Gabe's shunt: Take III

Gabe had another shunt revision this week and ended up in the hospital all week as doctors from four different specialties (neurosurgery, neurology, gastroenterology, and rehabilitation) consulted together to figure out how to ease his agitation and discomfort.  The night before discharge, they ordered a CNA to stay one-on-one with him all night--just so that Mom could go home and get a good-night's sleep.


At this stage, Gabe's medications and dosages are constantly changing as we try to figure out what he needs.  We get them all ready at night for the next day to make sure we don't miss anything.

Growing Up!

Gabe is gaining weight quickly on the steriods.  This week's EEG showed that the steroid treatment is having some positive effect.  The doctors have persuaded us to stick it out for at least two more weeks.

Zeke re-organizes the tupperware cupboard.


Too cute for words!

Rub-a-dub-dub

Getting ready for Spring.

Bella has her first loose tooth.  It breaks mamas heart to see her little princesses growing up so fast.  Bella's hairdo in this picture was done by Eliza.

Tickle-trap

The Limo

We finally got a vehicle that fits the whole family! . . . (and then some) 

Sam shows off our new Ford 12-passenger van, affectionately referred to by our family as "The Limo". 

Happy Birthday Gabe and Zeke!

We survived the first year!  (With LOTS of help!!!)

(Gabe started his awful seizure medication just a few days before his birthday.  He just wanted the party to be OVER so he could have mom's full attention again.)

We had a "baby party" for the twins first birthday.

The party began with a "baby food eating contest" (applesauce mixed with Cheerios) . . .

No hands allowed!

Then crawling races . . .











. . . and a bottle drinking contest.

 Zeke got his first taste of birthday cake and enjoyed it thouroughly (after trying to eat the plate first).  

Developmentally, Zeke is now caught up to his real age.  No more adjusting for prematurity.  Yea Zeke!

Gabe's Seizures

 In February, we began to notice some sudden repetitive movements Gabe was making, and we suspected he might be having seizures.  We took him to Primary Children's neurology clinic for an EEG.  The results turned out to be worse than we had expected.  Gabe's EEG showed very abnormal brain activity known as hypsarrhythmia, which is difficult to stop, and is detramental to the brain.  The neurologist recommended we start him on a high-dose steroid treatment right away in an attempt to normalize Gabe's brain activity.

The family has been praying and fasting for Gabe, and Jared gave him a priesthood blessing.  We are so sad he has to go through another difficult treatment, but we are comforted to know he feels our love and the strength and prayers of those around us.