Update on Landen (July 7, 2009):
I try to keep everyone up to date on the boys and their health. This past week was a crazy roller coaster… I ended up taking Landen to the ER last Wednesday afternoon. We got to come home Wednesday night. We saw our pediatrician on Thursday and she (like me) had had enough! With every cough and cold, Landen was getting worse more quickly than the cold before… (We had just gone in for a visit the previous Monday – so three doctor’s visits in one week!) She requested that we go see a wonderful, highly qualified Allergist/Immunologist (Asthma) Doctor. We got in on Monday, July 6th. (How do you like that for fast service?!)
So, it is official: Landen has asthma. We were quite pleased with the outcome of the appointment. Although we never want to hear that something is wrong with Landen’s health, we were expecting it. We are thankful that we will now know how to handle his health issues.
After some testing, some crying, and some waiting (over two hours worth), we found out that he is developing some allergies (mostly seasonal) and that he in fact has asthma. It is severe enough that he now has his very own inhaler (with an aero-chamber and pediatric mask attachment). She says that his asthma is “chronic asthma”. He will have it his entire life. Of course, his asthma may go into a sort of “remission” where we may not see any flare-ups or have any incidents for several years at a time… but it will always be there. This is why Landen will now be “inhaling” every morning before he starts his day and every night before bed. Eventually, it may be maintained with one or the other, but for the next three months we’ll be focusing on the treatment so it’s twice a day. The doctor says the good news about asthma is that unlike diabetes and arthritis which can eventually deteriorate the body in various ways, asthma (if treated properly) can be maintained so that it doesn’t get worse (or cause harm in the bronchial tubes). In fact, when Landen is 95 years old, he could still have sufficient lung capacity and similar functions as that of a healthy person without asthma.
The doctor mentioned that Landen is still young and things in his body are still developing and can change. He will have yearly allergy testing for the next several years (maybe until he’s 7 or so) until we’re certain what he is allergic to… it is important we stay on top of his allergies because knowing that there are things that bother him helps us to avoid those things and keep his asthma (breathing) under control. The doctor calls them “triggers”. There are other triggers as well: humidity, smoke, cold air, dust, seasons changing… basic things that may bother the respiratory system. The doctor made it clear that once his asthma is treated, there will be times when he gets the common cold and he may be able to handle it like a normal, healthy child with no extra steps or medicines (preventative). There may also be times where it attacks his chest (as it does now) and we have to do more steps with the inhaler (or breathing machine). Either way, it’s a relief to know that we can treat him and that we can live with this illness. We’re used to the extra steps. Landen’s been doing his own breathing treatments for years. The doctor was confident in his ability to handle the medicines (as needed) and the use of the daily inhaler. We have moved passed the breathing machine. She was optimistic that by starting him so early (which isn’t normal – usually they’re ‘school age’), he will be better at knowing (and setting) his own limitations. Landen has already displayed the responsible characteristic before having the inhaler… he knows when he needs a break. Sometimes he pushes himself more than Mom would like to see, but he knows his body best. I can’t believe he’s old enough to make some of his own important decisions. I didn’t think I’d have to learn so early to let someone else have control over him… even if it is himself. I’m learning… but, I’m not sure it’ll ever get easier.
So, is it life-altering… sure. But, it’s not necessarily life-threatening. We can live with it. We will live with it. Several people live normal, active lives with asthma. I never thought I’d be happy to have it “official”, but I am. We have a few more steps of course: tests, check-ups, allergies, and so on… but it’s all things that affect what we already know to be there. I finally feel confident that it can only get better from here. Up to this point, I’ve said that the worst part is the up and the down… the not knowing what caused it or what made it worse. I’m thankful for his overall good health and count my blessings that we can move on and treat him properly. I have a great pediatrician who has been so patient with all my calls and questions… I’m thrilled to know that she personally called the new doctor before we came in so that I didn’t have to relive the entire health history/background. What a nice gesture. The new doctor says that she (our current doctor) has done all the right steps (with even some extra along the way) and has maintained Landen for as long as she could… and it’s still even “early” for most patients his age (usually they wait another year or so). That makes me feel good and proud of my doctor and her (our) decisions thus far.
