Long time, no update...

I didn't realize it's been a month since I posted. Things have been busy around here. :)

- Claire turned 1 last Sunday. It's hard to believe a year has passed. She weighs 18 lbs. 6 oz. and is 29 inches tall now. This past year with her was full of so much emotion. I have been reading a few blogs written by moms of babies with liver issues since we started dealing with Claire's. In this last week, I've stumbled upon two more of babies with Biliary Atresia... the really bad thing we thought Claire had. I am more grateful than ever that we're not on that road and my heart breaks for those who are. I am so thankful for my (not-quite-a) baby girl and her health. She says some words now, runs around, drinks milk from cups (no more bottles or formula), eats everything in sight, hates the word "no" and is just a treasure. We love her so much.

- Brian and I both celebrated birthdays recently. Another year older, and feeling it. :)

- Lauren has grown leaps and bounds in preschool. She loves it and is so proud of herself. Brian, Claire and I joined her class for a Thanksgiving feast they prepared yesterday. It was so fun. Princess Ballerina Baby is growing up too.

- Josh is turning 11 in one month. He is, and always has been, a fantastic kid. He excels in school. He was recently selected to participate in the Midland Young Explorers program because his math and science grades are so good. His recent report card was great. I'm so proud of him. He starts middle school next year... I'm so not ready for that!

- Meghan is doing really well. In school, she's "achieving" everything she's working on in school. She's reading at a third grade level. Her writing is great and her handwriting is gorgeous. It's so much fun to watch her learn and grow. :)

Christmas is coming fast and therefore so is 2011. Time just flies! I can't wait to see what is ahead for us. :)

Mobile baby

Enjoy the show. :)

"A Last Trip to Grandma's" - A tearjerker by Josh

Josh had a writing prompt to work from in school this week. The prompt was "Special Person Memory Story". The rest was up to the kids. This is his story:

A Last Trip to Grandma's

I got out of the car, and ran down the hill almost tumbling. Then I ran up, but it was so hard, I was like a turtle. It was worth it because I got to see my Great Grandma Gokey. This is a special memory because it was her last 4th of July.

I started by playing basketball. She watched us play. Every time I made a shot she clapped for me. After basketball, we ate. I sat next to Grandma Gokey. Sitting by her was amazing.

I loved my Great Grandma Gokey so much. That is why it hurt when she died. I feel like a very lucky person because I got to spend time with my Great Grandma Gokey. My Great Grandma loved me so much. We will go to her house every 4th of July because my aunt lives there! My Great Grandma was one amazing lady!

Happenings

Life has been crazy. This year, with three kids in school, has been busier than I anticipated. I'm not oblivious... just too busy to have figured that out earlier.

Josh is in fifth grade now. His teacher is fantastic. Homework is gobs better this year. He's even more of a rock star in math than he used to be and he's one in social studies/history too. He's playing trumpet in band now. He was in the MPS Fun Run yesterday and came in 61st of about 100 kids. He's in faith formation class (last year of those - next year he would start youth group if he decides to go). He is a busy, happy kid.

Meghan is in second grade. Her teacher is kind and Meghan likes her. She has more homework this year but tackles it happily. Her writing is fantastic. She tells me it's because she "wants it to be perfect". She is still reading well and loves it. She's in faith formation too and it's a big year... Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation.

Lauren is in preschool three days a week. She loves her class and everyone in it. I work in her class once a month (co-op preschool). She is learning a lot and it's fun to see. She has become a fantastic helper around the house. Brian and I can see her maturing (for the most part) and it's fun to watch. She started faith formation this year and I am helping to teach her class. So far, so good.

Claire is growing up quickly. Her third tooth just poked through. She eats like a two-year old. She's taken a few steps but refuses to do it full-time so far. She says a lot of random words ("Spongebob", "I'm hungry") and cracks us up. She's a monkey, climbing stairs and into chairs, and is just a joy.

A month ago, Meghan had hives for a week and a half. Then a week and a half later, she got strep. Two days before Meghan finished her medicine, Claire got croup. It's been yucky and I'm ready for the return of my healthy kids.

