A Day at the Park....

So, Saturday February 21st was a nice day and we decided to get out and enjoy the weather. We bundled the babies up and headed to a nearby park, Riverfront Park. They had supposedly added to it, so we wanted to check it out and get some walking in, AND I wanted to get some good nature pictures. Gracie didn't want to cooperate and wouldn't get down and run around so I could experiment snapping some pics....all she wanted to do was 'ride' (in her stroller).

Corbett slept the whole time (1.5 hours).

Then, we found a playground and Gracie was in Heaven.....BUT, it was a little advanced for her but we made do with the slide.

She really wanted to do the Monkey Bars! YIKES. She cried when we left.

Then, we went to Applebees. Going to lunch w/a toddler is becoming challenging! (no pics)

And here are a few of my photos that I experimented with my camera....what do you think?

Know what this is??

Like Father, Like Daughter.....

These are the in new part...the fountains...

This is my favorite picture from the park, aside from my kids' pictures....

Update on Corbett's appt/test from yesterday

First off, I'd like to explain why nobody knew we were having the test and appt......it's because we didn't either. It's a long boring story but basically last time we saw the Dr. their appt system was down so the receptionist (from He$$, as we now call her) said she would mail our appt card. She never did, or we never received it and didn't know about the appt AND test until the reminder call (thank goodness for those!). Turns out we needed to take Corbett to the hospital for an Xray before the appt. In the end, we worked it out to make it happen, as it was important to his health.

Now on to the results and doc appt details. The bad news first...the Xray (which was a dye test for the reflux of his kidney) still showed a large amount of reflux (remember he has the worst grade possible, grade 5). The doc said in about another year, he can do a procedure (don't know the official name) to help but wants him to grow some more and in that time, it can correct itself so it's a waiting game for now.

BUT, the good news is that his latest bloodwork (taken end of January) shows his kidney function is almost perfectly normal!!! To recap, kidney function is measured by the creatinine levels (sorry is misspelled that one!). When Corbett was born, his creatinine was 3.7 (babies should have a range under 1.0- 0.8 to be considered normal)! It gradually came down but when he was discharged from the NICU it was still up around 2.4, which is why we were referred to a Nephrologist. His creatinine has continued to decrease over the last year, but it is currently at....ready? Drum Roll please......

0.5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The doc was so impressed all he could do is shake his head. This doc has been involved in Corbett's life since my 20 week ultrasound (where we identified the single kidney that had reflux--he and my OB regularly met and discussed Corbett). He looked at us and says 'has it really already been a year? but, a long one I know'. We've come a long way since those days in the NICU, worried about his creatinine levels, kidney function, and possible kidney transplant one day. Well...... the doc said that kids with these levels (and if they continue) almost never need a transplant!!!! OMGosh..........such music to our ears since this has been the biggest, long-term problem he could face. Of course, only time will tell, but for a doc to give such hope, well...it's almost non-existent! Now, dare I tell our parents for fear of false hope? Maybe I'll shoot them an email and downplay that part and just give the creatinine levels (they regularly ask about this so it won't be out of the 'norm', ya know?).

Well, that is the latest and greatest for those who were wondering about our appt yesterday.

And I can't resist adding a picture or two, even if they weren't from yesterday.

Doesn't he look like a little man w/ his plaid shirt!? Sweet baby boy....

A TRUE Daddy's girl....be still me heart!

Back to the gym for me today.....and some pics

I finally got Twlight in the mail and am getting ready to jump on the treadmill for a while and see if I get into the book. I seriously will be surprised if I like it as much as everyone else does but promised Leigh Anne I would go in with an open mind. We shall see.

I am also including a few recent pics of the kids.

Here is one of them sitting together at daycare. Sweet huh?

We got out in the yard one of the warm sunny days we had in early February. Here is Miss Grown.....such a mess!

Corbett is really trying to scoot around on the floor. It won't be long now! Notice Roomba in the backgroung....hope it doesn't suck him up too! lol

Grandma and Grandad are always good for giving chocolates! This was Valentine's day. We took Grandma roses and visited for a while.
Here is my Valentine Dinner! He stepped outside the box and made something different this year. (My usual is scallops and steak) She crab soup, ribeye, lobster tail and grilled potato! all my favs! And he sat down and watched Mama Mia with me! Thanks hubby!!!

Poor Corbett......this was this past Sunday. She wanted to 'ride' (what she calls her baby stroller) Bubbie.....I had to strap him in because she was RUNNING through the kitchen with him in there. I was agraid he was going to tumble out! So funny and cute.

