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!