Weeks in Review

The last few weeks have been a little crazy, to say the least. The week leading up to our trip to Bermuda, I noticed a large lump on Ruby's neck. I took her to the doctor that same day and he thought it was an infected lymph node and prescribed antibiotics. At the end of the week, she had a follow-up appointment (doc knew we were going to Bermuda) and the lump had gotten significantly larger. He called SW Idaho Ear, Nose and Throat and we went immediately to that clinic for an ENT to look at her. The ENT was fairly certain it was a large pus pocket that would need to be drained surgically and a CT scan would confirm his diagnosis. We went immediately to the hospital. It took two or three tries before they were finally able to get an IV in her tiny vein. They strapped her down so she couldn't move at all while they did the scan. She screamed the entire time and I thought it would never end.
We waited at the hospital for the results so she could go directly in to surgery without having to do another IV. The doctor finally called and confirmed that it was a pus pocket and they were preparing for surgery right away.
I was so disappointed and upset. I was worried about Ruby and I was mad about our trip. Why did this have to happen now? It was 4:00pm and we were supposed to be on a flight at 7:45 in the morning. Adam's parents met us at the hospital and we started talking about our trip. To me, going was not really an option anymore. I couldn't get a hold of anyone at EF to see if we could fly out a day later but I couldn't reach anyone. The doctor had told us several times that it would be alright if we went, that this procedure was not exactly routine but that he had seen it enough times to know that she would only be in the hospital for 1-2 nights. Adam still wanted to go. Adam's parents still wanted us to go, saying that they would take care of Ruby and everything would be alright. I was not so sure. Adam went home to pack and I stayed and waited for her to wake up from surgery.
I was up all night with Ruby. I literally had not slept all night. Adam's parents came to the hospital at 5am--one was staying with Ruby and one was taking me home to get my luggage. It was so hard leaving Ruby, curled up on the big hospital bed, burning up with fever. I tried not to cry. I didn't want to disappoint Adam. He wanted to go so bad. I was in such a daze from lack of sleep. It all seems like a dream then and now looking back. Somehow I went home, packed up the car and we got on the plane. I cried practically the entire flight to Salt Lake.
Once we got to Salt Lake, it didn't seem as bad and I was actually getting excited about spending the evening in Boston. Plus, Ruby was going home in the morning so it started to feel ok.
We arrived in Boston and spent the night there and then left for Bermuda the next morning. We didn't have cell phone coverage in Bermuda because it's another country and calling from the hotel was ridiculously expensive. Finally, we were able to call that evening fully expecting to hear that Ruby had been released and was doing well at my mom's house. Well, my mom said she hadn't been released but would probably go home in the morning. My mom calls the next night, Ruby didn't go home again today, her fever isn't going down and the doctor is thinking about doing another CT scan because she might need another surgery. Adam and I talked about it and decided that we really needed to go home. We were able to get a flight out the next day at noon.

We arrive in Boise at midnight and go straight to the hospital. The next day, another CT scan is done which revealed that the original pocket had filled back up with pus plus there were two more pockets that needed to be drained: both sides of her neck and the back of her throat.
Another surgery. Ruby seems to be doing better right off the bat but her fever is still present. After 10 days in the hospital, the doctor says we can go home. Our first night home, Ruby slept all through the night, she seemed happy, etc. The next day, things were great until her fever hit in the afternoon and she was up all night with a fever and she threw up.
Took her to the doctor in the morning and he said her lump was the same and call if there are any changes. Went home, put Ruby down for a nap. When she woke up, the whole side of her face was swollen. Call doc immediately. Sends us to hospital right away for yet another CT scan which showed that she needed a third surgery to drain it. Adam and I had to hold her down for nearly a FULL HOUR while the nurses tried to get an IV in. It was so sad. I wanted to leave but I knew I had to stay and give her what little comfort I could. It was so painful for her. She screamed and thrashed through the whole ordeal. Finally, a nurse from PICU came and put one in her head which was very sad. Poor little Ruby. She just cried and cried while they held her head down and put a needle in her scalp. I was a mess. I wanted to scream at the nurses, "What kind of a children's hospital is this that you can't even get an IV in a child?!" My stress level was at an all time high. I just wanted Ruby's torture to end. I just wanted her to get better.
This time a specialist of pediatrics, infectious diseases was brought on board. So, we spent another 5 days in the hospital. She was released just yesterday (Saturday) morning. So far, so good.

Bermuda was awesome, by the way.

