No more Nectarines!

Well we decided to see if Shiloh was allergic to Nectarines. We know she's allergic to peaches (among many other food allergies), but I have an uncle whom I though was allergic to the fuzz on the peach, but not the peach it's self. Though we avoid the whole of the peach with Shiloh, not knowing the specific trigger of the allergy, I though a nectarine is a completely differnt fruit, and fuzz-less to boot. She only had a little nibble about the size of a pea, and immediately complained of the "itchy mouth", I proceeded to give her benedryl, though we weren't sure if she was just trying to get out of trying something new. I always give the benedryl at the first complaint since it takes 30 min. to hit the blood stream, I'd rather her have an extra dose and not need it, than have lost time in the effectiveness. Let's just say, this is one time I was really glad I did. It only took about 5 min. from consumption for this to happen.

She asked me if something was wrong with her eye? Later after gazing in the mirror to check out the damage she pointed to her puffy eye and said " this is my poor eye" then pointed to her right eye and said, "this is my lucky eye". I agreed, it was a pretty lucky eye.

Sojourners in a foreign land.

My Aunt Bonnie and Cousin Stacy, came from Missouri to help out last week as Aggie had 9 appointments scheduled, and was suppose to have her ear surgery the following Monday. Though surgery was cancelled, we put the girls to good use. They where a great help with the kiddos and chores. I was thankful for the adult companionship, as it was a busy work week for Mike. The children loved the extra attention and love. Thanks for coming ladies!

School is in Session

1.Letter of intent to school board-check

2. Join HSLDA-check

3. Join Local Group-check

4. Do Lesson 1- check

The Week-End Round-Up

This was a full week of appointments, and anticipating this and Aggie's surgery on Monday for tubes, I called for reinforcements. My Aunt Bonnie and Cousin Stacy came to help out. Before I get started the surgery is cancelled. The results of Aggies reflux scan showed "significant, frequent reflux". Little people with such reflux problems are a "high-risk" patient for sedation, and the hospital cancelled her surgery b/c of that. I am glad they did not proceed if they were not comfortable. So, Aggie will have her tummy surgery Sept. 21st which is actually 2 surgeries. One is a fundoplication, which will correct her reflux, the other will be a gastric feeding tube, so that we can give Aggie tube feeds through the night to see if she will gain more weight, and also to vent air in her stomach, as many children with a "fundo" are unable to burp and can become uncomfortable. Once the reflux is corrected, she will be scheduled to get tubes in her ears, as she has yet another ear infection. Her hearing will be retested at that time as well.

We saw a dietitian for the first time this week. We are increasing the calories/oz. of formula again, and going to start adding butter/oil to her baby food 3 times a day. Again for weight gain purposes. She will also help manage the tube feeds for Aggie once the "g-tube" is in place. I decided to wean Aggie, as it was getting really complicated and time consuming to add calories to breast milk.

Aggie started occupational therapy this week. They work on fine motor skills. I have been pleased with the care she received there this week. She will have OT twice a week from here on out and soon will start having speech therapy in conjunction with OT at the same pediatric therapy center. Our PT will be moved there soon as well, but that might take a bit more time. I am encouraged with all the therapy being provided and am hopeful at the outcomes it may produce. I view it as encouraging progress. We'll take what we can get.

Opthamology was the next stop. I and the pediatrician had been noticing a potential drifting eye. The opthamologist assured me it is only when she can't see over her nose bridge when it happens, but unfortunately he did find something else of concern. There is some pigment on the back of her right eye that is "unusual". He said "it could be benign, but we should have a pediatric opthamologist look at it". So I naturally think if "it could be benign", then there is a possibility that it is not. Though I am not jumping to any conclusions, it is good to know what a Dr. is saying when he is not saying something else.

Endocrine had us stop by for a visit also, she informed me there wasn't much more she could do for Aggie, though she will also be helping manage her diet, and believes a referral to a genetic Dr. is the next step.

So you see, reinforcements were in order. That's a lot of appointments in one week. I have been really encouraged lately reading in the book of Mark. Every-time I read scripture for about a week now, I've been asking myself, "What is God reveling about Himself in the passage?" and "How does this apply to my life?". And as you may know, Mark if filled with healing and miracles, I'm still in early chapters. I keep finding a trend in my answers to these questions and that is...... God is a God who heals, He cares about people no matter their situation in life, He hears us when we call out to Him, or move close to Him and responds to our faith out of His kind, merciful, loving hand. He is generous! And how I hope to apply this is to be filled with faith, by His grace, that God will do just that for me as I call out to Him and move close to Him, however meager and imperfect my attempts may be. He is good to me!

Sequoia National Forest

We had a wonderful visit with our friends, The Doyle Family. Our only regrets are that we didn't have more time and the germs we passed around while together. Thanks guys for hospitality, fun memories and sweet conversations.

We flew in to LA, rented a car, drove to Bakersfield, stayed a night in their home, then headed to the Sequoia National Forest and stayed 3 nights at the Lazy J Ranch, just at the base of the Forest. Back to their home for a night, to Nana and Papa Doyles for a night (I lived with them while Mike and I were engaged), and back to LA for the last night to catch an early morning flight out.

Our first adventure to see the General Sherman Tree, the largest living organism in the world!

Another glance at the General.

This is what Hiking with 7 children 6 years old and under looks like.

New Sweet Friendships were made.

A Morning at the Lazy J. This was out our back door. The kids loved waking in the morning to feed the goats leaves.

The Lazy J had these big boulders around, the kids loved climbing them.

The tether ball challenges ended in a broken finger, but they were fun for all to watch while it lasted. Poor Mike was 0-6.

Emulating their daddies.

A look into Kings Canyon.

One of the beautiful Falls.

Loving the Pool!

THE END!

Summer Cut

Before

After

Real Quick

We made it back safe and sound. We had a lovely time away. It was such a blessing to get to fellowship with our dear friends.

As it goes when one returns from travel; obligation, commitment and responsibility out way the time allotted. So pictures will have to wait, but just know there are lots of good ones.

On another note, Aggie has another gastric scan tomorrow, please pray for her to have peace and sleep during it. It is an hour long and she will once again be strapped to a table for that duration with no medication.