I've been stressed. Work's been crazy, life has been busy and I feel like I barely have time to breathe. But I've made some new friends and gotten closer to existing ones and I'm enjoying my time with them and it's keeping me semi-sane.

Brian turns 40 in a month! We're having a party, open house style. If you're reading this and think you'd like to come help us celebrate, drop me a note with your mailing address (or leave me your email address and I'll get your address from you).

'Tis all for now - so I think. I'm making a list and heading to the store soon this morning. We're having friends over to watch some football, have lunch and play today. It's day like this that help in that quest for sanity. :)

Deanna

Done with Ann Arbor

Claire had her last blood draw...


... and then went to Ann Arbor. She played while waiting for the doctor...


... and wanted to know why I was taking pictures.


She tried to eat the paper (or maybe it was just fun to rip off the examining table).


And then checked out Dr. Bhatt one last time after we got the good news that she's been released from her care.


Yay Claire! We're done! And your liver is perfectly fine!!!

The School Year Has Begun

Josh started 5th grade today and Meghan started 2nd. Lauren starts preschool a week from today. I'm always a sap when the kids go to school but they're so excited that it's a bit easier on me.

Here are a few pictures from this morning.

I take their picture in front of the school sign every year. Josh has informed me that I'm not allowed to when he starts middle school next year *sniff*.


Dakota (see note below about why he was over this morning), Josh, Meghan and Lauren


Emily and Meghan - best friends (who were also brave on the rides together at the fair this summer)


Emily and Meghan with their favorite baby, Claire


So this year should be interesting and busy at our house. Josh's friend Dakota will be at our house every morning, as Eastlawn's new breakfast timing/rules don't allow for his mom to drop him off at school before work anymore. Brian will take him to school with our kids. Josh's best friend, Dylan, and his brother Dominic will be at our house after school every day until their mom gets out of work (around 5:15, just like me). So Brian will be bringing them home with our kids every day. Brian is apparently officially running "Daddy Daycare". :) It's all good, though, as the kids will have extra motivation to get moving in the morning (play time with Dakota) and will have friends to play with in the afternoon to blow off steam after school. :)

Fun summer pictures

Enjoy!

Heading to Ann Arbor Today

We're off to Ann Arbor for another GI visit for Claire today. She had blood drawn earlier this week. Don't even get me started on that... "our phlebotomist" retired and getting a replacement who's just as skilled did NOT go well. But it's done and I got the results yesterday. Her enzyme numbers are down. From what I can find online, one is now in normal range and one is still slightly elevated. I'm hoping I can talk the doctor into letting this be her last visit.

I'll update when I can.

4th Generation Radio

So I was cleaning Claire's room this morning and I found an ancient (like, 10 year old) Blue's Clues radio. Battery-operated and all. It plays four fabulous kidlet songs (featuring the Blue's Clues theme song). And it was Josh's... 10 years ago. And then it was Meghan's. And then it was Lauren's. And now it's Claire's. They've all loved that radio and it makes me giggle that Claire loves it too.

And then I found those 4th generation Children's Place elastic-waist size 6-month carpenter jeans and we won't talk about the tears that came to my eyes when I realized Claire can wear them now too. My babies are growing up.

Which means I'm old. LOL

Happenings...

Our busy summer remains that... busy.

- The girls and I had a fun time in Chicago. I'm glad we found time to make the trip.
- This weekend is my dad's family reunion. It's technically on Saturday but lots of people camp the whole weekend. We're doing the weekend thing (and renting a cabin both nights). The kids are excited. Pray for no (or at least limited) rain please.
- Lauren turns four on Sunday. Princess Ballerina Baby is going to be in preschool this fall. Crazy how fast she's grown. :)
- Claire's next appointment in Ann Arbor is August 20. She has to get blood drawn in the next week or so. Keep her in your prayers. Hopefully this is the last A2 trip she needs.
- Josh's MEAP scores were finally mailed to us (after I complained and calling higher-ups on the Board of Ed). He scored as advanced in both math and reading, the only things they test in 4th grade. His math score is the same as last year but he improved in reading. I'm so proud of him.
- Josh had his adenoids out this week. He's fine and he recovered well. We already see a difference in his lack of runny nose and he says he feels and hears a difference when he drinks. Hopefully it helps him overall.

