| Timeline |
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| February 2, 2006 |
It was a year ago today that my beautiful little boy was conceived
and my life totally changed. It is a day of mixed emotion. A smile
forms on my face because he has brought so much love in my life.
I almost can't remember life without my sweet little boy. It is
sad too, because of what my baby has had to endure. Even though
I know that I didn't do anything to cause Greyson's defect I can't
help but still feel some falt. No one wants their child to suffer
and I hate the fact that he had to hurt. I also didn't want my son
to grow up with a defect that will make him "different"
then other kids. Growing up with cataracts I know how tough it can
be to be the "different" kid. I guess my experiences will
help me to give Greyson the love and support he will need to adapt
to life. He is such a strong little guy. I'm proud of him already.
Oh the emtions of motherhood! |
| February 4, 2006 |
Can you believe it? Greyson is 4 months old!
I can hardly believe it myself. I took Master G to JC Penneys for
pictures today. I had planned on pics in his Baptism outfit (Greg
wore it at his Baptism) and another outfit, but the ladies thought
he was so cute they wanted naked pics too. So we wrapped Greyson
in his hot ai balloon blankie and did naked pics in that. They all
turned out cute and I can't wait to pick them up on the 17th. Greyson
is smiling alot now. His personality is coming out. He is on easy
going happy boy. |
| February 7, 2006 |
More shots for Greyson today. He had his 4 month checkup with
immunizations today. He wieghed in at 12 lbs 8 oz and is 25 inches
long. He is only in the 10% for his weight. The doctor doesn't seem
to concerned about it though. Greyson smiled and jabbered to Dr.
Gilliam. And of course he played with the tissue paper on the exam
table. He did ok with the first shot, the 2nd ticked him off and
the 3rd made him scream. Poor little guy! I hate seeing him hurt.
We stopped by the hospital to visit Nurse Becky. She and Janet,
the lactation nurse, are going to try to come to the party after
the Baptism. It was nice to see Becky. She is such a caring person
and Greyson gave her one of his big smiles. She was very good to
me when I had Greyson. |
February 11, 2006
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We got to try out the Rice cereal tonight.
Greyson isn't to sure about the whole spoon thing. He tries to push
it out of his mouth with his tongue. I think he wore more of the
cereal then he ate. It was fun to try to feed it to him though.
.He did sleep all night so maybe this will be a great thing! |
February 12, 2006
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Greg and I went to a balloon safety seminar yesterday. It was
the first time I've left Greyson other then going to work. My mother
in law Bette watched Greyson Friday night when we were at dinner
and then all day Saturday. It is very comforting to know that I
have someone I can trust watching my son. It was emotional for me
to be gone from my son. Part of me was excited to be out doing something
other then work. And of course it was wonderful to have time away
with my hubby, but I missed my baby. All the emotions people try
to explain to you that you will feel just doesn't do it until you
live it. I've never felt so much love and connection with another
person. He is just so little and innocent all I want to do is be
with him an protect him from all the bad in the world. But I also
know that I need to let him be with other people and I need a break
away in order to be a good mom. I'm lucky to have Bette to help
me with this. She is wonderful with Greyson and has loads of knowledge
that helps me. |
February 14, 2006
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The ultrasound tech said Greyson was the only
baby she has ever scanned that didn't cry at all. He had a great
time trying to roll around in th tissue on the exam table and managed
to smear gel everywhere. Dr. Hudson says Greyson is doing great.
He thinks there is some capacity to his bladder which means he should
have dry moments throughout the day. Greyson didn't disappoint the
doctor ....he peed on him just like last time. Dr. Hudson put a
cathater in to pull a pure sample ad Greyson didn't even flinch.
The doctor doesn't think Greyson will need any testosterone shots
since his parts are growing so well. We go back in May and the reconstructive
surgery is planned for the end of June. All in all a happy and upbeat
successful visit. Happy Valentines Day to us! |
| February 16, 2006 |
Jean, the county nurse, came out to weigh and check Greyson. He
weighed in at 12 lbs 15 oz. She did developmental testing too. Greyson
tested normal overall. He was ahead on some things like social abiity
and verbal. He was a little behind in his muscle coordination, but
since he is underweight it isn't unexpected. We are going to try
to get in more tummy time and spike his bottled breast milk with
a little formula to put more weight on him. 50% weight is about
15 lbs. so we have a way to go, but he'll get there. It's nice to
know he is doing just fine. I'm proud of my little man. |
February 18, 2006
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My darling little boy was Baptized by Father
George today. He is such a good boy. He didn't cry at all. I must
admit that he belched in the quiet part of Mass which caused several
people to laugh out loud. It was pretty funny. Christopher and Rachel
are the God-parents. We picked them because we know if anything
ever happened to us Greyson would be loved and guided to become
a wonderful man. We had the big party after the service. We had
about 20 people flow through the house. There was lots of food and
adult beverages. Check the pictures for the view of the beverage
table. Gotta love the limo leftovers! Thank you to everyone for
your good wishes and gifts, but mostly for sharing our special day.
