"New" Thumb for Elias!

On Monday we had an appointment for Elias to get his cast taken off and the pin removed. The doctor had said removing the pin would be like removing a stitch, essentially painless. We were all so ready for this cast to come off. The doctor took out the little window they had made in the cast to check on the incision where the pin was, and what do you know...no pin to be seen. It had slipped under his skin and was too far in for him to get without causing him a lot of pain. Since it had gotten infected, the skin swelled up, and as it healed, his skin healed over top of it. Great. We had two options. Numb it with huge needles in the office, use a knife and try and coerce it out with a knife. Or...we could come back and give him anesthesia for 5 minutes and it'd be done. Given the two options, we weren't about to put Elias through something seemingly so painful, so we opted for the "surgery". The doctor said it would literally take just a couple minutes, if even, to get the pin out once he knocked out. 

So yesterday (Thursday) we headed back to Tufts for the procedure. Once in the pre-op room, the anesthesiologist came in and we discussed what would happen. We determined there was no need for an IV seeing as that in the time it would take for the IV to be placed, they could be done removing the pin. So it was decided he would get a very very small dose of gas to knock him out, just enough for 10 minutes. Kevin went into the OR with Elias, and held him while they placed the mask on his face until he fell asleep. 

We went out to the waiting room and quickly scarfed down our bagels knowing they would be coming to get us as soon as we were done. 20 minutes later, we got the call that he was in recovery and ready for us to come back. He was already awake when we got there, and was very upset. It became very clear in just a few minutes that he was more upset over the probes stuck on his body monitoring his oxygen and heart rates. One was wrapped around his two, and he just would not forget about it. We had to wait about 45 minutes before they would clear us to go home, and as soon as they took the probes off all was well again. They had his hand wrapped in an ace bandage, and we were told to keep it on and dry until his appointment on Friday when we would return to the office for the OT to make a new splint. 

So today at the OT's office, they removed the bandage...and holy cow! His thumb looks SO good! It actually looks normal. He even bent it to grip some object. I was so happy I almost cried. The OT made a splint that his thumb will slip into, which he has to wear for a part of the day and at nighttime. Moral of the story is we are very happy with the results. We feel very fortunate for both Elias and I to have such wonderful doctors at Tufts. 

Then we had an appointment with his other orthopedic doctor to check on his feet. He said his clubbed foot is looking great and he's very pleased. As long as the insurance company will cover it, we're having a new brace made that will have hinges, allowing his ankle to bend more when he walks, as opposed to the one he has right now where from mid-calf down its held straight. We also discussed how when Elias turns 2 1/2 he'll need a small procedure to move a tendon from the one side of his foot to the other. But thankfully that's a year away, so we should be surgery-free for Elias for another year. 

Unfortunately, our excitement was marred by the fact that Elias has the most God awful diarrhea the past 3 days, and today he threw up in the car on the way home from the hospital. And he hadn't eaten a thing in 48 hours, so we went straight to the pediatrician. He exploded 3 times by the time we made it into the room, the one time all over his stroller. That was a joy to clean in the bathroom, let me tell you. And while I was cleaning, he walked smack into the porcelain sink. Needless to say, we're all exhausted. Hopefully Elias sleeps really well tonight and doesn't explode all over his bed again...

I'll post pictures of his "new" thumb once all the yucky dead skin from under the cast is gone. 

3D Ultrasound - Take Two

I have the most amazing OB on the face of the earth. On Friday I went in for my monthly checkup and expressed to her how frustrating the last ultrasound went. She said they should have been able to see something, and the fact that they didn't get any images at all was unacceptable. She went on to say that she happens to be on rotation in ultrasound all of April, and that she wanted me to come in to have another one done and that she would do it herself if they couldn't get any images this time.

So yesterday we had our ultrasound bright and early. It was so much better this time around. Nothing new with him was found, which is a good thing. I felt like with Elias, at every ultrasound there was something else they thought they found. As far as his hands go, he's still doing the love sign with his right hand. What we were able to tell in the 3D was that his thumb looks like its folded over his middle and ring finger, not under like Elias' thumb was. His left hand was in a fist, so they couldn't really see anything there. Both feet were looking clubbed. However, certain angles made it look more severe as well as less severe. Regardless, they both look clubbed.