Thank you for your continued prayers and patience. I know I can be a pain… I worry. I stress. I even forget my manners… but I never forget who’s been there for me to listen, give advice, pick up Graden… you name it: I’m grateful. I’ve said this to many people: I always know that Landen’s health could be worse (much worse), but it doesn’t make it easier when you’re actually going through it (it’s been a long road of unknowns). When it’s actually happening, when he’s sick – he’s all I see and think about. I forget then that it could be worse, because when he can’t breathe, I’m not sure that anything else could be worse at that moment! When I’m actually watching him try to catch his breath and he can’t even finish his sentence. It’s tough as a mother to watch him struggle, wondering if I can really perform CPR on my own child if I had too… Wondering if I can remain calm and take care of the situation and do all the right steps and make all the right decisions fast enough… I’m glad to know that I know now what to do. I can fix it on my own first – and fast – or maintain it enough to have time to get him more treatment.
After every hospital visit, I come home and we just sit. I hold Landen for as long as he’ll let me. I give him lots of hugs, love and attention… and before I go to bed that night, I thank God for walking me through it. I try not to question it. It’s not important anyways. What’s important is that we made it back home… and that I got to kiss him goodnight… and that he was comfortable, breathing nice and slow… and that tomorrow brings a new morning full of laughter, smiles, and use of his great imagination!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
SPRINKLER PARTY!
June 23, 2009
Sprinklers + Popsicles = FUN in the SUN!
Row 1: Grace Graber, Grant Graber,
Joey Lengacher, and Dylan Graber
Row 2: Savanna Graber, Lucas Hertig,
and Vance Knoblauch
Row 3: Camden Knoblauch,
Graden Hirsch, and Landen Hirsch
TRACTOR!
Daddy stopped by with his tractor
before he went to work...
The boys loved pretending to drive
the tractor!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
ONE MONTH LATER...
I've said it a million times... TIME FLIES! Especially with two toddler boys! This past month has been busy. We've had a couple of weddings, some parties, and some schedule changes. Phil is working landscaping (which he loves!) all day, Monday through Saturday, even when it rains. Landen, Graden and I stay home and keep busy. We even mow the yard so that Daddy doesn't have to deal with it when he gets off work late. I watch two boys and one girl... here and there through the summer and will pick back up to full time in August when school gets ready to start. We enjoy it very much. They're great kids. I'm still in school - finishing up my last week of summer sessions. (Thank goodness!) It'll be a nice break before I start back up in the fall. Right now, I'm only enrolled for two classes, but I'm thinking of taking more because I got a large grant to pay for my schooling... such a blessing! I'm so thankful for so many things in my life these days!
Speaking of blessings... I'm going to be an Aunt in January! My little sister, Rachael (who I suppose isn't little, she's almost 24 already!) and Derek are expecting their first baby. I can hardly stand the wait to find out the sex of the baby is... :) Congrats you two! Babies are wonderful... and even though everyone says your lives will never be the same, they won't be... they'll be BETTER. Sure, some days take a lot of work; but one little smile or giggle or hug or "thank you, mommy" makes it all totally worth it!
Landen and Graden are doing great! Both just had back-to-back doctor visits that went WELL! I couldn't believe the relief I felt to have doctor's actually say to me that "things are looking good". Graden recovered fast and wonderfully from the tubes in his ears. They'll stay in for a few more months yet, but his ENT said that his ears weren't even slightly pink. Graden past his hearing test with flying colors. That's a huge step. He's still participating in "speech therapy" once a week, but when we went for his 18 month evaluation they told me he was "up to speed" and right where he needed to be! Ah, words a mother loves to hear! I can understand him so much better than just two short months ago and others have told me the same. Thank goodness!
