The News that Rocked My World

It was the second week in December. I wished I remembered exactly what day I was told that Nathan was going to be different, but I don’t. I enjoyed this pregnancy, hardly gaining any weight (unlike the 40 lbs with Audrey). I was all geared up for the holidays and the one month arrival of our baby boy. I went for the routine check-up, all looked good. The doctor thought we should get a weight on the baby so I stepped into another room for the ultrasound. At this point I was thinking that the baby must be a good size. Audrey was 8 lbs. 10 oz. leading me to believe a 9lb. baby was coming.

I’m laying down with the squishy jelly on my belly, the wand moving up and down, the tech clicking buttons. God, when is she going to be done I thought. Audrey was with me and getting antsy. She wipes off my belly and said she’ll be right back. She leaves, comes back to take me to an examine room. I’m thinking I’m going to hear about how big Nate is. The doctor comes in, she sits on a stool by the window. Audrey’s on the chair by the sink, I’m up on the examine table. I think now about how much I remember and how much I don’t. The doctor starts by commenting on Nate’s long bones measuring short. “Short?”, I begin to wonder what’s going on. She comments on what the normal value is and that Nate’s is this range and that’s this many weeks. He’s behind. My body goes numb. I think, “hold yourself together, show her no fear.” Then I think about Audrey, “don’t let her know that something’s wrong. A 3 year old won’t understand. Anyway, we don’t know for sure. I need to have a specialist ultrasound to verify and confirm. It’s scheduled one week later.

One week I had to sit with this news. Checking my emotions. I don’t want everyone to know how scared I am for him (I know nothing about dwarfism-NOTHING). I cry only to my mother, isn’t that what a daughter should do? I immediately start my internet research. It’s frustrating to hear about all the complications and thinking that your child is going to have a hell of a ride… if he survives. One should never research on the internet or at least know of a reputable website. A week passes and Matt and I head to the second ultrasound

This place was such a doctors office in a hospital. It was cold and uninviting. This was where we are going to get the confirming news.?The ultrasound room was big and dark, too big. Another tech, another ultrasound, now waiting for the doctor. (Not a racial slam) An Indian doctor comes in the room and begins talking, great an accent. It always sounds worse with an accent. Not only do I have to understand what she’s saying but I have to “understand what she’s saying.” The gist: his long bones are short, his head is large…looks like a 9 lb baby…he will have achondroplasia dwarfism…we see this in fathers who are 35 and older. Okay, since my husband and I are both 28 does that mean your wrong? Should have asked that question. To this day, that pisses me off, what relevance does our age have to do with this. I did a non-stress test and then it was time to go. I really just wanted to get the hell out of there. I want to feel my emotions and not swallow them back down.

By now it’s night. Dark, cold and rainy. Once again, we had Audrey with us. Time to go get some dinner, head home and call it a night. Matt and I still needed to talk, one of the stresses in the marriage. What was his feelings on the whole situation. I feared that he would blame me. Nate is his only son. Maybe I did something wrong. He really surprised me and was quite a strength through the whole 3 weeks. Yes, after the first mention that Nate was to have dwarfism, I had to wait for 2 holidays to pass. To date, the worst Christmas ever. I just wanted to know that he was okay. The holidays are the worst time for needing to see a doctor. After many frustrating conversations and arguments later, Nathan was scheduled as a C-section on Jan. 4th. I couldn’t wait to see my little guy. That morning, they told me I could deliver him naturally. No way, I’m here for a C-section and I want my baby now. Nathan was born at 9:03 a.m. weighing 7lbs 6oz. Not the 9 lbs they said. He was beautiful, and healthy and doing just fine. I saw him for a little while before he was taken to the NICU. There they did a full work-up (x-rays) and 5 hours later I got to see him. I took one look and knew he had dwarfism. I saw those characteristics but he stole my heart and I didn’t care about how he would look. I never really did, I just wanted him to be healthy and happy. And that’s where we are today!

Picture Time!!

So, I wanted to get this post all ready last night. I needed to scan some photos to my computer but my scanner wasn’t cooperating. I have a 4 in 1 printer and it ran out of color ink. So, every time I turn it on, I get the alert about needing a new cartridge. Like I don’t know but after many frustrating moments gave up last night as it wouldn’t let me scan. This morning, I’ve cooled off and realized I just had to close out the message so that it would scan. That took one minute. God, sometimes I really hate technology.

