I am overwhelemed with saddness for the people who loved her so dearly. At this point, when so little time has passed since her death, I don't know if they find comfort in knowing how much she impacted the lives of the people around her. It sounds so cliche, but Brittney really lived life to the fullest and like everyday could be her last. Just seeing pictures of her with friends and listening to the words people use to describe her, it is obvious that she was like a ray of sunshine with so much life to live and so much love to give. I am inspired to be a better person because of her and I barely knew her! I've found myself in situations this past week and tried to be more like Brittney. Her best friend, Adrienne, wrote a beautiful message about the wonderful things Brittney shared with the world. Her words now encourage me to "smile a little brighter, think more creatively, speak a little bolder, and definitely live more adventurously."
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Brittney Fox Watts
I think I mentioned before that Logan has a Rockabye Baby Cd of the "Beatles." It's been months since I've listened to it because is usually fills me with emotions from Logan's first year that make me sad. For some reason last night though, I stuck that cd in for that very reason...I wanted to let myself be sad. I debated writing about this topic, but I can't get it out of my head. I was not close friends with Brittney Fox Watts...in fact, it's probably been a few years since I've even seen her. We went to high school at Roswell and were AXOs at UGA together. I don't want to sound like I knew her well before her death, but I can't seem to get her life out of my head these days. The senseless act that took her life will forever impact those people close to her, and I can't imagine what they are going through. When I attended Brittney's funeral last week, it was amazing to see so many people there showing support for the Fox and Watts families who lost a sister, a daughter, and a wife. It also made me really proud of our Roswell community. It didn't matter what people were doing on a Tuesday morning or how long it took them to get there, they knew where they needed to be.
I am overwhelemed with saddness for the people who loved her so dearly. At this point, when so little time has passed since her death, I don't know if they find comfort in knowing how much she impacted the lives of the people around her. It sounds so cliche, but Brittney really lived life to the fullest and like everyday could be her last. Just seeing pictures of her with friends and listening to the words people use to describe her, it is obvious that she was like a ray of sunshine with so much life to live and so much love to give. I am inspired to be a better person because of her and I barely knew her! I've found myself in situations this past week and tried to be more like Brittney. Her best friend, Adrienne, wrote a beautiful message about the wonderful things Brittney shared with the world. Her words now encourage me to "smile a little brighter, think more creatively, speak a little bolder, and definitely live more adventurously."
I am overwhelemed with saddness for the people who loved her so dearly. At this point, when so little time has passed since her death, I don't know if they find comfort in knowing how much she impacted the lives of the people around her. It sounds so cliche, but Brittney really lived life to the fullest and like everyday could be her last. Just seeing pictures of her with friends and listening to the words people use to describe her, it is obvious that she was like a ray of sunshine with so much life to live and so much love to give. I am inspired to be a better person because of her and I barely knew her! I've found myself in situations this past week and tried to be more like Brittney. Her best friend, Adrienne, wrote a beautiful message about the wonderful things Brittney shared with the world. Her words now encourage me to "smile a little brighter, think more creatively, speak a little bolder, and definitely live more adventurously."
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Doctors, Daycare Disease, and Independence Day
Happy 4th of July! Logan, Olin, and I spent a low key day down at Grump's and Zuzu's house. We ate some great food and luckily, got in some pool time before the yucky weather arrived. Logan is getting quite the farmer's tan this summer....my favorite part is how the creases in his arm rolls stay white!
A quick update on Logan's doctor's appointments last week. First, I have to brag though that I did not get lost on the way to any of them! For any of you who know my sense of direction (or lack thereof), you know this is a big accomplishment! On Wednesday, we went to revisit the eye doctor. Last September, the doctor said that she did not think his eyes were crossing. He had something called myelinated fibers, but they do not affect eye sight. The new doctor we saw seemed genuinely interested in Logan and Mowat-Wilson. After spending a good amount of time with us, he concluded that at times, Logan's left eye crosses. So, for one month we have to patch his strong eye for two hours a day. The doctor said this is a really common issue and he deals with it everyday. Needless to say, Logan is not a big fan of his eye patch. He tries unsuccessfully to pull it off with his fist. I don't know whether to laugh or cry when he wears it. At least the patches come it cute patterns now with soccer balls, panda bears, and trucks : ) No more black pirate patch.
