Spring has Sprung

Well it's been a year since my last post. Many things have happened in such a short time. Kelsey had her first cardiologist appointment in over a year. She was suppose to have a sedated-echo, however because of her great behavior and co-operation with the Dr. they decided she would not need to be sedated. Her little heart is still doing well. Got a better feel after speaking to the Dr. We were told that her surgery results were very good and that they are hoping that she can make it until she is about 12-14 years old before she has another surgery. We find that to b great news considering there are other children who have had 2-3 surgeries at this age. Kelsey turns 3 July 6th.

Nancy lost her job at Anderson News in February. Her company called her on a Sunday and told her they were going not going to need anyone to come in on Monday. Her company made a decision that caused the collapse of the company. After about 3 weeks she began working for the competition along with several of her former colleagues.

Megan has done a fantastic job at school this year. She really loves school and is excited everyday to go to school early. (don't know were she gets that from). She has grown several inches and is as tall as her mother. It won't be long before she starts telling us what to do. Wait.. she already does that. I think it has something to do with her turning 14 on July 7th.

Myself. I am still engaged in many projects at a time. The ATM business is doing well and will soon grow to 13 locations. OEM Supplies is still doing well despite the recession. I purchased an investment home last May and currently have a contract on the house. I hope this one goes through. I am also in the process of luanching an e-commerce site. It should be up by mid May.

Evryone is well and we have managed to stay clear of the Swine Influenza thus far.

Kelseys Latest Cardiolgist Visit

Hi All!

Update on us...

Kelsey went to the Ped. Cardiologist today. Now her last appointment was almost 4 months ago. We decided to consider changing pediatric cardiologist's, and we went back to the Card we got a 2nd opinion on before her TOF repair surgery. Kelsey was about 6 weeks old when this Card has last seen Kelsey. Anyway.. we went back to this Card because of her reputation (she is a Ped. Card at Children's hospital in Dallas) and we got a very good referral from one of the top Adult Cards in the US to go to her. So.. we decided to go back now that Kelsey is healthy and it is a good time to switch doctors, plus we really were not to fond of the Card Kelsey has had since birth. Just never got a good picture of what was in store. We learned more on our own it felt like. Anyway... so the update...(keep in mind Kelsey does not have her Pulmonary Valve due to it being to narrow and defected, and had to be destroyed in repair surgery)

Today- After doing an X ray, an Echo, and looking at all the records that were sent from Kelsey's regular Card... here is what this Card told us. Kelsey could very much been a teen before needing a Pulmonary Valve. Actually Kelsey could possibly be an adult before needing a P- Valve and could possibly never need multiply open heart surgeries for valves. Also... Kelsey is in the upper 10% which makes her better then 90% of TOF kids right now.

Yes,... go ahead...you can applaud!! And we can take a sigh of relief!!! Heck yes! Amen!

That was not what we expected to hear.. but it was mixed feelings hearing it. Basically Kelsey is looking very good after her TOF repair.. and was in the upper 10% of kids at this stage. We thought she was low in weight cause she has not gained even a 1/2 a pound in months. Kelsey apparently, to this doctor, is in the 25%, and growing perfectly to her height. In the doctors view...Kelsey looks underweight cause there is many obese children these days. The doctor MUCH rather have a "normal" weight heart patient then an over weight heart patient. So she was extremely happy with Kelsey's weight. (Side note.. for those that are doing the Pediasure to help your child to gain weight.. she recommended Carnation shakes instead. Same calories, but tastes better she said. We will try a few of those I guess).

We are supposed to go back in 1 year (GOSH that feels so good to say.. in ONE WHOLE YEAR!) and at that time the Card wants to do a oral sedation, put Kelsey asleep, and get a very good echo on her. Has anyone had this done, sedation for a echo for toddlers/children? Kind of makes sense, so they are not moving or crying.. but do you know if they really get a better view? Feedback on this anyone?