Landen is getting taller every day. He talks to me like I would talk to an adult... the conversations we have just crack me up! He's into asking questions and telling me how things work. It makes me smile just thinking about it as I type. His second follow-up after having new medicines for over two months went well. So far, we're controlling his allergies and asthma symptoms well enough on our own that we won't have to go to see a specialist just yet. This is good news, because at his age things can still change. Landen has been such a trooper and can take all his medicines on his own - no compliants. That just tells me that he KNOWS they make him feel better! Ah... finally, finally!
Someone recently asked me about Graden's past... I'm not sure why that this time more than normal I had a hard time answering. I started out by simply saying, "he's lucky to be here". There are just those days when I realize that I'm not exaggerating when I say that. When telling other stories, I can make comments like "how horrible" and "it's so sad"... whenever I tell Graden's story, though, I know that I'm not just saying those words: I mean them with my whole heart. It was horrible and I never want to relive it; nor do I ever wish anyone to go through it. It's amazing to me every single day (literally) that he's here and that no one knows how he started if I don't tell them. It really makes my faith stronger for sure!
So, all in all, this past month I've been preoccupied enough that I haven't even posted pictures! Sorry for the slack. I'll get better and work on getting some pictures up in the next few days! The boys have freshly shaved heads, so they're looking pretty handsome!
Enjoy this beautiful sunny weather and some good laughs! :)
Speaking of blessings... I'm going to be an Aunt in January! My little sister, Rachael (who I suppose isn't little, she's almost 24 already!) and Derek are expecting their first baby. I can hardly stand the wait to find out the sex of the baby is... :) Congrats you two! Babies are wonderful... and even though everyone says your lives will never be the same, they won't be... they'll be BETTER. Sure, some days take a lot of work; but one little smile or giggle or hug or "thank you, mommy" makes it all totally worth it!
Landen and Graden are doing great! Both just had back-to-back doctor visits that went WELL! I couldn't believe the relief I felt to have doctor's actually say to me that "things are looking good". Graden recovered fast and wonderfully from the tubes in his ears. They'll stay in for a few more months yet, but his ENT said that his ears weren't even slightly pink. Graden past his hearing test with flying colors. That's a huge step. He's still participating in "speech therapy" once a week, but when we went for his 18 month evaluation they told me he was "up to speed" and right where he needed to be! Ah, words a mother loves to hear! I can understand him so much better than just two short months ago and others have told me the same. Thank goodness!
Landen is getting taller every day. He talks to me like I would talk to an adult... the conversations we have just crack me up! He's into asking questions and telling me how things work. It makes me smile just thinking about it as I type. His second follow-up after having new medicines for over two months went well. So far, we're controlling his allergies and asthma symptoms well enough on our own that we won't have to go to see a specialist just yet. This is good news, because at his age things can still change. Landen has been such a trooper and can take all his medicines on his own - no compliants. That just tells me that he KNOWS they make him feel better! Ah... finally, finally!
Someone recently asked me about Graden's past... I'm not sure why that this time more than normal I had a hard time answering. I started out by simply saying, "he's lucky to be here". There are just those days when I realize that I'm not exaggerating when I say that. When telling other stories, I can make comments like "how horrible" and "it's so sad"... whenever I tell Graden's story, though, I know that I'm not just saying those words: I mean them with my whole heart. It was horrible and I never want to relive it; nor do I ever wish anyone to go through it. It's amazing to me every single day (literally) that he's here and that no one knows how he started if I don't tell them. It really makes my faith stronger for sure!
So, all in all, this past month I've been preoccupied enough that I haven't even posted pictures! Sorry for the slack. I'll get better and work on getting some pictures up in the next few days! The boys have freshly shaved heads, so they're looking pretty handsome!
Enjoy this beautiful sunny weather and some good laughs! :)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Dinner with Papaw & Gramaw Weesa!
FUN WITH PAPAW!
SCORE!
BASKETBALL!
SHOOT!
DINNER WITH PAPAW
AND GRAMAW WEESA!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
More doctor visits...
Well, we went to the doctor yesterday for two follow-up appointments... Mostly good news!
