In any case, after the kiddos birthdays, January was pretty status quo. The boys went to school twice a week, and Tessa and I went to a bunch of doctor's appointments.
After we got home from China, Tessa had her first appointment with our pediatrician. She had a couple immunizations and a lot of blood drawn. We love our pediatrician, and he spent so much time with us that morning making a game plan. We've since seen a pediatric ENT twice, and had a hearing screen. The audiologist *thought* she had moderate hearing loss, but I seriously doubt it. She understands everything we say, and already says about 15 words. The ENT wasn't concerned either. We've seen a pediatric urologist after her abdominal ultrasound was done. He was not concerned with a mild kidney abnormality, and we'll see him back in 6 months. Since we are friends, he's just going to do an ultrasound himself at her next visit. If all is well, we'll be released from him. We've seen a pediatric opthamologist to evaluate a possible lazy eye, and she was diagnosed with mild strabismus in her left eye. That's just a weak eye, and can be fixed with patching the other eye. All of her blood work came back great, and that left us with her main issue, the "rectal stenosis". I knew with her first diaper change in China that her "anal stenosis" was something more complex. When we got home, I made an appt for her with my favorite pediatric surgeon, before we even saw our pediatrician for the referral.
We saw Dr. Bambini (pediatric surgeon) the beginning of January, and he said he thinks her original diagnosis was imperforate anus. She never had surgery, (we don't think), but will never know for sure. They did anal dilations for sure. I was so happy to have an official diagnosis. BUT, he through me for a loop. First off, he wanted an lumbar MRI to rule out a tethered cord. He also wanted a cardiac ECHO to rule out any heart defects. And, a contrast enema to evaluate the length of her colon. And the kicker was he said he was pretty sure she'd need a colostomy to let everything heal. And then another surgery 8 weeks later to reverse the colostomy. Oh.My.Goodness. I was one big ball of stress. She had to have anesthesia for the MRI, but it went great. And the results were negative for a tethered cord, although some other abnormalities did show up. Her ECHO showed a small defect, but nothing that will even need follow up. The contrast enema showed a beautiful colon:-)
We saw Dr. Bambini again the end of January, and got her surgery scheduled for February 15th. It was going to involve two days of clear liquids, and a bowel prep the day before surgery. I was not excited. About the prep, or the surgery. We were looking at 4-5 days in the hospital. Nothing to eat or drink, foley catheter, and central line for 3-4 days. Yuck!
Well, it all went SO much better than expected!!! Her surgery itself, an anorectal reconstruction, went awesome, and there was no need for a colostomy. We were SO shocked. He was over 90% sure he'd do one, so we just couldn't believe it when he came out of the OR after just 3 hours. The next few days in the hospital were tiring, but honestly just fine. We had GREAT care, and were very pleased with our entire experience. But nonetheless, we are happy it's behind us. My parents were very gracious and took the boys for 5 days while we were in the hospital with Tessa, and got her settled in at home.
That pretty much sums up February! March has been nice with some warmer temps, and we have enjoyed lots of time outside. And plenty of time with crafts and paints. It amazes me how much these three LOVE painting. Tessa has started childcare on Tuesday mornings at church, when I go to my women's lifegroup. It's been nice b/c she gets time to play with other kids, and I get some Mommy time. Plus, she cries when I leave which is a GREAT sign when it comes to attachment.
Drake has been SERIOUSLY and MAJORLY attached to me since we traveled to China. He refuses to sleep in his bed, and doesn't want me to EVER leave the house. Even if I just go for a five minute errand, he wants to come with me. He has a new teacher at swim school, and is now screaming at his lessons. He also used to love playing at our neighbors, but is now hesitant to go visit. I am so flattered that he loves and wants his Mommy, but he is seriously like a barnacle. I know that this is also just a phase, and will pass. But any positive thoughts you could send our way would be great for our sweet boy. He LOVES his sister, and is upset she can't go in his class at school, or to swim lesson with him. He also climbs in her bed every night to give her a big kiss goodnight. So sweet! Despite his drama, he is doing well at school. One of his teachers just got home from China today (from picking up her new daughter!!!), but the other one told me last week that he's doing great and talking all the time now. He used to be shy and quiet, but I guess that's over. I love getting there a minute or two early and watching him sit sweetly in the circle for whatever circle time activity they are doing.
Eli is my sweet little baby, but GEEZ is that kid head strong and stubborn!!! He's been like that since birth, so I don't know why it surprises me anymore. He hates getting his diaper changed, hates putting clothes on, and hates his sister to take his toys. He LOVES daddy's tools, and being outside. He also loves popsicles. Like, really loves them. I quit buying them and just started buying frozen fruit and making them myself, with fruit and juice. They all like to help make them, and really love when they are done. Eli is finally starting to get along better with his sister. They play together well *most* of the time, but still do fight over toys frequently. He has pretty much quit biting. YAY!!! Eli talks up a storm, and has the cutest little voice. I was just talking with his teachers about how much him and his classmates have grown since September. It's truly amazing.
That's a recap on our three crazy kiddos. Overall, life is great. We are busy, but I am learning to let everything but the essentials GO. If they are fed and safe, the rest is details;-)
We have Eli's birthday coming up, and a trip to Charleston during their spring break. Plus two nights to visit my parents, and family pictures. Exciting! I will try to put some pics up, but don't hold your breath.