A special thanks to my best gal-pal Dawn for flying in from Phoenix
to help me and hang out. We had soooo much fun! Wish you were closer
so we could stay up late and whip the boys in Phase 10 more often.
Watch out for the fecking 4's! |
February 19, 2006
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This was a day of recovery. We had brunch with my Mom, John and
Dawn. It was nice to wind down with them. I'm thankful for our friends
and family that care enough to share with us. Greyson is such a
special little guy and I thank God everyday for bringing him to
us. I can't even remember my life without him. Having him Baptized
is just another way to show God how grateful we are to have our
son. |
February 20, 2006
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I got Greyson his Bumbo seat today. I've been
trying to find one here instead of online so I didn't have to pay
shipping. Target finally decided to carry them in the store instead
of just online. The seat is manufactured in South Africa of all
places. It is sturdy and makes him sit up. Babies that don't like
tummy time are supposed to do well in these seats since it helps
build the muscles he would use laying on his tummy. And it gives
me another place to put him to eat cereal. Well at least to wear
the cereal since he wears more then he eats. He seems to like the
seat for a little time then he gets bored. |
| March 4, 2006 |
Greyson rolled over for the first time today. I was sitting on
the floor watching him when he did. It was so cute. He ended up
on his tummy and looked at me like how did I get here? Then it was
as if a light bulb went off and he realized that he doesn't like
being on his tummy and started crying. I put him on his back again
and of course over the went. It was nice of him to do this on his
5 month birthday so that it was easy for me to remember. |
March 15, 2006
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Jean, the county nurse, came to the house
to weigh Greyson. He is 14.1 lbs and 26 inches long. His weight
to height ratio is back to 25%. Yeah! He moved into 15% for weight
and is still 25% for height. He is growing well and is moving
along just fine. That is a relief for me. I worry about my little
guy. I think he may have my long legs. Since he looks so much
like his daddy it's good to know my genes are in there too.
Greyson is rolling over alot. He still isn't fond of being on
his tummy and hasn't figured out how to roll to his back yet.
He doesn't yell right away on his tummy if you are there with
something to distract him. He will push himself up on his arms
and even smile if I sit there waving a toy at him. I took the
bumpers out of the crib since he is moving around now. He does
360's on his back and changes places in his crib.
He still isn't fond of eating from a spoon but
we are working on it. We have given him rice cereal and peaches.
I think we might venture into sweet potatos tonight. All in all
he seems to be doing just fine. I'm truly blessed! |
March 19, 2006
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We took Greyson on his first wine tour in the silver H2. Our neighbors
Debi and Tracy and Lori joined us for a nice sunny Sunday afternoon.
We had a great time and Greyson was his usually charming self. We
ended the day with dinner at Olive Garden. The most interesting
thing happened at the 2nd winery we visited. I met a lady who pours
wine there that has a son with Bladder Exstrophy. Ironically she
was the mom our nurses at the NICU tried to get us in touch with.
Her son is 2 1/2 I think. He was doing well but in need of a 3rd
surgery. They have the same doctors we do. What a small world! |
April 2, 2006
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Greyson had his first visit to the Washington
coast. Greg, Greyson and I along with our friend Tim went to Mikes
Beach Resort to do a little diving. I finally got a chance to try
out my new drysuit. It fits but I didn't get to far. Ironically
even though I weigh less now then when I ordered it I'm mor bouyant.
Must be the natural floatation devices on the front of my body.
So I need to wear more weight. Once again Greg tried to drown me
and it didn't work. :-) We had a nice relaxing weekend. Illiana,
one of the resort owners, babysat Greyson while we went in the water.
