Poop Happens

We have been going through Hell with Thomas.  Poor guy has been withholding his stool for weeks.  What I thought was him "ready to move to underwear" was just an unsuspecting constipation and pulling on his diaper.  I potty trained him in a few days, but after refusing to go #2 for several days we knew we were in trouble. 

We've had multiple bowel clean outs, trips to the ER, and an endoscopy too (unrelated to the withholding, but symptomatic of the problem).  We start therapy this week.  

Please say a prayer we get through this period quickly.  Poor baby is back in diapers and completely miserable.

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!

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!!!

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.

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!

When a Good Night Goes Bad

Last night we wanted to take the opportunity to enjoy our last meat-filled Friday for the next couple weeks (or maybe it was because Daddy just really wanted the limited edition Spicy Jalapeno Burger - whatever...) It was our first trip out together as a family and we were going to make it worthwhile!

So, we decided to hit up Red Robin. What better place to see and be seen on a Friday night in Ashburn, really? After all, Red Robin was Addie's post-op restaurant of choice, and was Elly's first adventure out with her family too.

Dinner was fun, I enjoyed my balloon and coloring. However on the trip home my night took a turn for the worst! I got sick in the car - my first time throwing up. I think Mommy was more upset then I was (Daddy hopes it was her hormones). Needless to say, the rest of the evening was a rough one - I spent a good deal with Dad in the bathtub until I finally passed out.

I managed to sleep through the night without too much complaint. So far I'm having a good morning dancing to the Doodlebops! Please keep the family in your prayers that we all stay healthy (especially my tiny brother, AJ!)

He takes after me....

When Mommy was 30 weeks pregnant with me she was admitted to the hospital for pre-term labor. Thankfully I was smart enough to stay put and we were released after one night of monitoring.





Is history repeating itself? Last Thursday at Mommy's ultrasound the radiologist discovered cervical funneling and we were rushed to L&D. Everything turned out to be okay, although Mommy is on modified bed rest for a few weeks and has to limit picking me up when possible. At least she got a lunch out of the deal....

Get Well Daddy!

Daddy's flu took a turn for the worst and turned in to pneumonia over the week. We have had to keep our distance, and me and mommy miss him a lot.


Yesterday, to escape the germs, Mommy and I went to The Enchanted Forest in Reston. I got to see a model train (which I loved), Christmas Carolers, Christmas trees, gingerbread houses, and lots more.

Unfortunately Mommy deleted all the pictures by accident so there is no living proof that we actually went.... So instead I've included photos of a recent trip to see Mr. Knick Knack at the mall for your enjoyment.

Pray for Owen & Addison!

Please keep Addison and Owen in your thoughts today! Addison underwent surgery today to have her tear duct opened and Owen is at the hospital for an observation after a high fever and scare last night. I'm thinking of you, buddies!!

Good News!

So this morning I had to go back to Loudoun Hospital for a repeat endoscopy to check the status of my ulcer. Boooo!!!

The outcome? The ulcer is completely gone and my tummy looks fantastic!! That's right, whose your baby now???

I was so happy with the news by the time I got home I was back to my silly self, doing summersaults on the floor. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers everyone!

Pray for Allie!

Pray for little Allie as she prepares for her surgery this morning to fix her clogged tear ducts. We love you and hope all goes smoothly!!

Pray for Addison

Little Addison had to go to the hospital today to have tubes put in her ears. We hope all goes smoothly and we're thinking of you!!

Pray for Ben!

Hello all! For those of you who did not know, I had an upper endoscopy this morning to check out the status of my reflux. It turns out I have an ulcer (even more evidence I am an OLD MAN) but it definitely explains the pain I have been suffering the past 8 months. They had to admit me to to the hospital for treatment, and we'll be there until the end of this week. Say some prayers I have a quick recovery.... Hopefully I'll be back to my crazy self in no time and will be blogging next week! :-)