The kids are both doing better. I think we will take Cameron this week to make sure his x-ray checks out okay. Trevor has a runny nose and a cough still, but he is acting more like himself. Zach and I had a great day at the Downs yesterday. We went to Millionaires Row for the first time and it was really nice. We had a lot of fun with some teachers that I work with.

Today we went to the zoo this morning. I thought it would be packed, but it was fine since we got there first thing. We went into the dinosaur exhibit for the first time. Cameron was so excited and loved the first dinosaur, then he got a little scared. I had to explain that they weren't real like the other animals at the zoo. He and Trevor both picked something out in the gift shop. Trevor happened to grab a stuffed dinosaur and was loving on it, kissing it....we couldn't take it from him.

Tomorrow is my last day teaching kindergarten for now. I am going to be so sad to say good bye to this group of kids. It's been a really good year. I'm nervous for Wednesday, I will go to my new school and meet the principal and faculty.

I'm sure people want to know about Cameron first. So, he is about the same. He's been going to the bathroom about twice a day, but he's on a double dose of laxatives, so he should be going much more! We will talk to the doctor Tuesday and see about bringing him in for an x-ray, probably Thursday since I'm off that day. He's acting fine though. I just got back from the swimming pool. We practiced swimming for class and jumping in the water. Cameron is so scared to jump by himself. I got him to jump with just one of my fingers now, so that's a big milestone from jumping with both hands. Baby steps! I got this bathing suit vest thing though and he's really comfortable with it and even asks me to step back so he can swim to me. There wasn't anyone at the pool, which was amazing since it's in the 90s today, but it was awesome for us!!

Trevor has been sick all week, Zach never even went to work. He had a fever through yesterday. Today has been his first pretty normal day. He's still a little fussier than usual and he's got a cough that doesn't sound great. Sometimes he just can't stop coughing and it keeps him up at night and nap time. Last night was a little better, but nap time was horrible. Hopefully he'll get a little better each day. We're ready for everyone to be healthy again!!

I started getting a sore throat, but I took cold meds for two days and feel better today, so I think I dodged the bullet (I hope). Tomorrow Zach and I are going to Teachers Day at the Downs. We get to sit on Millionaires row and get lunch and it was really cheap...we've never done this, so we're excited. It's nice to get some time to ourselves as well. Good thing Grandma Herzog could come watch the kids!

Cameron at swim class.

Cameron came home from the hospital late Tuesday night. He is still not going to the bathroom like he should, so we have increased his laxative dose. If things don't start flowing more we will have to go mid-week and have another x-ray to see if he's okay or not. This is new for us, so we're not sure if he's good or not. He's only three so he doesn't describe belly pain or anything. He seems to act completely fine. However, I thought his x-ray would be good Monday and it was worse than before and he had to be admitted. So, it's just so hard to guess. Cameron's been eating up a storm! A day and a half of no food and now he eats like it's going out of style! I love it! He was so happy to go to his Nana and Papas and play with his friends when he got out of the hospital!

Friday was our 5th Anniversary. Zach's mom came down to watch the boys and we went out to BJ's and then to see Wicked. It was SOOOOOO good! It's hard to believe these people are really singing they sound so good. It sounds like a studio recording, but it's not. We were in the 4th row. It was really nice!

I've been busy making spirit bracelets for Cedar Grove. This is a fundraiser for CF, I figured I should do before the year was over. I only have six more days of school and then I will be leaving Cedar Grove and headed to Lebanon Junction Elementary and teaching 2nd grade. The next week will be very busy for me. I have my classes closing program Monday. I will be recording it and selling DVDs with proceeds going to CF. I'm also recording other K classes and the 5th grade graduation. I'm worried I am stringing myself thin, but it's only another week and it's all going to a good cause!!! With Cameron being sick, I'm more determined than ever.

Cameron

Cameron has been having belly issues for the last couple weeks. We tried to resolve it at home, however, upon more x-rays today, we found out it is only worse. He was admitted this morning, but did not start the meds he needed until about 5pm. He has DIOS (Distal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome). This is pretty common for kids with CF. However, this is our first experience, so with it being all new, it's been a bit scary. Cameron has been a real trooper. He had no tears with the blood work, IV, x-rays, but the tube that has to remain in his nose is not his favorite thing. It's been so hard because he acts so healthy and happy. He hasn't complained of any belly pain or anything and he's been going to the bathroom. However, not enough because his whole colon is clogged up now. This would ultimately cause a bowel obstruction and it had to be cleared at this point. Now that he's admitted, he won't even talk. He says he doesn't want to talk because of the tube in his nose (this is how he gets his medicine to clear out his colon). He just whispers or points to what he needs. My poor baby! I can't do anything except try to keep him comfortable. He looks miserable. I hate that he has to go through this. This should not be a regular thing for a 3 year old. I miss Trevor too. I don't get to see him since I'm at the hospital. But, if I went to see him, I'd be worried sick about Cameron. It's so hard!

