Tubes for Thomas

Last Wednesday Thomas had a small procedure to put tubes in his ears.  He's had over 7 ear infections the past year and hasn't been sleeping that great.  And as we already know his gross motor and speech is delayed.  I made an appointment at the ENT after our beach trip and eagerly awaited the surgery!!

Here is a video of little T-pain waiting to go back - yes, we realize he's in his PJs and we forgot shoes but we didn't wake up until our babysitter texted us letting us know she was outside.  So we were kind of in a rush.  It's not really anything spectacular but since he's the third kid and I have no videos of him I thought I'd post something... even if it's not interesting (what IS interesting is that Seth shaved his head)

Little guy waiting patiently!!

 T was such a trooper and the surgery was quick and easy!  (Much better than the endoscopies, that's for sure!!) Let's pray that all improves and he starts talking better!  Right now he just mumbles a lot of jumbo!!

December, in a nutshell

Well, I can't believe Christmas is almost here. I really hope to get at least something posted from the holidays before the New Year but that may be pushing it. So, here are a few things that we've been working on this month!

I mentioned giving an update on the boys allergy testing - we had patch testing done for each of them... had to wear a patch with food samples for 48 hours straight (photographs for the next 72 hours following!) to see if there was any major issues.

Looks like Thomas is allergic to soy, oats (explains a lot since we'd been thickening with oatmeal the past few months!), eggs, sweet potatoes and wheat. Ben, pork and green beans (not that he eats that anyways) and AJ looks like white potatoes (his favorite treat? french fries!) Allergy testing is very subjective (so they say) and there are a lot of false positives. But its a good measuring stick to start and exclude from their diets to see if their reflux and behaviors improve. Thomas is already a happier camper the last few weeks with his new diet and switch to Elecare formula. We're working on PT and OT to have Thomas to build his muscle tone and learn to eat solid foods. H makes a huge mess when eating (not good for people like Seth and I who are OCD with dirt) but I guess it's part of raising a baby... and he's so darn cute so how can we resist?!

One benefit of having to drive to Springfield to see the allergist is that Clifton and Fairfax Station aren't too far out of the way. I was lucky enough to catch a freight train passing through downtown Clifton right as we approached and then we stopped by the Fairfax Train Museum (which was closed) but the boys were still happy to peek in the windows and look at the caboose from the outside.

AJ had his class holiday party today and then both boys had Sing & Celebrate. AJ loves preschool (especially when he's joining Ben) and we are working on Ben to love his classmates as much as he loves playing at home with his trains. His teachers and service providers have been excellent and we know he is making lots of progress.

Ben & AJ make wonderful playmates, though we are usually finding them up to no good. At least they collaborate instead of fight so I won't complain too much. For now ;-)

More Therapy? I'm going to need therapy after this!

I haven't been updating the blog recently... shame on me. Between sickness and work this is another 'to-do' I've let slip!

An update from our visit to Kennedy Krieger back in October for a study of siblings of Autism... things went well. After 7 hours of testing for all three boys we found out that AJ is normal (gasp) and functions well above his age in all areas they tested him in. Ben also tested high, but they didn't see any issues and then questioned us "Who exactly qualified you for this study?" Yet another group of individuals who thought Ben was a very bright boy with no issues. However, as we are all well aware Ben does well in a structured environment with adults. So this was no surprise so I took this '4th opinion' with a grain of salt.

However there was a surprise with Thomas! While we all assumed he was the 'normal' one in the family we quickly learned that he missed many of his developmental milestones (for even just a 7 month old they could decipher this - remember, we were there for HOURS!) This was mostly attributed to his gut wrenching pain from GERD that left him short of screaming the entire day. We were recommended to follow up with Early Intervention with our county, which I did the next day. He was qualified almost immediately, primarily for OT/PT and feeding thearpy. His biggest issue is week muscle tone through his trunk and hypertonic muscle tone in his limbs - which has been ascribed back to the pain from his reflux. While Thomas rolled over at only 2 months and was crawling at 7, he struggles to properly sit up, reach out to us, and hold his bottle. He was failing to meet milestones for expressive speech (even at his gestational age) as well.

