More medical tests

Kate had more medical test today, both an MRI and CT scan. She was such a trooper. Of course they were running behind schedule, but Kate still did well. She did have a meltdown when I changed her into the hospital gown. When she was sedated for the last test the hospital we were at did not allow me to go with her until she fell asleep...it was quite traumatic as they carried her down the hall screaming. I think that the gown was a trigger, she just didn't want to be seperated. Eventually she wiggled her way out of the gown... it was down around her waist when a nurse said that it would be okay to just wrap her in a blanket. I was very thankful that this hospital allowed me to be with her until her eyes closed. She was a little hesitant as they wheeled us to the imaging room (yes we both sat in the wheel chair, and I felt quite goofy). I only had a brief moment of anxiety, as they asked me about any prior surgeries that might have left metal in her body. I know much of Kate's medical history, but certainly not all. The logical part of me knew that any surgeries that left plates or screws in her body would most likely have left scars... but the nervous mommy's stomach tightened a bit. About two hours later I was reunited with one groggy little girl. Her appetite and energy quickly returned, and we were sent on our way.
Last Friday both Meigan and I started coming down with a cold. I was really nervous that Kate would come down with the same cold. The last thing the nurse who scheduled Kate's MRI said to me was that I should call and cancel if she had any cold symptoms. What were the chances that she wasn't going to get sick... she sleeps with me (sometimes nose to nose) each night. I prayed each day (and night when she crawled in my bed) that God would protect her from the germs that certainly coming her way...He answered, not one symptom of a cold. I was reminded of how much God cares for us and hears our prayers.

Playing along...

My sister was tagged twice this week... I am going to play along. I don't know enough bloggers to play by the rules, so this is just for fun.

Six word Memoir-

I'm blessed beyond measure, times two.

Now for 7 interesting facts:

1. I have been to Hawaii, but never to the beaches. I was able to go visit a good friend that lived there when I was in the 5th grade. I guess that the beach was old news to her, so she didn't want to go. Bummer!

2. I was born with an extra bone in both of my pinkies. This is a registered "birth defect" and was discovered when I had to have both hands x-rayed after a very tragic twirly bar accident.

3. My first car was a 1978 red Honda Civic. My grandpa and I (more he than we) installed a sunroof... and amazingly it never leaked.

4. This one is almost unbelievable, but it is true. My sister-in-law and I ran a half marathon a number of years ago. We came in last, as we got lost along the way. We were so far behind the pack that the race organizers started to take down the cones and directions ahead of us. So really we ran a half marathon plus one mile. :) I would love to be able to do this again someday... I can dream, right?

5. I was awarded the Senior Excellence Award for Home Economics my senior year in high school... this one is almost as unbelievable as number 4.

6. I wanted to name my first dog "Tanya"... I am so glad that my Mom insisted on Muffin.

7. I had to go through speech therapy as a little girl. I had a lisp... in fact one of my mom says that one our neighbors thought my name was Bess rather than Beth for the longest time.

So there you have it... more than you probably ever wanted to know about me.

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes Everywhere

Okay, so there are so many organizational hotspots in my home... it was hard to pick just one. Since bringing Kate home 4 months ago one of the most challenging things that I deal with is little girl clothing. It is everywhere....

in baskets, drawers, closets and on dressers, the floor and even under the beds.

Yes, that is a closet organizer... not very organized, huh?

Some clean, some dirty, and some who knows if it is clean or dirty... one girl would like to change her clothes every hour. Some days it looks like a bomb has gone off in a childrens' department store. I don't feel like we have excessive amounts of clothing. My girls are only months apart, and different sizes, so there is two of everything. With changing seasons and changing sizes, what is a mom to do?

I am participating in Lysa TerKuerst's swap and hop...

if you have any suggestions or strategies that might help this mom please let me know.

We have a diagnosis...

Tuesday was the big doctor's appointment. This was more a consulation, since the doctor did not even need to see Kate. After looking at her test results Kate has been diagnosed with auditory nueropathy (AN). Basically, her ear is working, but the nerve from the cochlea to the brain is not. Eventhough a cochlear implant does not seem like it would help this problem there has been sucess with implants. AN is not a very common problem, so the stats regarding treatment are really not there. I read an article that said that out of 14 patients with AN treated with an implant, 12 were sucessful. I have been reading as much as possible in hopes of making the most informed decision possible. I desire for Kate to be able to communicate with as many people as possible (hearning and non-hearing), and that she be fully literate. For me that means that if an implant is an options it is the option that we will take. I know that it will be a long road of therapy and work, and in the end communcation and literacy may look very different for Kate than for other people. I also know time is of the essences... this is not something that I can wait for Kate to decide on by herself... the window of time for her to access language is limited. It is contraversial for many, but for us I believe that it is the right choice.

There are a few more hoops to jump through before surgery can be scheduled. Your prayers for us would be much appreciated.

It is Spring Break, and the only temperature that is rising is Kate's!

Ugh! Today we are spending the day at home... my other plans will have to wait. On the bright side, I am getting the day I often wish for while I am working. Just a day to work around the house. Both girls are spending the day mostly on the couch... Kate is resting, and it is as if Meigan has forgotten how to play by herself.

Kate has run a temp between 100 and 102 since last night at 11:30. She actually seems to be feeling okay, although very mellow. I will take her in to have her ears and throat checked, as we are heading to Spokane tomorrow for a very important doctors appointment.

We are family!

For our first day of Spring Vacation, we spent a wonderful and fun afternoon and evening with family. My mom, sister and younger brother along with their families met at the park. The weather was not the best, but time together was great. The kids had rollerblades and scooters, it was fun to watch the kids ranging from 3 to 23 playing together. Later we had dinner at my house, and ended the evening playing Skipbo at my sister's house. I truly enjoy the company of my family.

I am so very thankful for the family that God has blessed me with. We are far from perfect and have had plenty of trials, but when I look at my parents, my siblings and their families I see people of integrity and sincerity.

Lurkers Welcome!

I am sooooo sorry, I did not know that I was being so exclusive. Really I am just blogger dumb... I have changed my settings and now I can take comments for bloggers and non-bloggers alike.

Carol.... I am so looking forward to your comments. Your comments really are my favorite to read on other blogs... so much so that I think that you might should start your own blog. You would certainly keep us all smiling. :)

What are you doing for Spring Break?

Only two more days until Spring Break... a much deserved, if I do say so myself. I am going to post my Spring Break plans... if I publish my goals there is some accountability, right?

1. Enjoy my girls... I am taking them to their first movie Horton Hears a Who. I am also praying for beautiful weather so we can go to the park.
2. Meeting with Kate's doctor regarding her recent hearing tests. I am sooooo anxious to hear what he has to say.
3. Some Spring cleaning ( this is the one I might not get done without a little accountability). I want to get our pantry, linen closet and garage cleaned and organized.
4. Read...maybe even finish a whole book.
5. Write at least on blog entry... preferrably one with some substance.
6. Most importantly, get myself back into the habit of meeting with my Savior daily... something I have not done lately, and sorely miss.

I let you know how things go.