I’ve been busy spending time with the kids and capturing their cute moments. Nate just amazes me everyday. He’s such a ham! When I raise my voice about something, he waits till I’m done and then goes on his own babbling rant. I love watching him dance. I’ve been wanting to get it on video but he’s camera shy when it comes to dancing.

Audrey has really started to change now that she starts Kindergarten in 3 days. She’s still my little girl but she’s growing up too. Wednesday, we had an Open House at her school. We got to see her classroom and meet her teacher. The classroom was nice and her teacher seemed to be nice and gentle. I wonder if she can handle my daughter. I hope so. I feel that she may not know what to do with a strong opinionated, outgoing child. We’ll just have to see.

The other day, Nate learned how to climb up into the big rocking chair. I realized I had never gotten his picture in this chair like I did with Audrey. She was about 9 months old when I tool these pictures. Nate is 20 months. But they are just adorable.

Here’s my messy face!

This hat works for Mr.. Potato Head!

Nate snapped this picture of me. And then we got one of Audrey.

Audrey before Open House. Her in her classroom. Audrey and dad throwing the BB around in the gym.

I’ll let you all know how the first day goes.

I better prepare myself for when the questions come

I know that at some point the questions about Nathan will come. So far, I really haven’t had to explain anything. Now that comments have been said, I feel that stage light. I always felt I was prepared but more so in the medical since. I never thought about what to say if kids start asking questions. Things have to be explain differently to them sometimes.

Audrey has been going to VBS (vacation bible school) at our church all week. They don’t always see us because we aren’t the greatest attends. The kids can’t sit through an hour and a half service. Seriously! So, I send Audrey to Sunday School and Nate and I go to Bible Study. It counts in my book. Anyway, as I dropped her off today I got the usually questions and comments.

1. Oh, look at that curly hair (this is pretty much heard everywhere.)
2. How old is he now (Answer: 19 months).
3. As Nate’s walking: Oh, look at him go, how cute! He LOOKS so SMALL. (usually commented by how he’ll grow up to be so big or tall, ect.)

So, what do you say? I don’t want to dive into some conversation when there isn’t time to explain things properly. But, I don’t want to lie either. I do feel I need to comment on it though. So, my response is simply this: “Yes, he’s a Little Person.” Now, I told the truth but I’m sure in their minds that I’m making a reference to him being a small child rather than having dwarfism. AH people don’t automatically put Little Person together with dwarf. But I welcome any questions that come there after, but for the most part everyone’s silent. I know that as Nate gets closer to 2 years of age, everyone will see why he’s so special!

What Happens When I Don’t Want To Nap

It can be aggravating when sleep schedules get changed. Especially when you have to head out and about. I do my best to keep Nate on a schedule. Tonight I made spaghetti with homemade meat sauce. I can’t believe how Nate dove into it (almost literally). He really liked it. A full tummy and a days worth of play led to this:

This hasn’t been the first time but I have the proof now.

Kids Play Dress Up, Garden Surprise, Nate’s Ortho Appt.

After the Birthday Party Audrey attended on Sunday, She received a few party favors. The theme was “rodeo” and the kids had fun playing around with the party favors. Here is what they did.

View Full Album

As you can see, no one wanted me taking pictures. That’s become a new thing around here. I’m starting to look crazy chasing everyone for pictures. They run away like I’m the paparazzi or something.

This afternoon, I went outside to water my garden. A few days earlier, I had Audrey pull up the potato plants to see if we got anything. Well, there was a little something

Two small potatoes. I was glad to see something grew but since the soil was really crummy where we planted them, I wasn’t surprised. Or at least not till this afternoon. I sprayed some water on where the potatoes use to be and then I saw it.

Eureka, One normal sized potato. Hey, ones better than none and the potatoes were really an after thought. Wait, I can’t believe I’m bragging about “a potato.” I just need to move on.

Nate had his appt with the Orthopedic Surgeon today. We arrived 15 minutes early for that dreaded paperwork you have to fill out. Funny thing, Dr. Jones (ortho) shares a waiting room with Dr. Madgy (ENT). So Nate was really comfortable there and enjoyed playing with the other kids. There were a couple of cute Kodak moments. Maybe I should carry my camera always? Anyway, of course the referral for the appt was not completed so I had to call the pediatricians office. This took away from me filling out paperwork and keeping an eye on Nate. Once that was squared away, I sat down to finish the paperwork and got called back to the room. In the room, once again I fill out paperwork and in walks the doctor.