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| Arrrh! |
On Thursday, we checked back in with the surgeon to see how Logan was healing. It was perfect timing because on Wednesday Logan must have set a record for the number of times anyone has pooped in a 24-hour period (sorry-a little TMI). He's been going a lot, but this was not normal. No joke, I probably changed 15 dirty diapers that day. As soon as I would change him and sit him up, he would be grunting and going at it again! The worst part of all of it (remember I said I would never complain about changing dirty diapers) was Logan's diaper rash. OMG-I could hardly look at it without getting goosebumps (some nurse I would be). It looked like he had third degree burns on his bottom. Changing him became a two man job by the end of the day. Needless to say, I was glad to be seeing the surgeon the next day. Unfortunately, the doctor said it is very common after the pull-through surgery for this to happen. The skin on his bottom has to "toughen up". In a normal kid, this would have been happening since the day he was born. The doctor said basically keep doing what we're doing and let him air dry on a towel whenever possible. Eventually, it will get better. So no immediate fix, but at least hope for the future! As far as Logan's healing from the surgery, the doctor said everything looked great. I also asked him if Logan could start drinking whole milk instead of formula. He gave us the green light-so for now, I'm slowing making the transition...75/25, 50/50. He seems to be tolerating it okay so far. Mama is excited to quit having to buy formula at $14.99 a can!
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| Airing out his bum! |
Thursday afternoon, we had an appointment to get Logan fitted for orthotics. You would think technology would have improved since the days of plaster casting, but no, it was still quite a mess. First, the orthotist had to push his feet into the proper positions (she said his feet would barely bend to 90 degrees). I held him in my lap while she wrapped the wet plaster around his feet and smoothed them out. The little molds were so tiny...I can't wait to see what the finished product will look like. They should be ready in 2-3 weeks.
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| I've got teeth! |
It feels good to get all of these appointments out of the way and mark them off the calendar. It is definitely easier to schedule them in the summer versus during the school year. Just when we thought we were home free though, Logan picked up "hand, foot, and mouth disease" from a kid in his daycare class. A sign was posted on the door last Friday that it was going around. I had never heard of it before, but the pictures on Google were enough to make me cringe. Sure enough, little red bumps started to appear on his mouth, ears, and bottom over the weekend. Apparently a fever usually precedes the bumps, but I never noticed one. Once the fever is gone though, they are no longer contagious. Fortunately, he looks a lot better today.
Hopefully soon, I'll be writing about things other than doctor's appointments and daycare germs! Considering all that he's been through, Logan takes it in stride pretty well. He's such a happy little guy and you can't help but smile in his presence : )
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| Playing the xylophone app. on Grump's ipad...pretty cool |
Monday, June 27, 2011
Summer Days
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| Logan and Cousin Jack |
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| Headed to the pool in style |
| This is how Logan does the pool! |
This week is full of doctor appointments. We are following up with Logan's surgeon...I'm going to ask him about whether he thinks we should transition to whole milk instead of formula. We're also revisiting the eye doctor. Last time she said she did not think he had a lazy eye, but I'm starting to think differently. It is definitely worse when he is tired, but I can totally see his eyes cross in pictures. Maybe they'll give him a little pirate patch to wear on his strong eye : ) His final appointment of the week is to get fitted for orthotics. Sherri thinks he is going to need SMOs (Supra-Malleolar Orthosis...whatever that means). These are short ankle braces that help correct pronation and eversion. Even though he's not walking or close to it, he's standing enough that it's putting alot of stress on his ankles.
The other night he had the biggest fit of giggles that I have ever seen. You can link to the video (for some reason it would not upload on here). He got his hands on some toliet paper and started to eat it...it was all stuck in his mouth. He thought it was pretty hilarious though...laughing so hard I think he was crying! He's also doing well in his walker...taking purposeful steps towards us. I love when he straightens up real tall in it and looks at me like "Look what I can do, Mom!" I am trying to get him into aquatic therapy...there is a place right near our house. However, we are 25th on the waiting list. Fortunately, it is open year-round so if we don't get in this summer, we'll still have other opportunities. Aquatic therapy is really supposed to help with range of motion which he definitely still needs to improve (especially in his arms). Other than that, things are going well with the little guy. He is defnitely learning to voice his opinion and tell us what he likes and dislikes. Looking forward to a fun 4th at the pool!
