Silly Kate

Lung Report

We just got back from the pulmonologist's. He is treating Grant for whooping cough. He said he is not sure if he has it, but he has some signs. The biggest being the coughing fits that Grant has where he can't seem to get air and eventually vomits. However, Grant is wheezing and that isn't typical of whooping cough. There is only a 2 week window to treat whooping cough before it gets really bad, so he said he'd rather be cautious and get Grant on medication now. The good news is Grant continues to be joyful and embrace life. The doctor did say no running around for now so we'll see how that goes over. We're thankful to have such great doctors who genuinely care about Grant.

Upper Respiratory Infection

Grant, Kate and Jim all caught some kind of upper respiratory infection. Kate and Jim are on the mend, but Grant still has quite a cough. Over the weekend he coughed so hard he gave himself a bloody nose. Yesterday at the YMCA he was coughing so hard he threw up on the bleachers. :( He's back on the nebulizer and qvar inhaler twice a day. He has licked this kind of thing so many times now we are confident he will make it through it. It just takes him a little longer than the average kid. We will head to the pulmonologist on Friday just to check in.

On a side note- Grant's new answer to everything is "you bet." If I say, "Grant do you want a snack?", he comes back with a quick, "you bet, mom." It melts my heart... and reminds me of his ever so enthusiastic dad. :)

Scope

After a long day of Grant complaining about his tummy being hot yesterday, we finally scheduled the scope for February 10. He has to eat all foods until then. Does anyone want any gluten free food from our pantry? :)

Inside Time

I try to get the kids outside as much as possible, but sometimes it is just too cold. If it isn't obvious by the photos, they've gotten rather creative about how to keep busy indoors. Grant loves dressing up in Kate's princess costumes. The worst part about it is that he is insistent on wearing the high heels all the time. He calls them his new "house shoes" and doesn't want to take them off.

Today they decided to give all their cars a carwash. I let them have a couple of spray bottles and told them to get some rags from the laundry room. Kate came back wearing a mop cover on her head. She said it was in case some water sprayed her hair.

P.S. Cutting out eggs and dairy did not seem to help Grant's tummy. This week we've cut out gluten. So far no improvement. We're going to keep at it for another week or so. Please pray for wisdom for us about what next steps to take if a gluten-free diet is not the answer. Thanks!

Let it Snow

Eggs?

After a couple of weeks on no dairy Grant started complaining of a hot tummy again. It has gotten pretty bad and now he is in pain probably 10 times a day. We are cutting out eggs now to see if that makes a difference. We are kind of at a loss. He is scheduled for food allergy testing the first week in February. If the food elimination and food allergy tests don't give us the answers we need we'll have to reschedule the scope. Boo.

Bye Bye Cindy

A week ago we said good-bye to our au pair, Cindy, who has been living with us for the past year. She has been a huge blessing to us and we will miss her. We won't be getting another au pair this year. Everyone is healthy and we are ready to embrace life as it comes. So far the kids are adjusting great and we are keeping busy with basketball, bootcamp, gym class, swimming, Bible school and playing with friends. All is well.

No Scope!

I called today and officially canceled Grant's scope and biopsy on Monday! So much has happened in the last 3 weeks since we scheduled it. After talking with others we decided to try a food elimination diet with Grant to see if that would have any impact on his "hot tummy." The first group that I cut out was dairy because he already hates milk so I thought it would be easiest. Within one day he stopped complaining about his tummy. Prior to this I don't think he went a single day without complaining. We tried to add cottage cheese to his pancake mix on Sunday and by afternoon he was in pain. Our suspicions were confirmed. So, we're going to keep him away from all dairy for now. I made an appointment for food allergy testing in February (first appt I could get). But, for now we are praising God for a (relatively) easy fix. Grant is being a great sport about giving up his chocolate chip cookies but I suspect it is because he doesn't have to drink the milk that goes with them!

We're finally all together!

