Life has been a bit busy around here. Imagine that. ;)
Tuesday we went to the peds office to have Fayeth's laceration checked. It is healing well. The edges look to be back together well and she should heal nicely. Of course she will have a bit of a scar, but you know, that happens. I also asked Dr A if she would order a shunt xray because Gabe was having some pretty bad shunt/pressure/chiari/dysautonomia symptoms. I wanted to make sure that his shunt had not reprogrammed itself. That is always a concern anytime you go out into public. magnetic doors, items in a store that use magnets. You never know when you will come across a magnet that will be strong enough to reset the shunt.
I had to go into Chicago that night so she was good about ordering this for us. When we got home I checked his films and his programmable valve was set at 3 which is where he is suppose to be. YEAH! However the tubing in his back appeared to be kinked. Another chiari mom thought the same thing. While in Chicago I did not see anyone at the hospital that could help us.
Wednesday the prelim xray result came in with, "The shunt tubing is noted to overlie itself within the paraspinal region". A very fancy way of saying that his tubing is kinked. Frim was not impressed with this and said that he needed to see the films. I got the address to mail them and then decided to drop them off Thursday at Clinic and then go to the Museum.
I heard back from Frim last night that we will talk when he gets a chance to look at the flims.
So long story short, Gabe currently does not have a functioning shunt. So that is the reason for all the increased pain issues, ect. On the occasions that he is able to reposition himself and it does the trip to temporarily unkink the tubing he immediately low pressures because he cannot handle the rapid decrease of pressure in his head. So, now we wait. I am going to be aggressive with this because I want it fixed. I am in hopes that if we get the shunt fixed that he can come off the methadone. In my opinion the methadone is a bandaid and I am tired of using a bandaid to cover the problem.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Listening to your Momma...
You know, I am going to have to start practicing what I preach. I tell my children frequently, "Listen to your Mommy!" I need to remember to do that myself. 2 years ago in August my mom warned me about a person in my life telling me that they were what I thought that they were. * ROLLS EYES * Yes Mom, you were right. * SIGH * If I practiced what I preached, well you know... I would not be making this entry right now. Even though you were right I will not hold it against you. Mom, I love you very much and keep looking out for me. I am never to old to have an awesome Mommy like you.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Fun with the Hartmans...
It is always fun to go shopping with us. You never know what is going to happen. Today I had to go buy some fabric, get some groceries and he home at 3pm to dog sit my sisters dog, Tucker. So, we are out the door by 10:30am run out local errands and head out for Hobby Lobby, JoAnns and Walmart.
We get to Hobby Lobby, have a run in with REALLY NASTY WOMAN and I will not blog about her because well she just SUCKS. :D I go to get my ribbon cut and Fayeth stumbles over her own feet and falls. Of course she catches her head on the material rack and I pick her up. When I pick her up blood start spraying everywhere. Me, her, the floor..Okay you get the picture. I quickly sit her on the counter put my hand over her gaping wound and calmly ask if the sales associate could get me some paper towel. She pulls the roll out of her drawer and hands me 1. As she looks up and sees blood running down my arm and dripping on the floor she grabs me a hand full.
Of course now all the upper management is there. No, I do not need the ambulance called. Do you have a first aid kit, I am going to need an abd pad and a roll of gauze. No, she tripped over her own 2 feet. She will be fine. No, I am honestly positive that we do not need an ambulance unless you do not have a first aid kit then I am going to need them to come and dress her head so I can drive her to our local ER. Can you please hold my purchases so that I can go to the ER, I will be back later to get them.
The Staff at Hobby Lobby was remarkable and wonderful. They gave her an ice pack to help vasoconstriction so she would stop bleeding a little more quickly and they helped me get her wiped up since it looks like someone severed an artery. They were great distracting poor Hannah who felt like it was her fault because they were "Buddies" and holding hands. So not Hannah's fault. If you ask Fayeth it is MOMMYS FAULT!
All Glued close again. :)
I will admit that I rewarded the children with ice cream. They were very good in the ER and were fairly patient when we went back to Hobby Lobby and JoAnns to get what I needed. I was VERY proud of them. Poor Hannah is STILL feeling guilty.
We get to Hobby Lobby, have a run in with REALLY NASTY WOMAN and I will not blog about her because well she just SUCKS. :D I go to get my ribbon cut and Fayeth stumbles over her own feet and falls. Of course she catches her head on the material rack and I pick her up. When I pick her up blood start spraying everywhere. Me, her, the floor..Okay you get the picture. I quickly sit her on the counter put my hand over her gaping wound and calmly ask if the sales associate could get me some paper towel. She pulls the roll out of her drawer and hands me 1. As she looks up and sees blood running down my arm and dripping on the floor she grabs me a hand full.