On a more positive note. Saturday went fantastic at the Great Strides walk. I set up my jewelry booth and made about $400. With that, our team will reach over $10,000. I'll get my final number once we turn it all in. I still have some checks at home still. Cameron ran around the Slugger stadium over and over with his grandma Herzog. The walk started at the stadium, so we had free run. How often can you run around an empty stadium? Many of our friends came out to walk with us and some of my work friends. It is always very touching to have everyone there to support us and this cause. In my life, I have participated in so many walks. I did it because I felt like I was supporting something and I wanted the exercise. It's just so much different when it touches you in such a personal way. Each year right when the walk is about to start, my eyes start watering and my heart starts pounding. I feel a lump in my throat. It's like there is this big realization that we are there at that moment for my son and others that have this disease with no cure. We are trying to fight for a cure for them. It's the realization that this is a lifelong battle that we are in, not just that days walk. It's so hard to express the feeling I have each year on this walk. I know those parents with kids with CF know what I'm talking about. I'm just grateful we have been able to continue to raise money and hopefully make more people aware of this disease. Thank you to all the friends and family who joined us and supported us for the walk this year. Your donations and presence are appreciated more than I can ever express in words. Now, as I sit in this hospital room and watch my baby try to fall asleep, I just wish I could get him an easy answer and give him some medicine or something to make it so that he will never have to be here again. I do not want him to know a hospital room as his second home!
He's so sweet. He keeps pointing to the tube in his nose and saying he can't talk because of it, or he can't sleep because of it, or he can't go to the bathroom because of it. I feel so bad for him! Time to go lay by my baby. Let's hope that he can go home soon!

Trevor

These are such funny pictures, I had to post them. One is Trevor scooping dirt with a spoon....typical Trevor! The other is him going down a pretty steep slide on his own....check out his face.

Henry's Ark

We went to Henry's Ark after Cameron's clinic visit. They moved the zebra over to where you can feed them now, so Cameron was very excited about that. He gets excited to feed any of the animals the carrots, but the zebra were special because he's never got to do that before. He was also very excited to feed a pig. Trevor did not want to feed any animals. He got out and walked a little bit, but seemed very scared when they had their heads near him. One of the donkey's put its head right next to him and he did not like it at all. He loves seeing animals, but maybe he just wasn't use to how close these animals get to you.

Day at the Zoo

This morning I took the kids to the zoo. I heard it was going to be busy with all kids being on spring break. We got there right when it opened and had no crowds until the end. The kids saw all of the animals. We went in the bird thing to feed them nectar and Cam got a little scared when one jumped on him from my head. Trevor was just in amazement, he hardly moved when we were in with the birds. Both boys were really good!! Cameron listened and stayed with me the whole time. It was a nice morning. Then we came home, ate lunch, took naps, and played outside. It was supposed to be scattered showers, but nothing! Great day! Tomorrow we have to go to the CF clinic early for Cam and then I'm taking the kids to Henry's Arc.

Happy Easter

I hope everyone had a nice Easter! We had a very nice day. Zach got up and went biking early, while I got the kids ready. Then we went to church. While the kids were napping, I had to run up to Walmart. Cameron has been saying for days that the Easter Bunny was going to bring him Bubble Mater (a tow truck he's been wanting). I wasn't going to get it, but felt bad at the last minute and went up to Walmart to get that and some groceries we needed. Zach's brother Seth came over with his girl friend for a few hours when the kids got up from nap. It was good to see him, it's been too long! The kids did their egg hunt and had fun. I brought home extra eggs from work and they had way too many eggs this year. They all had candy that I knew the kids liked (mostly M&Ms). At the last minute I decided to put some fun things in a few eggs. I put a couple Toy Story characters and some cars in eggs. Cameron popped his first egg open and it was a little Lightening McQueen. So, he wanted to find more and more cars. I had to keep telling him that the Easter Bunny brings mostly candy. Anyway, it was fun.