Merry Christmas

We had an awesome Christmas! The kids slept in until 7:00, which is always a good way to start the day. After breakfast they put on their antlers and Jim read them the Christmas story. Then, he put on a Santa suit and made a surprise appearance. We opened our stocking presents of which the favorite was chapstick! After we finished the gifts under the tree we sang happy birthday to Jesus and headed over to grandma and grandpa Koss's house for brunch. Later that day Willa arrived and the kids got a chance to hold her. As I just tucked Kate into bed she was still gushing about Willa. Mostly she was interested in whether or not Willa had lips and would she like to borrow her chapstick.

Tea time

Health Update

I haven't posted on Grant's health in a while, mostly because we didn't have many answers. This week we went to a GI doc that Grant used to see as a baby. His "hot tummy" has persisted and treating him for reflux didn't bring him any relief. After updating the gastroenterologist he concluded it is definitely not reflux. He said the next step is to "scope" Grant and do a biopsy of his esophagus. This is scheduled at Beaumont for January 10th. We are first on the waiting list for an earlier date. We are praying for the procedure to be done earlier in the day (his current time is 4:00pm) because he can't eat all day! Try explaining that to a 4 year old!

Today Grant went to the pulmonologist who said that it might just be a way of life for Grant to have an intense, wet cough 9 months out of the year. He has been coughing heavily since late September and they have tried every remedy possible for the asthma. He said that with so many different viruses in the winter and allergies in the spring and summer Grant's asthma is almost always triggered. We are praying against this!

We know that God has the ability to heal Grant totally and completely. If you are a pray-er we ask that you would join with us in praying for total healing for Grant's lungs and GI tract. Thanks!

Grant's dino birthday party

Christmas Program

Happy Birthday Grant

4 years ago today...
-My baby boy was born with a very soft cry
-A dozen doctors piled in and tried to explain what TAVPR was
-Jim and I watched Grant's helicopter take off from the window in my delivery room
-Family met at U of M to pray and support us through Grant's surgery
-Surgery was a success but we were told that we still had a very, very sick baby

Today..
-Nothing can slow my boy down
-God continues to show His character to us through Grant
-God is faithful to provide through each health trial
-God's people have shown us a love we would have never known had it not been for our son.

Bethlehem

On Sunday we went to a live nativity at a church in Royal Oak. It was amazing! They had real camels, about 75 people dressed in costume and a petting zoo. All this, along with a marketplace for the kids to buy food with fake money, belly dancers and a real live baby Jesus. Grant's favorite was the Roman soldier because he pretended to be mean to people but then winked at Grant. Kate was most curious about the leper who kept yelling, "unclean." When we got home she went straight to her Bible to find pictures of the "people with boo boos." The funniest part of it all was the next day Grant kept trying to reference the whole thing but the best description he could come up with was, "mom, do you remember the Samaritan at the circus?"

The Trinity

Grant: Mom, watch out! Kate's going to touch the trinity!
Translation- Kate's going to touch the electricity (meaning the electrical outlet)

Lookin at you

Kate was resting like this while she watched Jim clean up the kitchen tonight. He put the lysol down and quick took a picture.

Christmas gifts

I finally did it. I ordered Grant a jackhammer for Christmas. Yesterday he was singing a song (he made up) about getting a jackhammer from santa. Jim was like, you HAVE you get him a jackhammer. So I went online, and who would have thought, but there are all sorts of kids jackhammers for sale. Now I just have to decide what kind of bus to get for Kate. I hope she doesn't expect one she can ride on...

Cousins

We welcome our newest cousin to the mix, baby Willa!
Grant and Kate love spending time with Oliver!

Santa

We don't really do the Santa thing. We tell our kids he is dressed up just like Mickey Mouse does at Disney World. (Don't worry, they won't ruin it for your kids.) Nevertheless, when we saw Santa at the mall yesterday the kids got really excited. Grant ran right up to him and jumped into his lap. When Santa asked what he wanted, Grant, in a very serious tone said, "a jackhammer." Santa didn't know what to do with that answer so he just gave a "ho ho ho." Kate was scared of the idea of sitting on Santa's lap so she just watched from a distance. But, on our way out of the mall she saw Santa was gone and got very sad that she didn't get to say bye to him. So, when we got home she wrote Santa a letter and told him that she wanted a bus for Christmas. What happened to trucks and Barbies?