This Card is very much up on her heart conferences and in the know (it seemed). She talked about how the pendulum is swinging a different direction, and rushing to put a valve in is maybe not the best. She said if you ask 10 Cards their thoughts though, you will get 10 answers. We loved the fact Kelsey could be past her teens before needing another surgery IF she needs one. But once you start putting valves in, you have to keep replacing them at this stage medically. Maybe that grown tissue research, to make Kelsey a valve with her own tissue will be her one and only PV. Who knows. I just know it seems we are very blessed and have many years to wait and see.

I asked about thrill rides.. she said Kelsey has a different heart defect then the warning signs posted above the roller coaster entrance. No problems with rhythm, she can ride them all she said. Sweet!

Again the Card reminded us.. treat her normal! She recommend us steering Kelsey into sports like Softball, golf, band etc, that are not hard running sports. That in around 7th grade, she will just not be as competitive say, then others. So not to lead her for a downfall. Just steer her to the sports that do not take running, like Track and Field, or soccer. Soccer at 5 years old is fine, but she will not be able to do Club soccer doc said. She suggested we not tell everyone constantly about her TOF, that act like she is normal, she needs to feel normal. Doctor talked about how years ago people pushed the heart problem so much, kids were using it as a crutch and excuse.."Oh I can't take a math test.. my heart". That is an exaggeration, but I am saying the doctor feels not to constantly hold it over her head so that she falls back on it. Treat her normal. (Believe me, I am not saying we won't ever talk about it or tell her teachers and such. I just wont be yelling at her .."Go Play.. but remember your heart!")

Well.. guess that is it. My Kelsey is doing great! We go back in ONE WHOLE YEAR! Heck yes!! What a relief. Think I am taking Kelsey to Six Flags tomorrow!! (j/k hehe). As you can tell.. I am relieved and happy for this news.

Anyone with sedation echo feedback, let me know. Thanks.

All you parents with newborns, or you are pregnant with a TOF baby...I wish you well on your journey and I wish you the strength and really hope you get to the place I am at today. Take care everyone, and hug your heart babies!! (And a hug to you heart adults too!)

(I will try and attach a pic of my tired baby girl. 7 am appointment.. got us all up way to early! This was the only time she sat still for a minute. Notice.. you can hardly see her scar in this shot.)

Nancy- Mom to Megan 12 (HH) and Kelsey 20 month old making us laugh everyday for all the new things she says (TOF repair at 10 weeks old 9/14/06)

New Photos to Share

Wonderful Christmas

Had a beautiful Christmas. Spent Christmas Eve with the Quintanilla Family. Exchanged gifts, had wonderful food, and had some laughs. Christmas Day was fun taking turns unwrapping presents and such. Girls got many neat things from Santa, us, and family and friends.

However, Christmas Eve we noticed Kelsey had started a cough. The cough got deeper and she started getting irritable and then a fever by Christmas evening. After getting through the Holiday weekend, we took her to a pediatric doctor come yesterday (Tues). Kelsey has RSV. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is like a serious cold. Kelsey had trouble breathing so the doctor gave her a breathing treatment right there in the office, which it did help (only 30% of patients with RSV actually get relief from breathing treatments). So we were sent home owners of a new breathing machine, with $80 worth of medicine to go in machine, and need to do 15 minute treatments 3X a day. Basically it is a mask over her face that she breathes in the medicine. Kelsey had a fever of 104.5 last night, so she is having a rough time between fever, trying to breathe and no appetite, and if she does try to eat, she can’t breathe as she eats. Doctor said she needs to stay home 7-10 days since she is very contagious. Also, this could last 22 days. She may not have a fever that long, but her cough could linger that long. Hopefully Kelsey will get relief soon.

Christmas Time

We have the decorations up and wrapped packages under the tree. Feels like Christmas around here. We are excited. Excited to spend the Holiday together. Excited for the girls. Excited to just be grateful of what we have.

