Nut Allergy vs Virus

As I was stated in my last blog post, Zachy had so odd hives that we thought was because he had a few almonds. Our middle son Griffin has a peanut allergy so we have been very careful with giving Zachy any nuts but he has been exposed in the past so I did not think much of it. On this day (which was Wed) the boys had a snow day and we were all home. I had bought the Bold Almonds by Blue Diamond and was sharing them will Zachy, knowing we were not going anywhere and I could keep and eye on him for a reaction. Four hours later I put him down for a much needed nap. Shortly after falling asleep he wakes up crying. I ask Jonny to go up and rock him, which he does but doesn't not work. I then go up and take Zachy out if his crib and cuddle with him in our bed. I am rubbing his back and he is just fussy and whiny. Then I notice he is scratching at his thigh. I check it out to find his legs covered in blotchy hives. Being the experienced allergy mom, I immediately grab the Benadryl and give him a dose. Then I give the doctors office a call, mainly because with a nut allergy they need to know and I want to make sure that the hives I was seeing was from the almonds. After speaking with the nurse and her talking with the doctor they tell me to call in the morning and to give him Benadryl every six hours.

The Benadryl did its job, the hives disappear. Come morning they are back though. As soon as the Benadryl is out of his system the hives come back. After calling the doctors for a couple of days so they could have a report on him, they decide to check him out. The final diagnosis is that his virus (cold) that he has been fighting for weeks is causing the hives. The almonds would not be causing the hives for more that 4 days. The doctor tells us to switch to Zyrtec so that Zachy isn't so drowsy. Then to stop the Zyrtec after a week and see what happens and if the hives come back to call them again.
In the meantime we are setting up an appointment with an allergist to have him tested.

Another round of Croup.

We just got back from the Dr with Zachy. He has Croup again. I think this is the 3rd time (he is only 12months old). He is on oral pred. again. This poor little guy just can't seem to catch a break. He was usual happy self this morning in between coughing fits but the Dr took one look at him and knew he was sick, it is all in his eyes. Those sick baby eyes just break my heart. He smiles and tries to giggle which turns into coughing. As you might guess we did not sleep much last night. I sat in the rocker in his room holding him upright for a while so he could breath. That damn "floppy airway" (tracheomalacia)...
A night or two after Zachy was born he was breathing really funny. I called the nurse who thought it was just a bit of fluid he was trying to work up, but noted it in his chart. The next day the Dr listened and told me not to worry, he just has a floppy airway or tracheomalacia. Just meaning that his airway has not developed yet and most babies have no problem with it and out grow it within a year. At each apt since then the Dr makes sure to listen to it and it never gave us a problem. Other than a lot of noise when he would sleep or nurse (remember the squeak when he nursed) when he was little. The last time he had a cold the Dr said she could hear the squeak of air pushing through his airway that was still "floppy". It would collapse a little especially when laying down. Well today she told me that his airway is still a little immature and that when he gets a cold or the croup his airway is inflamed, giving it less room for air when it collapses. Again nothing to worry about just that is why he can't sleep laying down when he is sick. But he should be growing out of this problem soon. His lungs are nice and strong so when his airway collapses he can push it open with his breathing. It really doesn't effect us other than when he is sick and it really has not been a problem. I never think about it, I just always assumed he couldn't breath because of the cold (just like any other kid). Anyway to make a long story short...He is finally napping...in his crib and I got to update my blog and now I would like to take a nap. Hopefully Jonny will not be mad that I haven't folded any clothes.

Sleeping in Mommy's arms. How sweet is he!

Sick kids and odds and ends

First I just wanted to say I am so over this whole Easter thing. But some people just can't let go. Oh well, I will try not to get sucked back in.
We had such a nice day yesterday. The weather was beautiful, went for a little car ride to a sugar house, had dinner with Nancy, Courtney and Mazzy. It was the first cookout of the season.
Today we spent the day outside and I even cleaned out one of the sheds. All the boys had a really good time. Ryan even rode his dirt bike for the first time this year. Griffin is still sick but I think we are on the up swing. He hasn't had a fever for a few days but his throat is still sore. He cries out in the middle of the night because it is so raw. Here is a picture from yesterday:

Such a sick baby boy.