Video: Laugh Attack
Video: Funny book
Video: Laugh Attack
Video: Funny book
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| Logan's newest form of entertainment: Rolling around balls in a metal bowl to see how LOUD he can be! |
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| Logan, Sally, and Holton |
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Logan's First Day of School
I think I can say without a doubt that I have gotten butterflies in my stomach and had trouble sleeping every night before the first day of school since Kindergarten. And yes, that includes college, six years of teaching in the classroom, and now Logan's first day of "school." I'm not sure why I was so anxious about taking him to daycare this morning, but I definitely questioned our decision a couple of times in the last few days. Does it make sense that I was more nervous about how the workers would take care of him and meet his needs than about how Logan would behave in a new environment? He goes to the nursery at the YMCA pretty frequently and does just fine, but that's only for an hour at a time. I was pretty confident that he would be his usual happy self, but you never know...
There are so many rules at a big daycare...it took a little more preparation than just dropping him off at Sally's in his pajamas : ) His diapers had to have his name written on them, his bottles had to be pre-mixed, his clothes had to be labeled with his initials, etc. I'm just glad I have the summer to get this routine down! His lead teacher Melissa, is very sweet. She has her degree in Early Childhood Education and seems to be willing to do for him whatever he needs. She also reassured me that it was okay if I called to check up on him during the day. The center also has Internet monitoring so as soon as I get the code I can watch him at home on the computer. I called after about two hours (I know, I know...I couldn't resist) and guess what he was doing? NAPPING. I was like...are you sure you have the right child? Melissa said that they had taken the kids outside on the swings for awhile and he had started to yawn out there. As soon as they came inside, she laid him down and he went right to sleep...for 2 hours!!! I hope it wasn't a fluke, but that was pretty awesome on the first day.
I went to pick him up around 2:00, so it was about five hours total. When I dropped Logan off that morning, I knew I would not have to worry about a long tearful goodbye with him running to the door begging me not to leave. I was able to walk easily out the door and he didn't even notice. The funny this was when I picked him up though...as soon as I walked in, he turned and saw me. His lower lip immediately began to quiver and he started crying. I wasn't sure if that was him not wanting to leave his new friends or because he missed me (I think I'll believe it was the latter). So...all in all...day one was a success. Logan didn't miss a beat and I got a haircut, went to the gym for an hour, and worked on a couple of school assignments. Thank you everyone for supporting me and reassuring me that it was okay to take this time for me. I think it is going to be good!
There are so many rules at a big daycare...it took a little more preparation than just dropping him off at Sally's in his pajamas : ) His diapers had to have his name written on them, his bottles had to be pre-mixed, his clothes had to be labeled with his initials, etc. I'm just glad I have the summer to get this routine down! His lead teacher Melissa, is very sweet. She has her degree in Early Childhood Education and seems to be willing to do for him whatever he needs. She also reassured me that it was okay if I called to check up on him during the day. The center also has Internet monitoring so as soon as I get the code I can watch him at home on the computer. I called after about two hours (I know, I know...I couldn't resist) and guess what he was doing? NAPPING. I was like...are you sure you have the right child? Melissa said that they had taken the kids outside on the swings for awhile and he had started to yawn out there. As soon as they came inside, she laid him down and he went right to sleep...for 2 hours!!! I hope it wasn't a fluke, but that was pretty awesome on the first day.
I went to pick him up around 2:00, so it was about five hours total. When I dropped Logan off that morning, I knew I would not have to worry about a long tearful goodbye with him running to the door begging me not to leave. I was able to walk easily out the door and he didn't even notice. The funny this was when I picked him up though...as soon as I walked in, he turned and saw me. His lower lip immediately began to quiver and he started crying. I wasn't sure if that was him not wanting to leave his new friends or because he missed me (I think I'll believe it was the latter). So...all in all...day one was a success. Logan didn't miss a beat and I got a haircut, went to the gym for an hour, and worked on a couple of school assignments. Thank you everyone for supporting me and reassuring me that it was okay to take this time for me. I think it is going to be good!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Catching Up
It's been awhile since I've had a chance to sit down and write without interruption...I'll just fill in the most important happenings of the last three weeks or so. Along with pooping on his own, Logan has had a few other "firsts"! Olin and I didn't know quite what to make of the curly mop on top of his head (he was starting to rival the Donald)...so a few weeks ago we took him to Snip-Its hair salon at the Avenue in East Cobb. For the 90 seconds that he actually sat in the chair and the $20 that we paid for the "cut", I think I'll give my talents a try next time (it can always grow back, right?). Olin didn't want them to the frat curls around his ear/neck so that will probably be a good place for me to start...not front and center : )
Another first....Two of Logan's bottom teeth finally decided to poke through! Thank goodness...I was giving him until 18 months and then we were headed to a dentist for x-rays! Boy, are those little suckers sharp though! I can't feel anything else, up top or in the back, but it's exciting to know that there are really teeth under there!
