new plan for Ben

Yesterday morning I brought Ben to see Dr. R, his gastro doctor. After a phone consult on Thursday he wanted to do the scope on the 17th of this month and then Ben would have the other tests and his adenoids out on June 14th. That would mean two trips to Children's hospital but more then that it would mean putting Ben under twice and putting him through two procedures in a short time. This is something we have tried to avoid.
However, because of Ben's eating so little, a couple bites a day, Dr. R said it just wasn't good to continue waiting.
Then I began doubting myself and thinking maybe I was just over reacting about the eating thing. If you look at Ben he is doing so well for the most part. He has lots of energy and never stops moving! Other then his lack of growing and even losing some weight you would never know he wasn't eating. So I asked to bring Ben in so he could be seen by Dr. R and get the whole growth check done.
Dr. R is getting more worried. Yes, Ben is doing well energy wise but that is because he is still mostly breastfed. At almost 15 months old he shouldn't be nursing as a source of nutrition. It is also concerning that Ben is no longer even putting most food into his mouth at all. Before he would "chipmunk" the food before spitting it out. Now though, he doesn't even put much into his mouth.
So we are trying to buy some time here so we can do everything at once on June 14th. Ben started a medicine last night that is supposed to make him have more of an appetite. (I would love it if I could just give him some of mine!) If this helps we will wait. However, if he is not eating much next week then we can't wait for the tests and Ben will have two separate trips to the OR.
Of course, this also worries me that he will eat more and make things worse inside his little body if there is something wrong but it is a risk that is worth taking.
So, I am hoping and praying that this works and that it doesn't cause further problems.
One of my prayers was answered this morning when Ben ate a GREAT breakfast! A normal 15 month old breakfast!
He has been quite cranky though so I hope he was just extra tired and needed an early nap.
I'll keep you updated!

Ben's appointment

Today was Ben's consult appointment up at the Children's hospital with the pediatric ENT.

Man, it had been causing me some serious anxiety so I am glad it is done. I can't imagine how I will be when the real big day comes for surgery and tests!

Any way, it went ok. The day had some good points and some not so good points....

*I loved the doctor! He was great with Ben and with me. He does definitely feels like taking Ben's adenoids out is the right choice. He is also planning to run three other tests while they are in surgery. I don't know the exact names of them but basically it is using a scope to look down his airway and doing a biopsy of some sort that will take a month to get the results from!
*And, Ben did awesome both ways and it is a looooong drive! He slept just about the whole time. I guess getting him up at 4:45am was a good idea!
*Walking up and down the halls watching him ham it up with all the people was just adorable. That baby, oops toddler, can get just about anyone to smile instantly! Playing at the park was fun too!
*The not so good point is that I had a message when I got home that the surgery would not take place for over two months on July 14th!!! I am hoping and praying that will change as Ben has not been eating except a couple of bites a day for a few days now. He did eat a few bites at dinner but that was after NOTHING, NOT ONE BITE all day. Yesterday he consumed less then a table spoon of hummus THE ENTIRE DAY! He has had a few ounces of milk each day so that is an improvement.
*Warning TMI* I am concerned that his "mommy's milk" is running out. There does not seem to be enough lately for him and he is getting frustrated about it. And honestly, although I would prefer not to still be nursing, I was thankful that I was able to provide nutrition for him some how. I am very worried that is not the case anymore.
We have got to figure out why this kid doesn't eat. Why he puts food into his cheek, sucks on it, and then spits it out. We need to have these tests and surgery done soon, in my opinion. I have a call in to the gastro doctor and hopefully will get his opinion tomorrow morning...
So, there you have it, that was our day...

a soccer shirt...

Mom and Dad, this one's for you....

We love soccer here! Chris and I both played while growing up. The two older monkeys play and Maggie plans to join them this fall.
So, when Ben's Godfather bought him this shirt for his birthday we were in love...

With the shirt that is....

Well, we do love Joe too but the shirt is perfect for our family and for our baby monkey. Ahem, toddler monkey...

I mean, look at him, how can you not be in love!!!

Side note: These pictures were also taken on Saturday after a very long, wonderful day of playing outside. Oh, and spaghetti for dinner too! Let's hope bleach is up for the job!

that face

The other day I was looking at my sweet Maggie and was brought back to a day almost three years ago.
It was this past Saturday and the kids had played outside ALL DAY enjoying the beautiful weather. They were FILTHY to put it mild. Which I don't mind at all. In my opinion a filthy kid is one that was having a lot of fun!

Look at that face! There had to be a pound of dirt on it...

And I was brought back to when she was just a bit older then Ben is now. She was already so independent and adventurous. We were at my friend Megan's house on a day very similar to Saturday.

I can't recall just what she was doing but I remember looking at her and just being so in love with her beauty and personality.

I wouldn't be telling the whole truth if I didn't tell you that I was also thinking about the fact that I didn't want to put her into her car seat in my van, but we won't dwell on that.

She is just so amazing and I can't get enough of her amazingness. Is that a word?

I love it when I am so instantly brought back to a memory from seeing, hearing, or smelling something.

(Side note: Every time I smell Oil-of-Olay I am brought back to my mom during my childhood! I love that smell!)

I also love that technology is so great that I can look back at pictures of that very moment and see it even more clear.

So, that's my story. I think I may have lead people to believe that it was a great story, one they couldn't miss, but I guess, for me, that is the case...

See this face..

See this face....

Tomorrow I will tell you more about it....

A scrappin party

Last Saturday afternoon we celebrated Katelyn's birthday with a few of her great friends. She wanted to have a scrapbooking party and since I have all the supplies I thought that was a great idea!
At the party we had a yummy lunch!!!

Did lots of scrappin! Everyone's book came out great!

Katelyn opened some wonderful gifts from her friends!

Instead of cake we had cookies. Frosting makes Katelyn's teeth "shivery" for some reason. We have asked about it at the dentist a number of times but they say she just has sensitive teeth.

It was a wonderful time, with beautiful weather, and fantastic friends!!

Not to mention, I love me some scrappin!!!

Alaina's birthday

Last weekend, on Sunday afternoon, we got together with family. Chris' Dad's side of the family... The weather was beautiful and we got to celebrate Alaina's second birthday! The kids played ball, searched for bugs, and lots more fun outside stuff.
The kids got to goof around with cousins with harmonicas and cowboy hats...

From worms to bunnies, ducks, chickens and a goat, we had a blast at Alaina's birthday party!

And, we all know, the kids love horses so riding on them was GREAT!!!

What a wonderful way to spend our Sunday afternoon!

Happy birthday Alaina!!!