Mason Health Update

It's the end of 2011, so we're squeezing in all of our appointments before we have to fulfill a new deductible. (And because I took some vacation time to spend with the little guy - what a way to spend it, huh?) Today we took Mason to see the urologist. Back in October, I asked for a referral to a urologist to discuss Mason's urine patterns. The past couple months, Mason is not voiding during the day, but then voiding a lot right away when he wakes up. Due to his tonal issues, it could be a variety of things, so we wanted to at least get it checked out.

We saw the urologist in November and he ran an Xray to look at the kidneys and bladder, and discuss his patterns. The Xray showed that Mason was extremely constipated (poor dude) so the doc thought that may have an impact on Mason's being able to void. We decided to increase his Miralax dose to get his pooping under control and then come back to see the urologist in December (today). He wanted this visit to start with an ultrasound to see how the kidneys looked.

The constipation was fairly under control, so we went for the renal ultrasound and then to see the doc. While we were waiting for the urologist appt, we decided to squeeze in the peds doc to have a look at Mason's cough. (He has had a low grade temp since Friday and a nasty cough since Friday night). Anyway - that visit sent us back up to 3rd floor lab for an xray of his chest to check for pneumonia (no pneumonia) and since we were up there, also got a xray of his abdomen again for urology. Phew.

So off track for a bit - Mason's cough is viral, so he's on a steroid and more albuterol with the nebulizer, and hopefully it passes quickly because the cough is really started to bother him and his sleep (and mommy and daddy's sleep).

So back to urology - Mason's ultrasound showed that there is a slight distension in his left kidney. The doc wasn't super concerned, but because it was showing on the ultrasound, he wanted to do a deeper study. The distension is caused from hydronephrosis, which may be due to pressure in his kidney or other things...so basically...we know nothing. The doc even mentioned that he wished he didn't do the ultrasound, because it wasn't what he wanted to see, but he wants to make sure we know what's going on. In January, we will be going to Marshfield for a renal Mag 3 scan. Basically, they put him to sleep, put in an IV and put a glowing liquid through his IV that they can see on a scan. Then they give him Lasix (which makes him produce pee) and watch the pressures in his kidneys and bladder. Oh yeah, and they put a catheter up to test the pressures.


YUCK!

We're hoping this proves its really nothing, but better to be sure than sorry. We're just glad that we asked about this issue to begin with in case it is something. If we did nothing, and this issue progressed, it could lead to kidney failure if the kidneys continue to back up. Kidney stones and lots of other issues could result. No fun.

Tomorrow we are back in Marshfield for new AFO's...because his current ones are leaving pretty red pressure points on both of his feet. So its another 4+ hour visit with the docs, something that Mason is getting pretty used to.

So that's Mason's Tuesday. How was your Tuesday?

Why Our House Will Have No Stairs

House talk and ideas consume many of our thoughts these days. We plan to visit a site in Wausau soon to look at all the handicap options out there. Apparently its a house built through a grant to display all the options you can decide on with building an ADA home. Things that are not "tied down" can be borrowed out to test use. I'm excited to see what things are out there.

Our house plan is relatively simple....one story with everything "at grade"...garage to house, front door to house, back porch to house...essentially wheelchair friendly. Our crazy ideas include pocket doors where possible, a surveillance system to see Mason's room from our master bedroom TV (in case of seizure scares), a heated approach so you can turn on a switch and melt all the snow in front of the garage. Over the cold winter months, we hope to get more answers to these questions: are they possible and how much are they going to cost us?

Mason is Reason #1 that our house will have no stairs.

Reason #2 is probably a little more entertaining to read about.