Greyson being the perfect gentleman he is puked on her in the first
2 minutes she held him. Luckily Illiana has 2 grown kids and isn't
bothered by this little christianing ritual. We had so much fun
that we are all going back over July 4th weekend and are trying
to gather more friends to come play with us. Tim is even going to
bring some DJ equipment for an old fashioned beach party. |
April 9, 2006
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We took Greyson for his 6 month pictures at JC Penney today. Oh
my gosh is our son cute! The young lady at Penneys does an awesome
job with Greyson. She captured his personality completely. I picked
the sailor outfit for his Easter attire. I had to have it for him
because it just said cute little boy to me. The chef and stew pot
pictures were Annies idea....like I said she is good. The funny
thing is that I'm now a Pampered Chef Kitchen Consultant. I'm putting
one of those pictures in my book to show guest when I do cooking
classes. And of course we had to have a couple pictures of Greyson
with one of his Snoopy's. The Easter Beagle came from Grandma Bette.
He's too cute! And the little blue hat we got for Greyson on our
trip to Disneyland. Poor kid won't even remember going there. |
April 10, 2006
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We have a tooth! Becky, my day care provider,
calls me at work to ask if I noticed a new tooth. Being the ever
observant Mom I am I said .....ah no. Wouldn't you think I'd have
noticed that since I'm still nursing? Apparetnly not. Becky laughed
and said not to worry about, but there seems to be a 2nd tooth not
far behind. Greyson hasn't been sleeping well for about 2 weeks
so now I guess we know why. Poor little guy. And yet he still isn't
really interested in eating baby food. Although he did show some
promise for it when I gave him bananas. He likes those best so far. |
April 13, 2006
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We now have 2 teeth! Greyson wants to know when he gets his pie.
Grandpa Denny promised when he got 2 teeth he could have some pie.
Dr. Gilliam found the 2nd tooth today at the 6 month well baby check
up. Greyson weighed in at 15 lbs and 27 1/4 inches. He is still
in the 10% for weight but in the 50-70% for height. He's tall and
skinny like his Mommy used to be. He is doing all the things he
should be for his age and the doctor is very please with him. Greyson
wasn't so pleased with the nurse. He didn't like his 3 shots. He
cried and then of course I cried. At least he's done with shots
until he's a year old. |
| April 16, 2006 |
The Easter Bunny arrived! Greyson got clothes,
stuffed toys and snacks. Unfortunately Mommy had the flu so Daddy
and Greyson went to the family event without her. Next year will
be better. |
| April 23, 2006 |
Greg and I gathered 8 of our closest friends and took a limo to
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for dinner to celebrate our anniversary
that was on the 17th. We had a fabulous dinner and then went to
Pappa Haydens for some fancy dessert. It was so much fun to relax
and hang out with our friends. And remember what happens in the
limo stays in the limo! |
| May 14, 2006 |
Wow my first Mother's Day. It still seems
sereal that I'm someone's mom. Greyson got me a cute card with Snoppy
on it. Greg took me to dinner for Lobster Fettecinni at the Wooden
Nickel. It was a great day and I'm looking forward to the handmade
gifts my son will one day be making for me. |
| May 24, 2006 |
I took Greyson to the doctor today. He has teeth trying to come
in but I think there is more to it. He isn't eating well or sleeping.
Dr. Gilliam was on vacation so we saw the oncall doctor. I was not
impressed! I asked him to do a urine test just to be sure and was
told it wasn't needed. Greyson is just teething. If thats the case
then teething sucks! |
| May 29, 2006 |
Spent the long weekend at my Mom's. My wonderful
hubby went shopping 2 days in a row with Mom, Greyson and me. We
hit the outlet malls and JC Penney. Greyson got lots of new clothes
in the next size he needs. Grandma got to love on him and he sucked
it in. |
| May 30, 2006 |
Unbelievable....Dr Gilliam called to see how Greyson is! He saw
that we'd been in and wanted to follow up. I told him what was going
on and what I thought of his oncall guy. Dr. G said he would call
the urologist to consult on Greyson the next day. |
| June 1, 2006 |
We went in to have the urine test today. It
was pretty entertaining. Dr. G doesn't have the same tools as Dr.
Hudson so he had a little trouble getting a sample from Greyson.
He ended up attaching a tube to a syringe and pulling the urine
out of the hole. Greyson was unhappy about it all since I had to
hold his legs still. The child never sits still. Apparently we also
have 6 teeth trying to come in ! |
| June 2, 2006 |
Guess who has a bladder infection? My poor baby had to go a week
longer in pain and sick because the stupid oncall guy wouldn't do
the test. Dr. G apoligized all over the place for that one. I told
him that we will go to the ER before I let the idiot touch my son
again! So Greyson is now on mega douses of Septra, an antibiotic.
