Laryngomalacia...our little boy's struggle

When our children are born they are nothing but perfect in our eyes!  10 tiny fingers wrapped tightly around yours, 10 little toes that are absolutely perfect in your eyes, and you gaze in wonderment at the miracle you have brought into this world.  You will go to all lengths to protect them from anything. 

Our journey with Laryngomalacia began around Thanksgiving of 2011 when we got back from our Turkey weekend at the trailer.  About a week later our lil man caught a cold and it seemed he was forever getting rid of the cough and he always sounded like he had wheezy or laboured breathing.  Out of concern I booked a doctor's appointment.  Now Dallin has always had funny breathing and to us that was normal, we didn't know there would be anything wrong. 

By the time we saw the doctor in the beginning of November, we ended up being hospitalized for what they believed was an RSV virus or bronchiolitis.  Neither of which he had, but the treatments they provided him definitely helped.  It wasn't until the next week, when we arrived back at emerg again, that they tried a different approach.  They still did his treatments, but they also called for the Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist to come in and have a peek.  Upon his departure it was discovered that Dallin had been diagnosed with Laryngomalacia.  Nothing life threatening, by any means but the road ahead for the next 2 years atleast is going to be long and most likely "gravel with big potholes"  LOL, as I like to put it!

Laryngomalacia simply put means floppy trachea, so when Dallin breathes his trachea collapses where a normal baby's would expand.  So it makes eating and breathing a little difficult and if he gets sick, than it makes things a lot more difficult.  

Laryngomalacia: The epiglottis is small and curled on itself (omega-shaped). Approximation of the posterior edges of the epiglottis contributes to the inspiratory obstruction.

So far to date,  he's been hospitalized twice and has had 3 colds in his short 4.5 months.  The winter has been against us from the start, with the fluctuating temperatures, it's hard to keep the germs out.  You can only disinfect things so much, and I have since taken to disinfecting twice a day.  I refuse to keep my son in a bubble because he might get sick, but at the same time I try to stay indoors as much as possible, while he gets over whatever virus he has at the time. 

We were back at the hospital the other day as something wasn't right.  It's pretty bad when the local hospital knows you and your child by name.  But, I'd rather him be there and nothing be wrong than be at home and something terrible be wrong.  Turns out is was nothing really, until we got home and confirmed ourselves that our son has a intolerance to lactose.  We had just started a new box of cereal, the "Just Add Water" kind.  It's just add water because the milk products are formulated into the cereal.  No wonder he wasn't right...poor little guy's tummy was hurting!  So, now on top of Laryngomalacia, we now have to keep an eye on everything that enters his mouth as well. 

So, the next two years while he grows out of his Laryngomalacia (hopefully), maybe he'll be one of the lucky ones and grow out of his milk allergy!  But, for now we'll live and learn and have fun in the process.  Nothing beats having a child...so we will not dwell on this.  We will take it one day at a time, and keep on truckin' like we always do!  We will be fortunate that it is nothing worse and pray for those who struggle daily!  We may not know you, but our prayers are with you. 

Love, hugs and kisses to all

Cereal Anyone???

It seems that as the days go on...my boy gets messier and messier as he eats his cereal.  I have taken to feeding him with nothing but a diaper on.  If he would sit in the reclined chair it would definitely be easier...but NO...my son thinks he's a big boy and wants to sit like a big boy in the high chair.  This definitely makes feeding cereal a little different!  About half way through I give up altogether trying to keep his hands outta his mouth!

He's a kid...he's supposed to get dirty, that's what baths are for!!!  LOL!!! But, I'm so glad he loves his cereal! He almost loves his cereal more than his Bubba...but not quite! 

There's nothing like watching your child grow before your very eyes, especially while you are watching him develop his tastes buds and learn his chewing techniques. 

For now, I'll enjoy these messy moments, as soon I won't have them.  And I'll mostly enjoy those extra sweet moments we spend together in the bubbles, splashing and swimming and squealing with delight.  These are the moments that will grow as my boy does, these are the moments I need to cherish forever!

Love, hugs and kisses to all!