Growing Grant

Here is what you're into, Grant:
- Spreading joy. You are always optimistic and can see the positive in everything.
-"Playing school." You love to learn and are always asking me to teach you things.
-Science books. You love to read about electricity and weather.
-Stealing Kate's stuff. Today you took a bite out of her pretzel when she wasn't looking even though you still had an entire one in your other hand.
-Using your tool set to do everything from opening my packages to helping dad change a light bulb.
-Computers. You've figured out how to use a mouse and you're loving it.
-Phasing out napping. You nap a couple of times a week now.
-Teaching Kate in whatever you are doing. You two are the best of friends.
-Little Einsteins, Mac and Cheese and apples with cinnamon.

Kate Update

Kate, here are some things about you:
-You are super sensitive, often asking me, "Are you feeling happy, mommy?"
-You are leery of strangers and most of our friends- with the exception of daddy's quiet, male friends. You ask if you can sit on their laps! You run in the other direction when I have loud female friends over.
-You are happiest when doing somersaults off the step, climbing over the couch or being thrown into the air by daddy.
-Every day when you wake up from your nap you ask, "where's my brother?"
-You become easily attached to parts of broken toys or games, carrying them around and calling them your "friend." Currently you are snuggling with a green boardgame piece.
-You love the Rhyme Bible and request the story of Jonah regularly.
-You are very attached to your pink blanket and your pacifier bib, which you call your pastor bib.
-You make us happier than we could have ever imagined. We love you, Kate.

Gym Class

Finally, an outlet for Kate's desire to climb, run, jump and climb some more...gym class! It is a class at the YMCA for 2-3 year olds. I originally signed Kate up because I wanted to see if she could follow directions. :) I also thought it would be a good idea to try something without Grant because she is like a puppy dog following him where ever he goes. The brochure said the parents were supposed to sit on the bleachers and watch but one minute in the coach said she'd prefer all the parents to leave. I did not think this would sit well with Kate but I gave her a wave and she said, "bye mom!" and didn't look back.

She LOVED the class. I watched through the windows the whole time and she listened to all the directions! They did things like the balance beam, bean bag toss, soccer and parachute. I can't even explain how much she thrived there. Can't wait for class next week.

Uncle Bryan's Halloween Costume

I had to include Uncle Bryan and his 9 month pregnant wife, Kristen's, Halloween costumes.

Go Blue!

As you can see the kids dressed up as a football player and cheerleader this year. They even learned the fight song despite yesterday's (and last weekend's, and the weekend before that's) defeat. Tonight Grant saw a Michigan State football player trick-or-treating and got in his face and shouted, "go blue!" I don't even know if he knew what he was doing but it was really funny.

Speeding Ticket

10:00am I was going 42 in a 30mph zone. :(

6:15pm Jim walks in the door. Grant says, "Dad, mom made a mistake today. She disobeyed and got a ticket, but don't worry, she said she's not going to jail."

Pumpkin Carving

Every year grandma and grandpa Koss have Grant and Kate over to carve pumpkins. This year they also decorated cookies and decorated the house with spiderwebs. Oh, and the best part was that they had a sleepover! I asked Grant what his favorite part of it all was and he said, "Well, it had to be when grandma woke me up with a nice warm pot of coffee."

Saturday Night Fun

On Saturday we went out to dinner at Miguel's Cantina in Rochester and to Yates Cider Mill. The kids had fun at the petting zoo, eating donuts, looking at pumpkins and checking out the port-a-potties. In fact, most of my time with Kate was spent with her saying she needed to go potty, followed by me sanitizing the potty and then her saying it was gross and she wasn't going to use it. In the end we had to drive to the McDonald's down the street.

Cider Mill

Time Out

Me: Kate, do you know why you are in a time out?
Kate: Yes, because you love me through and through, yesterday today and tomorrow too.