A guilty day......

A day of guilt.....
I have to admit that I haven't been updating this blog like I had hoped but I will try to do better. I also have to admit that I had committed to starting back with exercise but haven't. I've been sick for 4 weeks with a cough that just won't go away. However, I do plan to get back on the treadmill tomorrow, cough and all. Today, my body NEEDED substance so I caved into cravings and am sitting here eating a cheeseburger AND fries! I can't tell you the last time I had a burger! Oh well. I am sure my friend Julie is posting a blog about her latest diet menu and exercise workout. I feel ashamed. But....it's ooooohhh so good! And I don't think I could make it through the day without it.

I also wonder if my husband made it out of bed this morning. Oh, what I wouldn't have given to have been able to sleep this morning. I did, however, hit the snooze one too many times. Yes, it's a day of confessions and guilt.

Happy Birthday Corbett! You're One today and I wanted to say a 'few' things

Corbett Lawton Anderson

On January 31, 2008, at 8:49 a.m Dr Hollday announced 'it's a boy!' and my heart melted. You were 17 inches, 5 pounds and 7 ounces--much bigger than expected and than any 34 week preemie.

It was also the day I met the (second) man of my dreams. All the nerves and anxiety were quickly whisked away with your little cry and wrinkled frown.



I remember Daddy going to be by your side, immediately. I remember, hearing 'them' (docs, nurses and Daddy) over 'there' talking over you, and about you. I had no idea what was to come. Doc Holladay, and my friend (nurse) Mel kepy my spirits up as I lay on the table....waiting....and more waiting. Daddy came over to me (same worried look) and said he was leaving me to go with you. Daddy went with you, protected you, then came back to me in the Recovery Room. I had opted out of sedatives, therefore, I was very much awake and alert. I remember my dear friend Carmen calling (me) -your Dad had my cell phone in his pocket- and I talked to her. She was in tears and just spoke praises that you were 'ok'. I cherish that moment more than anyone knows (until now, that is) mainly because as I was just starting out my journey as a parent of a 'special needs child', I now know she was too. Her tears were and are my tears.


Back to the story....Daddy tells me you need a 'procedure' and that they were whisking you away to evaluate. HUH? My son, my baby?! How can this be?! What's wrong? I finally get to my hospital room, where our families are waiting on us. Today would be the first of your surgeries, Little Man. It was a long grueling day/night and yes, I was groggy still from my surgery, but I remember every single whisper and movement in the room like it was yesterday. A Godsend of a nurse came in, mid-surgery, to update us on her way home (I later sent her praises via a letter to her CEO), and come to find out-you didn't do well and 'crashed' halfway through, but recovered. This was your colostomy surgery, first day of life. We didn't get many doctors or nurses to tell us things so I Googled. I didn't like what I saw, so I stopped. You just HAD to be my miracle.


We had many visitors, some family and friends, come to our room. They couldn't see you because you were in NICU, but they came to give thier thoughts and prayers to us and to you. It meant more than anything in the world. You were being prayed for ALL over, by total strangers in some cases.



The night ended with Dr Adkins (who we weren't sure of in the beginning, but learned to love) telling us you were okay and in recovery (NICU).You spent two weeks in the NICU at Baptist, then moved to NICU at Richland, where your 'team of doctors' resided. Thankfully so.


After two weeks, the doctors gave us a choice. You could stay until you ate enough (2 oz every 4 hours) OR they could send you home on a NG (nose) tube for feeding. The doctors felt confident we could handle that so we got trained and decided on a release date. Before you could be released to us to go home, you had to past a series of tests and so did Mommy and Daddy. We had to take a CPR class as well as watch a SIDS video (after which, Daddy vowed NO blankets in your OR 'Sissys' bed!) We also had to spend the night with you in the hospital (in a room set up just for this) so they could make sure we could take care of you, especially since you were being sent home w/ the nose feeding tube and heart monitor. We had to feed you every four hours, and all the cameras were watching. We passed and were released to go home. Here is our room:







On a side note, that night while we were there, our license tag got stolen (in the hosptial parking lot for goodness sake) so we had to file a police report before leaving that cold, rainy day.


Over the next several months (year), you went through several surgeries that we will never forget, but can only pray you do or have.