Griffin is feeling much better today. The fresh air has done him wonders. I am now coughing to the point my throat is raw. But mainly because I have a tickle in my throat that won't go away. Now I must go feed the kids. Then I have knitting tonight. I love having the girls over for knitting. We have a little wine, snacks and talk about everything. It really does a girl good to have knit and bitch.

***Stellan will be going to Boston. His SVT is breaking though a lot more and is not being controlled well with the meds. Please keep him in your prayers***

Zachy udate

Sorry I have been meaning to write this post, but with Easter and all the drama around that I haven't had time to think about this:

Zachy had the ultrasound of his belly and everything is normal. The enlarged spleen that the Dr. thought she felt is probably because he is thin. He is in the 10th percentile for weight and the 45th for height. I understand you should not be able to feel the spleen that is why she thought it could have been enlarged, but in very thin people sometimes it can be felt. That is the reason for the ultrasound, and good news, everything is normal! He has a virus that has been causing the fever and sleepless nights and the rash. But everything is gone and he is feeling better. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

Oh the Drama!

I can't even begin to tell you the drama I deal way too often. Let me try to explain this one as nicely as I can. Easter plans were changed do to the fact that Griffin was sick. Jodi did not want Griffin around baby Jacob for fear he would get sick. Understandable? Yes. A little paranoid? Maybe. But that isn't the drama. I had no problem staying home with Griffin. But after talking to Jonny and the boys we decided it wasn't fair that Ryan and Jonny get to go to Easter at Grammies and Griffin had to stay home. So, we all would stay home. As we tell Jonny's mom (Lynda) she gets upset and tells us that Jodi changed her mind and wouldn't mind us going down even with Griffin being sick. Not that I didn't believe her but I told her I didn't want to bring Griffin and have Jodi be worried and uncomfortable the whole day. Jonny and I then come up with a great idea that we would do Easter dinner and the egg hunt on Monday. The boys were thrilled because the still get to go to Grammies and Jodi won't have to worry about Jacob getting sick. Everyone, including Lynda seemed content with the idea. So off we went to celebrate Easter at my sisters house with my large, rather crazy family. Now, we had a blast (other than my sisters puppy endlessly jumping on Zachy and scratching his face), dinner was great the boys played outside with their cousins and we had wonderful conversation. Not once did we think about bad feeling surrounding Easter at Lynda's. When we get home it was another story...we walk in and find that Lynda had brought all the boys Easter presents including the eggs for the hunt on the kitchen table. The boys got upset...they were not happy to have their stuff here. They wanted to go to Grammie's in the morning like we had planned. To me and Jonny it was kind of a slap in the face. Jonny was upset and angry. Does it end there? Oh no! Ryan calls Grammie because he wants her to come pick up the eggs and hide them at her house so they could find them in the morning. Jonny then speaks to her and she tells him we were overreacting. WE were overreacting! I don't think so. We just did what was asked of us, keeping Griffin away from Jacob. Somehow along the way we became the bad guys. Not that there was anyone involved that should have been "the bad guys". But there we were...the ones that were overreacting and messing up Easter. For some reason, Jonny's family likes the drama. Instead of just being happy we could do it another day, the drama had to be brought in. So today when we were supposed to be at Lynda's eating and watching the boys find eggs, we are home, angry because we have to explain to the boys that Grammie is not in the mood to have us. I just want to scream "stop the attitude and drama and lets just live".

This story may seem minor, but this is always what happens. Plans change and send the Melen'stale spin. And Jonny says my family is crazy. Well we are, we just don't let the little things effect us because we have to deal with the big things. into a

Happy Easter!

