Playing Catch Up

 Quite a bit has happened over the last few days and weekend period. And I can’t really say that there is anything bad. 

First off, Salem is 100%. Her fever broke early afternoon on Thursday, and she was feeling great by bedtime. That morning was a little rough because she woke up sick to her stomach and threw up right away. I thought things were going to get worse, but that was the only time. She missed school for the entire week, but she went back to school day, and was very excited to do so. 

Friday morning was an early start for us. We drove back out to the specialist at the children’s hospital and got great news about Ian’s kidney. After reviewing the ultrasounds, they have determined that his kidney is functioning at 14%. It’s not a lot, but it’s just enough. If it had been functioning at 10% or less, he would be recommended for surgery, and at this time the doctor just wants to monitor it. It is far more than we expected. To be perfectly honest, I was so overwhelmed with feelings, that I wasn’t sure what to do with myself, and it was a pretty emotional day. I mean, I don’t want my son to be cut open, but at the same time, I had already accepted that that was going to happen. I also hate the idea that he will have to do the tests over again. The doctor wants us to retest in 8 months and see what is going on with the kidney. That leaves open a door of possibilities, but I am believing God for the best. The number one thing they will be looking for is the size of the cysts to increase. If so that means they are filling with fluid because they are not draining. They will also be checking the size of the kidney of itself. If it gets smaller, that likely means that his body could absorb it. I really honestly want an increase of functionality. So I’ll know sometime in December if our prayers are continued to be answered. 

After the appointment we went out and enjoyed some sunshine and family time. It was Salem’s first time out of the house since Monday, and she got the full treatment, pizza for lunch, and ice cream for desert after dinner. 

Saturday was low key around the house for most of the day. My mom started dating a man so we invited him over to the house for a BBQ so we could welcome him and get to know him a little. Food was good and I really like him, but I am afraid I like him more than my mom does. I think he would be great for her, and I more than appreciate the attention and effort he put forth into my little brother. It’s nice that he wanted to get to know us, but what is most important is that he gets to know him. I honestly had a good time getting to know him and it was nice to see a smile on my mom’s face. 

Sunday was my mom’s birthday. We were supposed to go to Disneyland but she went ahead of us and called to say that it was so crowded that the parking structure was closed. They do have an alternative parking lot that is about a mile and a half away, but it is so inconvenient with a stroller because you get to the park by bus, and it is way too far of a walk. So we are going to go tomorrow instead. We offered to take her out to get frozen yogurt that evening when she got home but she declined. So instead we went for a walk around the neighborhood and Salem rode her scooter. Before bed we had strawberries with chocolate pudding, and I was almost as satisfied. 

This morning Scott got an email response from a company he applied to in Tennessee. It’s at a guitar company that I can’t remember the name of, about 25 miles outside of Nashville. The guy who contacted him wants to set up a phone interview for this week. Scott replied back that he was available any time to do the interview, but he hasn’t gotten an email back yet. That fact is making me a little antsy, but I am still super excited. All day we have spent online searching apartments and information about the town we want to move to. It’s a suburb of Nashville, right in the middle of the city and the location of the job. I know it’s early to get excited, but it is the first real sign of hope we have had! The cool part is that the guy who contacted Scott, also made the move from California to Tennessee with his family in 2006 and so he knows what Scott is thinking in a way. 

Ian seems to be going through a growth spurt. I know he was supposed to have one at 6 months, but I think he skipped it and it’s happening now in the 7th month. He was a little under in his percentages at his check up and that would explain it. He’s showing all the typical signs, and just looks huge to me lately. He also started clapping his hands on Thursday, and waved a few times over the weekend. I’m beginning to wonder if he will do a traditional crawl. He moves faster, and is starting to use his feet in addition to dragging himself. He probably just needs another week or two.

I am so proud of my daughter. She sat down to do homework tonight, and I realized just how awesome she has been about it. She barely needs my help anymore, and does everything right! I can’t believe she is telling time, and doing math, and sounding out words so she can write sentences. It’s amazing! 

And with that, a few pictures. I promise that this week I will post a ton of pictures to make up for time lost. 

I took this picture right after she threw up. She was floating in the bathtub miserable and trying to feel better, but all I saw was beauty. Isn’t she gorgeous?

 This is the aftermath of Ian falling off the bed. The scratch turned into a bruise. It’s almost completely gone now, but seeing everyday hasn’t done anything for my guilt. Still my stud though. 

My dog loves my children!