The Last of the Cast

Celebrate good times, come on! After 6 weeks, the cast is off, and we are in full rehabilitation mode.

We went to the doctor January 20 for x-rays. We were hopeful all would be healed, and our prayers were answered 'yes' to get off the cast. Hallelujah!

 

This is how he started every night. We tucked him into bed, and he would scream until we got him. He would lay in our bed until he could fall asleep. We did love the sweet cuddles :o)

 

 

The last few weeks of the cast Mac was REALLY over it all. He was impatient, tired of everything he had been doing and pretty grumpy. It's like the first couple weeks he was adjusting, we hit kind of a plateau for a few days, then it was back downhill as he was completely ready to be independent of the cast. We all were ready for this day to learn what our next step would be.

 

 I took pictures of his cast signatures just in case it would be cut to pieces.

 

 

 The spot on LS' name is where he ventured out the last week of the cast. He started asking to crawl and would pull himself around with his arms. He loved his newfound independence, but it wore him out quickly. We would take turns crawling around with him to motivate his movement. Even Paisley got in on the fun :o)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Waiting to see the orthopedist!

 

 

 Now waiting to get to business and cut off the cast. It was definitely scary for Mac, but this was so temporary for the long term result.

I was fortunate to be at this appointment because Nana was at home with LS and Paisley.

Thanks, Nana!

 

 

 Let's go home!!

 

 

 First things first... bath time! He had been asking to get in the bath for 2 weeks.

 

 

Back in gingham!

 

 

 After nap we went to a neighbor's playground where Mac could swing.

 

 

I wasn't sure where Mac would be (physically) after getting off the cast. He has been timid and very cautious of any movement. The best thing we did was put him in the bath (twice!) the first couple of days. He would freely move his legs there. Outside of the bath, he often sits like the cast is still on. We were told he would be his own best therapy.

He isn't pushing himself to try new things just yet. He is scooting on the floor. After the first few days he has started pulling himself up, and that lasts a few minutes before his legs start to shake. We are on the mend, my friends.

I have signed him up for aquatic therapy to strengthen his muscles. We start next week! His legs are pretty skinny now from the muscle atrophy. He lost 12 pounds. :o( 

His appetite is still scarce, but we are working on it. This boy can have whatever he wants to eat!

Thank you for following this journey.

We go back to the doctor February 17 and will update as we can.

 

as always,

ashley

Our Christmas 2013

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone. It's one of those things I look forward to all year, and it flew by this year! Thank goodness it comes around every year :) We were able to spend our holiday season with family in Murfreesboro and Chattanooga.

 

The weekend before Christmas we went to Murfreesboro for the Allen family Christmas. It was a LOT bringing 4 kids, but making memories for my kids trumped convenience.

We went to Paxton's hockey game Saturday morning and opened gifts that night. We fellowshipped over delicious foods and fun. I love how much the cousins love one another. In my childhood I was never close to any cousins so I relish the idea of my kids having what I didn't. It's pretty special.

My parents and brother (Uncle Jeff) came for Christmas at our house. The kids woke up to all the goodies of Christmas morning. We held of on some gifts until Mac is able to enjoy them. I didn't want to separate him any more than he already felt segregated from Lilly Scott and Paisley.

Mac had fun playing with his Cars track, LS was pumped about rollerblades, Paisley was excited about all the festivities and wrapping paper and Wells was super stoked about his 4 new pacifiers.

  

My mom made a heap of sausage balls, and we had our traditional hors devours lunch. Over lunch Lilly Scott read the Christmas story from her Bible, and we celebrated the birth of our Savior.

It was another special day with family where we relaxed, napped and enjoyed quality time.

 

 :-)

as always,
ashley

 

Life In the Cast Lane

Please note the title of this post. I am pretty proud of my genius ;o) In all seriousness, here is what our life has been like with the spica cast.

First off, here's what we are dealing with here. This is a picture of the x ray from Mac's last orthopedic appointment. The (spiral) fracture is behind the staples in the cast.

Let me back up a bit... Paisley hadn't seen Mac- other than a quick facetime conversation- since school that day. I took her with me when Mac was being discharged. The first thing she did when she walked in his hospital room was run to the bed and try to climb in as she yelled 'Mac!! Mac!!' In return, Mac said, 'Sissy! I missed you!' She crawled on the bed but stopped at the cast. He was (is) apprehensive anytime someone got near the cast so he puts up a stiff arm and yells to stop. Paisley listened. That was a sweet twin moment. She had her brother back. Those were the first nights they ever spent apart, and Paisley looked in his bed and asked for him every.single.nap and night.

The first night home Mac cried for several hours. We had all gone to bed, and Jordan was with him in the den. My mom stayed in my room to be near the monitor should Paisley wake. We had juggled beds and who to put where so that Mac would be catered to and comfortable. We decided that an air mattress would support him while also molding to his awkward cast position.