Peaceful Baby

Easter is huge. This is an amazing day in all of our lives, but I never knew that until recently. Or should I say I knew what it was about but never "felt" the importance of Easter until recently. This morning was wonderful. Except Griffin threw up in the hallway. Thankfully it was just juice (white grape) and cleaned up easily. Church was great, my sister Gia and brother-in-law Jeff were there. It was so nice to share the morning with them. Also my sister-in-law, Jodi, brought baby Jacob to church for the first time and my mother-in-law Lynda joined us. The sermon by Rev. John was just great as usually. When he speaks it touches me deep inside. His words mean so much to me, because he speaks just what I have been feeling. The choir in out church is beautiful and the hymns we sung today gave me chills. The only thing that would have made it better was if my husband was with us. Unfortunately, he was home with sick Griffy.
We are now just hanging out waiting to go to my sisters house. Zachy is down for a nap and then off to Ellen's house to enjoy company of my large family and many yummy dishes. Griffin hasn't been sick since first thing this morning. Maybe it was just that his big cup of juice on an empty stomach did not agree with him. He has been bouncing off the walls. I can't wait until he can play with his cousins later. We missed going to Jonny's moms because Griffin was sick and we didn't want to chance Baby Jacob getting sick. So, we are having nice relaxing time at home, but the boys are so bored (I can't wait until we go to Ellen's).
I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter. Oh and did I mention it is my Birthday!

***Remember to keep Praying for Stellan***

Zachy Update

Yesterday we had Zachy's 1 year old well child visit. Well it was suppose to be a well child visit, but he has been running a fever since Sunday. The doctor decided not to give him the vaccinations but to do the physical and check his ears and what not. He weighs 19 lbs 15 oz which is the 10th percentile, and is 29inches long which is the 45th percentile. That is just like his brothers.
While the Dr was doing the physical she found that he has a swollen spleen. As she was feeling the swollen organ she was not positive it was his spleen or kidney. Dr. A decided to order an ultrasound to find out what is swollen and why. She really thinks it is just the virus that is causing the high fever is also causing a swollen spleen, but she wants to be safe. We ran a urine culture to rule out an uti and kidney infection (I just heard from them that was negative). I asked the Dr what else could cause his spleen to swell if it was not a virus. She really did not want to tell me because if it is not a virus then that leaves the big scary things (which I will not even write about). I told her I am one of "those" parents that will just go home and research it and scare myself so she might as well tell me. She did get a little laugh out of that and we talked about what else it could be. She did reassure me that she really thinks it is just a virus, but rather be safe than sorry. I agree. I have to say I am worried, after all he is my baby and there is a chance (very small) that it could be more than the virus. But I do believe that it will be nothing more than a virus and he is just fine. As a precaution please say a little prayer for Zachy (it couldn't hurt). We go Friday morning at 8 am for the ultrasound. He can't have anything to eat or drink for 4 hours before the appointment. He will not like this. He still nurses and has been nursing a lot because he hasn't been feeling well. Now I am off to clean the kitchen.

***Pray for Stellan***

It feels like Monday...

I am sure the calender says Wednesday, but the way the morning has gone I swear it is Monday. It all started with Zachy getting up at 6:00am. I don't know about you, but we are not morning people. We roll out of bed at 7:00, shower, dress, try to eat and out the door to school at 8:00. So, 6:00am is a little too early for us. Then Zachy would not eat, which makes going to the bus stop a little less fun (he will whine and cry because he is hungry). Ryan decided he would go with Daddy to the bus stop, so I thought "Phew, dodged a potentially rough day". Well I spoke to soon. Jonny called from Griffin's school. It is picture day, we haven't handed in the payment and order form, Griffin isn't wearing anything picture worthy, and his hair is crazy, needing a cut. Oh well for the hair, but then I had to find the order form, find a shirt (clean) and run everything down to school, with fussy Zachy who hasn't eaten and Becca.

Really is it Monday?