That's about it for now, I think. I hope all is well with all of you!

Deanna

Long time, no post

Things have been busy lately and I haven't posted in a while. Brian and I have known since April that July was going to be crazy. Well, July is here and it has lived up to our expectations.

- Meghan is now seven years old. I don't know where time has gone, but she is growing up. We she celebrated with a gymnastics party with her friends, a play date at the spray park, Pizza Hut lunch, fun at Grandma and Papa's with her friend and lots of fireworks.
- Claire is now crawling. And pulling herself up on stuff. And eating real food (yet has no teeth). She is growing up way too fast as well. She's no longer satisfied in her Exersaucer... she wants to explore the world (and grab and eat everything in it).
- Lauren is about to turn four. And start preschool in the fall. Oy... time flies.
- Josh is enjoying summer. And playing lots of video games. And having friends over. Life's been good for him.
- Brian and I went to Cleveland last weekend for my job. It was a whirlwind, quick trip. We went without the kids (and were without Claire overnight for the first time ever). We had a good time.
- We girls are headed to Chicago this coming weekend. It's a girls' trip with Mimi, Aunt Beth, Allison, Meghan, Lauren, Claire and me. It's going to be fun. Lunch at the American Girl store, birthday shopping and whatever other fun we can fit in. The boys are going to stay home, golf with Pipi and see what other trouble they can get into while fending for themselves. :)
- Josh is having his adenoids taken out next week. He's worried but I know he'll be fine. It should help him in a few ways and I'm looking forward to the positive changes he'll have.

That's about it for now. Brian has been getting to DC fast and I'm barely on the road. Life's been too busy. But I'm stubborn and therefore I won't let myself fail at this. For that, I'm grateful. I need to be healthier and lose weight!

We hope your summer is as fun but not as busy as ours has been... :)

Deanna and fam

Biking to Washington, D.C.

Our friend Tina is walking from Saginaw to Chicago and back. You can learn more about her plan here: http://walshtina.blogspot.com/

She's inspired us.

Brian and I both want to be healthier, lose weight and get in better shape. So we've decided to bike to Washington, D.C. Brian's goal is one-way, mine is round trip. We plan to accomplish this by March 28, 2011, which is when we hope to leave Midland to spend Spring Break in D.C.

It's 636.5 miles each way. So round trip is 1273 miles. We have 274 days to do this. Brian's goal is 2.3 miles per day and mine is 4.6.

Wish us luck, and watch the trackers on the left to follow our progress!

Auditions for The Sound of Music

I went to my auditions for the Sound of Music. When I got there, I had to put on a little name tag that had the numbers 31. I went into the downstairs audition room and we got to sing a song. I sang "Doe a Deer". And we had to stop when a man started clapping and other people were clapping. Then it was like two and a half hours. We went into another room to practice dancing. Then we went back into the first room and read with other people. I read with another Meghan. And then when we were done we had kitty and plant duty at Patti's house. And then we went home.

I had fun and I hope I get to be in the show. But if I don't it's okay. I get to watch it because I already got a ticket for me.

Princess Meghan (who might be in The Sound of Music)

School's Out (by Josh)

School's out and we are busy doing a lot of stuff now. For example, we are going to my grandma and grandpa's today and doing it for Father's Day. I'm going golfing with my uncle and my grandpa and my dad.

Looking forward to a fun summer!

PTJ (the handsome golfer)

Prayers, Please

Brian's mom is in the hospital (has been most of the week) with pretty serious heart issues. They haven't "fixed" the issues yet but are trying. They say she may be able to come home today or this weekend but it's not because she's "better". She's looking at the possibility of having to get a pacemaker. We know that's not the end of the world but she's really worried about it.

So please keep Brian's mom in your prayers.

Thanks.

Tigers

The Tigers lost their game last night. It was a tough one; one that shows you just how much one bad inning can change the outcome of a game.

It has been a fantastic season though. I'm so proud of Josh. His coach told him that he's one of the most improved players on the team this year. He has given it his all and done great.

