Payton surgery update

Payton and I were at Boys Town early Monday morning for her procedures. After being checked in, doing all the paperwork, signing all the consents (which is about as much paper as buying a house I think) there was a sudden change in plans. She had a low grade temp when the nurse was doing her assessment. She went to get the doctor, who came in and his first words were "bummer". Yep.

Dr. Lusk and the anesthesiologist checked her out. They're calling her with a sinus infection and junk on her ridiculously large tonsils. That combined with the fever and already compromised lungs which could pose a risk, it was a no go. They sent us home.

We're on 10 days of antibiotics trying to clear her up enough to get things taken care of. We're back on the surgical schedule for July 9th. If you were one of the people offering up prayers, good vibes, sparkles, fairy dust, good juju or whatver else you might have for her. Please pencil her in on your calendar for the 9th.

Shameless plugs...

By now, you're all aware that I'm not above shameless plugs. So here are my latest, and of course, all for wonderful causes close to our hearts.:)

One week from Sunday, on July 8th, there's a great opportunity. Color Me Rad is coming to Omaha/CB and you can run/walk/hop/skip whatever you want all in the name of a few good causes. Beside supporting Special Olympics, which is the major group they're sponsoring, you can also support preemies and Quiet Light Foundation. If you register and use 'quietlight' as a promo code, you will receive 10% off your race fee, and Quiet Light will receive a donation of 10% of your race fee. Everyone wins. And what is a better way to spend a Sunday morning that getting spray painted. I will be running and I promise some colorful pictures to come.

Now flip your calendars ahead to August. Respite Care is having another fundraising event that looks amazing -

5th Annual Musical Revue-Back to Bacharach and David

Compelling musical theatre you won't want to miss!

One of the most popular songwriting teams is celebrated in this glorious revue. Features the Pop collaborations (1960-70), of composer Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David. Sexy, funny, hip and timeless this tribute includes rarely heard gems and such unforgettable favorites as "Alfie," "Walk on By," "The Look of Love," "I'll Never Fall in Love Again," "I say a Little Prayer," and "What the World Needs Now is Love."

All performances will be held at Mutual of Omaha-Auditorium, 34th and Dodge Street

Preview Night (Show only)
Thursday August 16th- 7:30PM
Individual Seating $35

Patron Gala Dinner & Show
Friday August 17th- 6:00PM
Individual Seating $250

Run of Show (Show only at 7:30PM)
Saturday August 18th
Friday August 24th
Saturday August 25th
Individual Seating $35

To purchase tickets call Amber at 402-895-4000

If you have time, a free evening, and a little spare money just waiting for your to pick your next "thing" to do, consider going. Besides the show being amazing, all the people that work there are pretty great themselves. We kinda love them. :)

Flying toddlers!

They still love to pile every pillow and blanket they can find around the ottoman in the living room and jump into the pile. But now that we're just a smidge bigger, we have a new favorite. They tear up the couches, pull the slip covers off and jump. If you happen to be visiting, watch out...they will come straight at you with no warning if you're sitting there.

The latest roundup

Just when I thought we were about to be totally discharged from Early Intervention, I called them back in. We're working with some people on a few behaviors with Parker, his extreme sensitivity to noises all of the sudden, him being almost over-the -top attached to me, and a few other things. We're working with several people with EI to see if we can come up with some ways to help him, and stop the issues from getting any worse.

Payton had a follow up with the ENT last week. She hasn't had too many illnesses, but we've had a few concerns with her. Her snoring has been getting increasingly worse and I've noticed some sleep apnea which I don't like at all. The ENT and I talked it over so she'll be going in for another procedure at the end of the month. She'll be having her tonsils and adenoids removed, possibly new tubes in both ears, and a bronchoscopy.

Some people had asked about their sleeping. No, they still don't sleep through the night. Parker does better than Payton but one of his meds makes him sleepy. Yes, we went to the fancy sleep doctor ast Boys Town, and while she was very nice and I liked working with her, she didn't really offer any advise that I hadn't already tried. So I will take a deep breath, nap when I can , and try to be patient with the sleep thing.

While the appointments seem to be slowing down a little, there's lots coming up this summer - they both have procedures in the next 2 months, dentist, pulmonology, etc.

On a side note, we did try out the Summer Arts Festival this past weekend. Unfortunately with the heat, and Payton insisted on being up for the day at 4 a.m. we didn't last too long. But we did play out side in the water, Payton helped Daddy do stuff with the Jeep, and we washed our trikes to have them ready to go. We also had a few hours of play time at Honor's house which was a huge hit.

They seem to be more and more excited whenever there's someone new around to paly with or talk to. They do get tired of always being with me...so if anyone wants to play or meet up somewhere let us know!

Sun, Sand and Dogs...Oh My!

 The beginning of summer and that means there's lots to do! The past weekend was B-U-S-Y. And TONS of fun. Friday night started with something very special. We got the chance to participate in Dream Night at the zoo. Dream Night lets families with kiddos with all sorts of special needs to go to the zoo after hours, with a much smaller crowd. We had the chance to really look at some things that normally go by too fast in the crowd for little eyes. It was seriously amazing. I'm still on cloud nine over it all. Do you know how nice it is to see the zoo and be able to do it on your own time and really see it. Payton got her hand painted, Parker play maracas in a band in the pavilion, we had dinner in the Tree Tops Restaurant, we pet a penguin which Parker decided should be named Deuce, we had our first trip through the jungle. Amazing. And they had a ball! 

 

 

Love this picture of Aunt Bo and Parker checking out the jellyfish tank!

 

 Saturday morning was Sand in the City downtown so we packed up and headed there with MaMaw. The different sand castles were awesome. After we checked them all out, we played a few games. Payton decided to be brave and try the bounce house while Parker and I headed over to the sand to play for a while. And you always know you had a good time when you win a package of fruit snacks.

We stopped after we were done playing in the sand for a quick lunch. Like the look on Payton's face?

Later that afternoon, we stopped by the park. We hadn't been to see the fountain yet since they turned it back on. Parker wasn't too sure about it, but Payton was pretty interested. Love this picture of her talking with Daddy about it.

Sunday morning we got up early and I pushed the dynamic duo down to Christy Creme in the jogger for the annual Dog Wash for Relay for Life. They had breakfast outside, played with Liam and helped wash a few puppies and earn their keep (just kidding!). After a few hours in the sun and having been so busy all ready, they were ready to go, so they hopped back in the jogger and we headed home. Thanks Dave and the whole crew at Christy Creme for letting us hold the wash again, matching all funds raised, and helping feed and entertain the duo.

 

A long weekend of playing outside. Love it! They're looking sun-kissed and happy these days.  

This week coming up we're going to try a few more new things - Summer Arts Festival, Italian Festival, Relay for Life...so much to do! Stay tuned!