We also had to say goodbye to Sally on Friday, our wonderful babysitter (Don't worry Sally...I will bring him over soon so you can get some kisses!) Sally has been such a blessing to our lives over the last year. Without her and her friend's advice to ask the doctors more questions, we never would have gotten Logan's diagnosis as early as we did. It is so hard to leave someone who has been such a big part of Logan's life (and ours), but I know Sally will bet there to continue to watch him grow and be his third "grandma". She has been everything we could ask for in a person to care for Logan. And she's not off the hook...I put her on our emergency contact list at daycare : )
It was a hard decision, but we think it will be for the best...Logan is going to start "big" daycare this summer. We are going take him to East Cobb Prep (sounds way more Ivy League than it is) two days a week starting next Tuesday. Sherri (our PT) agreed that he will benefit from the stimulation and from being around other children. When I visited the daycare, the woman was very understanding of Logan's situation and agreed that we would start him off in the 6-12 month classroom. The kids in there are doing more of the same things that he is and the workers will also keep to his schedule...so it's not a set lunch time, snack time, etc. He just isn't ready to be in the 12-18 month room with walkers and circle time ...plus we need to work on his self defense skills if a "bully" decides to picks on him : ) He'd get bulldozed in that room. East Cobb Prep will also let Sherri come in to work with Logan during the day. The workers can get an idea of the exercises they can do with him. Fortunately, Sherri already works with a few clients there so it will be no big deal.
At first, I felt a little guilty to send Logan to daycare when I am off work for the summer....we could be saving a chunk of money. But in the end, Olin and I discussed that my sanity was more important than a few bucks in the bank. From experience last summer, I know that the days get very long when it's just Logan and me. Sure, we can go to the park and the pool, schedule playdates and library time, but Logan has to have help almost with everything. It's not...go to the park and let him run around while I watch from a bench. He has to be carried or put in a swing...he's just not very independent at all yet. I know he'll get there, but we still have some work to do. Additionally, I'm taking my last two core classes this summer to finish my Masters degree. I should be done with these by late July and then only have the Practicum left during the fall....Graduation December 2011! So, having two days a week to work on school will also be helpful. It's taken a little time and reassurance from friends/family, but I don't feel guilty anymore...it will be good for him and for me. I'm confident he'll thrive in a social setting like that.
All things considered...we're doing pretty well. It's such a relief to have Logan's surgery complete. I'm so glad we did not wait until now to do it. Olin and I had a great little vacation this week (without Logan). We spent 4 days in Hilton Head just relaxing and reading on the beach, playing a little golf, and shopping...all of my favorite things! We were so fortunate to have both sets of grandparents (and other relatives too) to watch him while we were gone. As wonderful as it was to just be alone as a couple, we really did miss Logan. Hilton Head is such a family place and we couldn't help but feel like something was missing when there were kids running everywhere around us. Hopefully we can get him to the beach soon...I know he would love the ocean breeze and the warm water, and probably eat alot of sand!
Fortunately, I think Logan is beginning to understand our summer sleeping schedule : ) It has been a struggle for about 6 months getting him to go and stay asleep. I finally asked his pediatrician what she thought about giving him a supplement of melatonin before bed. Olin and I had read some articles about special needs kids needing it to help them sleep. I think the doctor was a little reluctant to try it with him because he is so young, but I explained the lack of sleep was not helping anyone involved. So, every night about an hour or so before bed (usually with dinner), Logan gets a little "cocktail." We laugh because it feels like we're drugging him or something...which we are not...melatonin is a completely natural hormone that helps regulate sleeping patterns. So, we take a quarter of a 3mg tablet, crush it up on a spoon, put it on some baby food, and let the magic happen! For anyone who has seen the movie "Flowers in the Attic", it reminds me of the evil mother who sprinkled rat poison on her kids' cookies pretending that it was powdered sugar. I know...bad association, but you get the idea. Last night he slept for 13 hours and I didn't pull him out of bed until 9:15! Ahhh, got to love summer life as a teacher!
(I have lots of pictures to share, but our computer got a virus right before we left on our trip. All of my documents, pictures, etc. are gone (well, hopefully just hiding). We'll know for sure in a couple of days. Note to self...need to back up our files next time!)