Bye bye January...Hello February already????

Oh my time flies!

Especially with a little one.  This time last year, I just nearly learned I was pregnant and I remember thinking with heavy shoulders that September would never arrive!  And now that September, October, November, December and just about January have come and gone, I'm thinking that time can officially slow down. 

I'm 4 months old!!!

There are not enough hours in the day to be able to deeply breath in that wonderful, sweet scent of my little man; to watch as he learns and discovers new things everyday; or just to spend those few quiet moments before bed.  Please time...stand still for just a moment so I can have more of these special moments with my precious little one! 

Me and my girlfriend Abigail!  She's so cute!!! 

Over the past month, Dallin has grown ever so much!  And he's dying to get going!  He just fits into the walker that Nana and Poppa smuggled over the border and he is slowly learning how to operate it.  Look out, because in about a week or two I'll be chasing him up and down the hallways! 

Me n My New Wheels!!! Wheee!!!

We've also offically started cereal.  We first started with once a day in the morning for breakfast, but that quickly got increased to twice a day when he got over his last cold and was beginning to wake up throughout the nights again.  He loves his cereal.  It's quite comical to watch him eat it though, because he can't quite sit in the highchair yet without leaning over, so it's always interesting with every bite to figure out where his mouth will be...sometimes we have to hold his head back to shovel it in there otherwise it just falls right back out.  At dinner time he usually eats with just the diaper on, so it's easy access in case a sink bath is needed lol!!!  Oh mister, you bring so much joy to Mommy's life!!! 

Where's my Cereal???

We also see the beginnings of wanting to crawl!  One day I have a feeling I'll run into the kitchen for something and when I come back to the living room he'll be motoring around!  I won't be able to get the camera ready fast enough. 

Do I fit in here?

This winter has definitely been a trying one with illnesses.  I'm sure there are many more to come too!  Living in a house full of adults who bring god knows what in, the little gaffer is bound to get sickly.  We've been in the hosptial for a second time at the beginning of the month, right after New Year's.  We were in again for 2 nights, and he is just recently getting over another cold, but we are taking every precaution to not have to return to the hospital!!! 

In the jail bed again :(

My sweet little prince has also become an avid swimmer at the Breithaupt Centre where both he and his big brother have been enrolled in swimming.  He absolutely loves it and it brought joy to my heart to be able to create that experience with him!  He even let me dunk him! He's such a big boy!

Look at me blow bubbles in the water!

Spent the first night away from Mommy and Daddy as he went to spend the weekend with Aunti Mani and Uncle Mike, while Mommy did some much needed bedroom cleaning!  With the humidifier in his room the walls got so salty and I couldn't stand touching anything in there anymore!  So Daddy and I cleaned until Midnight, and then spent the night in Niagara Falls on Saturday.  I know it probably seems weird that we went away when we had the house to ourselves, but we hadn't been there in a while and for Stephane it's like going home.  Stephane doesn't get to see what is left of his family much if at all, so to take him to Niagara Falls is like going home!  I know he enjoys it, and we enjoy our time together!  But, boy were we sure glad to see our little munchkin on Sunday when we met Aunti Mani in Vaughan!  Hopefully he was equally as excited!

Laying in my unborn cousins bed! Tee hee hee!!!

Well the monster is finally waking up from the longest nap I think he's ever had in the morning, so I better sign off with hopes to not be so long in posting another blog.

Me, Aunti Mandi and Jackers!!!

Love, hugs and kisses to all!

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2012! A new year means a clean slate!  Not that Stephane and I had a bad year last year, our slate was pretty clean, but boy oh boy was it full of memorous occasions.  I can't wait for another year of amazing memories!

We rang in the New Year as a complete family, as we offered to take Robin!  We knew that both boys would be in bed early, and that Stephane and I might not be too far behind them, as we were all sick.  But, Stephane and I didn't manage to make it until 12:10 I think!  LOL!!! YAY for us!

