Wasted Talent

It's December 13th, and, in Texas, that means the winter is starting, which means that it is cool enough to wear jeans and sweaters and fleece jackets (sometimes). Generally, I only miss the snow for about two weeks in December. The missing snow phase starts now and ends on December 26th. After that, I am over it. I mean, I used to say ridiculous things like, "I can't imagine Christmas without snow!" (Um, yes I can. It's really not that different, actually.) As I watched Chicago get nailed with snow during the Bears game on Sunday night, I would be lying (and I sort of hate that I even did this to the city I love) if I didn't tell you that Andy and I watched the game, the snow beating down, and, in the midst of discussing how badly it would have sucked to shovel out our cars the next day, thought, "Suckas!" (It is, I am sure, the same way I would feel if I moved back North and saw news clips of Houston during the hellish summer heat and hurricane season--almost. I mean, really, I have lived in both, and, while the heat of the Houston summer is nothing to be laughed at, it's manageable. When people from here see clips of Erie's lake effect snow, however, they do not think it is at all "manageable." Snow=disaster for winter virgins trying to drive--not at all the same with heat, in my opinion.)

Anyway, but the point of this post is more about Christmas and winter and Eddie Bauer, Lands' End, and L.L. Bean catalogs. I am really, really good at buying winter gear. Really good. I walked a dog in Chicago for 4 years, after all. And I had a kick-ass down coat (that I still own) that goes down to my toes. I did love buying hats and gloves and boots. And so, when I look at these catalogs, I want just a tiny excuse to pick up something new in that department (which would be totally ridiculous, as I have two boxes filled with said gear upstairs in my spare room closet). But anyway, in Texas, my winter talent is wasted. No need to remember my winter driving rules: Beware of black ice! (10 dollars to any of my Texas or Louisiana friends who knows what that is!), Don't pump the brakes if you have anti-lock! etc, etc., Likewise is my talent wasted for picking out cute coordinating winter accessories. Cute hats and scarves be damned. And no, it doesn't get cold enough to wear that swag here, and I personally think you look ridiculous if you do. I saw a woman walking her dog on Sunday with her hat, scarves and gloves on. It was 56, and I had my sunroof open, singing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" at the top of my lungs. Maybe my winter talent isn't wasted after all.

Kirby dressed in his balaclava--a winter must-have.
Andy, ready to take Kirby on a walk. He did this every morning at 5:30 before work. Again, rockin' the balaclava and ski goggles.

What a Difference a Year Makes...

A year ago tonight, I was preparing our things to head to Texas Children's early the following morning on December 9, when Mitchell had his "big surgery" (Nephrectomy=icky ruined kidney removed). I can hardly believe it has been a year, and, when I think back to that time, filled with worry and uncertainty, all that anxiety and fear comes flooding back. In the year since he got his bum kidney out, Mitch has thrived. Really, his is the best possible outcome. I belong to a few PUV (Posterior Urethral Valves) information/parent groups, and many of the boys who survive are on hemodialysis awaiting transplants. Sadly, many boys with PUV do not survive 40 weeks gestation. We are so, so lucky. Mitch goes to see his Nephrologist right after the first of the year, and we are optimistic that she will continue to be pleased with his results. In February, we go for our biannual visit to Dr. G and the Urology clinic, compete with renal ultrasound (waaaaaay better than a VCUG!), and we hope and pray that his remaining kidney continues to be the rock star that it is.

Here's a look back at some of Mitch's journey:

Here he is at 10 days old, right before his first VCUG. Little did we know how our world would be rocked that day. The Radiologist came out after she looked at the images and said, "We have paged your Pediatrician, and you are going to go straight up to the 8th floor to meet with Dr. Gonzales in Urology. Your son has a rare condition called Posterior Urethral Valves, and he needs to be seen right now." I will never forget sitting outside of the Urology Clinic, seeing Dr. G come up from surgery in scrubs, and walk past us as we waited. Knowing now what a big shot he is, how busy the clinic is, and how crazy the surgery schedule is, I realize how serious Mitch's condition was.

Here we are in our quarters at Texas Children's prior to Mitch's first surgery. We were admitted the same day as the previous picture, right after we met with Dr. G.

Here we are last year at this time, December 9, 2009, in pre-op with our smiley little man. Even though it was his third surgery, it never gets easier to hand off your baby to the OR nurse.

Mitch, doped up on Morphine. It was a rough 48 hours, and then he was so much better. Kids heal so fast and are so resilient.

It was fitting that today I learned that the National Kidney Foundation has finally rescheduled the Houston Kidney Walk for April 30, 2011. You'll be hearing from me to join our team as a walker (Texas friends!) or to join us as a supporter.

Giving Thanks

In the "fort" with Henry and my Veuve. Yum!

Big boys eating dinner
Say "TURKEY!"
Lowering the bird into the hot oil, complete with high tech kitchen town arm protector.
And...prepping the forearm.