Another first....Two of Logan's bottom teeth finally decided to poke through! Thank goodness...I was giving him until 18 months and then we were headed to a dentist for x-rays! Boy, are those little suckers sharp though! I can't feel anything else, up top or in the back, but it's exciting to know that there are really teeth under there!
We also had to say goodbye to Sally on Friday, our wonderful babysitter (Don't worry Sally...I will bring him over soon so you can get some kisses!) Sally has been such a blessing to our lives over the last year. Without her and her friend's advice to ask the doctors more questions, we never would have gotten Logan's diagnosis as early as we did. It is so hard to leave someone who has been such a big part of Logan's life (and ours), but I know Sally will bet there to continue to watch him grow and be his third "grandma". She has been everything we could ask for in a person to care for Logan. And she's not off the hook...I put her on our emergency contact list at daycare : )
It was a hard decision, but we think it will be for the best...Logan is going to start "big" daycare this summer. We are going take him to East Cobb Prep (sounds way more Ivy League than it is) two days a week starting next Tuesday. Sherri (our PT) agreed that he will benefit from the stimulation and from being around other children. When I visited the daycare, the woman was very understanding of Logan's situation and agreed that we would start him off in the 6-12 month classroom. The kids in there are doing more of the same things that he is and the workers will also keep to his schedule...so it's not a set lunch time, snack time, etc. He just isn't ready to be in the 12-18 month room with walkers and circle time ...plus we need to work on his self defense skills if a "bully" decides to picks on him : ) He'd get bulldozed in that room. East Cobb Prep will also let Sherri come in to work with Logan during the day. The workers can get an idea of the exercises they can do with him. Fortunately, Sherri already works with a few clients there so it will be no big deal.
At first, I felt a little guilty to send Logan to daycare when I am off work for the summer....we could be saving a chunk of money. But in the end, Olin and I discussed that my sanity was more important than a few bucks in the bank. From experience last summer, I know that the days get very long when it's just Logan and me. Sure, we can go to the park and the pool, schedule playdates and library time, but Logan has to have help almost with everything. It's not...go to the park and let him run around while I watch from a bench. He has to be carried or put in a swing...he's just not very independent at all yet. I know he'll get there, but we still have some work to do. Additionally, I'm taking my last two core classes this summer to finish my Masters degree. I should be done with these by late July and then only have the Practicum left during the fall....Graduation December 2011! So, having two days a week to work on school will also be helpful. It's taken a little time and reassurance from friends/family, but I don't feel guilty anymore...it will be good for him and for me. I'm confident he'll thrive in a social setting like that.
All things considered...we're doing pretty well. It's such a relief to have Logan's surgery complete. I'm so glad we did not wait until now to do it. Olin and I had a great little vacation this week (without Logan). We spent 4 days in Hilton Head just relaxing and reading on the beach, playing a little golf, and shopping...all of my favorite things! We were so fortunate to have both sets of grandparents (and other relatives too) to watch him while we were gone. As wonderful as it was to just be alone as a couple, we really did miss Logan. Hilton Head is such a family place and we couldn't help but feel like something was missing when there were kids running everywhere around us. Hopefully we can get him to the beach soon...I know he would love the ocean breeze and the warm water, and probably eat alot of sand!
Fortunately, I think Logan is beginning to understand our summer sleeping schedule : ) It has been a struggle for about 6 months getting him to go and stay asleep. I finally asked his pediatrician what she thought about giving him a supplement of melatonin before bed. Olin and I had read some articles about special needs kids needing it to help them sleep. I think the doctor was a little reluctant to try it with him because he is so young, but I explained the lack of sleep was not helping anyone involved. So, every night about an hour or so before bed (usually with dinner), Logan gets a little "cocktail." We laugh because it feels like we're drugging him or something...which we are not...melatonin is a completely natural hormone that helps regulate sleeping patterns. So, we take a quarter of a 3mg tablet, crush it up on a spoon, put it on some baby food, and let the magic happen! For anyone who has seen the movie "Flowers in the Attic", it reminds me of the evil mother who sprinkled rat poison on her kids' cookies pretending that it was powdered sugar. I know...bad association, but you get the idea. Last night he slept for 13 hours and I didn't pull him out of bed until 9:15! Ahhh, got to love summer life as a teacher!
(I have lots of pictures to share, but our computer got a virus right before we left on our trip. All of my documents, pictures, etc. are gone (well, hopefully just hiding). We'll know for sure in a couple of days. Note to self...need to back up our files next time!)
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