Due to the increasing medications and lack of improvement with Thomas' symptoms we sought a second opinion from another GI who switched his formula to Elecare (and elemental formula). This HAS improved his symptoms over the past few weeks and our little guy is finally 'talking' and trying new things. We also took him to a specialist for allergy testing - using patch testing to rule out some other potential issues. More on that to come...

I guess what I am learning is that even with a son diagnosed with Aspergers (relatively young) and with two children who have already been through the gamut of OT and feeding therapies I still was shocked to learn that Thomas ALSO needed therapy. I know how important early interventions are so I am forever grateful that we are getting help now. I may go crazy in the interim from raising all these loons, but I know that in time all my boys will be healthy, happy, and functioning well among their peers.

You Aren't What You Eat!

So, if you didn't already know, when I was pregnant with Ben, I drank a milkshake at least twice weekly.

Ben had a milk allergy.

With my pregnancy with AJ I ate pizza 3+ times a week.

AJ is perpetually constipated.

So what was my guilty pleasure with Thomas and what was his luck? Gummy bears. Is it a coincidence the poor baby has a sucrose intolerance?

The biopsy results from his endoscopy showed everything else as normal, thankfully, and hopefully this too, shall pass!

Take Five!

Today Thomas is scheduled for an endoscopy at Loudoun. This is our 5th endoscopy over the years so I guess you could say we're old pros. Or you could just assume that we are the financial supporter to Dr. Sirlin's summer beach home!

Please keep Thomas in your prayers today!

Our fight against GERD!

Round 1 - Ben against The Ulcer

Round 2 - AJ against Constipation

And Thomas against gas/reflux. Let's hope our little guy gets better soon!! We all need some SLEEP around here!

Published.

I'm the photographer in the family, yet my husband has published his first photograph! This photo was taken of Ben in 2007, shortly after he was born. We shared it with my OB/GYN practice and it's appeared in a few publications - most recently this one about the good works at Tepeyac Family Center:

In any event, this photo has brought up another topic that has been on my mind - baby #3. For those of you who weren't aware I was put on bed rest last Tuesday. It's been chaos around here... Seth has been working over time caring for the family, maintaining the home, and running his business. My mother came to help for a few days and Seth's mom arrived today to stay with us for the duration of the pregnancy. Thank God, otherwise I would fear that Seth drop dead of a heart attack before he meets the newest addition to the Sinclair household.

Today I received some more interesting news at my 35 week appointment - they scheduled my c/s date for March 29th. Also, they will be removing my cerclage next week - the 17th. I was told to pack my bags as it could be the big day if baby seems to want to come out! To celebrate such news I treated myself to Chipotle for lunch... Don't worry, I know my limitations being on bed rest. I parked in a handicap spot to avoid walking too far during the lunch rush. I have also been inhaling chocolate by the pound. The chocolate indulgence is because I'm giving it up for Lent. Didn't think a bed ridden gal could handle forgoing TV or Facebook this year!

Now is where the prayer requests come in - please say a little prayer that I get my hair highlighted, brows waxed, and a nice pedicure before the baby comes. The timing of things doesn't look so hot. So if I had to settle for one, I'm asking for a nice coiffure on the operating table. Is that so much to ask?!

Here we go again...

For a while now Ben has been showing signs of reflux... We decided a follow up with the doctor was in order. Which required yet another endoscopy.

Ben was a trooper this time and proved his big boy status with lots of smiles (though who wouldn't with an iPad to play with).

Sadly, it was discovered that Ben does in fact still suffer from GERD and had to go back on the meds. We hope this is something he will grow out of, but in time we'll keep him in our prayers that he is feeling better soon!

It wouldn't be a Sinclair....

It wouldn't be a Sinclair if he/she weren't already wrecking havoc in the womb! Pre-term labor with Ben, Cervical Funneling with AJ, and an Incompetent Cervix with #3?!

After a crazy Tuesday of driving all over Northern Virginia it was determined I needed a ceclage put in, and yesterday I headed to Fair Oaks for just that. Let's pray baby stays put for a while and Momma can get around enough to do her daytime job!!

Good news is I was admitted long enough to get my free meal. One thing I am certainly looking forward to when I return next Spring. FOOD PREPARED FOR ME!!!

