Wednesday, December 10, 2008

I need more hours in my day!

Well, life continues to be hectic. It seems that there is never enough time to get everything done that I need to. Elaina is doing very well. She's not throwing up as much the last several days, and her NJ tube has stayed in for over a week now! She's happy and smiling and cooing and growing, growing, growing!!! She will be 11 months old on Thursday! Holy Cow!!! When she was born in January and I was told about her heart condition and then with the events of the summer following her Glenn, I didn't think that I would be able to celebrate her 1st birthday. Now that day is just a little over a month away, and it's looking like we'll be able to have a fun Birthday celebration for her! Still no word on when they are going to schedule her g-tube surgery, but I keep asking. She's still struggling with a runny/stuffy nose, but it doesn't seem to be affecting her saturations or her happy disposition. She is just the sweetest thing and I'm thrilled to be able to plan her first Christmas this year. South Davis allows decorations (including small trees) for 1 week before Christmas and 1 week after. I've got the cutest little tree ready to go and a couple of wrapped presents as well as other fun decorations for her room. I'm so excited!
Ben is doing okay. We got the results of his EEG back, and it shows some abnormal activity in his left frontal lobe. We've met with a neurologist and he is somewhat concerned. He told me that the type of seizures that Ben is experiencing usually occur when the child is sleeping. His 1st two seizures did happen in his sleep, which would be expected according to the EEG and neurologist. The fact that he has now had two more seizures while awake is very concerning. The doctor started him on some medication and ordered a sedated MRI. The MRI results are not back yet, so I'm still on pins and needles wondering and worrying about him. I've had such a hard time sleeping. I keep checking on him throughout the night because I am so worried about seizures. He seems to be his normal self though. He's SUPER excited for Christmas and has already mailed 3 letters to Santa! It's so fun to watch his enthusiasm.
Well, that's about all the news. I've been burning the candle at both ends. I'm working 2 jobs, taking 2 kids to doctors appointments and still juggling my time between Ben and visits to Elaina. My move has been delayed a couple of weeks, but I'm still hopeful that I will be in my new place by Christmas. I'm excited for the move, mostly because I'll be so much closer to my ElainaBug, but I'm dreading the packing, etc. I've got lots of helpers lined up, so hopefully it will be an easy move this go around. Things really are looking up. Deciding to take on my 2nd job is really going to benefit my family in the long run, so it really is worth all the lost sleep and stress it's giving me right now. I am so grateful for all the blessings that my Father in Heaven has given me and I am looking forward to celebrating the birth of the Savior this Christmas.
All my love!
Hollie, Ben and Elaina

14 comments:

The Hood's said...

I'm so happy to finally see an update. I have been thinking about you so much and wondering about Ben's test results. I hope that everything turns out okay. We will continue to pray for you guys!
Honestly-will you please let me know if we can help you with anything at all. Moving is such a pain! I would love to help in any way possible. Please email me and let me know! millehood@yahoo.com

Lady said...

It's great to see an update. We were just talking about you guys and wondering how everyone was doing. :) Hang in there.
Love, Liz

Kathy said...

FINALLY..
an update....we've been waiting!
Glad that the princess is doing good...and Ben...what's up with that little man??
I hope you are able to enjoy the holidays..and SLOW down!
sending you sunshine and love,
kathy

Em said...

I was just thinking yesterday that I miss you guys. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and that Miss Elaina has one heck of a birthday!!!!!

Tina:0) said...

I agree with Kathy - SLOW DOWN!!

Glad everyone is doing well. We'll keep praying that they figure out what's going on with Ben!

Hope your move goes smoothly!

Stephanie Ellinger said...

Its good to hear an update from you! I hope that the dr's are able to help Ben. Its wonderful that in a month Elaina will be 1. Yeah for her! She is such a fighter... just like her mother. Have a Merry Christmas and tell Elaina that Nathan says hi!

Unknown said...

I'm praying for a good report for Ben. I'm glad Elaina is doing well. I'm sure she is going to love the Christmas decorations.

Much love,
Vanessa

carolyn q said...

I know you are crazy busy with trying to keep up with all that is happening, but it is great to see an update.
I do hope that whatever is causing Ben's seizures that in the end it is not to serious.
It sounds like it will be fun to decorate for Elaina Bug. I am glad that they allow it too.
Thinking and keeping you in my prayers often.
(((HUGS)))

Me said...

Hey lady!! miss you, I am sorry Ben is having struggles-thats all you need. You are a strong woman and the Lord must love you lots. Merry Christmas!! Much love,Hilary

The Portas said...

YOU ARE AMAZING! Wow. So much on your plate, yet you continue to be the best mama to two kids. I'm so happy to hear that Elaina is doing well and that you will be able to decorate her room with Christmas decorations.

My prayers are with you. I can't believe that on top of everything you already have to worry about, you now have to worry about Ben's health. UGGHhh! I will pray for good MRI results and no more seizures!

Take care...xoxoxoxo

Pam said...

Thinking of you, did you get moved?

We are praying for Ben and Elaina. And for you to have some time to do your own things too!!

((HUGS))

nikki wood said...

Just found your blog and added you to my page. My son is due in 7 weeks with CHD, trying to find as many heart babies as I can to follow!

Mami Adame said...

Hope to see an update soon! I've been slacking on my blogging lately. I'm so glad to hear Elaina is doing well. Cant wait to see current pictures of her and maybe a video? ;)
Hope all is well with Ben. Hope you get answers soon.
You seem so busy! Hope you are making time to take care of yourself!
Hugs,
Ana

Tobi said...

Hi, my name is Tobi and I am a Mother, Grandmother, and teacher. I have been following Elaina’s blog for several months, along with other Children with CHD, and I found myself asking, “Why am I following these lives?”, and I think I now have the answer. I want to help. God knows you are all in my prayers everyday – several times a day. I have posted a blog entry into my blog http://threeofme.blogspot.com/ briefly summarizing a few things I have observed while reading about these Very Special Children, and would like to use my blog as a way of spreading the word about the needs of these families and children. I have also included the CHD Awareness button on my site. My blog is not greatly visited, but I will try to do some things that will increase traffic.

I do not have money at this time to donate, but do have time, and possibly can help in some way to create graphics or something! I am a graphic artist and crafts person (former Social Worker) and could possibly do something to help out. I teach computer applications at a middle school with certifications in Art, Computer Applications/Technology and Special Education!

You may receive a lot of letters like this, but please know I am sincere in my offerings.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope that your move goes smoothly.

Sincerely,
Tobi