We have all adjusted to the cast and it's monstrosity. It's pretty overwhelming. I was overwhelmed by the diaper changes and care of the cast. We were warned it would smell really awful before too long. Fortunately Mac's internet research savvy Mimi hopped on the issue at hand and found us great tips for keeping it sanitary. For one, we sponge bathe him every night. We can't wet the cast, but it's bound to happen so we dry it with the hair dryer on cold. We dry every spot of that cast. Then we use a makeup brush to apply a corn starch and baking soda mix. This method must be working because we are 24 days in without a stench.

Mac and Wells get sponge baths together.

Next we were concerned about his well-being. That's not such an easy fix. We've purchased and borrowed special pillows to support him. He can't sit up all the way, and laying down all the time is terrible. We prop his legs up with pillows and blankets to support the position of the cast. There's also the issue of skin breakdown so we rotate or adjust him at least every 2 hours. Now that we are a few weeks into it he's becoming more secure with laying on other surfaces. We've even managed to sit him up while one of us completely supports him in a chair. He loves it, and even though my arms and hands are asleep, I will hold him so that he can enjoy playdoh with his sisters.

The reality of the cast stinks. Honestly. We are blessed that he has had amazing care. We are grateful, but we are also living this reality. He's temporarily limited. He doesn't understand it. He fights it several times a day. Just last night he had an episode over not being able to get in the bath. He's cried and begged to get in the bath for a week now. It breaks my heart.

For the most part nights are rough... brutal. Mac wakes up screaming several times a night. I think it's pain and insecurity. Plus the fact that he can't move. When I say he screams, he literally belts out a shrill sound that wakes anyone who isn't used to it. He flares his arms and slaps his legs. He screamed so hard (6 hours) one night that he had no voice the next day. Nothing comforts him. In the midst of this, he has huge tears streaming down his face. I can't let him see that I am also crying. I can't do anything for my baby, and he hurts too badly to let me hold him. When I get too close he slaps me or pulls my hair. Nothing can calm him. I can't even accurately describe what these episodes are like. He does them until he exhausts himself and basically passes out.

This is pretty much the only way he will sleep for any length of time. He wants to be held. Mac is such an affectionate person, and the cast is awkward and heavy to hold. He often raises his arms and says 'hold you' to get quality cuddle time

.

If you know Mac, you know this isn't him. He is the sweetest, softest boy I've ever met. Sure, I'm biased, but it's also truth. He is a gentle, cautious spirit. He is so laid back. This child didn't walk until he was 20 months old because of his laid back nature. It's who he is. Seeing this tantrum he has displayed turns my stomach and melts my insides.

Jordan nor I can leave him for any length of time. When I'm able to sneak away for a shower or a quick errand, he asks for me constantly. Sometimes he starts an episode while I'm gone. (I refer to this behavior as an 'episode' because I'm not really sure what else to call it...) He asks for one of us in his presence at all times.

In all the lows, Mac still loves his cars. We love that he still wants to play :)

 When my dad visited recently, he walked outside with Mac for TWO HOURS. He later said his biceps felt like they had run a marathon. What a champion Paw Paw is for Mac's happiness. Because that sweet boy wanted to be outside. Mac was on cloud nine. LOOK at that smile!

We have the wheelchair, but it scares Mac. He isn't a fan, but we want to get him out when possible. Jordan proposed using our Britax stroller, and it actually works pretty well. He can't sit all the way back, but we support his back with blankets and pillows so he can be comfortable.

With a newborn who has to be fed every 3 hours, Mac turned every 2, Paisley who is trying to find her place in this picture, and LS who also has needs, we are pulled a million directions. I can't do the daily stuff by myself. It isn't fair to me or any of the kids. Mac requires constant adjustments as well as his essential needs. One being the duty of making him eat and drink. Because he isn't active he doesn't have an appetite. We are giving him supplements to help with his weight loss. We can put our whole hand down the torso of his cast now, and his rib cage sticks out over it. My chunky monkey has taken a hiatus, but he WILL be back.

This week Uncle Jeff has come to visit. Mac loves his 'Jeff'.

My mom has been here every chance she could. She has taken loads of vacation to be here to help cook, clean and keep the kids. She never hesitates to change a diaper or scrub a toilet. I can't thank her enough. 

Mimi spent a week with us after the incident. She prepared dinners and stayed with the kids so I could run an errand or pick up and drop off Lilly Scott at school. My dad and Uncle Jeff were also huge help with school travel. 

Our friends and family have brought meals for us. We SO appreciate this blessing as eating is the last thing on my mind. It has been so helpful that the kids could be nourished when I am unable to complete a thought.

We go back to the orthopedist January 20.