My doctor said theres a little issue with my placenta. Kevin and I heard too different things though...I thought she said there was a build up of fluid, and he thought she said a leak. Don't ask how we can have heard such opposite things...but either way, she said its not a problem right now, just something to be watched every month in the ultrasounds. It makes me particularly nervous though because they think I had placenta problems at the end of my pregnancy with Elias, resulting in hardly any amniotic fluid surrounding him and having to be induced. Hopefully that won't be the same story here.

Thennnn we got to see Gavin's little face. It was hard to get a good shot with his hands up with his face the whole time, but we were able to get one profile. I'll take what I can get.

Today we found out we're going to have a little niece! Josh and Abby will welcome little Saffron Janelle sometime late July. Hooray for summer babies :)

3D flop

I'm getting very lax on my updates, I apologize to our faithful followers! Its been busy around here lately, and I'll try and remember the highlights/lowlights of whats been happening.

We had a 3D ultrasound 2 weeks ago to get a better look at the baby's hands and feet. I was just so excited to see our little boys face. A lot of friends have these ultrasounds and they turn out wonderfully, so I had some expectations. Unfortunately, it went nothing like we had envisioned. The first thing the tech said when we got to the ultrasound room was that the doctor only ordered a 3D of his hands and feet (basically saying don't expect to see anything else). So that was an immediate letdown. She then took about a half hour taking pictures. All we were able to see were the 2D images on the screen while she was looking. I asked if we could just see his face, and she said no. Then I immediately rememered Elias' ENT doctor asked them to take a look at his jaw to see if its pushed back at all. (Often times with arthrogryposis, their jaws are pushed back which can effect their breathing. We wanted to know if this was a possibility so that they can then be prepared in the delivery room if he would need assistance breathing). I told her this, and she reluctantly took a look at his head/face. Again, all we saw on our screen was 2D photos. Nothing different than normal. She didn't look very long, I got the impression she didn't take what I said seriously. She probably just thought I was looking for an excuse to see his face. So then it was over, and she went to get the doctor to review her findings. The doctor came back and explained to us that she was not able to get one good 3D picture. WHAT!!!! We were SO frustrated, Kevin especially. He had so much school work that was due that afternoon but decided it was more important to see our baby. What a waste...THEN the doctor tells us that 3D ultrasounds really aren't that great for hands and feet, just for facial features. Um, okay then why the heck are we here?! The confusing part of all our appointments is that the doctor that we see after the ultrasounds isn't my OB, its usually just whoever's "on" that day. So I've got a bone to pick with my doctor, whom I love and adore, at my appointment next Friday. Its a good thing insurance covers the ultrasounds, because I would have absolutely refused to have paid for such a waste of time.

All I wanted was to see his face. I just felt like in the midst of all the problems he seems to have, seeing his face would've been so nice...

The 2D shots turned out good, but it wasn't anything different than we saw the week before. He's still holding his left hand in a fist and his right hand he's doing the love sign in sign language. Now they're going back and forth over whether the right foot is clubbed as well. The left one looks pretty bad. But we saw that the week before, so that didn't shock us.

While I can't disclose details, we're trying to figure out what we're doing post-seminary. We should know in a few weeks whether we're going to stay here or go back to PA. All I will say that if this is where we're supposed to be, I'm okay with that. And those of you who know me know thats a HUGE statement considering how I've always said the Lord will basically have to perform a miracle to get us to stay. I feel like He's softened my heart, which is half of the miracle, and now we're waiting for the other part to fall into place. And for a control freak like myself, that "other part" is completely out of our hands and lies in the hands of others. Please pray the Lord will clearly tell us where it is we're supposed to be.

Elias is practically running now. He's definitely making up for lost time! I don't know what I would have done if he would have walked earlier. He never stops moving. Hopefully by the time the baby comes he'll relax and just sit for more than 5 seconds.

