Adjustments

Well, we have been soy-free for about a week and a half and so far we are already seeing results in Josh's skin. We were told it would be about 10 - 14 days for the soy to be completely out of his system once we cut it out of his diet, so that 2 - 4 weeks was the best time frame to really see results. I am so glad we are already seeing results. It is nice to not have to use steriod ointments on him daily! He also is not snoring and seems just overall less congested than he had. So that is great in addition to the skin. It has been an adjustment, I'm making more things from scratch because it is cheaper and easier than hunting down a soy-free alternative (though we certainly have found things without soy and are glad for those). Noah loves having homemade bread with dinner - every bite almost gets a "oh, this is good bread." I will just be very glad when the new dishwasher (the old one quit again) is installed, washing dishes by hand isn't a favorite pass time to start with and cooking more from scratch requires more dishes. I'm trying to not be grumpy about this. This soy-free adventure has also nudged me to finally start planning out all of our meals, we've done a menu for dinner since we were in Texas (it came second nature to Mike and I like the planning). Now I am planning what we'll have for breakfast and lunch too, just so that I know we'll have a decently balanced food array for the day and can plan according to how much time we have. We'll see how that goes this week.
Noah is also going through some adjustments, not always easy ones. He is feeling the stress that has come with all the things breaking/happening at home I'm sure and I also think some of it could simply be an age/stage he is going through. He is less willing to obey and listen and will at times act out toward Josh and of course then he fights any discipline with stubborn determination that he won't go through the punishment for a negative action. It is wearing on us all, but I know this will pass and that we just have to be consistent. He's still such a sweet boy most of the time, we went on a mommy-son date on Friday and he kept asking where Josh was and then wanted to make sure we got something special for Josh too when he got to pick something out. He also will tell his friends before he leaves or they leave from playing "thank you for playing with me."

Blessed...

I could easily spend this post complaining - there has been so much happening and so much to deal with lately but I am refusing tonight. Instead I want to focus on my blessings, our blessings because we have so so much to be thankful for and truly God provides for our needs and so much more!

We are blessed to have friends who are willing to come over at the drop of the hat to maybe have to take our TV off the wall for me because the roof is leaking again by the fireplace. But thankfully it was just the severe wind and rain and should be fine - and bonus, said friend is a weatherman =) so he said if there are more bad storms he will call and come get the TV off the wall for me. Sara proceeded to bath my boys and let me talk to Mike in a few minutes of wonderful peace and quiet after a long day of no naps for Noah which led to a very silly and nonlistening boy.

We are blessed to know a good roofer, who got us on the schedule to make sure it was taken care of and then later called just to check and make sure it had gotten done. Wed. is not so far away and it shouldn't be a huge, major repair (I hope!)

We are blessed to have a friend come and play with Noah and Josh - they had so much fun even with the tornado warning we got today and thunderstorms.

Blessed to have another friend here working on my dishwasher that decided not to drain tonight, who then called his brother-in-law who knows all about these things. They are still working, there was a valve that was broken and they went to get a new one after 9 pm. I am so thankful, and for their family who are willing to give up an evening with them so that they can be here to help.

Blessed to get phone calls and have email to at least keep some communication up with Mike and me! It is so nice to just hear his voice. I know it frustrates him to not be here to take care of all these things, but I know he too is so grateful for our friends here.

We are blessed by numerous phone calls from family and friends to check on us through all these wild crazy things - and most of all we are just blessed to still be well and I am thankful for that. The soy-free thing is working out alright, it will be some adjusting and it will take some time to get some new tastes introduced to the boys but we are doing alright with it so far.

I am looking forward to MOPS tomorrow and some time without kiddos to relax and chat! I hope that even if your life is crazy - you can count your blessings tonight, there are so many things that could be and so many what if questions...but I am most blessed knowing that my portion is secure in God, that God wishes to prosper me and is much wiser than I am and so I know that these are blessings, these trails are serving a purpose and I hope it can glorify God in how I handle them (though goodness knows there have been moments that probably weren't shining!). So we are praising Him, our loving, caring Father tonight!