Hopefully we will have the cast off sooner rather than later.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. Most importantly, thank you for praying.

-ashley

Thanksgiving 2013

Thanksgiving holiday was the week after Wells' birth so we kept it super low key. Mimi (Jordan's mom) had visited us once we came home from the hospital and brought homemade food for us to eat. My mom sent food with my brother Jeff, and we ordered a turkey breast from Honey Baked Ham.

 

It was just us plus my brother Jeff for the holiday. It was a nice, chill holiday. We needed that. Especially looking back now as our world was about to hit another bump.

 

I am not even sure if I left my pjs that day. Now that, my friends, is awesome :o)

 

We closed the day with a movie and snacks. Perfecto.

 

 

Happy 1 Month, Wells!

Dearest Wells,

You are SUCH a sweet, cuddly boy. I'm not sure if you know you're the fourth child, but the easy going nature you have is pretty awesome. You are surrounded by family who love and adore you as much as your big brother and sisters.

 

In the hospital you lost a small percentage of weight as most newborns do. My milk didn't come in until you were 4 days old so you were at 9% weight lost by day 3. We had to give you a few milliliters of formula twice that day. You weren't a fan, and the stuff stunk.

 

When you were 2 days old you cried for about an hour nonstop. At the end of the morning, our pediatrician (Dr. Jeanie) came by to visit. I mentioned the crying, and she asked about my diet. Low and behold I had had a latte the night before. All milk. Mac and Paisley had protein intolerance, and Dr. Jeanie said that you probably did also. From then on, I have been dairy and soy free. Yay.

 

 

In the beginning we were able to get 3 hours of sleep at once at night. The max was one 4 hour stretch. You rarely made it. Once you were a couple weeks old, your first stretch of sleep at night was 11-2. Then it went to 10-2 as I was clocking out a bit earlier. Now you sleep about 10-2, wake at 4 and then at 6.

 

You're still in the cosleeper beside us. I love having you so close. I know the time is coming where you will be on your own, but I'm in no rush, sweet boy. You're my last baby so I will cherish every chance to reach over and feel your breath.

Paisley pretty much thinks you are her baby. She's pretty invasive to your (everyone's) space when she wants. I hope your corneas aren't scratched from the number of times she has pointed out your eyes to me as she sticks her finger beyond your (closed) eyelid. Paisley is such a mama.

 

 

Mac always says, 'Aw, cute,' when he sees you. When he holds you, he whispers 'shhh, it's okay' in your ear while he pats your back.

 First day home from Mac's hospital stay, and he wanted to hold 'baby brother.'

 

Lilly Scott loves to hold you. She's more protective than she is embracive. I think her insecurities come from fear of hurting you, but she does a great job when she has you in her arms.

We haven't been back to the pediatrician for a check up since you were 2 weeks, but I weighed you yesterday (1/4/13), and you were 11 pounds :o) I love a healthy, growing baby!

 

 Most of these outfits were your brother's. I love that. I'm digging in my old computer to put pictures of him beside these :o)

 

We love you, baby Wells!

 

Mac's Break :o(

This is the story of Mac's first broken bone. I'm writing it for our memory and so that Mac can read about what he went through at such a young age.

I took Mac and Paisley to Mother's Day Out about 9:30 on Thursday, December 12, 2013. I went home to grab our Angel Tree gift bag and left Wells with Mimi (Jordan's mom) to drop it off the bag and run other errands. As I drove passed the school, my phone rang. It was MDO. I tried to answer, but my phone wouldn't so it went to voicemail. It was odd to get a call from them so I decided to stop. As I pulled in I listened to the voicemail that Mac had hurt his leg in the classroom, and he was upset. I initially sent a friend in to check on him to prevent adding to his stress, but my gut told me to go in also.

As I walked down the hallway toward the gym I heard Mac crying. I knew this wasn't  'normal'. Mac's teacher handed him to me, and the teachers were brainstorming on what happened. I was told it was probably a twisted ankle and shown how Mac was found on the floor. I left
Paisley there to take Mac to the pediatrician because he was clearly in a lot of pain.

Mac squeezed my neck so hard for fear I would put him down. I carried him to the car and placed him in the car seat. I called the pediatrician to verify they would see us. We were on our way.

I watched him in the car to see if I could figure out the severity of his 'ankle' injury. I noticed his left (injured) foot wasn't propped on the seat like the right foot. He also screamed each time we went over a bump in the road. He sobbed the entire way to the doctor's office.

When I would pick up or carry Mac, I would protect his ankle- shielding it from bumps and any additional harm. When he sat in my lap and I stood, he would scream and squeeze my neck. Looking back I can see why.

The pediatrician did an overview of his leg.. feeling joints, his skin, looking for swelling, etc. By his lack of startled response when she touched his ankle, I assumed he was fine. She left the room for a bit, and Mac couldn't keep his eyes open. Of course now I know his body was in shock.