And he hates the stuff! I tasted it and can see why. It's nasty. |
June 8, 2006
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Greyson is feeling much better. He is going
to have to do another week of the meds though because he spits out
the stuff and isn't getting a full dose. It takes 2 of us to get
it in him but we have it down now. He is going to end up staying
on this medicine at a lower dose to hopefully prevent this from
happening again. |
| June 12, 2006 |
It's Gregs birthday. Greyson and I got him a stainless bbq for
his birthday and fathers day gift. Of course I told him he can't
put it in the backyard until he finishes the fence as I don't want
it walking away. We did Greyson's 8 month pictures yesterday. They
are too cute. |
June 14, 2006
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We have 3 new teeth showing on top! Greyson's
mood is much better now that they have come in. Now if we could
just get the other 3 to pop up. He is getting to be such a big boy!
He laughs and walks around in his walker the babysitter got him.
He smiles all the time and is just such a joy to all of us. I'm
so blessed with my little boy. He sits on his own and occasionally
falls over. He isn't wanting to crawl but loves to stand up and
to bounce. I'm wondering if he will walk without crawling. We need
to get gates for the stairs because I think Greyson will be mobile
way to soon. |
| July 4, 2006 |
We spent the holiday at Mikes Beach Resot in WA scuba diving.
Well Greg and his friend Tim dove. The resort was too busy for Illiana
to watch Greyson so he and I had lots of bonding time. It was a
beautiful weekend. Only a few minor mishaps: Tim getting by a jelly
fish and almost losing his wallet and his wet suit being to small.
We all had a good time. Greyson liked being outside at the beach
and getting attention from anyone crossing his path. |
| July 6, 2006 |
We finally got our Hummer H2. In yellow even!
We have a new BadGirl truck. Greyson likes it since his seat is
in the middle of the back seat now and he can see out the back and
side windows better. It is going to be fun to see how he reacts
when we turn his seat forward in Oct. |
| July 7, 2006 |
The first testosterone shot today in preperation for the penial
reconstruction surgery. It was a big thick needle in the thigh.
Greyson hardly even wimpered. He is such a good boy! |
July 14, 2006
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Greyson weighed in at 18 lbs and 29 inches
loong at his 9 month check up. He has 7 teeth and sits really well.
He loved playing with the paper on the exam table and tried to take
Dr. Gilliams scope when he looked in Greysons ears. He was in the
75% for height and 10% for weight. Dr isnn't worried since he is
continuing to grow. He's just slim and on the tall side. |
July 18, 2006
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We took Becky and Al ballooning with us at the Jefferson Mint
Festival. It turned out to be a great morning for a flight. Al went
up with Greg for about 45 minutes for his first balloon ride. Then
I got to fly. I haven't been in the balloon since the month I got
pregnant with Greyson so it was nice to be back in the basket again.
Al also got the chance to drive the new rig. Sounds like he and
Becky liked the BadGirl truck. Becky got a tethered ride in our
balloon. I can't wat to get her up on a realy ride. |
July 19 - 24, 2006
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We took a trip to AZ to visit Dawn and her
family. Greyson had his first plane ride. He did great! The little
stinker wanted to say hello to every person that walked by. He never
cried and went to sleep with no problems. Dawn has a pool with a
water fall. Greyson loved being in the pool. He thought the water
fall was great fun. He'd kick his feet and squeal to be brought
over to the water fall. We took him to the airplane grave yard.
That was fun, but it was about 112 degrees so we didn't look at
all the planes. We all had a great time. Dawns son and his cousin
played with Greyson. They are 9 and 10. We are going to try to take
turns every 6-12 months visiting each other. Dawn and are best friends
and we have a blast when we get together. I miss here terribly. |
| Aug. 1, 2006 |
We had the pre-op visit with Dr. Hudson. Greyson had two testosterone
shots and it seemed to have helped. The doctor says he thinks there
will be enough skin to work with and that the boy parts have grown.
He thinks that all will go well with the surgery. He is such a caring
man and so obviously has Greyson's best interest in mind. We are
lucky to have him taking care of our precious son. |
Aug. 5, 2006
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We had Greyson's 10 month pictures done today.
They are cute. He tried to take a header off the table but the photo
guy and I caught him just in time. |
| Aug 11, 2006 |
Surgery Day is here. Mom has been really nervous. I just hate
that my baby is going to be in pain. I'm so much more attached
now then when the first surgery was done and I'm less willing
to just let him go. But I trust his medical team and know that
this is the best thing for him.