Soy Free Starting Tomorrow

Well I did get a chance to speak to the allergist today, I am thankful so much for good health care and good doctors who care and treat you with respect and like you aren't just a pain when you have lots of questions. Of course I did have lots of questions, many were answered before I asked, though and I felt we had a very thorough conversation. The simple fact is that Josh is actually allergic to soy - this is different from a simple intolerance (that would just upset his digestive tract/tummy and cause those such issues - which of course is quite a big deal in itself) so the fact that it is an allergy means that things such as his runny nose, congestion, coughing, chronic ear infections, eczema, itchiness could be affected by the soy in his diet. His level was low, and there is not a threat of a serious reaction (at least not one that he is concerned with but like he said he cannot of course predict that). So really the best option we have right now is to eliminate it completely from his diet - which means it will be eliminated from all of our diets for awhile. That means for 2 weeks starting tomorrow - we need to avoid eating out, and read absolutely every label. After 2 weeks, we should have eliminated it from his diet. Then we'll keep it out for about 2 weeks and see if symptoms clear or improve.
Eczema is a hard thing for a symptom because it just does go in ups and downs, he has good weeks and bad weeks throughout the month - it is a cycle that regardless of treatment would continue. However, at this point we need to use the steroid ointment daily, twice daily most days in order to keep it under control. This is a lot for such a young, little body because typically he gets covered from neck down with the ointments. So if we can prevent the severity of the steroid ointment daily with diet we will stick with it. I am not sure, there is a chance that soy is not affecting the eczema at all - we just have to wait and see. We will do at least 4 weeks of soy free. This will mean making more things from scratch - eliminating snacks that have any soy in them because I want this to be something we do as a family. I hope that we can see improvements. I am optimistic at this point; I think I have to be. I was also told that once we get this mystery solved that Josh should be a happier more content child - right now he is in pain of some kind because of his eczema and possibly has stomach/digestion pain throughout the day. So wish us luck! We are heading back to the commissary tomorrow to get some ingredients and soy-free items for quicker lunches - I will do some baking so we have bread since even organic breads often contain soy. We have a freezer stocked with meals - I think that Noah and I will for awhile eat these for dinner and make Josh something without soy because that food is already prepared and ready - I don't want to see it wasted.

Questions Questions Questions

We have been busy and not terribly busy, but it has just been a full week since last Thursday. Today Josh had a follow up with the ped. doctor for his double ear infection he had in Feb. His ears looked great, I asked about the lab results for the allergy test, just hoping they would tell me if they were in or not. They were in, I don't know the full results and we saw a doctor who I like but we haven't seen often so doesn't know the full history of course. So the two that came up today he mentioned are cats and soybeans. I have a MILLION questions - here are just a few...hopefully I will get a chance to talk to the allergist tomorrow, we left a note as we were leaving (we pass the allergy/immunization clinic on the way out) since he was not in today...

- should we avoid all legumes? this would include peanuts, peas, green beans
-does MSG cause a problem, reading some websites (webmd for one) it mentions that MSG is often something that reacts - not sure the make up of it but should this also be avoided?
-will repeated exsposure increase the severeity of reactions?
-could it become severe?
-will it be something he outgrows - lots of places say by 2 or 4?
-has it contributed to his sickness? does it weaken his immune system since he has been exposed?
-can soy oil/lecithin be tolerated??
-could any of the shots he needs to get for vaccines be a problem?
-are there medications that we need to avoid (even over teh counter)?
-what was teh level of the reaction? can you help me understand the ranking for the test and how his levels are in comparison to this?
-is this something that is/can be hereditary? are there things that I should be avoiding now being pregnant and while breastfeeding now that there is one family member with the allergy? should I discuss this with my OB?? Is there someone on base to discuss tehse concerns with (HAWC possibly?)
-what kind of sun screen should we use? can you suggest one that will not react/interfere or worsen his eczema? certain ingredients to avoid?
- are food dyes going to cause an issue?
- a 2005 FDA warning stated taht protopic and elidal should be avoided/used very sparingly because of an increased chance of cancer and that they were not approved for under 2 - does this still hold true today since Josh has had both of these prescribed to him and currently using 1?
- as far as dining out and traveling - what can we do to ensure he eats safely? are there list of foods/ingredients that may be something that contains soy but not just simply soy ? where do we get this list from?
-are there additional references/materials that would be helpful to us in this journey?
- is dairy on there at all?
- as far as ensuring he gets adequate nutrition and a balanced diet - what do we need to do, avoid, increase? what if we have additional questions regarding finding a balanced/soyfree diet for him, is there a resource that is available to us for that information if we find we are struggling?
-for his age- his weight seems low - has this caused part of the problem? or is it part of the problem rather, is this to be a concern right now??