All New Year's Eve day Stephane and Robin played games on the Wii.  Robin I think is addicted to bowling!!  It's so cute to watch him bowl too, and sometimes he does better than Daddy!  They also played a few other games, while I did some things around the house and took care of Dallin.  They took a slight break to help me take down the Christmas tree, and then were back at it again.  I got to test out my new video camera Stephane bought me for Christmas and it worked perfectly! 

Dallin watching Robin golf

We had finger food for dinner after Dallin went to bed and played some of Robin's new games he got for Christmas.  He loves the memory game, he didn't quite understand what you were supposed to do at first.  But, oh man look out, because now he just whips the cards over and you've got to be really quick to see them! 

After Robin went to bed, Stephane and I washed bottles and played Cribbage.  WOOHOO!!! Such the party animals we are!  We rang in another year together, and as always, it there is nothing like ringing in the new year with the one you love.  It puts a twinkle in your eye and wraps your heart in the warmest hug! 

New Year's Day was very entertaining.  We took Robin home around 2ish, and as Dallin and I were waiting in the car for Daddy to come back, suddenly the back door opens and Robin's back, with tears in his eyes.  He didn't want to go home just yet.  He wanted to stay another night with Daddy!  So, back home we went.  For another afternoon of bowling and games!

January 2, 2012 there was a free skate at the local arena that I promised Robin we'd take him too!  My parents got him some new skates for Christmas and I wanted him to be able to use them right away.  So, there's no better way than taking him to the Tim Horton's free skate!!!

It was an amazing afternoon, Stephane wasn't feeling well, so while Dallin had his afternoon nap, I took Robin skating.  As I was getting his skates on, Robin was frantically waving to someone, and I had no idea who he would know out in New Hamburg.  As I turned around I saw Aunt Jennie and Uncle Eric!  That was quite a surprise!  Robin could hardly contain himself!  As soon as he stepped on the ice, I barely had time to say hello and Uncle Eric had his arms around Robin saying lets go!  It was awesome to see that!  I cannot find words to tell you how I felt!  It was priceless!  So, I whipped out the video camera and video taped my big boy's first time skating! 

When I took over, Robin was bound and determined to do it on his own!  Unfortunately all the bars were in use, so my back was set to suffer a little.  I was there to catch him every step of the way.  Near the end of the hour he was actually skating on his own for a little bit.  He had to remember to lean forward and go slow.  He also had to remember to look straight ahead instead of watching what everyone else was doing.  He's quite notorious for that!  Eventually we did get a red bar and he made it one lap around the ice before he was ready for his hot chocolate!  I was so proud of him! I wished that Daddy could have been there to see him, but Aunt Jennie and Uncle Eric were perfect!  I did call them later to thank them again, it meant a lot to me!

The rest of the afternoon Robin and I went out for lunch and got the promised hot chocolate and then went home and spent time with Daddy and Dallin! 

Our year started off with some very amazing moments!  We can only hope your year is filled with lots of love, happiness and above all memories!  Cherish whatever memories you make, as we will cherish ours!  We wish you all much joy and health!  You are always in our thoughts, and I hope you continue to follow along, as you watch Dallin in his first year! 

Love, hugs and kisses!

Dallin's First Christmas

Our baby boy celebrated his first Christmas this year.  He was 3 months and 2 weeks old.  So, he didn't really understand anything that was going on.  All he knew was that he liked the lights, the bright coloured paper and the Christmas shows on tv! 

This year we had Robin for Christmas as well, so it was definitely exciting time in our household.  Last year Stephane and I went from having a quiet Christmas to utter choas!  Funny how things work. 

Christmas Eve saw the arrival of Aunti Mani, Uncle Mike, and their new puppy Harley!  boy oh boy, it sure was going to be a busy time.  We enjoyed an afternoon of cards and some festive drinks...not Dallin of course, but the adults.  Then we began taking our annual Christmas Eve photos.  Some we had to wait for Robin, but we started while Dallin was still somewhat happy!  At 7:00pm we went to pick up Robin and then quickly continued with the rest of the photos. 