We made it all in one piece with a little crying, but we are back. Zachy still hasn't eaten, and Cassie (my dog) is being a little attention hog. At least it is warmer today. The kids will have to play outside (even in the mud) just so I won't lose my mind today.

Checking Mckmamma's blog did not help. I am so sad about Stellan. I just can't believe nothing is working for that poor little guy. I will keep Praying as I have been all night. As I was being to feel helpless and discouraged about little Stellan I can upon this prayer. It was just wanted I need, so I have been repeating this endlessly.

Prayer for Trust in Jesus
O Christ Jesus,
when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love
and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You,
we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.
--- St. Ignatius of Loyola

Please take so time to Pray for Stellan, maybe just pray. Think of the Lord as a friend that will listen to all you have to say. Good, bad, thankful, ungrateful, God will listen. Enjoy this day, it is a Gift from God.

Ryan waiting for the bus with Daddy. I miss doing the school things.

Oh Mondays!

This morning I had an apt with the Pediatrician with Zachy. We have all been sick, but Zachy has been sick with cold symptoms for 2 weeks without ever really improving. My hubby has been telling me to go to the Dr with him but I have been in so much in the last couple of months and having the Dr tell me that it is nothing but a cold, I kept putting it off. Well after yesterday with Zachy crying and screaming when he was laid down, I finally called. They could not get us in until this morning, which was fine, what was one more night without sleep. Come to find out, yes it is just a cold but a cold with an ear infection. Boy, I felt like such a bad mom for not bringing him in sooner. So, he is on antibiotics (which I hate having my boys take), and will probably end up with a yeast diaper rash.

Then I opened my blogger dashboard and saw that MckMamma is at the hospital with her little Stellan. My heart just about stopped. Their story is nothing short of miraculous. I could not believe my eyes when reading about Stellan and his heart. If you have a minute please say a prayer for little Stellan and stop by MckMamma's blog to read their story.

Me and my sick baby Zachy. This is the only way he will sleep.

Should be doing housework...

Here I sit with the laptop in my lap. I should be putting clothes away and starting a load of laundry. I could be vacuuming, doing dishes or just picking up. But I am so tired and have a horrible cold. Zachy was up a lot last night because he is still sick. He has a snotty nose and must just feel yucky. He has whined all morning and can't decide what he wants. First he wants me to hold him and then be put down, then eat and not eat. Finally I put him down for a nap. Which of course he didn't want, but feel asleep after fussing for a few minutes.

It is so hard seeing your baby and children sick. I can't image how it must feel to have you little one struggling to live in the NICU. I am saddened by a cold, and it is just a cold. I feel for all little preemie babies and caner sick children and their families. I really feel the need to get out there and do more. I support the Relay for Life and I have been the neighborhood fundraiser for the mothers march, but I need to do more. Maybe I will look into the Walk for babies. The March of Dimes will be holding a walk on April 26th (I think). Would anyone be interested in making a team with me? I think the walk is 7 miles, which I can do myself but would be nice if some people joined me. I will look into it. Just give me a heads up if you would like to join me in supporting them. Thanks. I will keep you posted.

Here is a picture of my friends twins. They were born 8 1/2 weeks early. This picture was taken after weeks in the NICU and they started to get better. They were very sick little babies, and we are very thankful they are with us. They are now 2 years old and doing very well!

It is hard to look at these pictures now. Ryan Joseph was so very sick, they didn't not think he would make it. He was diagnosed with NEC. After a bit of research on it we came to realize just how sick he was. Bethany would forget to breath quite often, many times turning blue and having to be resuscitated a couple of times. How scary for parents. I thank God for the health children we have. Thank you, Alicia and Dave for allowing me to be a part of their life's.

Is it time for bed????