did I miss anything?? I am not sure we'll be able to go over all these questions with a phone call, but i hope to get a start on them tomorrow. I just feel we need to be as informed as possible to hopefully help Joshua feel better and quickly. If there is something that we can do, Mike and I both agree we will do it, we want to see him have relief!

on a side note - there are pictures from today in the March Week 2 - it is now going to be March Week 2 & 3 apparently on Kodak!

Josh's Allergy Appointment

I find it hard to believe that we are having allergy appointments already! But we need to do something more to help his poor skin with this eczema. I first want to say that I did not realize just how many medications Josh has had in his short life - there were 22 on his list and that did not include the multiples of antibotics and such and the few of course that I know where filled off base. 22! Yikes! I was beginning to feel like a bad mom filling out the packet of information because I could not remember for the life of me which month we started which treatments and exactly what month each symptom started or was worse. Thankfully the doctor was nice and did not make me feel like an idiot or a bad mother, just realized that we have been struggling with his skin for awhile! The doctor asked good questions and seemed knowledgable and very caring about the situation. I was very releived and glad that Josh could be seen so quickly considering this is a speciality. We had two options for testing him - either a blood test today with the results taking a week to come in or to give Josh oral steroid treatments for 5 days and clear his skin up completely and then do the skin test. He wouldn't be on any other medications for that time and we would still take a week to get results because we would wait almost a week before he could be tested. I thought the blood test, while not pleasant, would be the least tramatic option for both Josh and myself. Also, I was told that the Atarax is not more effective on treating the itching but because it causes patients to be so sleepy and drowsy there is less night time itching. I wasn't aware of this previously and given the struggles that have been more constant since switching with nasal drainage and colds, etc. that Josh has had and how snotty he was today at the visit, the doctor felt that going back to the Zyrtec might be a better option if the creams/ointments were still continuing to help with the eczema. He cannot take both, the Zyrtec will help the nasal congestion and allergies of that nature and still help with the itching; the Atarax will only help with the itching. I think helping both the nasal congestion and itching is important, I don't want him to suffer from constant colds, chest colds, and ear infections just so he doesn't itch. Thankfully this doctor was also concerned with following up and told me I could choose to follow up with him or with the dermatologist, we will wait and see what happens with the allergy test before deciding that I think but I was glad he wasn't just assuming this was the end. He said it would be a rollercoaster ride - Josh would have days he needed the oral allergy medicine and medicated creams that were steroids, hopefully he would also get to where he had days where he needed medicated creams that were not steroids (Elidal and Protopic are the two we have used) and other days nonmedicated creams. The other good news is that baths should be daily, the water will help and not hurt his skin - the soap in baths is what dries the skin out and we don't use soap on Josh just a cleanser - so baths daily and let him play until he is pruny. I think that Josh and Noah will both be thrilled with that news. I need to get busy and get the house cleaned and dinner prepped and started for the night - we are taking dinner to a family at church and then having some friends over to enjoy soup with us (well the boys I doubt eat soup). tomorrow I will be scrapping and I am really hoping to have the house completely cleaned today so that I can just scrap and play with the boys tomorrow!

Just A Little More Drama...