Of course now all the upper management is there. No, I do not need the ambulance called. Do you have a first aid kit, I am going to need an abd pad and a roll of gauze. No, she tripped over her own 2 feet. She will be fine. No, I am honestly positive that we do not need an ambulance unless you do not have a first aid kit then I am going to need them to come and dress her head so I can drive her to our local ER. Can you please hold my purchases so that I can go to the ER, I will be back later to get them.
The Staff at Hobby Lobby was remarkable and wonderful. They gave her an ice pack to help vasoconstriction so she would stop bleeding a little more quickly and they helped me get her wiped up since it looks like someone severed an artery. They were great distracting poor Hannah who felt like it was her fault because they were "Buddies" and holding hands. So not Hannah's fault. If you ask Fayeth it is MOMMYS FAULT!
My Sweet Girl on the way to the ER.
The Wound. This pic does not even do it justice. You could see bone under the gash.
All Glued close again. :)
I will admit that I rewarded the children with ice cream. They were very good in the ER and were fairly patient when we went back to Hobby Lobby and JoAnns to get what I needed. I was VERY proud of them. Poor Hannah is STILL feeling guilty.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Gabe and the #17 Nascar
As most of you know Gabe is really into Nascar. His favorite driver is # 31 Jeff Burton. He LOVES Jeff Burton. He was so thrilled when someone had an autographed picture sent to Gabe. He is still looking for the perfect frame to frame it and hang it in his room.
Gabe is also excited for when we go to NC and see family we always stop by Lowes Speedway. (Our family lives maybe 3 miles from the track) This year I believe he will appreciate it more. :)
Since Gabe has a love of everything Nascar, yesterday while in the next town over Aunt Becca calls me and says:
Becca: Michelle, I think that there is a NASCAR over in Dtown.
Me: Nascar or INDY car Becca?
Becca: Nascar. You know. The bigger ones. This one is #17.
Me: That is Matt Kenseth's number. Where is it?
Becca: It is Black and says DeWalt on it. You should bring Gabe over.
Me: Okay will do. Call you back later.
So I called Mom. Loaded up the kids and went for a detour to the book store through Dtown. We pulled into the hardware store parking lot and drove by The Car. I asked Gabe what it was and he said, "It is Matt Kenseth's CAR!" We get out of the car and go over to see the car and Gabe cannot speak. The child stood there with a dumbfounded look on his face. 20 minutes we let him look at the car and he barely spoke 10 words. (Which in itself is a miracle) We load the car back up, get almost to the book store (another 30 minutes away) and the kids explodes. Talking at light speed al excited over the car. We have decided no more surprising Gabe. He cannot handle it. He cannot process. He told us, I was so shocked I did not know what to do.
Gabe is also excited for when we go to NC and see family we always stop by Lowes Speedway. (Our family lives maybe 3 miles from the track) This year I believe he will appreciate it more. :)
Since Gabe has a love of everything Nascar, yesterday while in the next town over Aunt Becca calls me and says:
Becca: Michelle, I think that there is a NASCAR over in Dtown.
Me: Nascar or INDY car Becca?
Becca: Nascar. You know. The bigger ones. This one is #17.
Me: That is Matt Kenseth's number. Where is it?
Becca: It is Black and says DeWalt on it. You should bring Gabe over.
Me: Okay will do. Call you back later.
So I called Mom. Loaded up the kids and went for a detour to the book store through Dtown. We pulled into the hardware store parking lot and drove by The Car. I asked Gabe what it was and he said, "It is Matt Kenseth's CAR!" We get out of the car and go over to see the car and Gabe cannot speak. The child stood there with a dumbfounded look on his face. 20 minutes we let him look at the car and he barely spoke 10 words. (Which in itself is a miracle) We load the car back up, get almost to the book store (another 30 minutes away) and the kids explodes. Talking at light speed al excited over the car. We have decided no more surprising Gabe. He cannot handle it. He cannot process. He told us, I was so shocked I did not know what to do.
Recital Review 2008...
And you thought since it had been almost 2 weeks that you were going to get away with me not posting ALL ABOUT IT!
I love recital. It means the end of the Ballet Season until August. WOOHOO! This year classes will not start until September and Nutcracker auditions are in September so all is great. Lindsay will do 1 week of a dance camp is we are not needing surgery before then. :)
Recital is always wonderful and fun. Miss Angela is an awesome choreographer and the routines are always awesome. I would up load video of their dances to youtube but I cannot figure out how to edit the video that Becca took. :)
Gabe escorting 2 of his ladies to he auditorium. Lindsay (l) Alex (r)
Hannah's Ballet Recital-Don't get lost in the crowd. Hannah (l), Miss Angela, Carissa & Gianna
Hannah (l). Carissa, Gianna, Alexa, Maddie, Jadya (r)
Hannah is not one of the oldest in the class. She is just that freakishly tall.