City Tournament Championship Game!

Guess whose baseball team made it to the championship game of the city baseball tournament? Yup... Josh's! They have played some of their best ball this week and made it through the first two rounds of this single elimination tournament And tonight's the championship game. GOOOOO TIGERS!!! And as Lauren would say... "Do your best!"

Entertainment provided by Lauren

Make sure your sound is on for this! And check out the bouncing baby.

Mad baseball skillz

Check out our sluggers (and super fast runners):

Relay Recap

Thank you to all of you who supported our Relay for Life team and effort. We appreciate the donations, the company that day and the prayers. I bet most of you didn't know that our family even had a donation from a dear friend in Spain! :)

Claire, her new friend Rosalie (who is five days younger than Claire) and Chloe


Josh and Meghan coming out of the bouncy obstacle course


Lauren's turn


The girls with their grandmas

The men and their kids doing a lap

Sorry about the videos being sideways. You'll just have to turn your head to enjoy. :)

Grandma and Meghan particpated in the hula hoop contest. Grandma won it all but Meghan did a fantastic job!

Fun on a lap

Dancing on the track

Thanks again to everyone!

Just over a week until Relay for Life

Relay for Life is coming up quickly. I wanted to make another plug to you all to please consider donating (through the link on the left). I truly mean it when I say every bit helps. Even Josh and Meghan are donating from their allowances. Give what you can... it all makes a difference.

Don't forget that you can walk at Nouvel with us that day too. Please consider dropping by for a while. It'd be best if you can let me know that you plan on coming so I can make sure we're there when you will be. Email me if you prefer to.

Thanks!

Deanna

Happy Mother's Day

Many of my friends and family member who are moms read this blog so I wanted to say "Happy Mother's Day" to each of you. I hope your day is full of homemade cards and gifts, "Roses are red, violets are blue" poems, tons of hugs and kisses, and family around you.

Deanna

I didn't get the job...

... but I got a nice personal phone call explaining why.

Anyway... I really don't want to talk about it so please don't ask. Thanks for the prayers and support. I appreciate it.

Deanna

Guess who's getting his adenoids out

Yup... Josh.

We saw a new ENT today. Josh passed his hearing test with flying colors, but his adenoids are really big. Josh is scheduled to get his adenoids out this summer. We're waiting until after baseball season because the surgery may keep him down a couple of days. He won't have to miss any school this way either. The ENT thinks this will probably get rid of the perpetual runny nose and help Josh's hypo-nasal speech. Here's hoping it works.

Game Ball

Josh played the best I've ever seen him play at his baseball game last night. He was the winning pitcher and hit in the winning run. He had a smile a mile wide that would not leave his face. His coaches voted to give him the game ball.

Another mom came up to me afterward and told me that she'll never forget the look and smile on Josh's face. She said that it's what baseball is all about. She said she was glad that such a good kid had such a great game.

I'm so darn proud of him. :) He played so well and was so much fun to watch.

Three Piggy Opera

The first graders at Meghan's school put on "The Three Piggy Opera" last night. Meghan chose the part of "child picking flowers". Here she is acting out her part just beautifully!

Our budding performer. :)

One month until the Relay... please consider helping!

The Relay for Life is from 9am on May 22 until 9am on May 23. Our family is again walking in it. We're really hoping you'll support our team and this worthy cause.

The walk we're participating in was hoping for 30 teams this year. They only have 15 so far. Funds raised will probably be considerably lower this year than last. This makes every dollar raised this year even more important. The economy may not be great but the importance of cancer research doesn't change. Please consider donating to our team. Click here http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=9144999&fr_id=21585&pg=personal or on the link on the left of this blog page.

We'd also love it if you'd join us at Nouvel on May 22. We plan to be there a lot that day. There is a lot to do and, of course, there are a lot of laps to walk. Come join the fun... feel the teamwork... show your support!

Job Update

Still not much word on the potential job, but I do have an update. I emailed the person doing the hiring yesterday. He said he is doing interviews next week but the interview team is already comfortable enough with me that they don't feel they need to bring me into the process yet. He hopes to have a better idea of where he's headed by Wednesday. A little explanation on that: I've worked on an external basis with this team for about 2.5 years now. So keep up the prayers and good thoughts please!