I am way over the drama, but it doesn't seem to be over us yet so we are trudging along through it. Last night we had a minor scare with the little pumpkin that is baking - a little spotting and I had a very bad back ache. I haven't had this with either of the boys and was quite freaked out by it to say the least. A call to a friend, the OB, and mom helped relieve some of the anxiety certainly. Sara didn't even wait, I called and she was over here immediately. It was nice to have someone here with me, she was so helpful just reassuring me and picking up so I would actually sit down and keep my feet up. I called Alexis as well, knowing I would need someone to watch the boys in the morning - the OB wanted to see me in the morning. She did not seem overly concerned last night on the phone but said that yes I needed to come in so everything could be checked out. This morning I was able to be seen and saw the little pumpkin, who is doing fine and growing on schedule. What a relief! The spotting and cramping also had a cause, there was premature separation of the placenta and the uterus wall; something that she said was not uncommon at all. There is a small clot that must now work itself out, which means there will probably be some more cramping and bleeding. The good news is that the placenta had reattached well to the uterus. This does of course increase odds for a miscarriage slightly, but so slightly that the OB wasn't concerned. I will be back in 2 weeks for my normal appointment and will have another ultrasound, she will continue to keep an eye on the clot until it clears itself up. Sara was able to go with me and Alexis watched the boys, then we all went out for some lunch. The boys and I came home for naps after that. I will just be taking it easy this week with the cramps coming and going but I am sure all will be fine. On two side notes, this little pumpkin was moving all around and very active with a strong heart beat of 162, so that was very reassuring. I also have now officially lost weight since starting this pregnancy, not much maybe half a pound and well of course that isn't a concern at all at this point since there was some room to spare to start with.

Two other notes though on the boys who are getting so big so fast. I really can't believe how much Josh seems to understand lately. On top of just being able to follow a simple direction like go get your shoes or get a dinosaur he aslo started folding his hands together when we pray before meals. It is so sweet, I noticed on Friday or Saturday but at first thought it was just a coincidence - but he has done it since then at every meal. It is so sweet and encouraging. Noah is also continuing to learn lots and lots. He is such a big helper, he will get shoes for us as we get ready, and lately has been very kind to Josh and Mommy and will get toys to share with Josh or Josh's dog from the other room if Josh is upset. This morning as we were getting ready, the coats were all on the floor waiting for us to get on. I was getting socks, shoes and a coat on Josh and Noah picked up his coat and put it completely on by himself. He has been able to put one arm in it for a few weeks very successfully but now can get it on all by himself. He's almost gotten his shirts on by himself too, but still needs some help with those. I can't believe how independent they are both getting, but am glad we are still needed!

I will try and take pictures later in the week, this evening I think we will relax and watch too much tv and let the boys play since the cramps have kicked back in for me - not much to do but take it easy. The boys are so great about playing together though, it makes that much easier. Tomorrow we have MOPS and then will head to the grocery store for restocking the pantry and fridge since we did not go last week - almost 2 weeks makes things slightly bare (only slightly though)

On the Mend...

We are on the mend again today. I am so glad and thankful, the house and all toys have been disinfected and at one point all the toys were put away. Right now they are all a bit everywhere from the boys playing but after days of being sick and under the weather I am glad to have toys everywhere. Tomorrow we have another doctor's appointment, just a follow up from Noah's ear infection thankfully not because they are sick again. Unfortunately we will miss going to the zoo with everyone =( bummer.

I have to tell you this though that just happened. We of course did our bedtime routine, we've changed it up a bit, both the boys get stories in Noah's room. Finally Josh is able to sit for a bit to listen to stories and not just hit at the books and at Noah. So we did all of this, got the boys to bed after saying prayers. I am indulging in cravings and watching a little tv after a very whiney last 2 hours before bed (Chef Boradee - seriouslly that is what I am craving GROSS but it stays down so oh well). Well I have heard Noah playing in his room some, so finally it's been a bit and I went to check on him, he was sitting in his chair with his bear, a pillow and a blanket covering him and his bear. He's reading one of his word books - you know the picture books that have lots of pictures of things and their labels - well he has a page open with an airplane. I walk in and he says "look airplane, fly far away to Daddy. that airplane, I on to fly away to Daddy" So sweet, I told him Daddy wants to be home and misses him, he says "I love Daddy." So now I'm all teary...

