Seizure

I had a seizure in my sleep 10 days ago.  A big, bad, scary seizure.  I was shaking, choking, bleeding.... And the paramedics were called and I was rushed to the hospital.  The good news is I don't remember one bit of the actual seizure.  The bad news is I gave everyone, especially Dalan, quite the fright.  The evaluated me at the hospital, including giving me an MRI, and found nothing wrong and sent me on my way.  

Today, I followed up with a neurologist. She thinks I may have/have had a small blood clot in my brain due to my history of clotting disorders. I have to have some more tests run on my brain, including an EEG and an MRV.  The good news is that a blood clot like this would simply be treated with a low dose aspirin, so I started that today.  The bad news is I can't drive for 3 months and that is going to be a totally game changer for me.

So, that is the latest update on me.  I really am doing fine and have so many supportive and loving people surrounding me that I am feeling very lucky and grateful right now.  

Quinn's Check Up

Another year, and another clean bill of health!  We had a great well child check up with Quinn's pediatrician. She is growing and progressing perfectly. 

Quinn loves her doctor. She was so excited for the visit. She chatted his ear off about our trip to Disneyland (posts coming soon), and was excited to get to listen to her own heart. 

We went ahead and got her Kindergarten shots this year. She was a trooper. She cried a little, but was excited to get three suckers and three stickers!  

Now for the numbers- 

Weight- 27.34, 1%. (I think she is closer to 28, which is the 3%)

Height- 37.4, 7% (I think she is more like 38..... I don't know why his measurements for weight and height seem lower than everywhere else... Oh well.) 

We left feeling happy and grateful for a healthy 4 year old.  Well, Quinn left with a sore leg and a mouthful of sucker.  

Checking out the damage when we got home. 

Illness

Quinn has gotten sick about once a month since starting preschool.  We knew it was going to happen, but it doesn't make it suck any less. She started to cough about a week and a half ago- right on schedule.  In general, she has the same symptoms each time, a cough and a runny nose.  This time started off the same.  And it seemed to run the same 5 day course.  

All the while, Quinn's little personality was changing.  She got extremely bossy, and grumpy.  We started calling her "her ladyship" on a regular basis.  I was thinking, wow this is quite the phase she is going through, all while reminding myself, no one is expected to be happy all the time. And all kids need to develop independence.  Oh, and she also started peeing her pants again, but was battling some nasty constipation.  In part, I contributed some of her behavior to an upset belly.  

Then, she started waking up in the middle of the night. And she was a beast.  The only thing that would calm her was giving her Tylenol.  I was still thinking she was having some belly issues, but then she FINALLY told me, it was her ears. So, off to the doctor we went.  And it was her ears. Both ears. The doctor told her that her ears "stink." Quinn agreed and said they were "way pew- ew-y."

And let me tell you, the antibiotics were miracle workers.  Within hours, our sweet Quinn was back. Her ladyship was gone. She, of course, still has moments of bossiness or grumpiness, but that is part of being three (and a human.) She also started peeing in the potty again.  (And we also tackled the belly issues too with some hefty doses of Miralax.) Hooray! 

I have had a sinus infection (?) that won't go away. No miracle antibiotics for me.  During my last round of antibiotics, I got some small cold sores.  Boo!  During this round of antibiotics, I got a huge cold sore, that has taken over my whole lip.  Again!  Seriously!  I am hideous again.  I hate it so bad.  

Maybe, we need some on-going  healing/healthy vibes sent this way.  And some bleach. 

Hideous

I have a ton of activities and events to blog about, but I have been feeling too hideous. I got sunburned/windburned last week at the preemie auction, and my lips were destroyed. They look so bad and hurt even worse. It is awful.  I feel self conscious in a way I haven't since I was a teenager. And it was picture week at school. But the pain was even worse. They have been many tears, and sleepless nights. It is awful. 

The good news is I am starting to be in less pain, and they look slightly better. 