Last week, I got up at my usual time - 5:45 am. After getting out of the shower, I plugged in my hair dryer, only to remember that it busted the morning before. I wrapped in a towel, and walked down the hallway to the stairs, heading to the downstairs bathroom to borrow my mom's hair dryer. I was trying to be polite by not turning on the hallway light and waking anyone. I took one step down on the stairs and heard an ear wretching "MEOOOOOOOOOW". I put all my weight on one of my parent's cats, who darted beneath me and started running down the stairs. In an attempt to shift my weight off the cat, I went barreling down the stairs, landing on the cat about 3 times. This woke Addy, who came darting to the stairs and almost broke my fall on the bottom stair. After I sat for a second to make sure nothing was broken, I crawled my way up to the top stair to retrieve the towel I was wearing, hoping to God that no one would wake up, turn on the light, and see me in the buff (anyone meaning Dad.) After retrieving my towel, I went to the bathroom to repair my bleeding hand that had slid down the popcorn-textured drywall in an attempt to stop my speed down the stairs. After bandaging myself, I went up to bed and laid there for about 10 minutes to get my heart to stop racing and really analyze the pain. Day 1 wasn't too bad - just a tad stiff. Day 2 was horrible - aches all over and a shoulder that throbbed. I have a "road rash" on my upper thigh and plenty of bruises to document this story. I'm not sure how the cat is doing - because I don't know which one it was, but they both appear to be okay - probably just short one of their nine lives.

That's reason #2 my house will have no stairs. Or cats.

Other than an occasional good story, things have been pretty status-quo around here lately, which bugs the crap out of me. I have had a lot of desire to be impulsive lately - whether it be a random day trip to Door County (which we did) or a last minute trip to Milwaukee for a postseason game (which we did not do). My impulsiveness has been slowed by lack of energy and real-life commitments. I think I'm looking for something to stir things up - like a new hobby. I just haven't heard of any new hobbies that I can actually get excited about. If you have any new ideas - throw 'em my way.

Hope all is well with you and yours as well! Have a happy Halloween and I'll try to post some fun costume pics!

We're still here!

Wow, two months. My bad. Did ya'll even miss us? ;)

Our crazy, fast-paced lives have slowed a bit, which is perfectly fine for me. We've been enjoying nice, low-key weekends with family and friends. Some of my coworkers would laugh at this, because my idea of a low-key weekend is still jam-packed with activities but for some reason, these past few months have had a ton less stress. Must be the feeling of being mortgage-free. Whoop Whoop to that!

So....we sold the house. My mom would like to credit good 'ole reliable St. Joseph. I would like to credit luck. And lots of praying. And St. Joseph.

That sneaky little thing....hiding in our yard for all those months.

Living with the parents has been going well so far. Of course my parents read this blog so what can I say without ridicule?! (j/k Mom). I love the home-cooked meals that I don't need to prepare. I love being close to the mechanic when my car decides not to start. I don't love when a husband/wife argument turns into 3 against 1 and the 1 is me. :)

Our house plan has switched about a bazillion gazillion times, but it has a recurring theme: one story with no stairs, vaulted ceilings, Mason's bedroom near the master bedroom, fireplace, front porch, heated cement approach, 2 1/2 car garage, combined kitchen/great room, all around 1800 square feet. It will be a few months before we make any financial investments into our plan but its allowing us to "catch-up" on things.

Mason started school Monday. Looking at his pictures from January and now, its shocking to me how much he's grown. What do you think?


Still has those plump, squeezable cheeks though! The teacher note that came home on his 2nd day made me laugh: "Mason is really making his needs known this year". Ahhhhh, yes. He definitely knows what he wants and how to get it. Must get that from his mama. ;)

I'm getting excited about fall. Although Chris's plans contain weekends full of duck hunting, mine consist of Packer game watching, our Bayfield trip, a Badger game & 4 weddings. I love football, I love fall colors and I love weddings. This is going to be great!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable summer and that all are healthy and happy!

A New Chapter

Our lives have been crazy & exciting these past few weeks - a.k.a. Unbalanced & Melodramatic. I totally used a thesaurus to rename the header on my blog...I'm not known for my creativity.

The best way to describe this past month is "a new chapter". I decided to take on the task of cleaning out our hutch tonight. I hate to get too much of a start on our packing, as I don't want to jinx anything, but I figured the hutch would be a good place to start. The hutch is staying with the house, if everything goes through and we start our new chapter. We accepted an offer on our home, and the plan is to close on or before August 24th.

Less than six weeks to finish up this chapter and start a new one.

