to prepare for their awards ceremony. One by one they called the kids out, and in front of thousands of people they were recognized for their generous community work. Grace the bronze winner was born very premature and with spina bifida, she and her family have worked to raise over $150,000 for March of Dimes. The Gold winner was Harry, and I hope I remember his story correctly (it was very loud). He shared his Bar Mitzvah with a holocaust survivor that never had one, and inspired others to do the same. None of these children were looking for recognition, but you could tell their stories inspire others to donate to their communities, and that's what Emily has always wanted.

Barnum and Bailey, and Feld Entertainment were also nice enough to send home a little stuffed baby elephant for Jude. Emily snuck into his room when we got home, and slipped the little elephant under his arm. I think he will like it. I believe the girls named the elephant "zemzi".

It was an experience of a lifetime, and their contribution will help with the 400 Christmas boxes Emily wants to pass out. Thank you Barnum and Bailey.

Very shakey video, but you can hear the ringmaster talking about Em.

The man, the circus, and the blood

I am being whiney again so bear with me in the next paragraph, and then I will move on.

Let's talk about the man. I feel like the man controls my everyday life. I work for the man that demands a lot of my time, but I enjoy my job so it all works out. I enjoy the fact that I can comfort those who expect to see a "man" in my position, and I am able to rectify their situation to their highest expectations without a mans help. I love the fact they say they will always call and consult with me for any future issues regarding any situation my expertise can satisfy.
Yesterday I had one little man crying in his bed, while one big man was extremely sick in the bathroom. Said boss man expected me to be at work, because our other employee was out. I understand it's not my agency, but I cannot afford to lose my job. So to make said boss man happy, said husband man would be unhappy, and little man would be left wanting more. I could not call in sick, and I had to go off to work, there was no choice yesterday. I felt guilty all the way around. I would feel guilty letting my boss man down if I called in, but I still felt guilty leaving my sick man, and my little man. So I went to work, and literally worked my tail OFF yesterday. I was exhausted. Once I got home the sick man handed me little man, and I checked into another shift. The man has me down I tell you!

So the doctor called back yesterday, and I guess one of Jude's labs had not come in on Friday when they initially called me. Therefore, they have retracted there statement that there was nothing wrong, and are now saying that Jude is indeed borderline anemic. His panel has now dropped from 9 to an 8, so it was even lower than the initial test that sent us into the frenzy. Since his liver functions are showing perfect, they are assuming he just needs a supplement. Therefore I have to stop, and pick up an over the counter medication for him. I am sure this is just an issue with needing an supplement, although it did make me wonder. I had such terrible blood problems when I was pregnant with Jude, that I still wonder if any of it attributed to his stroke. One issue I had was anemia. We have not finished the 2nd, and 3rd panel of Jude's "stroke" work up to see if there was an underlying cause. He had gotten sick, and wound up in the hospital before we finished. The first round of blood work came back perfect, so we need to finish the second rounds. I believe we will do this the next time they test his felbatol levels.

Once I got home yesterday Jude was all smiles, and giggles for me until about 10:30. Poor guy started teething again, and he was NOT happy. He also had about a thirty minute or more seizure yesterday. We just increased his Felbatol level so this could be an adjustment to the medication. We have seen the small seizures drop, and they turned into one long seizure during the day. It's strange how medication can affect your body. Jude has also rubbed his little chin raw again on his blanket. He wants to be on his tummy all the time, and will literally scream until we put him down. I am coating his chin with a medication to help. We are trying to keep him on his back, but he just wants no part of it.

Tonight Emily has the Barnum hero award at the circus, and she is so excited. She is going to get to bring her cousin since Jude will be sitting on our lap. I am unsure how Jude will do with the loud noises, but if it becomes to much I will excuse myself. Emily actually gets to participate in a part of the circus, so I know she will have a great time. We also have her Emily's Smile Boxes making party on Sunday, and we are really excited about that.

The lake

Jude was suppose to have an appointment with his GI specialist this morning to review the lab work. The doctor called early, and said he reviewed all the blood work, and it's perfect. He said they are going to chalk this incident up to a HUGE scare caused by a lab error. Nice! I am just grateful Jude is alright. He told us to watch for blood in his stool, but other than that we are free to think Jude is just fine.

Jude learned a bit of peek a boo this weekend. He cannot hold his head up for long so while holding his his head will rest into my should covering his eyes. When he would lift it I would say "Peek a boo Jude", and he would smile. This caused him to try to lift his head several times until he just got to tired to hold it up anymore.


Saturday we spent the day at my aunt's lake house with my friend Fleck. We had a great time just relaxing, and enjoying each others company. I keep telling my aunt I am going to move in there one day, and we will all just have to co-habitat. I love being by the water, well minus the snakes. My aunt was so gracious because she took us all to dinner at Go Go Gumbo, which is amazing. There is an old house next to my aunts house that I will show you below, and I am waiting for the people who own it to sell it, so I can win the lottery, and buy it. Big dream huh? I just love the house. The highlight of the day was watching Emily, and Fleck ride off on my aunts father in laws motorized scooter. I was cracking up.

Saturday after we got home from the lake Jude went to sleep fairly well. He then decided to wake up at three because his teeth were hurting. He was up, and down until about five thirty, and I decided to give him a bottle. Jude then went into a terrible seizure that lasted on, and off about twenty minutes (remember Jude has cluster seizures). After that he spent another thirty minutes cracking up. I would run my fingers through his hair, and he would laugh, and laugh.

I have also noticed that Jude enjoys being at home. When we take him out of his environment he is starting to get a little disturbed. I told Mike, he is turning into him. All Mike wants to do is be left alone in his "man cave" upstairs.