I am so tired I can't believe I am still up. Zachy must not be feeling good again. He was crabby all day and would not nap. He was up last night 5 to 6 times, so not like him. Then Griffin came into our bed. He was glued to me the few times I was able to lay down in bed. Which lead to absolutely no sleep. Ryan on the other hand slept all night in his bed in his room. He has been in his room for a while now. It only took us 6 years to get him to sleep in his room, but hey he is there now. Griffin rarely comes into our room, mainly when something is really bothering him. Which reminds me...he said he felt like he was going to throw up before he went to bed. I hope he just had too much juice or something like that. I really don't want to be up in the middle of the night cleaning up puke. That would suck if both the little boys were coming down with the stomach bug.

Croup

Zachy has Croup again. We went to the dr yesterday after not getting any sleep on Monday night. He had that horrible cough and couldn't breath. That is just so scary to me. The dr gave us oral steroids. Which I hate having to give the kids stuff like that but he felt so much better. I put him to bed at 6:30 last night. He got up 5 or 6 times until 11:00, and then slept until 7:00 this morning. The steroid must be doing its job. We all needed the sleep, it was so nice.

Then this morning Griffin was coughing. He is my little asthma boy. Every time he gets sick it ends up in his lungs. We started his inhaler in hopes that we don't end up on liquid steroids. He really is a baby when he is sick. Whiny and sensitive on good days. Sick days leave me pulling my hair out.

Poor Ryan, he coughs and has a running nose but I never really notice because he just goes about his day. Doesn't really complain about being sick. On the other hand, he drives me nuts with his know it all attitude. I really didn't think I would be dealing with that until they were teens, but at 6, he knows everything (a little like his Dad, hmmmm).

Keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer that Griffin won't get any worse. That his inhaler does its job and we aren't up all night with him.

Poor Babies

As today progressed the day became a little hard to deal with.

Becca was here, her first day back in two weeks. She has been home with her mom ever since her Dad passed away unexpectedly. It was hard with her today, she just wanted to go home. I understand why she was difficult. Her whole world has been turned upside down. Poor little thing.

Then Zachy has come down with another cold. He is a little grumpy, snotty and drooling.



See the drool all over my ottoman:



The poor baby didn't sleep at all last night, and only took two 20 minute naps today. Normal he naps for 2 hours twice a day. So, as you can probably image he was a gem (Yeah right). It is still a little scary when he gets sick. He had (or still has) a floppy airway. I can't remember how to spell the medical term, but when he gets all congested he can't breath. I thought he had out grown it but the last time he was sick the Dr. could hear it. Although it is much better than when he was little.

Ryan then can home after school. He had a band aid on his thumb. From what he said he cut his finger on some ice on the playground. It was a pretty good cut. Then he went out to sled with Griffin, and he slipped on the ice, which ripped the skin off his pinkie finger. I am starting to think that Ryan and ice really don't mix. But he really wants to play hockey. ummmm.
To be perfectly honest, I am really surprised that something didn't happen to Griffin. He is usually my klutz.
Hopefully we all get so sleep tonight. Tomorrow is another day.

Long days, short nights.

It has been a long couple of days. With very short nights. Griffy has been sick with the croup. Talk about awful!! Thursday night we didn't get more than 2 hours sleep for the whole night. He was running a very high fever, awful sore throat, and the worst cough I have heard in a long time. My heart just broke for him. Not to mention it was pretty scary. Every time the poor guy would lay down his airway would close (the croup swells the throat). The only way he could sleep was sitting straight up, so he would lean against me and try to sleep only to wake up with such a sore throat he would be screaming. The doctor gave him an oral steroid and we need to keep using his inhaler. Yesterday was pretty bad also. He would cough and then cry because it hurt so badly, and then he would throw up. Being only 3 years old (almost 4) he couldn't make it to the bathroom to throw up, so we had quite the mess in the kitchen to clean up. Lucky for me, Jonny was able to come home to clean it while I gave Griff a bath.

Today he is much better. He slept all night without any problems and woke up with a much looser cough (good sign). He as been back to normal today, a little tired and coughing some.

It can be really hard being a mom. When your kids are sick and there is nothing you can do really hurts. Listening to you child struggle to breath is unbearable, but that is all part of being a mom.