where oh where can she be?

So life has become too busy to keep up on my blogging as of late.  I do hope to get back into the swing of things at some point.  If you want to keep in touch check me out on Facebook.  I tend to make it there more often...

one month is taken over by yet another

Little E in his Little Red outfit.

It is hard for me to believe that Eli has reached eight months already.  In fact we are closer to eight and half months, I just have been too busy to realize it.  Time just keeps ticking and I never get a chance to slow down and take stock of the situation! 

Eli is now sitting well and still rolling like crazy.  When he sees something he wants he simply rolls right over and takes it.  One day I found him with the fan cord in his mouth, the next he's sucking on a table leg.  Nothing is safe!  He has yet to master the art of scooting or crawling - I am certainly in no hurry there!  It is fun to watch his progress though.  He gets himself up on all fours using his head and then doesn't know what to do so he just face plants back into the carpet. This of course elicits a cry or two but then he moves on.

Has anyone seen my cucumber?!

Eli has done great moving through new tastes as we experiment with solid foods.  We have mastered the majority of the veggies and are slowly adding in fruits.  Having just added his first two bottom teeth there is more to experiment with.  The cheerios are very fun and exciting for him to try to pick up and get in his mouth.  Seth and I just laugh as he makes each and every attempt.  Whole carrots, chunks of fruit and especially cucumbers are also fun things to give Eli.  It is amazing how one little person can make such a mess!

This little jumping bean has the greatest faces!

We finally took the bull by the horns and forced the sleep issue.  It took two long weeks but Eli is now sleeping the night away.  Praise the Lord.  My outlook on life as a mother is much brighter with a few hours of sleep!  We are still trying to get into a regular nap routine but time will tell as well as adjusting to a new back to preschool routine with Seth too. 

Eli in the tent for the first time in August!

There is certainly never a dull moment no matter how hard I try to find one!

family camping, at last

Since the Bear incident of last summer, I have not spent a night in our tent.  Between pregnancy and just plain being too busy it has just not happened.  This past weekend I finally got my chance.  We spent the weekend with a three other families who are dear to us at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.  It was a wonderful time!

All the kids at the beach!

Little E was not so sure about the cold water on his toes.

Little E loved the tent.  It took him forever to stop watching the bugs on the ceiling and actually go to sleep!

There's nothing like time with Dad.

a new daily task

We have met with a physical therapist to get help with Seth's diagnosis for Perthes.  She was great and located close by which is handy too.  She believes that Seth's range of motion is still very good so for now we have exercises to do two times each day. 

Unfortunately it's those things you always "have" to do that are the most frustrating for Seth.  You know, like brushing teeth or getting dressed.  We are trying to find ways to make it fun for Seth and help him to understand how important they are for his healing process too. 

Do you have any ideas for making these "must do" items more fun?!  I'd love to hear...

the diagnosis

Weeks ago we noticed Seth walking with a limp.  He was unable to point to any pain or injury so we let it ride a week.  You know how active boys are - he could have fallen from the top of the playground and we never knew it.  He's tough!  After the week however it was not better so we got him in to see our regular Dr.  After x-rays we were sent to see an orthopedic specialist - where we were August 17th. 

 

The appointment itself went very well.  The Dr. had no trouble with the diagnosis so at least we know what we are dealing with, for the most part.  Seth was diagnosed with Perthes Disease.  Here is a semi-comprehensive link for your reading pleasure: Medline Plus.  Every site will tell you a bit different story but you get the main drift from this one.

 

Basically, we are at the beginning of what could be a long journey.  Some children take six months to heal, some take two years.  There is no proof as to what causes this disease, only much speculation, but the current theory of treatment is less is better.  For now we will allow Seth to move as he is able and give him ibuprofen when the pain is too much to bare.  At the end of September we go in for round two of x-rays and see where things are going.  We are going to pray for much better than much worse! 

 

In six weeks the x-rays will tell us if Seth is continuing to worsen and at what rate.  Possibly an MRI if needed.  The unfortunate thing here is that things often get much worse before getting better.  The bone is dying and will degenerate to a point in which the body kicks in and starts to recreate the bone needed.  If Seth is much worse a cast and crutches may be necessary to help protect from damage to the area.   We pray against this possibility! Surgery is rarely recommended or necessary which is of some relief.

 

Right now Seth is still somewhat active.  His run is more of a quick hobble but has not slowed him down as much as you might think.  To slow down for him is unthinkable.  At our last soccer practice on Monday he was in tears and not be able to "catch the coach".  Something a month ago was no issue at all!  He does feel pain, it even wakes him at night, and he is most stiff in the morning or after prolonged sitting.  We have noticed that he no longer wants to go for walks to the park/library but will ride his bike as he can favor one leg and still be "fast" enough.  It is very hard to watch our once overly active boy stumble and trip his way through the day!

 

We need your prayers that Seth will heal quickly.  That his bone will get the signal to start rebuilding.  That physical therapy will keep him moving and active, as much as possible in his current state, and protect him for further injury.  We are praying that this will not be a long journey but a short one that is defined by God's touch of healing.  You all know how active our boy loves to be.  This is hard on him and changing his behavior some too.  Thus patience for all of us would also be a great prayer need!