Graden: Doc says Grado is growing like a weed! Still a little short, but we can live with that. Of course, he's built like a brickhouse already, so she's curious to see how that changes (and if it doesn't, just how good of an offensive lineman he can be!). Landen too was always on the big side, but his body changed so much about this time (before his 2nd birthday)... even his looks changed. Doc listened to his chest and it was clear! This was GREAT news because we were allowed to go this morning to get his tubes in at the hospital. (Yes, we're already back home!) It went well... ENT Doc says that Graden's ears were more infected than he even thought so a lot of fluid drained out. (This is a good thing.) He also said that he was surprised Graden could hear at all! Poor kid! So, all in all, we're over a big hurdle... Graden will be sensitive to sounds for 5 days or so and we should notice a BIG change in his vocabulary - he should begin learning/hearing all sorts of new tones/sounds... This is VERY exciting for Mommy. We've been working like crazy with a speech therapist and on our own. Graden is picking up new words, but still needs help with certain vowels and such. I can't wait to see how this all changes and watch his progress. He's playing right now as I type - jabbering tons already. Thank goodness! Our regular Doc says that he's "tough"... his coordination and motor skills are excelled (I think he has to make up for the language barrier) and that his personality is just wonderful. (Mommy already knew that!) :) Graden has been watching Landen "potty" and is showing a big interest! I asked Doc what she thought and she said go for it... So, we'll be doing a little potty training early. Graden tells me if he went in his diaper and wants a new one... plus, he's been taking off his pants and sitting on the little potty... Wish me luck!
Landen: Well, we're on a bit of a roller coaster with Landen. For the past month he's been taking Singular every night before bed. Originally, I noticed an improvement for his breathing. He could definitely play longer without getting winded as easily as before. This was great! However, now that the "counts" (pollen and such) are up, we've been having trouble controlling his "allergy" symptoms - which in turn affect his breathing (asthma symptoms). He's been downright miserable by the end of the night. So, instead of just going straight to an allergy/asthma doctor - who will perfom "allergy tests" (which will be painful for Landen) we're going to try some "seasonal" allergy meds. This just means we'll be increasing our daily steps. We'll be doing nasal spray, eye drops, an allergy specific medicine and keep the Singular. The issues lie in that if his allergies flare up, his breathing does too... and we have to keep the breathing under control. So, we've got it mapped out. We do a large combo to start, then will stop one and then eventually another and keep on the allergy specific med or just Singular (which can be used for allergies - not just asthma). Then, once it's been in his system, hopefully we can just maintain his symptoms. The goal is to see if it is in fact "seasonal" - with hopes of it being that - so that we don't have to go to a specialist just yet... hopefully we can maintain it on our own. (And, hopefully he can grow out of these allergies.) We'll still do breathing treatments as needed... but we're on the path for gaining an inhaler (when he comes of age). The poor kid! It's definitely affecting his lifestyle, which as a mother is hard to watch. He's so good about taking breaks. I taught him to feel his chest and heartbeat. He knows if it's hard and/or fast, that it's time for a few minutes of rest... He tells me about how he checks his "heartBEEP" all the time. :)
Landen will be four in September! I can't believe how fast it's gone. Depsite that we've had ups and downs regarding his health, he's been a great kid. Graden followed in his footsteps and even as we approach the "terrible twos" ... NOTHING has been "terrible" about it! How did I ever get so lucky? :) Landen wants to be "independent" and Graden is trying stunts that his big brother does, but overall... they're great kids! :) Ah, I love these boys.
So, all in all, I feel like we're moving in the right direction. Every night before I drift off to sleep, I say a little prayer for my doctor! We are so happy with her (and the ENT)! It's such a wonderful feeling to know that both the boys are in great hands! Both boys are happy as usual... and every day I'm home with them, they teach me something new. Being a mom is fantastic! :)
Love to you all... Enjoy the beautiful weather and long weekend!