I'll explain details to you as you'd like but here is your resume of surgeries and/ or hospital stays:

• 1/31/08-Colostomy created (we had NO idea what this meant or would entail!)
• 2/13/08-Dr Ehreth corrected your PUV.
• 3/20/08-'G Tube' inserted into your stomach. (because you weren't drinking enough on your own. Tube was coming straight out your stomach and that is how we fed you--'pumped' the formula straight in your stomach). This ended up being the expensive procedure that caused you to eat on your own (it only stayed a couple of months). We went home on Easter Sunday.
• 4/9/08-RSV hit! You were transported my ambulance (thank goodness Daddy was with you, because some random ambulance driver would have caught heck!) to Richland and you spent 5 days there, including Mommy's Birthday. Went home 4/15/08. ** I later learned that you turned blue and stopped breathing, and the ambulance lights came on! on the way!)
• 7/15/08-went in for a 'simple' MRI to evaluate your tethered cord (spine). Ran fever and we were admitted for two days (ended up being a UTI).
• 8/4/08-first Colostomy reconnection surgery done. We're 'Pro's' by now. Stayed in the hosptial a week.
• 8/18/08-Tethered Cord repaired. The scariest of the surgeries, to us, because it was on your spine. You were a CHAMP! Nothing is keeping you down! We were set to go home after 3 days, but again, you ran a fever. Two days later, you were home again (5 days total).
• 10/27/08-FINALLY! Colostomy closure! It went great and we were never so happy! It hasn't come easy, and it hasn't BEEN easy but we're finally getting there.

Around mid-October, you also were required to get a helmet because of a flat head from NICU. Not terrible, and you were a trooper as always.

As we approached your 1st birthday, several milestones happened. Being a 'Preemie', you've been behind developmentally. However, just two days before your 1st Birthday, you sat up own your own! HUGE milestone for a little man like you. You will be off and running before we know it ....and we can't wait.

All this, Little Man, to say that your first year has, YES, been challenging but rewarding. All your docs kept telling us everything you were/are facing is 'fixable' but we just weren't sure. Turns out, most is. However, your one damaged kidney is, most likely, not. We're thankful, humble, and very happy that you are a part of our lives. You've made us more knowledgable and stronger than we ever imagined we could be. I know one day Daddy or I will (possibly) be a donor to your kidney transplant and that is the very least I could do for you but I want you to know how much we've tried to do all we could do to help you, be your advocate, and do what is best-right or wrong. As I sit here on your 1st Birthday, reflecting, I wonder what your little life will hold. I hope it holds happiness and love and I hope you impact everyone you come in contact with. I think you will, or have.

We love you Happy Birthday Baby Boy,


Mama and Daddy
(sorry I am a little late posting it--things have been a tad crazy)

One Year Ago Today.....

...I remember sitting at my desk nervously awaiting my doctor's appointment. I was nervous because they had been watching the fluid (amniotic) around you and saw that it was decreasing. Don't ask me what the numbers mean but one week prior the fluid levels were around 8 (they like it to be above 10) so Doc Holladay said to drink GALLONS of water. I did and little man, I tried I really did.

So, the appointment was at 3:30 and your dad was running late-we thought he wasn't going to make it at all! (he came to every single one of your doctor appointments after 20 weeks--when we found out about one kidney). He showed up just as they called me back. After 20 weeks, I got an ultrasound every appointment and went to the doctor weekly almost from 28 week on and I truly loved seeing you squirm around all the time. I remember the doc kept saying if I (you) would just get to 36 weeks we would be in the 'safe zone'. You, my little Prince, had other plans.

After an ultrasound, we discovered the fluid levels were at 3! I was then plugged up to a machine that monitored your heart rate and after the doc saw a few spikes he 'didn't like', he decided 'it was time'. I had a wonderful nurse and friend there with me/us, named Mel who helped me relax and put our mind at ease. I had never seen your Dad so worried, although have seen it several times since then.Doc decided to admit me so he could monitor heart rate 24/7, all the while trying to pump steriods in me to help develop your lungs enough before delivery. He even said he didn't want me to go home to pack bags, but your stubborn Mama convinced him. We got to the hospital around 7pm and everyone (staff) was waiting on us. I think it hit me then how serious things could be. Doc Holladay came to the hospital around 8pm (yes, he's dedicated) to check on us-saying he had been watching and waiting from home for us to be 'hooked up'. You did well over the next day and a half until you were born.

Your Dad and I were in the hospital, mostly alone, just waiting and hoping. We decided not to find out your gender, because we wanted a surprise but looking back on the time in the hospital, I think a few nurses 'slipped' or got close. Anyway, as we sat in the hospital waiting, we had to finalize names (girl or boy) and what else was there to do, really. Daddy wanted a 'C' name,and we had it narrowed down to a few but decided on Corbett because it was my grandmothers' mothers' maiden name. We decided that, son, because that was and IS generations of STRONG women and although we didn't know if you were a girl or boy, we passed along the strength!