July 4th Weekend

Seth and I started off our weekend celebrating our 5 year anniversary in the city! We ended up walking the entire city, frequenting new establishments and made a pit stop by District Chophouse for a photo op - our first date! A special thank you to Amanda & Jude for watching the boys while we could enjoy an evening as adults!

Saturday we hit up the Leesburg Animal park. While I regretted not looking for coupons, I admit it was worth the entry fee. Ben had a great time... Feeding animals, tractor ride, and even his first pony ride. I was so proud of him for trying this... all on his own suggestion!

ooops

July 4th started with a trip to the ER for Ben's cough per the doctors request - while he seemed in good spirits he just couldn't kick it. An x-ray revealed a little walking pneumonia, but its nothing that a Popsicle couldn't fix!

The rest of the day we spent trying to beat the heat (and mostly alternating naps from our exhausting weekend). AJ enjoyed his first dip in the sprinkler and seemed to enjoy it.

Nana and Grandpop joined us in the afternoon for a BBQ. Fun was had by all as we lit sparklers from 2007, threw Pop-Its, and watched as the neighbors set off fireworks clearly bought in WV. We'll remember that for next year - we won't have to go far to enjoy the action!

They all came tumbling down...

Last week Ben came down with a nasty stomach bug. We thought we were out of the clear, but AJ caught it yesterday. This is the worst AJ's ever been sick - he could hardly lift his head from the floor yesterday! We ask for your prayers that he stay hydrated as he isn't taking any liquids.

Needless today, we had one positive note today when Ben decided to give AJ a little boost.

Though he still wasn't thrilled about the idea.

Feeding Therapy

Yesterday I took Andrew to a Occupational Therapist to address his feeding issues. With the exception of his thickened bottles he refuses all liquids, purees, and table foods. Based on initial evaluation he was diagnosed with Oropharlngeal Dysphagia. Additional tests will be required, and he is undergoing feeding therapy to address the concerns. Please keep the little guy in your prayers as we'd love for him to enjoy the fine delicacies of pizza, donuts, and Yoo-hoo like the rest of the family.

Quite the Challenge

Today I took Ben to the allergist for a milk challenge. His most recent blood work showed a vast improvement in his allergy so we were eager to get Ben to pass his test!

Unfortunately it required 3 and a half hours in an examining room. The biggest challenge was keeping Ben entertained! We looked at flashcards, colored, played with stickers, watched movies, and read books.

He was such a brave guy, even with the unexpected skin tests.

However, he didn't take well to drinking the milk (no photos of him being strapped down, screaming, while we poured it down his throat) but in the end, he PASSED!! We still need to wait 48 hours before we can introduce dairy but we are hopeful that he will soon integrate back into a normal eating environment in no time!

Move over smoothies, here come milk shakes!!

Update on AJ

Thank you for all the thoughts and wishes this week for AJ. This morning he had his upper endoscopy and we are happy to report that there was no major problems or signs of damage. His biopsy results will be in next week but we do not anticipate any issues there.

AJ was just an angel through the entire procedure and never complained! All the nurses loved him up good!

We are also happy to report that AJ does NOT have the swine flu (not that we ever thought he had it, but since the photo opportunity presented itself...)

AJ is still recovering, we hope he'll be feeling better soon!

This Aint No Mystery Diagnosis

Today Andrew had an Upper GI test performed at Loudoun Hospital to check his digestive track, as he has been suffering terribly since he was born. Poor little guy was so patient - he waited and waited, and after 90 minutes we were seen and he was finally able to eat (after waiting over 5 hours!) It was confirmed that he had above average amount of reflux, and is scheduled for an Upper Endoscopy next Thursday to see what damage has been done. Please keep him in your prayers!

Doctor, Doctor, Give me a Clue

I've got a bad case, of FEARING you!!

Yes, it is true. I'm terrified of the doctor. It doesn't matter if the appointment is for Mommy, Andrew, or just to pick up paperwork. As soon as I stroll through the doors to the doctor's office I tense up!

To prepare for my recent trip to the GI, Mommy got me my very own doctor's kit. I had a great time practicing on my puppy.

And then Mommy practiced on me...

But the true test came when I was eye to eye with the nurse. And this is how I reacted...

Guess practice doesn't make perfect in this case...