Kelsey is doing great. She eats all the different fruits and veggies in Stage 1 now. She eats rice and Oatmeal cereal too. She has learned to use her hands very well. Anything within reach she will try and grab. Of course next step is to try and put in mouth. Keeps us on our toes. Her latest trick is rolling over from back to front. She has mastered that on a normal basis. The nanny situation is working out great and Kelsey seems to behaving herself. Kelsey does not go back to visit her Cardiologist till February.

Megan has been volunteering every week at her school. She got to help drop off donation stuff for Crimestoppers to the Humane Society. Megan is making A’s & B’s this year and really is doing well. Megan was the Highest Seller of Fund-raiser items out of the 6,7,8^th grades. Megan went on a limo ride for lunch and then was presented a PSP game. She worked hard and I am so glad she got rewarded for it.

Daron and Nancy are doing well. Daron has been working non-stop it seems with his many companies. Keeps very busy. But still looks out after the girls when it is needed. Daron had a great Christmas party this year for his Employees. Took everyone to the Stars game in a suite. Had a fun time.

We took some pictures at a studio, here are a view shots, and also one of Daron and I at the Stars game. Click on an image to see bigger view of a picture.

Sorry we have not gave an update in awhile on this blog. Thank you for those that keep checking back. Merry Christmas Eve. Hope everyone has a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! Lets welcome 2007 in and enjoy our friends and family.

Thanksgiving Update

We had a wonderful long Thanksgiving weekend. Had a great time with the Quintanilla family on Thanksgiving Day. They made us feel welcome and they took turns holding Kelsey. Got some shopping done over the weekend and really tackled a lot of projects that needed to be done around the house. Got our tree up, house lights up and yard decorated. So we look festive and ready for Christmas. There are even presents wrapped under the tree!

Kelsey’s got a new chair. It helps her to sit up. She likes sitting with her gym in front of her and to reach out and grab things hanging down from the gym. Just a different view (sitting view) of her toys.

Kelsey is getting so strong. She is getting better about moving around on her back and moving around. Last night for example, I put Kelsey to bed one way, and in the morning she was turned 90 degrees. So won’t be long now till she really is getting around.

Here is a picture we took tonight. I am still getting use to having my 2 girls around, and juggling things, but having both girls asleep at the same time next to Daron (7pm)…. that made me get the camera and take a picture! Cute.

Hope all is well with our family and friends out there!

Lets get you caught up.

On 10/30/06 Kelsey had 2 checkups. First the cardiologist said she looked great. Her EKG and examination was fine. Oxygen was 98%. That is good news. They will not need to see her for 4 months, till February! Then we went to see her pediatrician.. She weighed 12 lbs 6 ounces and is growing just as she should. She got 4 shots, and poor thing tolerated it pretty well. Just was cranky that day.

Halloween was fun. Grandma Shirley was here, so she got to get involved. Don’t think she gets many trick or treaters out in boondocks Montana. Megan was an angel dog (she created it), and Kelsey just wore her little Halloween sleeper. Megan hit the streets with her Grandma and Mom. We enjoyed some good candy (we share here! Hehe)

Kelsey is 4 months old. She has started eating food! We have been doing rice cereal, applesauce, carrots and peas in the last 2 weeks. She is still getting use to this new routine and swallowing.

Grandma Shirley left today to go back to Montana. She has been here since the end of June for the delivery, and poor thing has been here since. We will miss all the love and support she has given us.

I (Nancy) now have to get back to the real world and go back to work.. I was able to work out of home this last 4 months, but it is time to go to the office again. We have found an in home sitter for Kelsey in Irving. We take her to “Susan’s” house and she will watch Kelsey while we are at work. After checking out over 12 centers, we finally feel so relieved to have found Susan! We will start this on Monday. It will take us awhile to get use to the routine of getting Megan to school and Kelsey to the sitter, and both of us to work. Still figuring out who will do what.

I know there are a few families that are dealing with TOF babies that read this blog. Just know Kelsey’s little scar is the only sign she has TOF. Every time we look into her twinkling little eyes, we are reminded she is a normal baby in every way. We are so grateful to the surgeon and hospital staff and to everyone that prayed for Kelsey! Best wishes to you all.