I came across many interesting things in the hutch. The hutch was our stash for things that seemed too important to toss at the time. It was amazing how each piece of paper that I pulled out reminded me of something we've been through this past 5 years:

Our "offer to purchase". The offer to purchase that Jennifer Lynn and Christopher James filled out to purchase our home on 8th Street. We were so excited to begin that chapter, to buy a home, and start our lives together. We closed on our house on August 31st, just 5 weeks before we became Mr. & Mrs.

Addy's "welcome home" binder. Addy's legal papers, her puppy starter kit, (even some old puppy chow! Is it good after 4 1/2 years?), and her graduation certificate from puppy class. Addy was the first addition that made us a true family.

The ultrasound picture. Just one picture. It was so puzzling to me at the time...that they would only give us one...and I can't help but think they knew something we didn't. But it was wonderful just as it was...that baby we created that was about to join us in 5 short months.

Loads and loads of baby pictures. I came across some wonderful ones of Mason with his cousins, with his Gramma, with Addy. I look so tired in the pictures. It reminds me that the toughest time we've gone through with Mason has already happened...all those crazy events of his 1st year.

The test result. Mayo Clinic Laboratory Service Report. "Interpretation: The result is abnormal. A deletion of TUPLE1 was observed, consistent with the diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Approximately 7% of 22q11.2 deletions are inherited and there is significant phenotypic variability. Parental chromosome and FISH analysis could be performed to rule out a familial chromosome abnormality". AKA: Life changer.

Our fall table runner and placemats. Hand-made by Barb. More precious now than ever. It still hurts.

Miscellaneous: A picture of Mason with an elephant mask. Mason's IEP. Mason's Birth to 3 evaluations. Insurance papers either approving or denying services. Hospital bills. Hospital surveys requesting our feedback that I never got time to return but had every intention of doing. Mason 6/12/18/24 month pictures that I never handed out. A piece of foil containing Mason hair from his 1st haircut. An old candy box from Godiva I kept from the time Chris surprised me with chocolates on Valentine's Day. Crazy looking silver goblets we received at our wedding that somehow I don't have the heart to toss. Crafts, papers and markers I stash for the nieces when they visit. A cup full of marbles that we collected from the back driveway when we first moved into the house. VCFS brochures. Thank you cards I never mailed.

I wonder what crazy stuff I'll find when I clean out the bedroom....

(Don't let your mind go there.)

Our hard worker

Mason has done so much these past few weeks that make Chris and I proud! Since school ended in early June, we enrolled Mason in therapies through Aspirus in Wausau. Our insurance only approved 2 visits per week for both OT and PT, but along with our already existing Speech therapy, 5 visits per week has really proven to be a schedule nightmare. Luckily, Chris has been able to flex his work schedule, as have I, to share responsibilities. So far, I've only attended one day of the newtherapies. Mason does not perform as well when I'm there. He arches at me, gives me the pleading Mason face, and looks at me and cries until I "rescue" him from the therapist. When Chris is there, he works very hard. I think he knows I'll give in and let him cuddle. So Thursday is my turn again (finally) and if needed, Mommy will have to wait in the waiting room so real work can be done.

With Daddy there, he's done lots of stretching, propping up on all fours, work in his gait trainer and fine motor work. Today's appointment, he worked extremely hard with both Daddy and Auntie Michelle present. As Daddy put it "he was like a sack of potatoes afterwards". All stretched out and completely exhausted.

If its not too much distraction, I'll try to catch a pic or two of him this week during his Gait Trainer therapy.

Besides working very hard in therapies, Mason has been sleeping great. His full days with his cousins, fresh air, and night walks really get him tired out. A few months ago, we would be up 3-4 times with him at night, sometimes 2-4 hours at a time. Well, the past few weeks he awakes maybe once, and usually just because he needs to flip sides, or fart or something, cuz then he's right back to sleep. He's got a good routine of consistently sleeping until 6 am, taking a 1-2 hour nap, and going to bed around 8:30 pm. If he has a particularly exhausting day, he'll fall asleep at 6:30 and wake up around 4:30. We'll take it. ;)

Health-wise, all is good. He seems to have plateaued a bit in the weight category, but we have a weight check in a few weeks to really evaluate that. We've added vitamins to his diet recently to make sure he's getting all his nutrition but will need to add Omega 3's at some point too, to make sure he gets some oils/fats in his diet. He's a strong, fit little boy!

