One Big Happy Family In Utah: Part way Through!

15 June 2009

Part way Through!

We just got a visit from Dr. Walker, Cole's neurosurgeon. He is wonderful and we adore him. He has such a sweet face and is so dedicated to treating children with hydrocephalus.

He said everything is going as expected. He has finished his initial part of the surgery - Dr. Walker was responsible for removing the skull bone. He said "boy he has a thick skull!" which seems fit right in with both his birth and adopted families. :D

Dr. Siddiqi will now take over to reconstruct Cole's skull. Then Dr. Walker will reconnect Cole's shunt. His shunt valve does not have to be replaced, but recently Cole's shunt catheter (the tube that goes from inside Cole's brain to the valve under his scalp) was recalled by the Manufacturer and so Dr. Walker will replace that at the end of the surgery. Cole is still expected to be in for another 3 or so hours. We will keep updating.

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:: Just the Stats Mam ::

October 2011

- we're gettng bigger and better

Fun Facts Cole

-- Really laughing & squeeling all of the time, and he's cracking us up!

-- Blowing spit bubbles --- constantly. He's still holding on to sucking on his top lip to making this sucking-whistling noise :D

-- Started grinding his teeth, especially when tired and unless distracted, can really go at it for a long intense period of time, needless to say, we constantly finding ways to entertain him

-- Looking around, out windows, at the TV, turning his head to look at different things and people, continuing to focus, although still not tracking.

-- Reaching over to tap people and things

-- Swimming includng holding his head in the water for up to 10 seconds & then he raises his head up

-- Really beginning to sit up on his own, either with crunches while on his back or stretching and using his neck if he's on his tummy!

-- Rolling over all of the time, especially when not buffeted by pillows, dogs, or toys.

-- Using his hands more, mostly to grab his shirt and flash us or use our hands to help pull himself up.

-- Holding up his head when he's in our arms rather than always lay it on our shoulders. {Update, now he really likes to put his head on your shoulder, although he also likes to go up and down to check for sounds}

-- Shunt surgeries [1] Aug 2007, [2] Oct 2007, [3] Jun 2009, [4] Aug 2009, [5] Oct 2009 ... and holding!

Fun Facts: Jace

-- Likes to stand on the stool next to the sink and watch and help Dad cook in the kitchen

-- Loves, loves, loves banana's -- not so crazy about carrots or beans (yet)

-- Loves trains and cars and points them out whereever we go, even when they aren't that apparent.

-- Stiches: 3 (Sep - Eyebrow, playground staircase)

-- Displays invincicable spirit (see above comment)

Fun Facts: Brooklyn

-- Loves new clothes and especially shoes and is not opposed to wearing them withthe store tags or elastics or even on the wrong feet

-- Giving the dogs and cats kisses, right in their faces (the dogs don't mind as much as the cats)

-- Carrying around bags and purses where ever she goes

-- Loves reading and looking through books

:: Things That Make Cole Giggle ... Today ::

Bells, Beans hitting the inside of a big metal bowl, clanking of the silverware on a glass or bowl
New Sounds ... Fireworks - especially the LOUD ones, Tinkling of bells, rattles, rustling or paper and plastic bags, getting ice from freeze --- seriously, they all make me laugh!
Eskimo kisses with Mom
Baths, baths, and more baths
Head massages
Sitting with dad and cheering on the Green Bay Packers or the VICTORIOUS (and did we mention undeafeated SugarBowl Champions) Utah Utes
Tickles on my tummy, legs, arms - just about everywhere
Watching Law & Order with Dad while Mom's at work (I really want to do housework, but Dad won't let us)