We talk about Nate and he orders us to get an x-ray of Nate’s legs. I just wanted him to be assessed for the bowing of legs and make sure no spine issues. So, I have to go down a floor to imaging. I stop off at the desk and mention I didn’t get the paperwork filled out. No biggie they said. The paperwork was practical in triplicate anyway. All in all, Nate’s right leg bows slightly more than his left but there is no concern with problems. Dr. Jones had mentioned that he has done surgery(or seen) other dwarfs which made me feel comfortable with choosing him. Sometimes you never know if you are the first one they’ve seen. So we were in and out pretty fast which is good. Audrey and I had dentist appt this morning to get our teeth clean. We both did great and the total cavities between us total: 0! (Knock on wood!!!) Surprised you. You were expecting a bigger number, right? Well, I think I’ll call it a night.

Summer’s Just Passing By!

Nothing new to report. Audrey’s enjoying a birthday/swim party next door. I thought I’d take advantage and post. I’ve caught Nate on video doing a couple of things but he really doesn’t want me to capture his dancing. There’s one of him in his rocking chair and the other playing the piano.

Also, I got a couple of still shots of Nate

And Audrey enjoyed her art class. She came home with a book to show her how to draw. We also picked up an origami book. Very hard. Go figure. Here’s a picture she made in her drawing class. It’s a horse in a barn if you need a little help in seeing that.

This is the origami butterfly. It took me helping her and 30 minutes to complete.

My Boys Growing!!

Well, of course we know that. Nate had his 18 month well check today. We had some good news and bad news. Actually, I already knew the bad news. Since Nate didn’t receive his shots at 15 months, he had to get them now. All 4 of them. Poor baby! But the good news is that he is all set till 4 years of age. Whoo-hoo!! We had to wait a little longer than usually and I wasn’t sure how Nate would hold out. Last time he was ready to get out of there way before the doctor came to see us. This time he had fun entertaining himself and me. He had to check out all the new trinkets and of course “do a little dance” while we waited. I know I’m completely bias but he is so cute and such a ham.

We got gold stars from the doctor for him being a healthy, busy, growing little boy. I talked to her about seeing and orthopedist and eye doctor. Just to check to see if everything is okay. I managed to remember to write my list and ask my questions except for one. The one about doing blood work for Nate’s dwarfism. I guess that answers how much it really worries me. I feel like I should have the word “Duh” stamped on my forehead. Anyway, I will try to plot Nate’s stats in the growth chart. For now here they are.

18 Month Growth Data Height: 28 inches (up 1 1/4) Weight: 20 lbs 6 oz (up 2 lbs 5 oz) Head: 20 1/4 (no new growth~good!)

A Little Venting~Good for the Soul

So I’ve been paying on a hospital bill since I had Nate back in 1/2008. All fine and dandy until 1/2009 when the hospital adds a charge in Nathan’s name. I contacted billing and was told~I’m sorry that was to go to the insurance company don’t worry about it. So I didn’t, but got worried because it took them two months to rebill me. Now it’s 4/2009 and Nate’s charge was removed from my bill and I figured insurance has paid it. Now comes my 7/2009 bill and there is the charge for Nate. I call again and am told that it is my responsibility. Okay then, let me give you Nate’s secondary insurance information (Medicaid).

And you know what she says, “ I’m sorry but it has been over a year and we can’t take it now.” Okay, whose fault is that. She says, “you never supplied that information to us.” I say, “why would I give my son’s insurance info for a bill in my name. Give me your manager. So that’s where it’s at, waiting for a call back from the manager. I’m in one hell of a fight to get this paid otherwise I’m coughing up the money. All because of the accounts department. Oh boy, just wait till they hear from me. I’m not paying out of pocket. Thanks for listening, I feel better.

Greenfield Village

Friday, I took the kiddos to Greenfield Village. We met up with their cousins for one last rendezvous before they headed back to Arizona. We had a great time and wore ourselves out. Mainly due to the 85 degree weather and the humidity. The kids loved the carousel and Nate got his first ride. Afterwards, we waited for every ones second ride and Nate started dancing to the music. Adorable, even more so if I actually had my camera in hand instead it was in the stroller. So this morning while he watched Imagination Movers on Disney, I got the dancing on video. I also have been slacking in keeping up with the pictures of my garden. I'm pretty much waiting for harvest time as the veggies are growing and needing to ripen. But, I did pull one of my beets and boy are they big. My first beet measured about 4 inches in length. That's about the size of your fist. Can't wait to taste it. Also, I took a crack at making a pie from scratch. It came out really yummy! It was a blueberry & nectarine pie and I even made the pretty lattice work for the crust. Shhh! Don't tell but the little play-doh wheel from my daughter's play-doh set worked great for that.