Besides carrying around 32 lbs of Mrdutt boy each day, things are going pretty smooth. It makes us forget we have a special needs child. We're really enjoying the summer, taking in all that summer has to offer.

For other news...the house is still for sale. The last showing we had was the family's 3rd visit, for a total of 4 hours between the 3 visits. They were obviously VERY interested. It's been 8 days since the last showing, which isn't a super good sign, but we're still crossing our fingers. The closer we get to selling, the more we think about our new house: the way it will look, the amenities we want, all the handicap accessibility needs. It gets overwhelming. Chris and I have never worked well together when it comes to house projects...I can't imagine how hard it will be to build a house together. All I keep reminding myself is...it's for Mason. It's worth the effort.

We're looking forward to a nice 5 day mini vacation for the 4th. Lots of time for fishing, swimming, grilling & relaxation. Mason could use a break in routine as much as we could.

Now I'm going to go enjoy a nice sirloin that my babe grilled for me. Ahhh, the joys of summer.

My Busy Life (and how it makes me crazy)

I am jealous of superman. I am jealous of his super human speed. These days have been so jam-packed with "to-do's" that my brain is starting to spin out of control. Thank God that people can't read eachother's minds, because if anyone could read my mind, they would never think the same of me again. I try to keep myself composed for the most part (so people don't think I have completely lost it) but I have turned into quite the scatter-brain. I hope that conversations I have with people these days seem normal to them, because in my brain, I'm multi-tasking and thinking of my next thought, or what else I should be doing, or repeating my "don't forget that" list. I really do value my friends, coworkers and family and I swear I'm not trying to give a half-ass effort to our conversations so I blame my brain. Scattered brain.

I think it's a mixture of busyness at work, Mason's ever-changing-oh-so-challenging-schedule, and my ability to get all that accomplished and still have fun everyday. Who knew fun had to be scheduled into my day?!

So...while I should be cleaning my house for our house showing this Friday, or filling out Mason's paperwork to get him approved another year for back-up insurance, or writing thank-you cards to Mason's teachers (thanks Michelle for reminding me of this new parent task, haha), or planting my tomato plants, or paying bills, or the countless list of other things that need to be done soon, I'm blogging.

I'm not sure if I lack skills in prioritizing, or if I truly can't keep up with everything expected of me as a mom, or if I just don't give a shit...it's just not all getting done.

I think I should hire an assistant. Scratch that - can't afford one. Maybe I should take a personal day and catch up at home. Scratch that - those should be saved for purposes other than "house work". Maybe I should say "screw it all" and see what happens. HA! Anyone that knows me knows I wouldn't do that.

So now I'm going to go form a real to-do list. You know, one of those that you put on paper? My brain can't hold it all. I'm going to make one and take great pleasure in every dark black line I draw through the list. My house might not look perfect by Friday, but this house will sell when God says its gonna sell. My laundry might pile up for a week but at least my underwear will be clean. My bills might get in mail a little close to the due date, but at least I have money to pay them. My son and husband and our family time may take precedence over every other thing on my list, but at least I have them to love and they deserve all the time I give them.

However, if anyone finds a way to get super human speed like Superman - let me know.

Sunny Arizona - Part 1

Arizona couldn't have come at a better time. Wisconsin weather has been a huge downer the past 2 months and we were itching for some sun. I was incredibly anxious about traveling with a 3 year old but all the anxiety was for nothing...

We couldn't thank Papa Jim enough for allowing us time for vacation and family. 5 straight days with your family can be a stressful experience, but not with the Mrdutts! Everyone was laid back, willing to help with the kiddos and had an overall enjoyable time. Our 2nd day in scared me a bit, as Mason had a brief seizure with a low temp, but he recovered well. I think it was all the traveling, new temperature, and busyness that brought it on. We had to rearrange a few plans, but he was very flexible. We both managed to get a icky cold (who gets a cold in AZ?!) but still, the vacation was wonderful.

So, let me go back a bit.

We left on a drizzly, cold Wednesday morning. Our flight was planned to take off at approximately 7:30 am - and Mason was nice enough to wake up at 3:30 am to get ready. (I'm being sarcastic). The nice thing is, by the time I got up, showered, fed him, got on the road, made it through security, boarded the plane, Mason was ready for a nap! He slept the entire 3 hour flight!