We boycotted traveling for Thanksgiving pretty much one year into being married. At the time, we were in Chicago, and, after fighting holiday traffic to get to Erie, only to head back a few weeks later, we decided we'd break out all the lovely china people got us for our nuptials and host our own Thanksgiving. This year were were solo, which, while sort of sad, was actually nice and relaxing. We decided to forgo the traditional oven-roasted bird for one injected with cajun butter and deep fried in our outdoor kitchen. I also made the expected trimmings, with a new addition of a sinful brussels sprouts recipe from my friend, Michelle.

Back from a Break!

I am back from a 6 month blogging hiatus. Mitch turned 18 months the other day, so I snapped some pictures and figured I should share. Mitch is gregarious and fearless--which means I spend most of my day chasing him. His last appointment with his Nephrologist went great. His labs are normal, and the ultrasound of his kidney showed that it is growing larger, which is a great sign. Mitch continues to see his Urologist every six months. We are hoping that the visits continue to be completely uneventful! We continue to feel so blessed by the care Mitch received at Texas Children's Hospital. The new West Campus of TCH is opening right near us in Katy, and we have been involved in some efforts as a thank-you for all TCH has done for our family. Andy participated in some landscaping projects, and we donated a Founder's Brick, which is in the entry plaza of TCH--West Campus.

Henry turned four in October, and he has spent the Fall following in the Zone boys' footsteps by playing soccer. He was lucky enough to have "Coach Andy" helping his team, which made for a fun experience for all.

I will try to be better about blogging. I have started my Ed.D., so my free time has become more limited, and I am documenting more of our "everyday lives" in a journal for the boys. I like the posterity of the blog, but I remember my best friend's mother talking about how much she cherished recipes written in her own mother's handwriting. (Her mother died quite young.) So, I am trying to preserve some memories outside of the techno-world!

We are looking forward to the holidays (all of which we are spending in Texas). Our plan for next week is to fry our turkey in our outdoor kitchen!

ONE YEAR OLD!

Our May and June have been busy and fun! We celebrated Mitch's birthday on May 19th. We had a party at our house, complete with water fun in our backyard. Mitch loved his cake and the pool, as evidenced by the pictures! May in Texas is HOT, but, luckily, it was not too bad, so all the kids stayed outside. It is hard to believe that Mitch is a year old. He had his fair share of trials in year one, so we are hoping that means his kidney issues are behind him and that he continues to grow and thrive. Mitch is not yet walking, but he is a major climber--much more so than Henry was. He is a good eater and sleeper. He goes to bed around 6:30 at night and sleeps until 6:30 in the morning. In the last few weeks, I have worked to get him on one nap a day, so he naps for about 2.5 to 3 hours in the afternoon. Mitch is a very happy boy who loves his big brother and his dog. We are enjoying him so much!

Spring Fun

Here are some shots of recent activities:

Henry and Mitch, acting as "clean-up crew" after Mitch spilled some Puffs on the floor. Don't worry--we had just had the floors cleaned. This activity is a good immunity builder. ;)

Henry and me at the Cinco Ranch Nature Adventure last weekend. One perk of living where we do is that there are lots of family activities. Note the pool behind us. That is our favorite pool to go to in the summer.

Here's a shot of the boys in matching PJs. I love having two kids of the same gender so I can dress them in matching outfits.

This pic was taken on Mitch's 11-month birthday, right before bedtime. He is a busy boy, who is a thrill seeker. This kid climbs up and into everything.

More Good News!

Mitch saw Dr. B last week. It was a great visit. It was the first time we've seen her since his ultrasound (post-surgery), and she was really pleased with how good his left kidney looks. The hydronephrosis has gone down considerably, and she thinks his remaining kidney has responded very favorably since the nephrectomy. The tone of this visit was so positive, which was great, as Dr. B tends to be quite a realist. She doesn't paint a rosier picture than warranted, so, for her to be so pleased is a good thing. Mitch is still on Bicitra three times a day, which manages his acidosis. His labs showed that his CO2 is holding steady at 25, even as he grows, which means he is not outgrowing the dose and that signs are pointing to being able to eventually be off the meds entirely! Considering that Mitch has been on some type of medication since birth, it is very liberating to think that he could potentially be off of the Bicitra. In all honesty, though, even if he has to stay on it, we are ok with that, as long as his kidney function remains so solid. His Creatinine was .3, which is perfect! We go back to Dr. B and the renal team in June. Until then, we are enjoying our almost-one-year-old!

10 MONTHS

I took pictures of Mitch at 9 months and didn't post them. So, here are some 10-month-old shots! In the second one, you can see all of his teeth. He only had the bottom two for a long time, and then four on the top came in. It made for some rough sleeping, but he seems to be past it now. Mitch still takes two naps a day, but he's showing signs of being ready for one. I may push that to happen sooner rather than later. I kind of think that the morning nap is a pain because it makes it hard to get out in the morning. I would rather have him move to one longer nap starting around noon. He goes to bed between 6 and 7 at night. (We're big believers in the early bedtime around here. Kids are happier and better behaved when they are well-rested!) Mitch and Henry are really starting to interact and "play," which has been so much fun to watch. As far as Mitch's health goes, he has an appointment with the renal folks this week, so let's hope his labs are perfect!