This is the Roundhouse and then Audrey got to move, by hand, the turn-table
which weighed 42 tons.

Audrey wanted to do the horse ride but I had to much gear and a stroller. Next time we will. My nephew, Conner, who will be 7 next month got up at the Thomas Edison presentation and read a newspaper article about him. He did a wonderful job and reads at a 3rd/4th grade level.

Barber shop quartet and Audrey on the carousel.

Nate and I on the carousel. Audrey with the statue of Henry Ford.

The Entrance.

Nate Dancing

Watch Nathan Walk

Here I go!!!

Nate's first steps

Okay, so it may be early to brag but Nate just took 10-15 steps all on his own tonight. I didn't really count the steps because I was holding my breath as I watched my little guy do the walking. I cried with excitement and Matt sat on the computer thinking 'yeah, kids walk-duh'. Men just don't get as excited as we do.

Sorry about the last post, I forgot the title.

Our Kids Keep Us Going!

It's been awhile. After Nathan had the flu and I thought that life was getting back to normal, I got the flu. I haven't had the flu in 10 years and forgot how much energy it zaps out of you. The kids don't have anything on the flu bug. So Friday, I pretty much sat on the couch feeling crappy and knowing that I still had to take care of a 15 month old. Of course, 2 hours before I got sick I ordered tickets to the Hannah Montana Movie for Audrey and I to see. I sucked it up and dropped Nate off at grandpa's and took Audrey to the movie. I thought that she would sit and enjoy the movie and mom would kick back and take a nap. BUT
1. My daughter loves to talk. She had to ask questions and narrate the movie for me.
2. Those ICEE's are really good and great for nausea.
3. Didn't want to miss any opportunity to see Rascal Flatts.
4. The hoedown hip hop was a must see.
All in all I made it through the movie without running for the bathroom. Finally, by Sunday I felt well enough to think about some breakfast and we all went out to eat.

Monday Audrey went back to school from her Easter break. I picked up the movie Bedtime Stories from the library and we watched it that afternoon. It was a cute movie but the trailer really did make it look better than it really was. My favorite part was when his (Adam Sandler's) nephew mentioned during the bedtime story that Abe Lincoln showed up. Then in real life when he's (Adam Sandler) was under the docks about to kiss the girl he freaked out about Abe Lincoln showing up and ruined the kiss, only to find a penny lying on the ground. It also didn't keep Audrey's attention for very long.

Tuesday it rained all day and was really cold and I felt like staying home.
Wednesday, Audrey's class was going to the bounce house place we had a fun time. Audrey did most of the bouncing while I found something to entertain Nate. I have some great pictures to follow. Later that night I took Audrey to her swim class and got a little time to relax. Matt watched Nate for me and I got to read more of my Harry Potter book that I haven't touched in a year. Maybe I can finish it before the movie comes out?

Thursday, today Audrey, Nate, myself and our golden retriever, Bentley went for a nice long walk. I think we walked almost two miles. Mamma's out of shape because my body was aching. The dog was tired out too because he took a nap when he got home. We were hot from the walk so Audrey and I got popsicles. Nate was pretty jealous so I shared. He wasn't afraid to take a big bite. Well dinner is ready. My husband got a new Weber gas grill and made our first hamburgers of the spring/summer. Ta Ta

15 month check-up

Nate went to the doctors office yesterday. Of course, thanks to the Michigan weather we had to venture out in windy, snowy, wet weather. But we made it. Nathan had a good check-up. And even better to hear no ear infections. He however still has fluid present in his ears. We still need to be careful that doesn't turn into an ear infection. Also, the doctor decided to hold off on immunizations. No crying this time. Here are Nate's measurements.

15 MONTHS:
Height: 26 3/4 (down a 1/4 from last visit???)
Weight: 18 lbs 1 oz
Head: 20 1/4

Also, mommy is so proud! I have been working with Nate on his walking. He has been cruising along furniture for months. A couple of times over the week he has taken at least 2 independent steps. With some encouragement I know he is on his way. GO NATE!!!