Pre-flight cuddlin'

Checking out the plane with daddy.

So sleepy!

When we arrived, it was around 9 am and it was already 70 degrees. Our first day was spent exploring the house, relaxing with the kiddos, and picking oranges. Later that evening, Jim invited all his AZ friends over to meet the family and we had a grill out. I must have been busy introducing Mason because I didn't get a single picture!

The Arizona getaway.

Orange pickin'

My turn.

The backyard.

What's so funny?

Blah. Blah. Blah.

Hee, hee, Marek shook the toy and its so funny!

Headin' out for our daily walk

Thursday morning, after feeding Mason, he had a 5 min. seizure. It was a low-key one, as he was in and out of it, looking at us throughout and sort of giggling. I thought *damn it* - this is Vacation! Rather than going up to Sedona, we decided to take a small drive up to a beautiful rest area.

That afternoon we stopped at the Roadrunner for some burgers. YUM!

Let's get some food!

The next few days were a blur. We ate oranges and soaked up sun.

Mason loves oranges.

So hot that the clothes started disappearing!

Oh, and the friendly neighbor let us borrow his golf cart for Mason rides!

More to come!

Back to School, Back to School (And Other Things)

to prove to Mom and Dad that...ya...you've got it.

Mason went back to school last week Monday. I am such a proud Mom. He came back with this note:

"Hi there - this is a note from Ms. Judy, the speech therapist. Mason had SO much fun today in our speech group! We labeled and matched different pets. He correctly matched 9 animals. I said, "Where does it go? Say...on." Every time, he made a very loud "ah" sound for the word "on" and I praised him! He had the biggest smile and giggled out loud. I wish I could videotape him having so much fun in our "closet". Hee, hee. We're very glad he's back! :) Ms Judy
P.S. We had a cat visit for Pet Week and Mason loved that!"

By the way, the "closet" is a small storage room they use for therapies...its right in the room but less distracting than the big room with the other kids.

As I looked through his backpack, I found a few more fun things. It is pet month in the classroom, so each week, pets are brought in by parents. Chris is planning Addy's visit. My only concern is that if it isn't done at the end of the day, Mason is going to throw a tantrum if Daddy and Addy visit but both leave without him. I wonder if he'll feel a sense of pride showing off his doggy?

Also, found a form for school photos! PHOTO DAY?! For my 3 year old?! Well - photo day was last Wednesday and the teachers said it went well. I can't wait to see his goofy smile. I wonder if they took it with him in his kart? Or if they propped him up? I wonder if they did a group photo? Ah! I can't wait!

Mason had a dentist appt and a follow-up doctor appointment after his pneumonia. Mason DOES NOT LIKE things in his mouth. I have a hard time brushing his teeth even once a week. If I could get away with it while he's sleeping, I totally would. But he just knows you're messing with him. Our goal is to have him comfortable with our prodding by age 5. I've got my work cut out for me.

At the doc, his temp and oxygen level were perfect so no need for a x-ray! We're pretty sure it was knocked out entirely and he's back to his cheery, healthy self.

Last Friday, Chris and I treated our dads to a home Brewer game. They lost, but it was a great time. Definitely planning to make it an annual event.

Da Boys

Jim & Chris

My Daddy and I

Sorry Dad - but you give me this kind of face and I have to make it public.

True Brewer Fans

Our View

The new HD screen

Sausage Race!!!

After all the excitement of the game and the awesome weekend weather, we get back into the swing of things. Mason had another great day at school on Monday, a great therapy session today (Tuesday), and it's almost Wednesday! We leave for Arizona in a week! We're really looking forward to warm weather and no humidity...and spending time with family we don't get to see much these days. Along with the excitement comes anxiety....but I'll save that for a different post.

Go Brewers!!!

Spring Break 2011

We needed a mini vacay. Just a break from the day to day to take Mason somewhere cool. What's cooler for Mason than Shedd Aquarium?!

*Note: I am a horrible packer and I forgot both of our cameras at home...but Grampa Jim was with us with his camera so this is what you get when you are using a camera you aren't familiar with.