I'm off on Spring break this week. We have quite a few doctor appointments this week, but I'm going to be spending time playing with the kids mostly. We're going to attempt the zoo this morning and then go to Henry's Ark to feed animals tomorrow after Cameron's clinic appointment. They are both so mobile, I'm a little worried doing this by myself in such populated places, so we'll see how it goes!

Silly Kids

The boys were being goofy while they were eating (nothing out of the norm). They start making these noises and then laughing at each other and think they are so funny! It's cute though! We love watching them interact.

I put some pictures of Trevor. Boy, he is into EVERYTHING! I thought Cameron was hard to keep up with. If you turn your head for a second, you never know what Trevor is into. Since the weather has been nice and the kids can play outside, we've had to give Trevor a bath EVERY night. He LOVES dirt!!!

Cameron doing exercises like Daddy

Cameron was doing this exercise very good, over and over. So, I had to get the camera. By the time I got it recorded, it wasn't as good, but still cute. He wants to do what his daddy does!

Falling Asleep Drinking

Trevor has given up his morning nap ever since we got rid of his pacifier. Sometimes, he falls asleep in the car or something, but usually, no morning nap. Today he was fussy around 11, so Zach gave him some milk and started getting his lunch ready. When he looked over, Trevor was trying to drink, but falling asleep. Funny!

Church Egg Hunt

We all went to church this morning and then the whole church went to Willodene and Jim's for a cookout and egg hunt. We were so lucky with the weather! The rain stopped long enough for the hunt and the grass was not wet at all. Cameron was really frustrated each time an egg came apart, he didn't understand that was what they were supposed to do. That's Cameron for you, he likes things 'just so.' Trevor loved finding the eggs, but was a bit slow compared to the other kids. They will have fun when we do it at our house next weekend!

Aren't they cute! My mom is headed back to Cali bright and early in the morning. We will all miss her while she is gone.

I've been busy making jewelry. I'm hoping that people will pass my jewelry blog site on to friends and family and that I will get some orders by email. We have a long way to go for our fundraising this year! I'm going to go sell at a car show in April.

Still not word on my job yet, I'm hoping to hear by April. It's so stressful. I do not look forward to next year at all. I really want to teach a primary grade!

The weather has been different each day here. Today is warm and nice so my mom and I took the kids to the park to play for a while. They played in the backyard for a while and went on a bike ride. Then we went to dinner with mom. Everyone is healthy so far, but we do get some coughing as the weather keeps changing. We have a busy spring scheduled all ready, so hopefully we can all stay healthy! I spent the entire morning going through the kids clothes and getting spring clothes out. I wish it would just stay warm! Tomorrow we will go to church and then to Nana and Papa's for a church lunch and egg hunt. It will be a long day for the boys, but I'm sure they will have fun!

Big Weekend

We had a busy weekend. Saturday morning was Cameron's last basketball game. He shot two baskets this week! He was so excited. After the game, the kids all received a metal. We are so proud of him for playing each week, he really did great.

After the game we came home and made lunch and got the kids to an early nap. Cameron was invited to 3 birthday parties, however, we knew we couldn't do them all so we only decided on going to two of them. The first was Bodie's 4th birthday. Cameron enjoyed playing in Bodie's room with all of his toys. They had a nice get together at their house. We couldn't stay too long since we had another party and Cameron did NOT want to leave. But, he was motivated by going to "jumpy things" (as he calls them). The second party was for Wynton at Kazoings. There were a bunch of 3 year olds there. It was a lot of fun, they were all completely occupied and wore themselves out jumping and playing. There were many moments for them to practice sharing and taking turns! It was fun (and kind of exhausting for us adults - chasing the little ones around). The kids really had a blast though.

This has already proven to be a busy week for us. Last night my mom watched the kids for us so that Zach and I could go to the Great Strides kick-off. I was asked to speak about fundraising. I was nervous, but I think it went okay. Hopefully I inspired and gave a few good ideas to people. I always enjoy getting together with fellow CF families. It's not a fun thing to share, but everyone understands and when your kids are the center of your life, it's amazing how much our families have in common and share.

Today I had a faculty meeting, then came home and we are having our kitchen cabinets installed. We aren't replacing our regular cabinets, but we are adding some in our eating area so that we have more storage. We had planned to do the cabinets this weekend and have my mom watch the kids. She is only here another week, we will miss her.....the kids will too! We're still hoping mom will watch the kids even if our cabinets are all in so that Zach and I can get a date night in before she leaves. Last weekend was so busy, it just flew by. Hopefully this weekend will be a bit more relaxed.