He learned how to dip his food in ketchup in the past couple weeks, and he LOVES it. This video below is the first time he did it. He was such a dainty dipper that I had to get it on video. So glad he's not a messy kid and has no desire to smother the ketchup all over himself!

Yesterday we went back to Tufts for a cast change. They had to saw off his cast, and gosh darnit that was SO scary for Elias. He's had SO many casts with his feet before, but those I unwrapped myself before the appointment. Not this one! So that was traumatic. Then we saw his thumb, and we were so impressed! It looks so good! Unfortunately he has a little infection on the skin where the pin comes out, so he's now on an antibiotic to hopefully get rid of that. They cut a little window in the cast so that we can keep an eye on the infection. I'm a little more woozy than usual, presumably from the pregnancy, so Kevin has to help me out with checking on the infection. We can't wait for his cast to come off for good. Just 3 more weeks!

And if you haven't heard, our new little boy has a name. We're saving his middle name for his birth as its a family name and we want that person to be honored and surprised. His name will be...

Gavin

Thumb Surgery

Yesterday was such an exhausting day emotionally.  Knowing we had to get up at 4am to get ready to go into Boston for Elias' surgery, I tried to go to bed before midnight to get at least a few hours of sleep. But of course, the crazy other-thinker that I am, I didn't fall asleep until 2:30. Greeeaaaat.

We checked in at 6:15, and within a half hour were in the pre-op room meeting with the doctors and nurses to go over things before surgery began. I made it especially clear to the anesthesia team that I wanted them to avoid putting an IV in his head at all costs. (During a previous surgery, they couldn't get a line in his hands, and since they were operating on his feet, their only option was his head. It was very traumatic). Last time he had surgery he was small enough that they took him from us into the operating room and we didn't see them put him to sleep or anything. This time however, since he's bigger, stronger, and knows when mommy and daddy leave, they asked if one of us wanted to be in the room while they put the mask on to put him to sleep. I said I'd do it.

Then once I got all the garb on to go into the operating room, I started to get really emotional. I told Kevin maybe he should do it, I don't know if I could handle watching them put a mask on my kids face, watching him go limp and his eyes rolling back. Kevin said "you can do it, babe" so I said fine, okay. I'll do it. Then as we were getting ready to go, and I had tears in my eyes, I told the anesthesia team I might be extra emotional because of the pregnancy hormones. Its a good thing I mentioned it. They said it wasn't the best idea for me to be around the fumes from the gas mask if I was pregnant. So Kevin had to go, which he was fine with, and I thought was probably better for Elias too, as I wouldn't be able to be calm enough to calm him down. They said it was time, and off they went. I bawled me eyes out. I don't remember it being that hard last year when we did this. Just the whole idea of putting your child into someone else's hands, entrusting them with their life, is so scary. And for a control freak like me, its terrifying. Hands down one of the hardest things I've had to do as a mom thus far. 

They give you a tracking number for your patient, which I think is hilarious but awesome, and they have a scrolling list on the TV that constantly shows the status of the surgery. So we grabbed breakfast and headed to the waiting room. Time actually went pretty fast, and in an hour and a half Dr. Cassidy came up to update us. Elias had what they call thumb-in-palm. His thumb was not in the joint correctly, causing it to be "stuck" to his palm. He was able to grasp with it, kind of like a crab-claw type grasp. So they put a pin in to put in back in place and bring it out more to point more upwards than before. He said everything went great, the pin was in place, and even showed us a picture he took of what it looked like when he was done. From what we saw, it looks amazing! It looks so much more normal than it did before. I'm so glad he took pictures, because I forgot my camera in the car and wasn't able to take a "before" before, so I'll be sure to get a copy of the pictures he took next time we see him for you all to see. 

Once he was in the recovery room, they nurse came and got us. He was still asleep when we got there...

After about 10 minutes he started waking up, and of course he wasn't very happy. His one arm is completely imobolized in a cast, and the other one is taped so much to keep the IV in that he can't move his hand. So after some apple juice, yogurt melts, and some sesame street, you wouldn't have even known he just had surgery. 