The surgery took 5 1/2 hours. Dr. Hudson said, "His penis
looks great!" Now who could ask for anything better then
that? They didn't need to put the super pubic tube back in which
was the tube he had in his belly button after the first surgery.
He had enough skin to do everything so they didn't have to graft
any. Bladder Extrophy (BE) boys normally have what looks like
just the head of a penis with very little if any shaft. It is
also very common that when the urethra is put on the bottom of
the penis where it should be that it doesn't go all the way to
the end but stops at the base of the head. Greyson actually has
some shaft and the ureathra went almost to the end of his penis.
He looks like a circumsized little boy.
Now the doctor may think his parts look great, but Mom about
threw up when she saw them. He is swollen, red with the stiches.
Funny strangers on tv don't bother me, but seeing my son like
that makes me hurt. He has the smallest stiches I've ever seen!
The doctors did a fantastic job on him. Dr. Hudson said his bladder
looks a little small but now that the urine won't free flow it
shold grow because it will be actually holding urine like its
supposed to.
Greyson came home with a cathater. We have to put double diapers
on him. One is to catch the poop and keep the wetness away from
the suregery site. Then the cathiter is layed on top of that diaper
and a larger size diaper goes on top to catch the urine. We have
no=no boards to vellco over his elbows so he can't reach down
and grab the tubes when he is being changed. It would be a very
bad thing if he pulled the cathiter out. We came home with a few
meds and were told that in a couple of days he should be in very
little pain. We go back in on the 22nd to have the cathiter taken
out. |
| Aug 16, 2006 |
Greyson is doing well except he doesn't
want to eat. We are giving him some type of medicine every couple
of hours in his milk and he seems to think we are trying to poison
him. He wasn't peeing well so I called the doctor. I had to flush
his cathater to make sure it wasn't plugged. Wasn't really sure
what the heck I was doing and he wouldn't sit still so all we
did was get water everywhere. Dr Bayne had us go to Portland to
the ER so he could make sure Greyson was ok. After confering with
Dr Hudson it was decided to take the cathiter out early since
it seemed to be causing more trouble then help. It needed to be
in for 5 days and we hit that.
I don't know who was the least impressed with the cath coming
out me or Greyson. I held him in my lap while it was removed.
We both were balling our eyes out. It hurts so much to see my
baby in that much distress. The ironic thing was that Greyson
was kicking at the doctor and hitting him in the crotch. It was
kind of funny. It took 5 sticks before they could get an iv line
in to give him fluids. So after 5 hours at the ER we went home.
Greyson was minus a cathiter and filled with fluid. Mom and Dad
needed a drink! |
| Aug. 22, 2006 |
Dr Hudson says everything looks great. Greyson managed to pee
on Greg and I at different times during the appointment. He seems
to have dry time now. Once he starts walking we are supposed to
let him run around naked so we can see if he really does stay
dry. We go back in 2 months to have an ultra sound and doctor
visit. At that time we should be able to see if his bladder is
growing and holding more urine. Dr Hudosn says we should see that
and the only issue might be reflux of urine into the kidneys.
The antibiotics every day should solve that problem.
The next big hurdle will be when we potty train. If he isn't
dry all the time then a surgery to narrow the opening at the bladder
will be needed. Greyson doesn't have the sphincter muscle that
closes the bladder so the resistence of the urethra is what keeps
the urine from flowing along with the smaller opening at the bladder.
Greyson surprised himself by spraying his face when I changed
him. I laughed and he got mad. |
| Aug. 26, 2006 |
The Albany Balloon Rally is this weekend.
Greg is flying our balloon again this year. Costc is our sponsor.
Greyson got his first balloon ride today. We tethered the system
and Greg took Greyson and I up to about 50 feet. He did great! The
noise bothered him yesterday until I showed him that Daddy was making
some of that noise. He didn't even really flinch when we were in
the basket. I can't wait to show him all the cool things about ballooning
when he gets a little older. |
| Sept. 1, 2006 |
Although he is eating better, Greyson is still not eating as well
as he should be. I took him in to see Dr Gilliam Wed and again today
to check his weight. He weighed in at 19 lbs both days. At least
he isn't losing. We go back on Sept 8 to check it again. I think
its just been the combination of the surgery, a tooth trying to
come in and a little cold getting to him. He's been fine other then
not eating well. He is jabbering like crazy! And crawling all over
the place. He refuses to sit still. He's tried eating dog food and
used the water dish for a play toy. He loves standing at the coffee
table talking and banging his own remote on the table. He really
is a happy boy |
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