I should have taken the rest of the week off of work....

When I woke up on picture day....

Make up and filter magic....

So much pain...

Serious, serious pain. 

Weight Watchers Round 2 (Week 3)

I joined Weight Watchers again three weeks ago. I had gained a little weight over the summer. I love summer treats, and with no set routine it is easy for me to snack and over eat. We were active all summer, but we don't exactly do cardio everyday either. 

So, as I watched the numbers slowly creep up on the scale, I decided it was time for a change. I spent the first couple of weeks of the program working off my summer weight, and at today's weigh in I was one pound lighter than when I left Weight Watchers in the winter. Yahoo!  

Total Weight Loss: -29.6 pounds 

Successes:  portion control, less snacking, being back in a routine of work and home, staying focused. 

Struggles:  being hungry, wanting to eat my stress away, exercise (always). 

Goals:  keep up the good work/ keep things in perspective. 

And the best two photos I have of my weight loss- August, 2012 and August 2013. 

Three Year Old Well Check

May was so busy for us, I purposely put off Quinn's three year old check up until June. I also knew Quinn had gained a good amount of weight over the last year, and that is usually our biggest topic of discussion. 

Here is the run down....

Weight: 24.7 lbs. (2%tile for a three year old) 

Height: 34.25 inches (which I think is off, because we have gotten 35 when we measure her). (2%tile for a three year old).

Weight to height ratio: 22%. (Basically she is a good weight for her height- shorter kids should be more petite). 

* I should look up her percentile a for her adjusted age, but at this age there is probably less of a difference. 

Vision is good, but we knew that already from her other doctor. 

She is physically healthy. 

Her speech is great.  

She knew all her colors she was tested on. (But we knew that too.)

He gave us some potty training ideas. I didn't love his whole program as a right fit for us, but will incorporate some ideas. 

He wants her tested for Celiac's (I knew this one was coming, but was tempted to not mention it.)  She will have her blood drawn next week, and we will go from there. 

The cutest part was thanks to Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood actually. She has watched the doctor's appointment episode many times. And was ready. She  even pulled up her shirt without being asked so he could listen to her heart. It was adorable. She was not scared at all this time. She was actually excited. 

Hooray for a healthy and adorable 3 year old!!!!

Weight Watchers Week 16

I haven't blogged about my weight loss lately, because I was feeling discouraged and only doing so-so. I started participating in a contest at work, and decided to use the start of it to get my ass back on track, and I did!

Total Weight Loss: 28.6!!!!

Goal: 30 lbs, baby (and beyond!)

Successes: not snacking and tracking. I even ate out and (over) indulged during the Super Bowl.

Sicky McSickerson

Quinn is sick. She came down with a fever and cold. Boo to that, the fever has lingered, but apparently is doing its job, because she seems to be on the mend. She even slept through the night in her own bed last night, after two horrible nights of restlessness.

This is the first year we haven't done house arrest during cold and flu season, and I feel lucky we have kept her so healthy for so long, especially since it seems like everyone is sick this year. Fingers crossed that this is our only illness, and that cold and flu season wraps up really soon.

Wheat Be Gone

We have big news in the Carsellers household- Dalan didn't have an ulcer that was causing his stomach to bleed. Instead, he has a gluten allergy that is causing his stomach to bleed. He had a follow up with a specialist and we got the results back from the biopsy (meaning it could have been something much worse like cancer) and he has Celiac Disease. Poor guy, can you imagine unknowingly eating something everyday that was making your stomach BLEED!

We have been eating much healthier since I started dieting. But, this new piece of information is going to force us to eat even cleaner. We are still figuring out our new menu, but as of this weekend, Dalan will be gluten free, and we all will be eating a whole lot healthier. This may be a hard (but good) adjustment for Dalan as he is the king of the snack-a-potamuses!


Dalan is going to also follow up with his doctor and find out if Q needs to be tested. Honestly, I wonder if her eating issues aren't at least tied to this, coupled with her prematurity.