Joshua's Surgery

Before surgery pictures

Just a quick update - I am tired sorry! - on today's events. Josh is doing fine, he is resting again for the evening. His surgery went well, there was a hernia in addition to the hydrocele that needed to be repaired (in the same location) and they were able to take care of that as well. I was not surprised as it seemed that the area was firmer and a bit different in color last night. Josh was not happy this morning, he wanted to eat and kept bringing me things or pointing to where he knew food was and signing please - so it was a rough start but by the time we got to the hospital he was doing better. Around lunch time he was more upset again but finally drifted off to sleep for a little bit. He had fun playing peek-a-boo and ball with Mommy and flirting with all the nurses who came by, who of course dotted on him! The surgery went without complications but recovery was a little rougher because he is getting a cold and the sleepy drugs brought all the junk out. Josh ended up having breathing treatments while in recovery and before we left I was warned that he sounded like he was getting a bad cough, it sounds more like croup to me than Noah did yesterday. I have a feeling we will be back at the ped's office tomorrow because he sounds like a barking seal this evening. I switched the humidifer to Josh's room for the night and am contemplating putting the pack and play up in my room just to keep an eye on him. But from surgery he is doing awesome, he'll have some swelling and possibly bruising and is on tylenol every 4 hours for the next 48 hours. Thanks for all the prayers!

After surgery pictures

It's Croup?

Noah and I finally went to the ER - the nurse called back and said he should be seen with that high of a fever. I was thankful to have reassurance even if it turned out just to be a virus. Well, thankfully we have awesome friends here in NE - do I say that enough? No I am sure that I do not, but we really do. I left Josh with Ken and Alexis again - I feel like such a burden on them though they have never made me feel that way, it's totally self-induced. Noah was so good at the ER - he was still running very hot at 102.8 when we got there, he sat with me and rocked, then when the doctor came in opened his mouth big even when they swabbed his throat for a strep test. After she was done Noah said "I don't like that." The strep test was negative thankfully, his eyes were quite red though and I was told he has croup. It totally surprised me, he's only coughed 4 times today total - that's it. I expected with croup it would be much worse - hopefully it won't get worse but I am not holding my breath. Before we left his fever had broken and he was only 100.5! On the way home he was chatting away and saying he was hungry and wanted a drink and to eat food. He seems okay, we'll do a steam shower tonight before bed and have a humidifer going all night for him. Noah will still go and play tomorrow with Josette and Zach - I cannot tell you how grateful I am that I don't need to cancel/reschedule Josh's surgery tomorrow. We are praying that Noah doesn't share his germs! We are off to finish dinner and relax though for the night.

Updates...Sick Again

Just wanted to give you guys an update, we haven't posted in awhile and I honestly haven't take pictures in a week plus some days. Honestly, the morning sickness is still pretty strong some days, the medicine is helping on days that it is bad but I have just been exhuasted and the boys have both been a bit sick. We finished antibotics yesterday for Josh's double ear infection - but Noah had a high fever last night while we were getting ready for bed. After medicine even it had gone back up that night and was hovering at 103 most of the night. I didn't sleep too great, kept checking on him. I guess we were pretty well for about 3 or 4 days, I should be happy with that. Haha! So today we are staying home and resting, watching lots of cartoons because I don't know how else to get Noah to just sit and rest and without much sleep myself, being nausea I'm not quite up to par. Josh seems to be doing well, we are hoping he avoids this bug since he is scheduled for surgery tomorrow to have the hydrocele corrected.
I will try to take some pictures this afternoon after we all have naps and get things picked up a bit. I am hoping this afternoon Noah will be well enough to sit and color or work on puzzles with me, he's not been interested this morning and just wants to lay on the couch - not that I blame him. Spring and summer can't come fast enough - I am ready for some warm weather to get rid of all these bugs!

Noah finally laid down on the couch, he'd refused to lay down and was sitting for the morning, now he's in and out of sleep but won't cuddle with mommy.