Weston Update

Yesterday I took Weston in to meet with the neurosurgeon. I had already accepted and was dealing with the fact that Weston was going to need surgery, so I was quite surprised when the Doctor told me he didn't think it was necessary. He showed me the CT scans and explained how he came to the conclusion that Weston's brain was not in danger of any damage. He told me the surgery could still be done to remove the ridge on his forehead. I was afraid of this, I didn't want it to be a cosmetic decision, but at the same time I felt relieved that it wasn't a necessity.

The night before visiting with the neurosurgeon, I had been referred to a blog (thanks Ginger) about a little girl who is Weston's age and had just been through the same surgery. There were pictures and a detailed day by day record of the surgery and recovery. It made me sick every time I thought about Weston having to go through the same thing. Jason and I talked about it and decided there was no way we could put him through it unless it was a necessity.

I am so relieved that he won't have to go through all that. He may curse us someday, if he hates the shape of his head, but hopefully it will never be an issue. I think he's perfect and handsome just the way he is.

Weston

We've been up at Primary Children's Hospital this week seeing some specialists about Weston's head. He's had a ridge down his forehead and no soft spot for several months now. His pediatrician wanted him to be seen by a specialist, so here we are. Turns out he has metopic synostosis, meaning the suture down his forehead, along with his soft spot, has prematurely closed. This wasn't a huge surprise to us, we've suspected it for a while now, and have done plenty of research on the subject.

The picture above is him getting a CT scan. I was trying to keep him happy and still long enough for them to get a good picture. Luckily it was successful. Otherwise, he would have had to be sedated.

We still are waiting to see the neurosurgeon on Monday, but from what we've been told so far, it looks like he'll need surgery. It's quite an extensive surgery, taking 4-5 hours. They cut from one ear to the other to expose the skull. Then they'll cut what needs to be open and reconstruct the skull. Sounds horrible to me, but apparently it's a fairly routine surgery. This condition is present in about one in every one thousand babies.

While it's certainly not going to be fun, there could be worse things. I'm grateful that we caught it early enough and that it can be corrected. If left untreated, brain damage or developmental problems could occur, as well as the head deformity.

I'll post any updates as they occur. Please keep him in your prayers.

Sweaters

My mom knitted these sweaters for the boys. Regan and Spencer got theirs for Christmas, but she just finished the others. I know this was no easy feat. Thanks Mom, they look great!

Minivan #3

It's always profitable for us when we visit with my parents. Living 4 hours apart, we can usually only get together every few months or so. But when we do, we always end up a little better off. Gas money, smoke alarms, oil change....it's always something. My parents get teased by my brothers that I'm the favorite child, which is most likely true, but it also helps to be the poorest (we're not the ones playing in Hawaii).

So this week they came for a visit, and they did not disappoint. When I saw them pull up in separate vehicles, I knew we'd scored big time. A new minivan! Every time my parents get a new van, we inherit the old one. And they don't let it get very old before giving it to us. They say they want to make sure we have something safe and reliable to drive so they don't have to worry about us on the 4 hour drive to their house. Well okay, but THREE minivans?! Yes, that's what we have parked in our driveway right now. None of which we have paid for. Should I be embarrassed? Probably so, but most of all I'm grateful that we don't have to have a car payment while trying to get through school. We'll probably sell the oldest one, which will most likely end up paying a mortgage payment or two. Thanks Mom and Dad.

The week before my parents came I was cleaning out our van, and I'll just say, I'm tempted to not let the kids anywhere near the new van. I'll use it only for special occasions and times that I may need to impress someone with my clean minivan. If we were to go somewhere nice, I wouldn't have to worry about what might fall out of the back door when it slides open, or that someone might catch a glimpse inside of our van. Or, if I should need to give someone a ride, I wouldn't have to worry about being embarrassed that they might find something unrecognizable growing in the back seat.

About a year ago, a friend sent me an e-mail with this video, below. I think about it every time I clean the van. Unfortunately, it hits too close to home, but it makes me laugh. It's actually a Zima advertisement (no, I don't drink, nor endorse Zima), and I think it's meant to make fun of us minivan moms, but I think it's hilarious.

Mom and Dad are probably having some second thoughts right about now, but don't worry, I'm sure this time will be different.

Officer Murray

Yesterday, Jason got a ride home from a police officer in one of his classes. When they got home, Jason asked if it would be okay for Spencer to check out his cop car. The officer showed Spencer everything, even letting him turn on the lights. He also locked Spencer in the back, as if he were the "bad guy". Before leaving, the office gave him some police stickers. Spencer thought it was awesome. When he came back in the house he immediately set to work creating a police man costume. After he was all dressed, he asked me to take his picture. After reviewing the picture he said, "Wow! I look just like a real police man."

He made an office in his bedroom and sat at his desk, giving orders. He also kept a close eye on Ben so that he could "arrest him and throw him in jail" at the slightest infraction of the law (or at least his own interpretation of the law). However, he didn't like it when he found out police men still have to follow some rules, like cleaning their rooms. He had to call my dad and ask if police men really have to clean things. He was clearly disappointed when the answer was yes.

He decided that because he looked so cool, he needed to wear his costume to Regan's pinewood derby that night. I told him I thought that was great idea. Pinewood derbys tend to quickly get out of hand. It would probably be wise to have a police officer there to help keep the peace.

He thought that was a great idea too, until we got there. The scouts started asking him if he was getting ready for Halloween. He was suddenly embarrassed and tried hiding under Ben's coat for the remainder of the night. Poor Spence, if only it were possible for him to live in his own little made up world, he'd be content. Unfortunately for him, he must live in reality, which includes scouts who aren't afraid of his authority, and a mom who makes him clean his room.

My First Journal

I was reading through an old journal today and couldn't keep from laughing at my writings, so I thought I'd share. These are excerpts from the journal that I kept at age 8 (click on the pictures if you're having a hard time seeing them). I think you'll agree, my writing talents began at an early age:

I remember the kitten incident. The potato chips? No idea. Maybe we fed them to the dizzy kittens, or maybe we stole them from someones pantry.

Dang it! Here again, I leave vital information out of my description. I guess I wanted to make sure it wouldn't be used against me down the road.

Maybe this was the day that Elise and her sister locked me in her house because I wouldn't eat sweet pickles (true story).

Deep thoughts of an 8 year old.

My first case of theft. I remember it well.

Apparently, I was having a hard time getting over it. At least there's proof I had a conscience, even if I liked swinging kittens in pillowcases.

There she goes again. First stealing, then mud fights. Jaycie was always getting my in trouble.

As you can see, I've always been a talented writer. A loyal friend too. Actually, I'd like to think that I've improved some in both areas over the years.

My Recipe Blog

So I've been relentlessly hounded about the big release of my recipe blog. My cooking has become so famous that people are practically breaking down my door to get to my recipes.
Or maybe not. But I wanted this to seem like an important moment. Sooo.....(drum roll please)

cmrecipebox.blogspot.com

There it is. Actually I've had 2 or 3 people ask about recipes, so I thought it would be fun to create a recipe blog. I think it's more for me than anyone else, but take a look if you'd like. There's not that many recipes yet, but I'll be adding to it often, or at least that's the plan.