So, please post your best gluten free/paleo/clean recipes on this blog. We would love to hear from you.

Weight Watchers Week 13

Weight Loss: 0.6
Total Weight Loss: 24 lbs (dammit! A pound away from 25... Next week!!!!)
Successes: although small, the number is still going down.
Goals: watch the snacking. I wish the weather would warm up and I could get a little more motivated to get out if the house.

Weight Watchers Weeks 11 & 12

Ali and I had to go over two weeks between weigh ins, because Weight Watchers closed for a week over the holidays, and then our schedules didn't match up until today. I was really worried. Really worried. I did well the first week, but the second week- not so much. I blame it on the lack of accountability of having to weigh in, the holiday treats, and being home for over a week. I always have a harder time when my schedule is less structured. I am a total boredom snacker. Oh, and I never weigh myself at home. We don't even own a scale. It would just give me something to obsess about, and not in a good way.

Anyway, the stats....

Weight Loss: -1.2 pounds (in my mind this is basically maintaining, because my weight loss should have been between 2 and 4 pounds. But it is better than the 5 pound weight gain I was imagining.)
Total Weight Loss: 23.4 pounds (I hope to surpass the 25 pound mark next week).
Successes: managing to lose a little weight despite all the things I had stacked against myself.
Goals: I joined some online wellness/weight loss group with a preemie mom friend with cash prizes for the biggest losers. I want to win. I need vacation money. :-). So, this week I might even have to exercise. Maybe the hope of Disneyland money will get my ass moving.

Weight Watchers Weeks 9 & 10

I skipped week 9, because it was boring and a little disappointing. I gained .4, which I consider maintaining, but two weeks of maintaining isn't what I am paying to do, and I know I can do better.

Week 10:

Weight Loss: 3.2
Total Weight Loss: 22.2

Concerns: I don't feel like I have been sticking to portion sizes as well as I should. I also feel like I have been sneaking snacks. There are goodies everywhere!

Successes: continued weight loss. A lady at my work asked me how much weight I wanted to lose. I don't really know. I would like to get into a healthy range ideally. In March, I have to get my bridesmaid dress for Ali's wedding, so at that point I will probably focus more on maintaining than losing. I guess I would like to lose 15 more pounds by March, and maybe some more over the summer.

Goals: one day I will exercise, and I will not over eat during the holidays.

Weight Watchers Week 8

Weight Loss: +.8 (however, I consider this just maintaining, I mean it is not even a pound. Also we only went 5 days between weigh ins)

Successes: maintaining
Goal: make sure next week includes weight loss :-).

Weight Watchers Week 7

Weight Loss: 2.2
Total Weight Loss: 20.2

Successes: Last week wasn't a fluke! And I even lost more! Hooray!
Goal: Same thing I am still not doing. :-).

Weight Watchers Week 6 (and a half)

Ali and I struggled to find time to go weigh in this week, due to her work schedule and the holiday, so we really went a week and a half in between weigh ins, and we have not been able to squeeze in a meeting forever.  (Which is fine with me, but the WW ladies would argue that we are not really "working" the program.)

Weight Loss:  7.4 pounds (Trying to not be too excited, it seems like a lot, and maybe it is a mistake, but hell, I have tried hard, so I will take it for this week.) 
Total Weight Lost:  18 pounds. 

Successes:  Not over eating at Thanksgiving, but I still had a glass of wine, and dessert.  I think I am getting better at finding a balance. 
Goals:  Still to exercise.  I have a billion reasons/excuses why I don't, but I need to just start. 

Weight Watchers Week 4

Weight loss: 3 pounds
Total: 12.6

Successes: consistent weight loss
Goals: push myself to be a active.
Wish: that I was Jessica Simpson and someone was paying me 4 million dollars to do this. And then I could afford to not work, have a private chef, and a personal trainer.