This was all new to Robin, Stephane and I; Robin was a little upset, but we got through it together and laid out 9 carrots for the Reindeer, almost as many cookies (until Mom caught him atleast), and a big glass of milk in a Chipmunks cup!  LOL...I love that kid!!!  Then it was off to bed, so Santa could come. 

Now tradition in our house is to go to church.  This year was going to be interesting having both boys with us.  But, I was determined either way to get to church, if I had to take them with me or not.  But, Uncle Mike wasn't feeling well, so that solved the problem.  He chose to babysit and away we went to once again here the story of Jesus' birth.  I love Christmas Eve service.  I love singing those oh so familiar carols that tell the wonderful story of our saviour.  Not to mention the special family time we get to spend together during a perfect candlelit service. 

This was also the first year that Santa would truly be visiting our house.  There was lots to do! In the end everything was perfect!  Robin was going to be so excited!  The carrots were gone, the cookies mostly gone and the milk gone.  Rudolph even left a few droppings...as Santa claimed he couldn't make it out in time (really they were just chocolate covered Ju-Jubes).  LOL...Robin thought that was just hilarious.  Yes, I know...the things we teach our children!  But, it's all in good fun!

Christmas morning couldn't have been any more perfect!  A little choatic...ok...maybe a lot chaotic, but perfect just the same.  Dallin was up at 4:45, gave him his bottle he went back to bed at 5:15am.   My tired little man missed most of Christmas morning, but was up again at 8:00am....so he got to experience a little of it.  But, Robin was priceless.  Now, my mom likes to open one present at a time and I thought for sure Robin was not going to be happy with that.   It took him two turns to actually get it and then he was excited to tell everyone whose turn it was. 

4 hours later, the tree was empty, the floor was a mess and I was completely exhausted.  But, everything was perfect for my boys!!! That's all that matters.  That and the fact that our entire family was together, minus Baby Clarke, who isn't born yet. 

As the morning came to an end, the paper and boxes in the garbage, some Christmas presents Santa left behind had to be used as Robin wanted a game of hockey (really Doug wanted it more...but shhhh).  Luckily Santa brought hockey sticks!  I think  a new tradition was born, as the Christmas morning hockey game got under way!  Everyone, even Dallin and Harley were playing...minus me as someone had to take pictures. 

They say Christmas is a time for family, and that was accomplished!  Can't wait to do it all again next year.

Merry Christmas one and all!  Enjoy your day with family and friends, in whatever part of the world you maybe or however you celebrate the season!  Enjoy!

Hugs, love and kisses

 

It's Been a While...Oops!

Well it's been a few weeks since I've blogged last and the fault is completely mine.  Partially lazyness and partially addicted to computer games.  LOL :)

We've been busy little beavers though.  I think the last time I blogged I mentioned Dallin's floppy trachea.  Well we had to go in to get the camera put down his nose and this determined that he should eventually grow out of it.  Dr. Hughes however, still wants to keep an eye on it.  So every 3 to 4 weeks we will be going to see him.  Which again will be a waste of time because it will be a whole 5 minute appointment.  Oh well the things we will do for our children. 

We put the Christmas tree up a couple weekends ago.  Robin helped Stephane and I decorate
after Dallin went to bed.  Robin was so excited and it definitely put us in the Christmas mood!  The next day the boys and I went to get Kate and Ramon and head over to my work's Christmas party!  It was pretty fun. Robin and Ramon had a great time seeing Santa, getting faces painted and making crafts.  Dallin does what Dallin does best....charmed everyone.  A lot of people I worked with were there and hadn't seen him in a while, so he had lots of visitors.   He was such a good boy!  Him and Robin were such good boys and boy were they tired boys.  After the Christmas party Stephane took Robin to see the Muppets, while Dallin and I just spent our time shopping...well mostly just browsing. 

Our Christmas Tree

Dallin loves the Christmas lights.  He could stare at them for hours.  I put some up his the boys' bedroom and he loves to lay in their during his fussy time and just stare at the lights!!!!  Calms him right down.

