September 23, 2013

Rachel's Colonoscopy and Endoscopy Results

Rachel's awesome GI doctor called us tonight, Sunday, with the results from Rachel's colonoscopy and endoscopy.

He said that her biopsies were normal but because of the patches of irritation in her intestines and stomach that she could be developing Crohn's Disease. While he said it is too early to tell if that is in fact what is going on, he's going to go ahead and have her start taking an anti-inflammatory medication for the intestines to see if it helps.

I can only hope that this medication not only helps, but that she does not have Crohn's. I guess only time will tell on this one. I am happy that we finally have a path to try.

September 20, 2013

Our Preemie Turns FOUR

I don't know how we ever got from this...


to this...


Where has the time gone? We love you sweet girl. We know this year holds many great things for you! Happy Fourth Birthday!

September 18, 2013

Endoscopy and Colonoscopy

Rachel had her endoscopy and colonoscopy done on Monday. This is another attempt at finding out why she has been having these constant liquidy/mucusy poops for over a year now. The doctor took 16 biopsies - 8 from her colon and 8 from her esophagus and stomach. Most everything was normal "looking" to him except her bile duct was "unusually" close to her stomach. He explained that her bile could be refluxing in to her stomach causing her issues. He said the closeness of the bile duct is usually a congenital condition, but she had her appendix removed along with her duodenal atresia surgery and that could have caused it as well. We won't know for sure if this is the reason for her problems though until he gets her lab results back next Monday.

Rachel was a champ about everything as usual. She had a full day of no solid food before the procedures and handled it pretty well. She was back to her happy self just hours after the procedures as too.

I am hoping that these biopsies bring us to an answer but at the same time I'm afraid of an answer, especially if it has to do with the bile duct and stomach. I am not sure, since it hasn't been discussed, but I am thinking she would probably need surgery to try and correct it. I will update again when we know more.

September 12, 2013

30 Blankets in 30 Days Countdown!

It's almost that time of year again! In about a month and a half I'll be kicking off the third annual 30 Blankets in 30 Days blanket drive to donate to the Women's Hospital NICU in Greensboro, NC - the hospital where Rachel was born and saved. Last year we blew the goal of 30 blankets out of the water with a grand total of 70 blankets. While the goal is again 30 blankets in the 30 days of November, I would love to beat last years record. So, please keep this drive in the back of your mind while you are out shopping, cleaning out your baby rooms or even if you make blankets! You can even help by sharing this link on your FB page. Thank you so much to everyone who helped out last year and, if it's possible, I hope you will again this year. I know the families in the NICU appreciate the comfort of knowing their babies are thought of during the holiday season.

- Maggie

September 11, 2013

When Grandma Visits....

the rules go out the door!

My mom came to visit for a week following my sister-in-law's baby shower. The kids had a blast with grandma all week but I think the most fun the had was our visit to the local park. There is a  dog park attached to it which has a dog "washing" station. Charlie figured out how to turn it on in two seconds flat. Both kids were soaked to the bone but they loved it.












September 10, 2013

Waiting on Baby Cookie

My talented brother Mike and his wife, Meredith are expecting their first child in about a month. I was able to attend the baby shower Mer's mother threw for her up in Long Island. It was a blast. I haven't seen my brother or Mer in over a year so it was so nice to finally see them and meet the rest of Mer's family. While it was a quick weekend, it was packed with fun. I cannot wait to meet baby Cookie (gender unknown!!) in a couple of months when I will travel up there for a visit.

Me and Mer (and baby Cookie)


Mer, her mom Leslie and sister Hannah

Dewey's Candy Bar


Milk and Cookies


The Venue
 


How big is Mer's Belly?




Leslie, Jeff, Mer, Mike, Hannah