GREASE LIGHTNING!!!
Gabe and Lindsay's class started with Ballet to Summer Lovin', Gabe did a solo to Grease Lightning while the girls did their quick change, then they finished with Jazz to Hand Jive and We come Together. It was really awesome!
Gabe and the girls. Lindsay-far right. And NO this year she did not get to be his partner. They rotate girls every year. So EVERY YEAR I get to deal with her nose being out of joint. God help Gabe's first REAL girl friend. We will be in BIG trouble here. :D
Gabe's Solo-He was awesome. Hammed it right up to the crowd.
The Ultimate Pink Lady. Lindsay (l) ALex (r)
Lindsay (l) & Isabelle (r)
Makayla (l-aka "Sandy"), Gabe and Hannah V. Gabe has already put in his request to dance with Hannah V next year. :D
I cried watching this number. To see how Lindsay and Gabe can push through their pain and perform is amazing. They are my heroes!
Jelly & Jam-Performing Class
Lindsay, Gabe and Hannah
Now I must preface a story here. Miss Angela SPOILS Hannah. So, Last year at recital during Finale Hannah split on the new stage floor and fell flat on her bum. Of course had she not been "running" back to hide behind the stage curtain she probably would not have fallen. Miss Angela goes over to Hannah, picks her up and carries her through Finale. * ROLLS EYES * When we got the video we watched, laughed at Hannah and watched some more. It is seriously hysterical.
This year Hannah has performed in 2 different ballets at the Holiday Star. The worst that happened was her shoe fell off during Nutcracker but she quickly picked it up and kept dancing. I figured that we were all good to go for recital.
Yes, those are tears. Oh, but not from stage fright. The damned stage curtain again was her downfall. While doing spins she got over by the stage curtain and behind it a bit. As she went to slide out from behind the curtain, down she went. Onto her Hands and Knees. She immediately joined the group next to Miss Angela (which is where she was suppose to be) and continued dancing while making faces like this one above here...
...And this one...
...and of course the picture that takes the prize...This one. Poor pathetic Ballerina.
5 seconds after this picture she was happy and smiling and as the number ended she stood on the front of the stage (and I mean VERY FRONT), did her curtsy and blew kisses to the crowd.
Since the next question most of you will wonder is, I did not take these pictures. Had I been taking pictures I would have gotten her when she fell and the stunned look on her face. The Daddy was taking these pictures. I was standing in the front side of the auditorium watching this number because I was back stage with the other moms helping keep everything going back stage. Including sewing last minute costumes. Fun Stuff.
I called the fact to Pam that Hannah was going to fall. I saw one little girl slip and I said to Pam, "Hannah is so going to fall again this year." I look back at the stage and down she fell. *I* nearly PEED MY PANTS laughing. Only because how the hell can it happen 2 years in a row. On the video you can hear my sister nearly in hysterics laughing. Pam kept yelling at me to stop laughing because at this rate Hannah was going to need years of intensive therapy and I just laughed harder. :)
Finale to Happy Feet
Miss Angela and her Monday classes...
And the Pain of playing....
Headaches, Neuropathy, neck pain, back pain, leg pain and the host of other complaints that goes along with Chiari and Pseudo Tumor. It is FUN STUFF.
I love recital. It means the end of the Ballet Season until August. WOOHOO! This year classes will not start until September and Nutcracker auditions are in September so all is great. Lindsay will do 1 week of a dance camp is we are not needing surgery before then. :)
Recital is always wonderful and fun. Miss Angela is an awesome choreographer and the routines are always awesome. I would up load video of their dances to youtube but I cannot figure out how to edit the video that Becca took. :)
Gabe escorting 2 of his ladies to he auditorium. Lindsay (l) Alex (r)
Hannah's Ballet Recital-Don't get lost in the crowd. Hannah (l), Miss Angela, Carissa & Gianna
Hannah (l). Carissa, Gianna, Alexa, Maddie, Jadya (r)Hannah is not one of the oldest in the class. She is just that freakishly tall.
GREASE LIGHTNING!!!
Gabe and Lindsay's class started with Ballet to Summer Lovin', Gabe did a solo to Grease Lightning while the girls did their quick change, then they finished with Jazz to Hand Jive and We come Together. It was really awesome!
Gabe and the girls. Lindsay-far right. And NO this year she did not get to be his partner. They rotate girls every year. So EVERY YEAR I get to deal with her nose being out of joint. God help Gabe's first REAL girl friend. We will be in BIG trouble here. :D
Gabe's Solo-He was awesome. Hammed it right up to the crowd. 