Its been difficult here at home with him adjusting to not being able to use his left arm. We had to go back to using bottles because his sippy cups were two thick around for him to hold with one hand. He got very frustrated when trying to play with some of his toys. I know in just a day or two he'll completely adapt and be fine, but in the mean time I really can't do much of anything as he needs my help with almost everything he tries to do. But he'll get used to it. We go back in 3 weeks to get the cast changed, and 6 weeks from now he'll have the pin removed right in Dr. Cassidys office. He said it should feel like stitch being removed, which boggles my mind, but as long as it isn't painful then thats great! 

Good news...and not-so-good-news...

We had our big ultrasound this morning! I was SO anxious about it that I was sick to my stomach. I just wanted to know already what the baby was! Thankfully a sweet friend was able to watch Elias so Kevin and I could relax and enjoy the ultrasound as much as possible.

After what seemed like an eternity in the waiting room, she finally called us back. Just like with Elias, as soon as she put the probe on my stomach I could see what the baby was....probably because I've been studying pictures online for the past 3 weeks so I knew what to look for...

ITS A BOY!!!!!!

Another boy for the Lances! While a girl would have been a nice change of pace, I'm very excited that its a boy! I already have everything we need. I think Elias is going to love his little brother and they're going to be really great buddies.

Thats the good news.

Then theres the not-so-good-news.

Once the tech was done the ultrasound, the doctor came in and said she wanted to take a look for herself. I knew right off the bat she must be worried about something. She started with the feet, where it looks like the left foot is definitely clubbed. Then she went to the hands. The baby had his right hand in a cupped position the whole time and wouldn't extend his fingers, and on his left hand 2 out of 5 fingers weren't extending. Basically, as far as we can see at the moment, it looks like this baby has the same problems Elias had. His foot doesn't look as severe as Elias' was, however it isn't a mild case either.

So. Here we are. Again. I never thought we'd have to go through this again. The doctor that diagnosed Elias' arthrogryposis said in his experience (which is extensive) he's never seen it in siblings. I don't think he's saying it never happens, but that its so rare that he's just never come across it. Interesting, huh?

The doctor was so sweet and gentle, and I could tell as she was explaining what she thought was wrong that she was choosing her words carefully. I told her she doesn't need to hold back, just to tell us what she thinks. We've already been around the block...we can take it. The good thing (if you can call it that...) is that if this is the same thing Elias has, there's hope. It can be corrected. It might have taken a couple extra months, but Elias is now walking all over the place and can do everything he sets his mind on doing. As long as this doesn't effect his central nervous system, we're hopeful it can be corrected.

Everything else as far as his heart, brain, spine, etc. are developing great, so that's some good news. We're scheduled to go downtown on Monday for a 3D ultrasound to get a better look at his little hands. I'm excited for that because we will get to see a better image of his little face!! We'll be having monthly ultrasounds from now on to keep an eye on things as he grows.


Here's some pictures of his sweet little profile.

Bahamas Highlights

Well, we're back. Back to reality...back to below freezing temperatures...back to snow...can we go back now?!?

We had an abolutely amazing time staying in the Bahamas with Amber and Bryce, and their "little boy" Cannon. It was about 80* every day, sunny skies, the water was perfect...everything I had hoped for. I felt the baby flutter for the first time, which was just as awesome as it was with Elias. It never gets old. We ate TONS of good food, a-la chef Amber and local restaurants. 

He thinks hes the king...

Waiting for their daquiries. 

I know...hot stuff, right? bahaha!

Cannon...sweetest puppy ever. 

World Famous Marching Flamingos

Elias' loves his Aunt Amber and Uncle Bryce!

Riding in the jeep

Daddy enjoyed some snorkeling with Uncle Bryce

We went parasailing.

Crystal clear water. Breathtaking. Worth every penny.