Bermda

I'm starting to get really excited about our trip to Bermuda. It's beginning to feel real like it's actually going to happen. I'm also really nervous about leaving James and Ruby for six days. When we went to Chicago for a few days James cried on the phone the first night, "I want you to come get me!" It broke my heart. It was so sad. I wanted to fly home right then. I keep thinking about that and I am increasingly apprehensive about leaving. Plus, we're leaving the morning of Halloween and I'm super sad that I won't be with the kids Halloween night. Adam doesn't care but I really love Halloween and I want to share that magical evening with my children. I posted these pictures for inspiration.

As a side note, Adam has lost 20 pounds in 17 days!! Woo hoo!

This Weekend

I've been trying to savor the last few days of warm weather. I think I'm already in mourning for the summer/fall temperatures. I hate winter. I know I shouldn't but I do. I hate being cold and I hate feeling couped up. We have spent as much time outdoors as we possibly could this week. I took the kids to the train depot on Thursday and watched the HUGE Koi fish jump and splash. James loved following the train tracks and was in awe of "Big Mike" the train engine. I love the train depot. The views are lovely of the city and the mountains and the ponds and plants are so tranquil. I have so many fond memories of the depot--watching the fireworks during the River Festival (before it was canceled), playing night games (sardines, hide-n-seek, etc), exploring the man-made cave, seeing my friend off as he headed back to New York... It feels like a little nature oasis in the midst of the city.
Friday Adam and I went to the temple, picked up the kids and then headed up to Bogus. We found a little trail off the side of the road and went exploring. The weather was absolutely gorgeous with clear skies and cool temperatures. James loved finding pinecones and sticks and had to stop every few feet to dig a hole.
That evening we went downtown to pick up some concert tickets and ended up walking around. James played in the fountain on the Grove and we did some people watching. I love the energy of downtown. It makes me feel like I'm back in a big city.
Anyway, that was my weekend. How was yours?

Adam

Adam started a new diet about 9 days ago. It's called the HCG diet where he injects himself with hormones and subjects himself to 500 calories a day. He's doing awesome! I was a little worried that he wouldn't have the will power. Anyone who knows Adam knows he loves food. He's already lost 13-14 pounds. He heard about it from my SIL who lost 30 pounds in a month. Adam's sister decided to do it and she lost 25 pounds in a month. He's hoping to reach his weight loss goal by the end of 26 days. He's already had to tighten his belt and his wedding suit actually fits again. Amazing what can be accomplished in a short time if a person is really motivated. Go Adam!

Harvest Time

It's that time of year again! I am looking forward to making lots of yummy pumpkin desserts: bread, cookies, cake, and pie, oh my!

Must-Reads

Last week I read the first book pictured Under Pressure and this week I am working on So Sexy So Soon. Under Pressure is a great read about the consequences of hyper-parenting. The author asserts that in today's world parents hover too much and obsess about germs, getting into the right university, keeping them involved in every activity available, stranger-danger, and more. It was full of good advice in how to raise a happy, non-anxious, creative, well-rounded child. Really enjoyed it.

The second book So Sexy So Soon I actually found from the bibliography in the first book. Sexy is a little frightening but eye-opening in terms of how to protect our children from an over-sexualized world. So fascinating-- the book covers topics from pornography to Bratz dolls to pop music and cartoons. While reading, I thought how depressing this would be if I didn't have the gospel in my life. I'm so grateful for the safety the gospel provides, for latter-day prophets whose counsel if heeded will keep my family safe from the evils of this world. The thought of sending my little babies out into the world (ie: school) scares me but I also have faith that Heavenly Father will protect them if I do all that I can to teach them correct principals. If anything, this book has reinforced my views of limiting television, internet and other media exposure, spending quality time with my kids, and being more consistent with family scripture study, prayer, and home evening.

Some sobering facts from the book: The average teenager spends 6 hours a day in front of a screen (tv or internet) and view over 14,000 sexual acts a year.

The majority of children have viewed pornography unwillingly on the internet by the time they reach 6th grade.

The list goes on. Like I said, it can be depressing but I'm glad that I know what I'm up against as a parent. I'll take all the help I can get.

Ruby the street walker.

James in the middle of saying "cheese."

This is at our new favorite park called Quarry View. It's right next to the Old Pen and has great views of Tablerock and Castlerock. It's beautiful and quiet and the hills glow a lovely reflective purple at sunset.

Speaking of sunsets, the most beautiful sunset graced the sky the other night. I tried to snap a picture of it while driving but it obviously didn't turn out all that great. James said, "I want to go to heaven someday and paint sunsets with Heavenly Father." He's so cute!