With it being Christmas time, there's lots of shopping to be done.  Dallin is becoming quite the little shopper.  He smiles at all the shoppers....who coo over him and tell me how beautiful and handsome he is.  We strike up quite the conversations with some of them.  And then again some of them are Kitchener's Finest and are only looking for someone to talk to. LOL :)  But he's getting to that stage now where he gets fussy if he sits in his carseat too long...so then it's the adventure of taking him out and carrying him around.  Now usually I'm by myself and forget the Snugli!  How smart can I be sometimes...you'd think after the first time I would have learned...but No!!! 

Dallin's has also attended his first Santa Clause Parade and lo and behold slept right through the darn thing.  He woke up just in time to see Aunt Jennie walk by.  But he was all snug as a bug in a rug in his snowsuit and hat and blankie. 

My first Santa Claus Parade



Dallin has also taken a liking to the pictures of the little girls we have in the bathroom.   I joke and call them his girlfriends.  He laughs, and smiles and talks to them while he's getting changed.  It's quite comical to watch.  And when you talk to him about his ladies he gets a big smile on his face.  He hasn't told me their names yet, but I'm determined to find out! :)

He have now officially entered the stage in which our baby boy has ants in his pants!!!  So, we've busted out the Jumperoo!  He loves it!  Although his feet barely touch the ground, he seems to think it's the greatest thing. 

This week will be busy.  We have Robin this week while his mom has surgery.  This will get us practiced up for what it would be like to have two kids!  Last night the boys took a stab at decorating a gingerbread house.  I bought it for Robin because we weren't able to go to the Santa Claus Parade in New Hamburg because it was raining.  So this was the alternative.  They did an excellent job!!!

 It's only day one and I'm exhausted!  LOL :) oh boy!  Cudos to all you parents of more than one!!! You all do amazing!

Well stay tuned for what the rest of the Christmas season has to offer! 

Love, hugs and kisses!!!

To Stratford and Back Again...

Dallin has always been a bit squeaky with his breathing!  We all thought it was a bit concerning, but the doctors told me we had nothing to worry about. 

A few weeks ago, my baby boy got his first cold.  He was 4 weeks old.  When you live in tight quarters and EVERYONE is sick, a 4 week old baby is destined to get it too! 

However, squeaky breathing and a cold do not mix well.  A few days into his cold I noticed he was really having to work hard at breathing...this was not normal.  Plus two weeks had gone by and his cough wasn't any better and seemed to be getting worse.  So, on Tuesday November 2, I made a call to the doctor and got him in for his cough.  The doctor came in and before even addressing his cough right away noticed he was really working to breath.  She sent us immediately to Emerg to see the on call Pediatrician. 

Dallin's hosptial jail cell

We spent the next two days in the hospital undergoing saline masks and breathing treatments, and were told he has what's called Laryngotracheamalacia, simple terms means that his trachea is floppy and it causes Strider which is when his chest caves in.  We were sent home feeling better.

Still smiling at the hospital

That weekend he must have caught another virus because by his appointment on Monday we were back in the Emergency Department.  This time the Pedicatrician called the Ear, Nose and Throat specialist to come have a peek.  But, because Dallin was too mucousy he told us to book an appointment with his office for a week to 10 days later.

So, today we journeyed to Stratford again, this time to see the Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist.  Only to have confirmed that the doctor wants to stick a little tiny camera down his throat to see exactly how bad it is.  He had hoped that Dallin's Strider would clear up as the cold went away, but as Stephane and I both knew, it wasn't going to.  So in 5 minutes I had just wasted another 1/4 tank of gas, for some doctor to tell me something I already knew and he should have just done in the first place. 

So, next Friday back to Stratford Emerg to get this 5 mintue procedure done!  Thank God Dad will come with me, so I don't have to pay the ridiculous 5 dollars for parking! 

Dallin snugglin with Poppa this morning

Our little man means the world to us and nothing will stop us from making sure he is safe and healthy.  If that means driving to Stratford everyday than I will.  I've driven to Stratford numerous times and I'm sure there will be many many more! 

We love you Dallin!!!  Nothing will ever be able to describe exactly how much!!! 

Our Brave Little Man!!!