The Ultimate Pink Lady. Lindsay (l) ALex (r)
Lindsay (l) & Isabelle (r)
Makayla (l-aka "Sandy"), Gabe and Hannah V. Gabe has already put in his request to dance with Hannah V next year. :DI cried watching this number. To see how Lindsay and Gabe can push through their pain and perform is amazing. They are my heroes!
Jelly & Jam-Performing Class
Lindsay, Gabe and HannahNow I must preface a story here. Miss Angela SPOILS Hannah. So, Last year at recital during Finale Hannah split on the new stage floor and fell flat on her bum. Of course had she not been "running" back to hide behind the stage curtain she probably would not have fallen. Miss Angela goes over to Hannah, picks her up and carries her through Finale. * ROLLS EYES * When we got the video we watched, laughed at Hannah and watched some more. It is seriously hysterical.
This year Hannah has performed in 2 different ballets at the Holiday Star. The worst that happened was her shoe fell off during Nutcracker but she quickly picked it up and kept dancing. I figured that we were all good to go for recital.
Yes, those are tears. Oh, but not from stage fright. The damned stage curtain again was her downfall. While doing spins she got over by the stage curtain and behind it a bit. As she went to slide out from behind the curtain, down she went. Onto her Hands and Knees. She immediately joined the group next to Miss Angela (which is where she was suppose to be) and continued dancing while making faces like this one above here...
...And this one...
...and of course the picture that takes the prize...This one. Poor pathetic Ballerina.5 seconds after this picture she was happy and smiling and as the number ended she stood on the front of the stage (and I mean VERY FRONT), did her curtsy and blew kisses to the crowd.
Since the next question most of you will wonder is, I did not take these pictures. Had I been taking pictures I would have gotten her when she fell and the stunned look on her face. The Daddy was taking these pictures. I was standing in the front side of the auditorium watching this number because I was back stage with the other moms helping keep everything going back stage. Including sewing last minute costumes. Fun Stuff.
I called the fact to Pam that Hannah was going to fall. I saw one little girl slip and I said to Pam, "Hannah is so going to fall again this year." I look back at the stage and down she fell. *I* nearly PEED MY PANTS laughing. Only because how the hell can it happen 2 years in a row. On the video you can hear my sister nearly in hysterics laughing. Pam kept yelling at me to stop laughing because at this rate Hannah was going to need years of intensive therapy and I just laughed harder. :)
Finale to Happy Feet
Miss Angela and her Monday classes...And the Pain of playing....
Headaches, Neuropathy, neck pain, back pain, leg pain and the host of other complaints that goes along with Chiari and Pseudo Tumor. It is FUN STUFF.
Lindsay, Gabe and Hannah...
You make me proud. How you push through and over come. You are all amazing little stars. Watching you all on that stage makes my heart fill with joy. To watch you do something that you enjoy so much that you are willing to suffer the consequences never ends to floor me. I love you. You are the best kids in the whole wide world. Keep Dancing. Keep Smiling and Keep on Going!
I love you much,
Mommy
You make me proud. How you push through and over come. You are all amazing little stars. Watching you all on that stage makes my heart fill with joy. To watch you do something that you enjoy so much that you are willing to suffer the consequences never ends to floor me. I love you. You are the best kids in the whole wide world. Keep Dancing. Keep Smiling and Keep on Going!
I love you much,
Mommy
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Gearing up for Recital
This makes it all worth the LONG 10 months that we call "The Season". We had professional recital pictures yesterday. Those will be online Tuesday! WOOHOO!!!
Jelly and Jam is a performing class that goes to the area nursing homes, ect to perform for the residents.
Sock hop anyone?
This year the Twins are doing "Grease". This will be the last year for a few that Gabe and Lindsay are in the same class. (I believe) So I find these pictures very precious.
The Pink Ladies...
Of course lead by their Royal Highness, Lindsay.
Gabe
You can look in his eyes and tell it was just a bad day. No sparkle.
Lindsay
She lost her 6th tooth the night before. I asked them if they could airbrush teeth in her picture and they laughed, ummmm, I was serious.
Hannah
Look very closely and you can see her horns peeking out from her hair.
The Trio
What can I say....
Rehearsing Jelly and Jam
Jelly and Jam is a performing class that goes to the area nursing homes, ect to perform for the residents. Sock hop anyone?
This year the Twins are doing "Grease". This will be the last year for a few that Gabe and Lindsay are in the same class. (I believe) So I find these pictures very precious. The Pink Ladies...
Of course lead by their Royal Highness, Lindsay.
Gabe
You can look in his eyes and tell it was just a bad day. No sparkle. Lindsay
She lost her 6th tooth the night before. I asked them if they could airbrush teeth in her picture and they laughed, ummmm, I was serious.Hannah
Look very closely and you can see her horns peeking out from her hair. The Trio
What can I say....
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