Go Texan Day!

Click here to view these pictures larger

Some Good News!

Today we met with Mitch's Urologist. He was very pleased with the renal ultrasound. The left kidney actually looks better than it did in July. His bladder is also looking pretty good. Mitch was taken off the Bactrim,the antibiotic he has been on since birth. We'll have to be very prudent anytime he gets a fever; he'll likely have to have his urine tested anytime he's feverish.

Dr. G. reminded us that Mitch will continue to be followed for a long, long time. As we've said before, the unfortunate part of being born with Posterior Urethral Valves is that, essentially, his urinary tract has developed under abnormal circumstances, so there can be issues related to that, mostly with the bladder, as he gets older.

For now, we're happy that he is doing so well. Unless something comes up, we don't need to go back to see the Urologist for 6 months. Mitch will still be seen regularly by his Nephrologist, but we're hoping those visits are nice and boring!

Mitch's Ultrasound

A few people have asked about Mitch's renal ultrasound yesterday. We won't really know anything until Tuesday, when we meet with his Urologist. From what I could tell, his kidney didn't look any worse from the first ultrasound, but, I am not really sure. I do know that I didn't see tons of fluid on it, but, again, I am not trained to analyze the pictures. I guess it was good that there was no emergent situation. After the tech showed the Radiologist the pictures, we were free to go.

On Tuesday we meet with Dr. G. We're hoping he says that the kidney looks good and that Mitch can go off his Bactrim (the antibiotic he's been on since birth).

We're in the middle of a cold snap here. It's been in the 40s. We're looking forward to leaving for the Dominican Republic in a week to see Juju and Grandpa Chores.

A Step in the Right Direction

We went to Texas Children's last Wednesday for Mitchell to have some blood work done. As usual, they were checking his Creatinine level (which is a good measure for kidney function) and his electrolytes, particularly his CO2 level (which tells us whether his Renal Tubular Acidosis is under control.) It is always a bit nervewracking when we go in for a blood draw; some people are just better than others at drawing blood. You can imagine my joy, then, when the woman who drew Mitch's blood did such a great job that Mitch didn't even cry! He just smiled at her as she filled the tube. The great news is that the numbers came back normal. His Creatinine was .3 and his CO2 was 24.

While we were sitting in the waiting area of the lab, I saw the head nurse of the Renal department. She is so great. (Actually, the whole Renal group is really nice, which is important because we're in touch with them a lot.) She came over to see Mitch, and I was lamenting the fact that Urology couldn't get his renal ultrasound scheduled until March 2. She said, "Let me see what I can do." Sure enough, I got a phone call a couple hours later, and now Mitch is scheduled for his ultrasound on Feb. 12th. This is a big deal because it will show us any change to the kidney. Our biggest worry is that the reflux that was happening in the bad right kidney will start happening to the left. Our urologist seemed to think that that would not happen, but we still have to make sure it isn't happening. So, we'll go on Friday for the ultrasound, and then we meet with Mitch's Urologist on 2/16. If all looks normal (well, as normal as it did before the surgery), Mitch will be able to stop taking the Bactrim (antibiotic prophylaxis). We recently also weaned him off the Prevacid, which means, if we get the ok, we'll have gone from three meds to one! The one medication he is still on is the Bicitra, which is essentially Sodium Bicarbonate, used to treat the Acidosis. There is a good chance he'll be on that for the rest of his life. If, at the end of the day, that is all he has to deal with, I'll be so happy. He takes it three times a day, mixed with a little formula. It's a routine we're all used to by now.

Besides the medical side of our sweet boy's life, he's finally moved past the army crawl and is legitimately crawling. He's also babbling a ton, and we're hearing the first markings of "Dada." Isn't that always the way it goes? Dad gets the credit!!

I hope our next update will be all positive news. We would appreciate your thoughts and prayers this week as we prepare for this ultrasound. We hope everyone is surviving this recent snow dumping. As I type this, our lawn guy is outside doing our lawn. Gotta love Texas in February!

8 Months Old

Henry and Mitch hang out in the office. Henry loves to show Mitch how to play with toys, but he gets peeved if Mitch gets into something he shouldn't. I am starting the referee phase!

Next you'll see a couple of shots of Mitch standing in his crib. I went to get him after his nap last week, and this is what I found. I love how proud of himself he is!!

Finally, here is a cute one taken on 1/19/09, when Mitch turned 8-months-old! Hard to believe!!

He still is doing the "wounded soldier" army crawl, and he loves to make his way over to Henry's stuff. This does not go over well with Henry, as you can imagine.

Random Fun Shots

Henry at the Children's Museum in Houston

Mitch and mommy at the Children's Museum

Mitch and Daddy hanging out. I love this striped shirt. It totally reminds me of something my Mother-in-law would've dressed Andy in!

Mitch in his tub-in-a-tub!