Graden: Doc says Grado is growing like a weed! Still a little short, but we can live with that. Of course, he's built like a brickhouse already, so she's curious to see how that changes (and if it doesn't, just how good of an offensive lineman he can be!). Landen too was always on the big side, but his body changed so much about this time (before his 2nd birthday)... even his looks changed. Doc listened to his chest and it was clear! This was GREAT news because we were allowed to go this morning to get his tubes in at the hospital. (Yes, we're already back home!) It went well... ENT Doc says that Graden's ears were more infected than he even thought so a lot of fluid drained out. (This is a good thing.) He also said that he was surprised Graden could hear at all! Poor kid! So, all in all, we're over a big hurdle... Graden will be sensitive to sounds for 5 days or so and we should notice a BIG change in his vocabulary - he should begin learning/hearing all sorts of new tones/sounds... This is VERY exciting for Mommy. We've been working like crazy with a speech therapist and on our own. Graden is picking up new words, but still needs help with certain vowels and such. I can't wait to see how this all changes and watch his progress. He's playing right now as I type - jabbering tons already. Thank goodness! Our regular Doc says that he's "tough"... his coordination and motor skills are excelled (I think he has to make up for the language barrier) and that his personality is just wonderful. (Mommy already knew that!) :) Graden has been watching Landen "potty" and is showing a big interest! I asked Doc what she thought and she said go for it... So, we'll be doing a little potty training early. Graden tells me if he went in his diaper and wants a new one... plus, he's been taking off his pants and sitting on the little potty... Wish me luck!
Landen: Well, we're on a bit of a roller coaster with Landen. For the past month he's been taking Singular every night before bed. Originally, I noticed an improvement for his breathing. He could definitely play longer without getting winded as easily as before. This was great! However, now that the "counts" (pollen and such) are up, we've been having trouble controlling his "allergy" symptoms - which in turn affect his breathing (asthma symptoms). He's been downright miserable by the end of the night. So, instead of just going straight to an allergy/asthma doctor - who will perfom "allergy tests" (which will be painful for Landen) we're going to try some "seasonal" allergy meds. This just means we'll be increasing our daily steps. We'll be doing nasal spray, eye drops, an allergy specific medicine and keep the Singular. The issues lie in that if his allergies flare up, his breathing does too... and we have to keep the breathing under control. So, we've got it mapped out. We do a large combo to start, then will stop one and then eventually another and keep on the allergy specific med or just Singular (which can be used for allergies - not just asthma). Then, once it's been in his system, hopefully we can just maintain his symptoms. The goal is to see if it is in fact "seasonal" - with hopes of it being that - so that we don't have to go to a specialist just yet... hopefully we can maintain it on our own. (And, hopefully he can grow out of these allergies.) We'll still do breathing treatments as needed... but we're on the path for gaining an inhaler (when he comes of age). The poor kid! It's definitely affecting his lifestyle, which as a mother is hard to watch. He's so good about taking breaks. I taught him to feel his chest and heartbeat. He knows if it's hard and/or fast, that it's time for a few minutes of rest... He tells me about how he checks his "heartBEEP" all the time. :)
Landen will be four in September! I can't believe how fast it's gone. Depsite that we've had ups and downs regarding his health, he's been a great kid. Graden followed in his footsteps and even as we approach the "terrible twos" ... NOTHING has been "terrible" about it! How did I ever get so lucky? :) Landen wants to be "independent" and Graden is trying stunts that his big brother does, but overall... they're great kids! :) Ah, I love these boys.
So, all in all, I feel like we're moving in the right direction. Every night before I drift off to sleep, I say a little prayer for my doctor! We are so happy with her (and the ENT)! It's such a wonderful feeling to know that both the boys are in great hands! Both boys are happy as usual... and every day I'm home with them, they teach me something new. Being a mom is fantastic! :)
Love to you all... Enjoy the beautiful weather and long weekend!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Mommy's Day!
Our family on Mother's Day! The boys took me out to a nice dinner and then we stopped at a park on the way home to play outside! It was a wonderful day and weekend! Landen kept telling me all day we were "best friends" and "happy mothers day"... I loved it!
Playing on the slide...
Ring the bell, Landen!
CUTE STUFF!
Weeee! Mommy & Grado on the swing!
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