Weight Watchers Week 3

Weight loss: 1.6
Total weight loss: 9.6 (a disappointing .4 away from 10 pounds!)
Success: tracking, portion control, and self control with treats at Halloween.
Goals: still exercise. I wish I was a morning person and could easily get up and exercise. I did order a pedometer to track my steps. A small thing, but maybe it will motivate me to move a little more.

Weight Watchers Week 2

Week 2 in review...

Weight loss: 2 pounds
Total weight loss: 8 pounds
Challenges: I was off work for four days, and therefore had more opportunity to snack and eat out.
Successes: meal planning, portion control, and healthy snacking.
Plan: really would like to start some exercise program, but what? And where do I squeeze it in?

G-Tube Closed

Quinn had surgery yesterday to have her g-tube closed. G-tubes can close on their own, but due to the length of time it had been in her belly, meant it required surgery.

We had surgery scheduled for 7:30 at the outpatient surgery at the Riverton Primary Children's, and even though I knew it would be fine, the scheduling nurse freaked me out a little when she warned me that any complications would involve a ambulance ride up to the main hospital.

Quinn was not pleased to be up do early, and spent the ride up to the hospital hiding under a blanket. She was not happy with any of the pre- surgery examinations, but loved the hospital socks, and the fun toys. They gave her a sedative before her surgery, and as she got loopy, she alternated between not being able to hold her head up and ribbitting like a frog.

She was in surgery for about a half an hour. She received three sets of stitches- in her stomach, in abdomen wall, and in her skin. When she woke up from surgery she was dry heaving. She was glad to see me, but immediately asked for her dada (only one parent could go back at first.).

She got into her recovery room, and finally started waking up once we turned on the cartoons. She was suppose to drink at least a half cup of juice or eat a thing of jello to go home. She drank some and ate a bunch, but luckily we had a nurse who advocated that Quinn had eaten/drank an average amount for Quinn, and we were discharged by 9:30 am.

They gave Quinn the choice between being carried by mom or dad, or riding in a wagon. She picked the wagon, and I thought there is no way, she would actually stay in there, but she did. She saw a picture of a dinosaur on our way out, and spent the whole ride "Rarrrrrring."

She was energetic and happy the way home and at first after we got home. We all took naps, and Quinn woke up sore and uncomfortable. She spent most of the day/evening cuddling with Dalan and me. Around 9 pm, she perked up some after an otter pop and some frozen lemonade. It was so god to see her feeling better and acting more like herself.

Today, she has been feeling much better, but not 100%. You can tell she is still uncomfortable at times, but she ate well and played with toys.

She knows that her button went "bye-bye" and that it is gone. She is one tough cookie. We are so proud of how tough she is to go through surgery, and how hard she has worked to become a good eater!

The photos are out of order. I will get on the computer and fix them eventually.

Hands, Feet, and Mouth.... And Other Body Parts

We have had an interesting week- Quinn's surgery was postponed by what we thought was a fever, ear ache, and sore throat. Turns out it was hand, foot, and mouth disease. Yesterday morning, her mouth broke out in blisters, and by the time we went to the doctor an hour later, she was getting spots all over body. She had a fairly mild case, but is fairly miserable and out of sorts. She even took a four and a half hour nap today. That is a new record by far!

Dalan also had a vasectomy yesterday. It was a quick and simple procedure. He has been feeling quite well, a little uncomfortable at times, but nothing major.

This week has been low key with lots of time spent resting and recovering. Quinn should be over the contagious part of her virus by tomorrow, but we are skipping the NICU reunion just in case. It bums me out, because I was so looking forward to it. I will be able to use that time to sanitize my house! Ha, ha! But seriously.

Her surgery has been rescheduled for the 19th, and she should be all recovered by then. So we will have another week of just hanging out most likely.

Thing 1

Sick girls get ice cream for breakfast. 

Dalan, post procedure, no meds, just being his normal, happy self. 

Showing me her "spots"