More to come later.......

2008: A year in review

2008 was both an exciting and hectic year for us. We welcomed our baby son but with that, came many hospital stays, surgeries, and doctors' visits. I know one day it will all be a distant memory but for now, we are sort of ready to start a new year.

Enjoy the pics and the small updates.

JANUARY

Corbett Lawton Anderson was born 1.31.08-6 weeks early! I don't have any to post of him right after he was born (but will add some later)

Gracie also learned to walk, really well. This picture was taken at her cousin's first birthday. Little did I know I'd be giving birth to her brother 3 days later.

FEBRUARY

Sadly, I don't have many pictures from February because most of it was spent back and forth to the NICU visiting Corbett however, I will find some and post later. For now, here is one stolen from March and it is of Gracie and her daddy taking a ride on the dirt bike! YIKES

Wait-I found one of Corbett. This was him sitting in his grandma's lap in the NICU and a rare one of him without tubes hooked to him. Peaceful looking, I think.

MARCH

Corbett comes home, Gracie's life is uprooted, and our fun begins as life with two babies!

And Easter weekend was spent in the hospital, getting a G-Tube inserted for Corbett b/c he still wasn't drinking enough formula on his own. Miraculously, this did the trick and he began eating that same weekend! Go figure!


APRIL

My step son turned 12 (going on 21). Corbett and I weren't there because he was in the hospital w/ RSV. (My birthday was spent in there w/ him!)


Gracie learns to 'climb' a ladder with Papa John.

MAY

We finally feel like a 'normal' family and decide to get out and about with Corbett. His first 'beach'/lake trip at Pine Island (he didn't go in the water of course)

Gracie still won't go in the water but decides she LOVES to swing!

Mother's Day was truly a blessing for all of us this year.

JUNE

Ahhhh Father's Day. We pulled out the 'ole slip 'n slide and also cooked out at Pine Island. Good times!


Oh, and the first of June we took a 'little road trip' to Punta Gorda Florida too pick up the boat we/I bought (won) on EBay (yes, I AM addicted-it's official)--Did I mention it has a bathroom and all! Whooo hoooo


Gracie already thinks she's the Captain!


JULY

This was a good month for us, despite another unexpected hospital stay for Corbett (ran fever after an MRI-go figure). We really enjoyed our time on the lake but not so sure the kids did-ha. I take that back, I think they are enjoying the layout of the new boat....


Gracie adjusts to having a little brother at home....and not too well by the looks of things. Look out Corbett!


We took our annual family beach trp and have decided we want to take a baby sitter this year--anyone interested!?


AUGUST

More lakin' it for us. We were fortunate enough to have my mom watch the kids for a WHOLE night so we could go to a friends' 50th bday party at Pine Island....Chuck was excited to get to finally pull someone skiing behind his new boat.


I learn to drive the boat--finally!


Step son perfects his wakeboarding


SEPTEMBER

And more lakin' it for us, taking full advantage of our lake time and new boat!

Gracie got in the tube BY HERSELF for the first time! We were all amazed (but she still hates the water)


Case in point.....


Corbett is getting stronger and stronger and looks so big here....(and where did the blue eyes come from!?)


We went to Lexington Fun Fest


OCTOBER

Corbett had another surgery (planned) and came home Halloween night! Go figure! (still not including those pics...they may bore you)I went to a conference in Portland Oregon for a week! Chuck was home w/ the babies alone--he truly LOVES me! I won't include pics of that b/c you probably (hahum) aren't interested but here are a few from our month with the kids. Corbett and Gracie were Raggedy Ann and Andy for Halloween (although I couldn't snap a pic of Gracie fast enough before she pulled her wig off--oh well)


At the State Fair (the hay is not such a hit w/ Miss Priss!)


At Harman's Tree Farm


NOVEMBER

One last surgery and hospital stay (for now)....yay! Oh, and he got a helmet too...he had a flat spot on his head where he laid on it too long (thanks NICU).

Gracie tries to be a 'little mama' most of the time but Corbett isn't having it.


This is classic look of our lives.....


Thanksgiving


DECEMBER

Christmas was very special this year. Hectic, but special! I put up 5 trees this year!

We threw a Christmas party for the first time in YEARS. It went well and we had a blast (thanks to my mom for keeping the kids all night!)

The bar area

Our main (real) tree


Our Christmas card, which was titled....

A Day in the Life of Two Babies

Yes, a hectic year it was indeed. Here's to a Happy NEW Year!