Check Claire Out

Happy, happy baby. First time in shorts and first time heading out of the house without something covering her precious piggies.

However, while I was outside talking to the employees of Grandpa's Tree Service last weekend, she got tired of waiting for me to feed her...

Funny, sweet girl.

Playdoh Heaven

Check out the crazy amount of Playdoh that Lauren and Anya took out of the containers to play with last weekend.

And yes, the colors were already mixed. I've had to learn to come to terms with that. :)

Grandpa's Tree Service

My dad showed up unexpectedly last weekend to cut down some ugly, broken, menacing trees and branches - one in our backyard and one above our garage. It was a LOT of work but we're so grateful it's done. And the price was right, for us anyway. :) Josh and Brian helped my dad. Josh even got to get up on the roof. Check them out!

Thanks Dad!

Blood draw update

Claire had blood drawn last Friday. I got the results yesterday.

Things are looking really good. Her total bilirubin is .2, with the direct and indirect each at .1. Her liver enzymes have each gone down considerably from where they were. I think she doesn't have to go back for a draw until we head to Ann Arbor this summer (probably in July). Great news for Claire and us!!!

Our busy, fun weekend

This past weekend was crazy-busy but was a lot of fun.

The girls had their last swim class.

Josh went to a birthday party on Saturday and stayed the night there too. Meghan had two friends stay the night. We played and played. The girls had so much fun!

We went to the park (in the wind and cold).

BFFs

They played dress-up

And we made banana cookies (which were quickly devoured, though some were saved for the girls' mom and dad).

Claire had cereal for the first time

We celebrated Grandma's birthday

It was just a good weekend all around.

S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT

Are you singing that song in your head now? :) I am.

So Saturday oughta be exciting around here. Josh is going to a birthday party and then staying the night at birthday boy's house. And Meghan... is having two friends stay the night. They're sisters (7 and 5 years old). There are make-up, dress-up, McDonald's Playplace, popcorn, Barbie movie and living room slumber party plans. Six females and poor, poor Brian...

Bit of an update on Claire

Claire had her 4-month well check this week. She's 12 lbs. 8 oz. (8th percentile) and 23 3/4 inches (10th percentile) now. She's on target with milestones and all that jazz. She got two shots. She's doing great. We got the okay to start baby cereal and then work our way into veggies and fruits. Next well check is at six months.

Her pediatrician got a report from the G.I.'s office earlier this week. They summarized most of what I already knew but also told him what they think is going on with her liver enzymes. They do think her bilirubin levels were caused by ABO Incompatibility and they think that ABO Incompatibility caused some damage to her liver. This is what would be causing the enzymes to be elevated. They say this will correct itself over time. How much time, they do not know. And then they said that if they're wrong, they'll have to consult other pediatric liver specialists.

Claire's overdue for another blood draw. She has to be healthy when she gets it though and had a cold for a while. She's healthy now so I am just waiting for a call back from the lab to see when Kathy's available to draw her (hoping for today or tomorrow).

And she's taking big-girl baths now. :)

Mini update on the job opportunity

I emailed the person doing the hiring after I applied online. He wrote me back yesterday and said that my name is being added to the "list of strong candidates". He's traveling next week and he expects that I'll hear something in a couple of weeks.

So I have to be patient. Which I don't do really well. Heaven help my friends who will have to deal with me being "patient". :)

There's this job...

...and it's meant for me at this point in my life with my experiences and with my education.

And I applied for it.

And I called in favors (that I may not even have been owed) and I secured phenomenal references and I tooted my own horn... loudly.

So say a prayer if you could please. I'm perfect for this, it's perfect for me. And it would mean really good things for our family.

Word has it that four interviews have been arranged and that they're doing interviews this week. Let's hope they make it five and cancel the others after they see I've applied. :)

Easter

We were able to spend time with both my family and Brian's on Sunday. We had Easter egg hunts and yummy food at both houses. The kids had fun all day (and were exhausted by the time we got home). Here are a couple of pictures from the day: