Happy Thanksgiving

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday. I am so thankful for my friends and family. I am most thankful for GOD blessing my family and answering so many prayers over the past 21 months. As you all know it has been one heck of a ride. But we have survived and made it. 

Although there were a few times I wondered how much more could we possibly handle. But GOD does not give us anymore than he thinks we can handle. We have truly been blessed. I look at things so much more differently now than I used to. 

Thanks to everyone who has been there for me and my family. And a special thanks to those who have continued to keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving.

It Was Found By Accident.....

.....But by the grace of GOD. Yesterday at work the ECHO department had gotton a new ECHO machine to work with. I volunteered myself  for them to do an ECHO on me. Dena was saying "Niki you have great pictures, look how good this looks. When across the room Lisa said " look at that"!!! Much to my surprise there was to what looked like an ASD (a hole in my septal wall separating my two atrial chambers) Yes that is what Ben had repaired in June of 2007. I was not to worried or concerned. So I called my PCP to get her to order an ECHO with bubble study to better diagnose/rule-out the defect. Well today I had the study and lo and behold I have a PFO and ASA. (patent foramen ovale and atrial septal aneurysm) The PFO typically closes shortly after birth but in my case it didn't and the aneurysmal area is a weakening in the wall. I have not been symptomatic or having any problems. I got Dr. Jones to read the study for me and he said there is only 20% of people with this type of defect and all that is recommended is taking a baby Aspirin to prevent TIA's(transischemic attacks/light strokes). I will have an ECHO yearly now to evaluate the defect and make sure there s not any changes. Dena who did my ECHO kept apologizing  but it was GODS will for this to be found and me not have any serious problems later on. What is the likely hood of both Ben and I having congenital heart defects that are not so common. Ben's was the least common of ASD defects.   

Neurology Report

Brooke had her neurology follow up today. Dr. Mathison was very pleased with her progress. Her head is continuing to grow appropriately, speech is developing, cognitive and developmentally she is on track. He looked up her last hearing report which was a little questionable. He said according to the report that the audiologist were not to concerned yet. She has a follow up on December 10th with two audiologist for a retest. Everyone say a little prayer for our little miracle that it goes well. The best news of all today was that Brooke is officially released from neurology needs. Dr. Mathison said the only reason he may need to see her again would be when she started school and a learning disability developed. Hey, I can live with that. Thanks to everyone who continues to pray for Brooke. She is a blessing and miracle from GOD.    

Baby "Addison"

Today, Tim received an unexpected phone call from a his friend who is a NP in a NICU. He wanted to know if Tim would talk to the father of a baby that was born with cCMV. Of course Tim did. Baby "Addison" was born 2 wks ago with bilateral brain calcifications (which was one of Brooke's many complications). "Addison's" parents are considering starting her on oral Ganciclovir. This will be a new clinical trial headed up by Dr. David Kimberlin (the infectious disease MD at Children's who studies cCMV and also has many world known publications). Brooke had the PICC line (IV) infusion. Which was a nightmare in itself with the IV. So Tim told them to do all they could give the Ganciclovir, do early intervention and what ever they could. 

I am in hopes Baby "Addison's" mom will call me. I would love to tell her Brooke's story and let her know there is hope. If you are reading this please say a little prayer for Baby "Addison" and her family. They are in for a long road of uncertainty and what if's. 

Call Me Crazy

Well some of you already know but for those of you who don't I am starting back to school in January. I will be doing all my classes online through UNA pursuing my BSN. I am not quite sure which direction I will go with my BS. Several people at work want me to continue on and be one of the Nurse Practitioners in our office but I am looking into getting into the industry side of things. Anyway it will probably be about 2 years before I finish . I am only taking 2 classes at  a time. Hoping not to stress myself and my family out to bad. Just keep me and Tim and the kids in your prayers that I don't kill everybody trying to juggle being a mom, wife, student and keeping my existing job. I will keep you posted.

The End To A Very Long Weekend

On Sunday, after attending Miller's birthday party and Homecoming at Alabama we went to Disney on Ice. Mom got us great seats. We were on the 2nd row on the floor. So the kids had practically a front row seat. Ben loved it and watched the entire show. Brooke on the other hand watched some of it for the most part but also slept through the 2nd half (which was her usual nap time). Thanks Granny, Pops, LaVonne, Jimmy, Hope, Skylar, Brandi, and Jaylee for going with us and a great meal after.

Do you want some popcorn "B"?

Alabama Homecoming

The kids had a great time watching the homecoming parade. Then tailgating afterward. I was a little apprehensive at first because we got out for the activities at 8:30 am and did not get back to Tim's parents until about 6 pm. But the kids were great. Some of Tim's longtime friends from Daphne and Ft. Lauderdale, FL were in town for the game so we all went out after. We are not as young as we once were. But had a great time non-the-less. Thanks to Tim's parents for keeping the kiddo's for us.

Brooke absolutely LOVES her PawPaw

I couldn't resist these two rear pics of the kids.

Better Late Than Never ---- Halloween

We went to Tuscaloosa this year for Halloween. Being that it was Miller's 1 year birthday what better way to celebrate. The kids had a great time and as you can see they were a ALABAMA football player and cheerleader. Ben wanted Brooke to be "his cheerlearder". So I thought this might be my only opportunity to dress them alike. Since Brooke will probably decide what she wants to be next year.  The kids were all over the place at the party hence all of them having individual pictures.

Happy 1st Birthday Miller (aka MillMill per Brooke)

Helena Grasshoppers

Ben finished up T-ball at the end of October. He had a great time.  And he already wants to play again. Which will be in the spring.  I think we have an athlete on our hands. He also loves football. However, I think that will wait for a while. We will just continue to play in the yard.      This is Brooke cheering Ben on saying "Good job 'B' ".

Ben after he accepted his trophy, medal and ball.