When she came back, she had me touch on his leg to see how he'd respond. He didn't react until she had me place my hand behind his thigh. From his snoring slumber, Mac sat straight up and screamed. My heart broke. What was wrong?!

We were sent to the imaging center for an x ray. Jordan met me there so I could go pick up Paisley, put her down for a nap and feed Wells. While I was nursing Wells, Jordan called. He was crying hysterically and could hardly utter the words 'Ashley, he has a broken femur. He has to have emergency surgery.' I burst into tears and could not hold my composure. Mimi took the phone from me and listened to the details. Once I caught my breath I called the pediatrician (we were supposed to go back after the x ray to have them read it) to see what we should do.

Dr. Jeanie was on the phone with a colleague in the TC Thompson ER telling him we were on our way. They wanted to call an ambulance, but we were able to keep his leg stable in the car seat so Jordan took Mac to the children's hospital.

I packed a bag for Wells and me because I would be staying overnight with Mac. I couldn't gather my thoughts or wrap my head around what had happened. I couldn't even comprehend what I needed to throw in my bag. The sick feeling in my stomach when I heard the news about his femur still makes me cringe.

Wells and I walked into the ER, and they immediately let us back to see Mac. I found him surrounded by an x ray team to get more pictures of his leg. I felt like the world was spinning around me as I stood still trying to gather my thoughts.

The splint on his arm was holding his IV in place. They were administering pain medications through his IV.

They got pictures, we talked to several doctors and waited to find out when he would have surgery. We were escorted to see his x ray, and I couldn't believe my eyes. He had a spiral fracture down his femur.

We opted for surgery first thing the next morning so that Mac could eat and drink. He hadn't eaten since breakfast that morning. He was hurting, scared, hungry and thirsty- Absolutely miserable to watch.

We were transported to a room where we would spend the next few days. My poor baby couldn't understand, and I wanted to switch places with him every second.

Mac was in so much pain and hardly ate anything. Our friend brought him a smoothie, and he ate part of it. Once admitted and in the room he was on fluids until midnight. His procedure would take place at 7am Friday morning.

As soon as my mom heard the news, she dropped everything at work and came immediately. She lives 2 hours away so Mimi stayed until she could get there. My friend Tedra picked Lilly Scott up from school, and I had Wells with me. We are lucky to have such support that comes to help as soon as we need.

Jordan stayed the night with Mac. I went home but came back at 6am the next morning. Someone took all of us to the pre operation area where we met the orthopedist, anesthesiologist and nursing team. The world was still rapidly spinning around me, and my strength was fading quickly. I never let Mac see me cry, but I lost it when he wasn't around.

They wheeled my baby to the operating room, and he was crying and screaming for 'Mommy' and 'Daddy' until we couldn't hear him any longer.

The 'surgery' was not invasive as we were originally told. They had to put him to sleep, intubate him, set his bone and put on a SPICA cast.

We were called as soon as it was finished, and we met him in recovery.

Once we were taken back to our room, he started vomiting everything he had on his stomach.

The heart break continues.

We stood staring at this massive cast. It was overwhelming to read the pamphlet about how to care for him in the cast, his limitations and knowing he didn't understand any of it.

 Mac was given morphine around the clock, and about 20-30 minutes before it was due he would sob and scream from pain. This happened for 24 hours. He couldn't relax enough to sleep more than a few minutes at a time. He had nausea medication in the recovery room, but he still vomited. This is a picture of a 5 minute nap. He was utterly exhausted and in intense pain. God was with me because the strength required to hold it together in front of him was nothing but spiritually given.

Mac is such an affectionate child who loves to be held and cuddled. He kept asking to be held by saying 'hold you' and reaching his arms toward you. The picture below was after he was sick so I put a cold washcloth on his forehead while Jordan held him.

This picture has two amazing people in it.

Mac had congestion from the anesthesia and his throat was raw from the intubation. He was so weak he couldn't cough up the mucus so we had to suction him. Then he vomited afterward. This cycle was all day Friday. :o(

Friday evening we were interviewed by hospital personnel, police and child protective services. In this type of break, it is the law to follow through with the family. Repeating the pieces of the story I had was draining. Then I'd look over at Mac and crumble inside.

We rented a new car seat, started the search for a reclining wheel chair and learned diaper changing and bath routines.

In this horrible event, we had incredible care at TC Thompson. We are blessed to live near this hospital. Mac received the best care we could imagine. We thank everyone on his treatment team.

Saturday afternoon we were on our way home to begin a new journey.

We have been surrounded by God's grace, friends and family and prayers. Thank you so much for lifting him up to the Creator.

It is my hope to continue to update Mac's condition here. I am already 2 weeks behind. Imagine that.

-Ashley