Hot Tummy

For the last couple of weeks Grant has been complaining of a "hot tummy." (He complained of us in June, but then stopped.) Last night his hot tummy kept him up until 10:45pm! I took him to the doctor today and he was diagnosed with acid reflux. She said it is not uncommon for cardiac babies to have reflux issues. This was no news to us since he had such bad reflux as a baby, but we assumed it went away. She said it is a great sign that it has been off and on so we can probably get it under control quickly. He'll do previcid for 6 weeks and then we'll move to apple cider vinegar. Considering the rough start Grant had we know it could be much worse than asthma and acid reflux. But in the Bible it says God wants to give us more than we could ask or imagine. So, we are asking God to totally take away both asthma and acid reflux. Pray with us if you will.

Visiting Oliver

We went to Detroit to have dinner at cousin Oliver's house last night. The highlight was when uncle Josh took Grant for a ride on his tractor. Kate said she wanted a ride too, which was surprising because she hates loud noises. The picture here was taken just before the lawn mower was turned on and she burst into tears. The next picture is her clinging to Jim afterward.

Grandma and Grandpa Ned visit

We had a wonderful (but too short) visit from Grandma and Grandpa Ned. The kids loved every minute of it. Grant and Kate had Grandma sitting in their make-shift restaurant while they fixed her food. Grant was so excited to show Grandpa how he could ride a bike. The day after they left Grant asked, "When can we go to Florida?"

Alarm Clock

I'm happy to report that I'm finally starting to feel better! Unfortunately, Jim is still not well. Keep praying. During my bought with mono I discovered the best invention: "It's Okay to Wake" Alarm Clock! This lovely clock looks like a standard kids alarm clock but it has one extra feature- it lights up green at whatever time I set it to. So, I can tell the kids that they are not allowed to wake up until the clock turns green. And, guess what?! They are obeying! It is the coolest thing to know that I'm not going to hear them yelling for me until 7:15 am. I wonder what would happen if I set it to 9:00am...

Cleaning

I was glad to see that in the midst of an intense day of dusting and mopping Grant stopped to play with his trucks...until I heard him saying that it was a sweeper truck cleaning the street!

Wake up Mommy and Daddy

Unfortunately, Jim caught mono. Our biggest prayer request is that Grant and Kate would feel loved by us despite how little time we are spending with them these days. It is so hard for them to understand why we seem to constantly need a nap. I should be turning the corner soon- it has been 6 weeks since my first symptoms.

Interview

Grant did an interview the other day for a group called "Inspiration Through Art." (more on that amazing organization later) Here's what he said:

Q: What is your favorite thing to do?
A: Ride bikes

Q: What makes you a hero?
A: Because I'm special

Q: What is the hardest moment you have gone through during your journey?
A: Getting shots and waiting so long at the doctor's office. Oh, and obeying my parents.

Q: If you could have one wish, what would it be?
A: To go to the zoo and play with mom's vacuum all day
>
Q: What would you like to tell other children born with a heart defect?
A: You don't need to cry. it's going to be okay.

Special Moments

Mono has hit full force. I'm only out of bed for about 2-3 hours a day. I'm so tired I feel it in my bones. The doctor said to let my body lead so I'm trying really hard to not over do it. But, during the few hours of a day that I do have energy I'm really trying to make the most of it.

In the midst of this I've had some really special moments with the kids. Kate recently started singing all the time so today she kept bringing me different musical instruments and instructing me to sing songs she learned from Barney. I did such a terrible job that it just made her laugh and laugh. It was so precious.

This afternoon Grant really wanted to walk to town (less than a 1/4 mile) so I agreed. When we were about half way there it started to rain. He suddenly turned around, grabbed my hand and yelled, "run!" We giggled in the ran holding hands the whole way home.

In spite of being in bed most of the day I feel really close to my kids and really close to God. Instead of fighting being in bed I decided to embrace it and read my Bible and pray as much as possible. If you have prayer requests feel free to send them my way!

The Monkey