MRI results and Growth Hormone

I thought last night, "I'm not sure I posted Brooke's MRI results." The reason for this blog is to update on Brooke, I guess I just need to process things sometimes. So it's processed......I'll back up to the appointment.
November 9, we went to The Spa. Because of the weather Steve got to come. My sister in law also came to hang out with Macy. Her MRI went well and then we headed up to clinic. Nothing too new at clinic. Her IgG was in the 300's (not 500's like the last test said). That's ok. We are still watching it and have learned to do her blood work at Spectrum. We go back to clinic in December and draw all her immune studies.
From there we went to her endocrinologist. Her appointment wasn't until Nov. 10. I called there and explained we were going to be in GR the day before and they said "call us when you are done with the MRI, we'll fit you in." GET OUT!!! We called and the MD saw us on his lunch hour. It's not like she was sick or the visit was urgent. Steve and I agree you can tell when MD's are doing what they love. Any way, the endocrinologist called us later that night with the MRI results. Her pituitary gland is very small which is consistent as to why she is very small. She also had some other abnormalities but nothing that seems as if it will have any lasting effects. You understand how I needed to process this. I was sad we once again had ANOTHER system messed up. We did however have an MRI done when she was 4 weeks old. I am trying to obtain those records at least for comparison, not that it'll change anything.
What does all this mean? It means she doesn't make growth hormone like they suspected. We will be starting growth hormone in the next week or 2. I have all the supplies and am waiting on the meds. I asked the MD, "how long will we have to give this?" He said, "if it works, until she is 13 -16 years old." WOW, wasn't ready for that answer! But after thinking about it, it's no different than a diabetic giving themselves shots. We just have to get use to it. It will take approximately 3 months to see if it works. If it works, that's great! If it doesn't, that's ok too. At this point Steve and I are ok with whatever happens. We just want to give her the most "normal" life possible.
Happy Thanksgiving!! I am unable to list everything we are thankful for!! We have more than we could ask for or deserve. At times I have to stop and slow down to remind myself, this is not ours. God has entrusted me with these children, as a gift. God gave me my spouse, as a gift. God gave me possessions I don't need or deserve, as a gift. The list could go on forever, but it's fun to treat life as a gift and not take anything for granted.

Psalm 118: 1, Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Stick a fork in me.................

THEY'RE DONE!!!! That's is a picture of the combine and cart coming home. I looked at my phone at 2:30 and thought, "they should be close to done." At 2:35 my phone beeped, "ALL DONE!" WHOOO HOOOO! So, the plastic meal trays are washed and put away and the steak dinner is on. We are back to as normal as we can be :) Time to catch up on needed rest. (He will not be happy when he see's his picture on here :)

I got the bedroom done. Steve and the girls agree it looks better than before. That was a pretty quick and painless project. I do still have the old comforter. I wasn't able to part ways yet. So its washed and in the closet.

Brookie started on her appetite stimulant this week. She started off the week with a bang and ate 1/4 of a sandwich. Since then we haven't eaten huge amounts but has eaten more than she did in the past. I'm hoping with harvest being done and being back into a routine that maybe she'll eat more. I feel like we LIVE in the kitchen. Once she asks to eat we sit there and cheer her on. We'll see where this leads us.

Brooke said the next news best to her Grandma Koeman today. "Grandma guess what, I'm potty trained!" OH BOY!!! Potty trained is a strong statement. She's heading in the right direction. Last week she was in the bathroom. I asked what she was doing and she said, "get out, I'm pooping!" Alrighty then! I highly doubted this was true. You see, Brooke has chronic diarrhea. I'm not sure this is a blog appropriate topic :) but it is a medical diagnosis. We don't know why, it's just another system that is messed up. So, I've had my doubts that her being potty trained was going to happen. A few months ago we bought her Pull on diapers, so she could change herself (with the exception of the poop). (another good parenting move, hehe) Anyway, she is doing really well and we heading in the right direction. We were so happy when she went we took a picture and texted it to Steve in the combine. That a surprise when he open that text. hahahaha I don't want him to miss any of the "firsts." I'll spare you the photo.

It seems crazy Thanksgiving is this week. I'm excited to see family and hang out. I don't usually do the "black friday" shopping, but you never know. If I find a good deal I'm not scared to brave the crowds.

The Room

Months ago I looked at our bedroom and said, "wow Steve, who painted this and hung this AWFUL border. It's ugly." He laughed and said, "you did, a long long time ago." Oh yes, I guess I did. He then stated no one see's our bedroom so who cares. I agreed and let it go, but in the back of mind I kept thinking, "this is ugly."
I was then with family and told my brother I've had the same comforter for 17 years. It fits a queen bed but we put it on our California King. We got a bigger bed but not the comforter. It's denim, kind of (that's classy). 17 years ago I thought it was VERY classy. As silly as that sounds, I do hold on to worn out sentimental things (ask Steve about my robe hehe). My brothers comment was, "burn it." Now, that was a thought.
Then there's the cost. If you know my husband, to spend money on a comforter is a waste of money. Well, everything aligned and I found one on clearance the 1st time I looked. (It even has a bed skirt, I've never had a bed skirt) As you can see, I'm easily amused. I ripped down the wall paper and I will paint it this week. Steve came home and said, "what did you do now?" He is aware, when he leaves me for too long I get in trouble :) Harvest is getting lengthy. Better get done soon honey, I have more ideas in my head :) (today I put on a new toilet seat)
So that's about all we've been up to. Hopefully in the next week + harvest will be done. Brooke is doing well and I'd LOVE to elaborate, but I'm not ready. I'm not always sure when she does things if it's a step in the right direction or just a fluke. So, we'll wait and observe, and pray that she makes great strides.
To God be the Glory!!!

"NOT FAIR"

Have you even heard your children say that? Or been accused of not being "fair"? I'm pretty sure if you are breathing you've heard those words before. Having a gang of children I hear that quite often. I usually just brush it off. "Whatever, it's just kids being kids." But lately I've had a hard time "brushing" it off. See I am being accused by my 3 year old that I am not being fair. Or as she says, "UGGGHHHH NOT FAIR!" The questions started with, "why does Brookie have a button?" I said, "ask her." So Brookie proceeded to tell Macy she doesn't eat and medicine is yucky. So Macy said, "I want a button." I said, "no." "UGGGHHH NOT FAIR!!" Macy's main concern now is why does she have to eat everything on her plate and Brooke can eat whatever she wants. Or why does Brookie get to stay up later and get her feedings and medicine.

I've tried explaining, but I've haven't found a good way to explain Brooke missed alot of developmental milestones and we've are trying to catch her up. Or Brooke was born without an immune system and we are trying to keep her healthy. By the time I ponder how to explain something, she has another question.

The other day Macy said, "seriously Brooke, just eat already." And Brooke yelled, "OK I WILL!" She then proceeded to grab a chip and eat it. Maybe this whole anger thing is starting to work.

So I have finally figured out how to explain it. "Life isn't always fair ladies."