Another Shunt Revision

So Camryn was still having issues with her shunt and so we needed to go in for exploratory surgery to see why it wasn't working for her when it was clearly functioning. She needed a shunt with more sucking power, so last Friday we went in again to get it done, and wow what a difference. She recovered faster, she was ready to go much faster, and she stopped napping all day long! Some pictures to share :)

Cam brought her bear, "PinkBerry" to the hospital to keep her company. He was made by one of Dan's co-workers, Cheryl and her daughters. It's her favorite "friend" to share the experience with.

Imagine Cam's shock when she got out of the tub when running around the corner to this man.


For all of you who donate to the Ronald McDonald house, Thank You, he really brightened her day :)

So since she is still doing well, hopefully this is our last surgery for quite some time!

It's good to be home...

Doesn't her face just say it all?

You know you're bored when...

When you start taking pictures of furniture because you like the color combos and think they're great inspiration for scrapbooking you don't have time to do...

Another Hospital Stay :(

Since Camryn went unresponsive for 90 minutes the ER admitted her about 2 hours after her ambulance ride to St. Paul Children's. She just seemed drunk, never a good sign.

After all the initial tests showed she wasn't having surgery that day,

they finally let her eat :)



Then it was upstairs for more tests...
including an EEG




While we waiting for all those tests to come together, we went to one of the many playrooms the hospital has to offer.


I like to call it the room with the view!


I must admit, I love how she keeps her spirits up when she has to stay in bed for long periods of time.


Hopefully the new setting will prevent us from having to go back soon :)

Monday's waiting experience...

For those of you who catch Camryn's updates on her site, you know that last monday we spent the whole afternoon at the Gillette's Clinic. OH.SO.FUN. Davin and Elli found a way to keep themselves busy, LOL



Cam just wasn't herself and we later found out that her ventricles still hadn't come down :( But home we were sent to wait :(

Pancake Breakfast at Easter

This was one of my favorite passtimes as a kid. We did tons of fundraisers at church to raise money for all the youth activities that we wanted to participate in. We used to sit at the griddle, oven, frying pan making pancakes, bacon, and sausage. The younger ones made orange juice. This was the sole fundraiser that we were able to go to Atlanta for the youth gathering. It was a BLAST!

Well now we were able to go and help support the kids that are going in 2010. They weren't as good at serving as we were, nor did they catch on fast, but boy did they learn alot. Like the fact that my son takes pure advantage of "all you can eat" and two sausages are not enough for Elli, and for Mikayla, the more orange juice the better!!!

Glad this isn't more than once a year, there will be new kids to torture next year :)

I just love easter, don't you?

Despite the recent discussion about what the eggs stand for, we did color some eggs...


good thing these are hard boiled :)

From our house to yours!

Enjoy the day everyone!!

Practice 4/9

I'm thinking about playing with these, but I am not that familiar with photo shop that I would show them yet :)

Outside and goofin' around!

Chalk, Bikes, and playgournds... So much fun being outside goofing around :)

Mowin' the lawn ride

So the weather is getting nicer and stuff needs to get set up outside as we make the shift from winter to spring. Turning on the water, putting out the hoses, and of course, summerizing the riding lawn mower and going for a ride!!!!

So Dan cleaned it for the kids!


And took them out for a ride!






Would you believe the lawnmower needed a jump first? From my truck!!?!?!?!?!?

Spring (Training) is here!

I just love the look on her face when she hits the ball. Like it's going to come back and hit her or something!!!

Signs that Spring is here

I wish she would stay here without teasers this time :) We had 60, then freezing rain, then 60, then snow. I wish it would just stay 60 (or hgher!!!) and stay there for good!

I love this picture. The texture, the color. Dogwoods rock!


Yes, I did not get the opportunity to clean up some perenials this year, but have no fear, the buds will make it through the weeds!

While we wait for our appointment with Dr. P

The park sounded like the perfect place to take her to burn off some energy since she was cooped up for the scan. So we went to an old favorite of mine. Skyline park. It was designed by 6 year olds so you know it has to be fun!!

Where should I go???


Maaaaaaaammmmmm you can't catch me!!!


WEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!


Push me mom!!!!


Blowing bubbles!!!



After all that steam was blown off, we got the news that her ventricles had not decreased, so her shunt was adjusted. Now let's see if this helps....

Camryn's Scan Update

Camryn had another Scan on Thursday 4/9. She hasn't really been herself, nor has she really gotten better. A few minor changes, like her wittiness and sharpness have been great improvements but she was back to losing her balance, having speech issues, and of course, getting headaches. So we went to Children's west for another scan and she has been such a trooper for all of these.
First we have to wait in the lobby, not long, but long enough for her to realize all the toys she will be missing out on because we have to go right after.


Then there's the scan room. Not something she's afraid of, but because she can't sit still, we often make two passes to make sure we have enough quality pictures. While she sits there she often becomes more agitated that she can't release herself from the straps. So she asked me to "show her" what she looks like. I was more than willing to ablidge :)



I hope these pictures do not offend, we just like to share what it really looks like for her on a regular basis.

Somewhat the same.

I have embarrassing pictures of my children just like any other mother. Some mothers don't have kids that are the same though. Davin and Camryn are very similar and I absolutely love it. Although I have posted PB pictures before, I have never laughed so hard as I did watching Davin and Camryn watching "Alvin and the Chipmunks"

First Camryn sat down...


Then Davin sat down...