Ring Around the Rosie

Trevor loves doing this!

Our Busy Saturday

Today flew by! This morning we were up early to go to Cameron's basketball game. He did great, he played the entire time! He did not make any baskets this time and he was disappointed about this. I was shocked he even realized that. We told him we were proud of him for trying. He also helped one of the other kids that was shy and nervous, so we were proud of him for that.

After the game, I went to meet my Steel Magnolia group for lunch at BJs. I was there for 3 hours chatting. I enjoy my time with the CF moms! I had a couple errands to run and then got home with about a half hour to spare before we had to leave for a birthday party that was at All About Kids. Cameron and Trevor had a blast playing on everything at the gym and we were able to hang out with some friends a little. By the time we got home it was the kids' bed time. My weekend is half over and I don't feel like I've had a break yet!

Tomorrow morning my parents are coming over. My dad is in town for a week. Weekends are the only time we can really spend with him since Zach and I work all week. I'm looking forward to seeing him and his reactions to how the kids have changed. Should be a nice day.

Individual Attention

My mom is in town for the next month. She likes to watch the kids one day during the week, but prefers to have them one at a time. So, she had Cameron for the night last night. It was so nice to spend the evening with Trevor by himself. We were able to spend time playing with him and giving him the undivided attention of both his parents. He was so happy all night and so much fun. They just can't get that same attention when both kids are around. Trevor will show you his belly button now when you ask him. It has made him frustrated with onesie's lately, but it's so cute!! He had his 15 month check-up today. He is 25lbs, which is the 50th percentile. He is 32" tall, which is the 75-90th percentile. He's gonna be tall. All looked good and he only had one shot. Then we met grandma for dinner and to switch kids. She took Trevor to the cabin and is trying to teach him to say a word.

Cameron was very excited to come home and play with his cars, of course. We did therapy and then played with him for a while. We took some pics of him with his cars, they are his favorite thing! He just can't have enough of them and he can't get enough of them. Both kids have been up past their bedtimes the last two nights because we have enjoyed being able to spend the time with them.

Cameron Playing Basketball

Valentine's Weekend

So far, it's been a wonderful Valentine's Day weekend! Everyone is much healthier. Zach has a little cough still and my mom does as well, but everyone is feeling much better! Zach and I went to the Celebrity Dinner Party hosted by the CF Foundation. This is the first year we have been able to go. It was nice to dress up and have a night out together! We were able to sit at a table with some of the other CF families we know. Each CF family that is part of the Steel Magnolias group I am in decorated a Galapaloza Horse for the center pieces. These horses were then auctioned off during the night. The horses were supposed to represent each CF child. Cameron's horse was Lightening McQueen....that's his favorite thing and has been for about two years now! We put a bid on his horse, but were out-bid by someone who wanted it for their grandson. Oh well. The horse at our table was bought by a couple that has a grandson with CF. They said they didn't need the horse, so they gave it to us for Cameron. That was very nice of them! Their grandson lives near Alabama, but they come to the Louisville events often. They even made a large donation during the "Cure" auction. It was so nice to see how supportive they were!

My mom was nice enough to watch the boys at the cabin Friday night. Then, we met her and the kids at Cameron's basketball game Saturday morning. Cameron did wonderful again! He made one basket during the game and played during all 4 quarters. He is just so cute running around out there! After the game, my mom took the kids back to the cabin and Zach and I continued to have some time to ourselves. We came home, took a little nap, then went to see Avatar. We loved it!! We are both still thinking about that movie! It gives you a lot to think about. Then Zach had made reservations for us at this restaurant called the L&N. It is an old carriage stop that was turned into a wine restaurant. We started with tasting three different wines each, then got a glass of what we liked best. Their food was very good! It was a nice place, we'd love to go back again.

Today is Valentine's Day. Zach is still in bed, taking advantage of sleeping in while there are no kids in the house. I got up and started picking up the house, getting laundry going....I feel like I need to get some of that done while the kids are out. Then we may stop for some breakfast and then head to the cabin to eat dinner with my mom and pick up the kids.

Tomorrow is President's Day, so we are all off. We are expected to get some snow, so maybe we will be able to go outside and play some. I have an early appointment for a CT scan, so I'm hoping the roads are safe enough for me to keep the appointment!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!