While we were sad to go, we have a busy couple weeks ahead of us. Next Monday we find out whether we're having a boy or a girl. Surprisingly, I think we've decided on the names for either a boy or a girl. Elias' middle name wasn't decided until I was laying in the hospital being induced, so its kinda nice just being able to relax. I'll share the first name one we find out what baby is. The middle name will be a secret until birth because it'll be a family name, and we want that person to be surprised :)

Then Tuesday the 31 is Elias' surgery on his hand. He'll be in a cast for about 6 weeks while it heals, so we'll see what he thinks about that. 

Elias practiced walking all around Aunt Amber and Uncle Bryces, but he was still pretty wobbly. But today, he walked practically the whole length of our apartment, turning corners and everything. Here's a little video of one of the many moments. 

Impromptu Ultrasound

This morning we had a monthly checkup with our OB at Tufts in Boston. I look forward to these appointments because we get to hear our baby's heartbeat and have peace of mind that everything's still going well.

I forgot that I had to give some blood today for some testing, so I panicked slightly when they told me to head up to the lab to get that done. I have terribly deep veins. I mean, SUPER deep and hard to find. So deep that one time they had to go into my foot to get blood. Yes, my freaking foot. One of the most painful things I've experienced. Anyway, I went up, explained I hadn't chugged any water (what I normally do to get my veins up) and warned them about my veins. I took a few deep breaths, anticipating lots of digging and a few sticks atleast. She poked me, and I asked if she got it, she said "yep" and 5 seconds later she was done. It was probably the best stick I've ever had in my life.

Moving on. Finally got settled into a room and the doctor comes in. She asked if I had any bleeding/cramping/ yadayada...apparently there were traces of something-or-other in my urine that were small, but still present. I told her nothing at all has been off, except the nasty post-nasal drip that wont go away. She said she wasn't concerned about it since I didn't have any other symptoms. Then we discussed the results from the sequential screening I had a few weeks ago. Basically, they combine results from the measurements taken from our last ultrasound with bloodwork done the same day. They tell you your chances of having a child with downs syndrome and trisomy 13, both of which are chromosomal abnormalities. The results were very good, so that was nice to hear. They'll do another screening at the next ultrasound, and will combine those results with the blood drawn today. Having already had one child with physical deformities, we know for us how beneficial it is to find out as much as possible before birth to be prepared. With Elias, we already knew what he was going to come out looking like. And we had a plan. We had a team of doctors lined up, ready to take action in the months to follow. So we always tell doctors when they ask how far we'd like testing to go, we say we're up for anything that can tell us whats going on with our baby, however we don't want anything that is invasive, such as an amniocentesis. The risk of miscarriage with amnio's is 1:200, which is so high!! Plus, we would never terminate a pregnancy based on findings with these tests, so there's no reason to go that far. Like I said, I want to know as much as I can to be prepared without harming the baby.

Okay. So then she went and grabbed the doppler and started listening for the heartbeat. I was shocked right away when the heartbeat wasn't getting picked up, because at the last appointment the heartbeat was right there as soon as she turned it on. She moved it all around, and at one point we both thought we heart a very faint beat, but then it went away. She finally said we'd hop over to the other room and take a look with an ultrasound. She said don't worry, the baby's are usually jumping all around. So of course when she left the room, I panicked. I thought about the traces of something in the urine she mentioned. Was I miscarrying? Is something wrong with the baby? I tried to remain as calm as possible for Elias' sake. Kevin tried to comfort me. Still freaking out.

Finally the room was ready. When the baby came on the screen, there wasn't really any movement. Then she zoomed in on the chest, and there it was. The heart beating. She measured the heart rate, and it came out to about 137/bpm. The last couple times its been higher, in the 150's/160's, so I was a little surprised. Then she asked if we were planning on finding out what the baby was. We said yes, and she said "well then lets take a look!". Totally took us off guard.

So she took a look, and then we were looking at the babys butt! She took a minute to look, moving slightly this way then that way. She said there happened to be a little shadow where she would clearly be able to see whether its a boy or girl.

She then said..."but...I don't see any obvious boy parts". You see, with Elias, it was very obvious that he was a boy. In fact, before she even told me he was a boy, I could see clear as day on the screen. Could it be a girl?!? We'll know for sure in 2 1/2 weeks!!!