Family Events

My Appendix

2008-07-26T11:16:00.001-07:00

O.k. so I had my appendix out on July 10th. I know a lot of you have heard, but thought I'd share the story so if anyone ever has these symptoms they know to go to the ER.

On Thursday July 10th I went to work as normal. Getting out of my car at around 8:15 I noticed a cramp, but being a woman didn't think much of it. At 9am I was sitting in a meeting and turned to a co-worker, Lisa, and told her I didn't feel so well. After that meeting, 9:30ish I tried to sit and work but was in a LOT of pain. I took a few midol, only thing I had, and made a bee-line for the wellness room....a room most people use to pump, but it also for times like these :)

I felt like I couldn't walk and broke out into a sweat and called Bill and told him he had to come get me. Bill didn't even question it, jumped in his car and 25 minutes later he picked me up. By this time my entire stomach hurt, like very, very bad gas pain, only worse. I asked Bill to bring me home and I went and laid down and slept until 2.

When I woke up the pain was much better, but had settled to one spot on my right side. I tried to self-diagnose myself (not a good idea by the way!) and determined I probably had a kidney stone or something. Or really bad gas and the lingering pain was just left over. I called my co-worker Lisa who was skeptical and on her urging and Bill's urging I called my doctor who was able to see me at 4:30. She listed to my symptoms and in 5 minutes flat sent me to the ER.

There they took a CT scan of my belly (after making me drink a huge barium drink that had to sit for 2 hours!). My pain was pretty minimal so I really felt like I was wasting everyone's time and told Bill I just wanted to go home. He talked me into staying and I said I would provided he brought the kids home and put them to bed (no need for everyone to be upset over this whole thing). This whole time I thought it was nothing. At 9:30 the results came back and the doctor came in and told me it was indeed appendicitis and that they had a surgeon there and they would like to operate immediately!

When I asked if I could call my husband, they said of course and then with a worried look they asked, do you want to wait for him before we operate??? I asked if they would recommend that, and they said if you won't go in without him we'll wait, but we don't recommend it. So Bill stayed home w/ the kids and I got wheeled into surgery. Luckily I only remember being wheeled out of my room and then waking up in my recovery room.... so that wasn't bad!

They let me go the next day. I have been home recovering ever since, however yesterday had a few sharp pains and called my doctor who advised me to take it easier. I'm going back to work this Monday, but for 4 more weeks am not allowed to do any type of stressful work out or lift anything over 15lbs, which is hard w/ Brodin :(

Anyway.. that is the scoop. And if you ever notice all-over tummy pain and then it gets much better w/ slight paid on your right side please go to the ER!

Ali

Pictures from Animal Kingdom

2008-07-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Finally... pictures from Disney!!! Animal Kingdom was by far my favorite park and I wish we would have had time to go there two days. I will post pictures from the other parks in a few weeks or so.

Lots of Educational Excitement!!

2008-06-23T07:18:00.001-07:00

Keegan started his jump start to kindergarten program on Thursday and he loves his new teacher, Mrs. Martinez. He asks every day if tomorrow is school and jumps up and down with excitement when I say yes. It is Mon through Fri from 8 to noon through the end of July.

I finished my masters and graduated w/ honors. I'm very glad I got my masters but am also very glad I'm done with it!

We are gearing up for fall when Bill starts his nursing clinicals and Keegan starts full-day kindergarten.

The Disney Trip Was Fantastic

2008-06-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Disney World!!!! I will upload all the pics I can soon, but here are two good ones.

Crazy Winter Storm

2008-02-06T12:17:00.001-08:00

So here in Milwaukee we are having a crazy winter snow storm. South milwaukee/Racine area, closer to the lake is getting hit the worst, and thats right where we are!!! Its been snowing since last night, schools are closed, our work is closed (BTW- I love snow days!) We've gotten a lot already and another foot projected!!!! Its just crazy!!!

While Brodin was napping Keegan, Bill and I braved the snow to shovel and throw a few snowballs. I had to take pics because the snow drifts were almost higher than our mailbox and Keegan climbed right up. I can't imagine what its going to look like after another 12 inches. Here are some fun pics:

Back from the dead

2008-02-01T21:06:00.000-08:00

Yes.... I know its been forever since I posted anything on the blog. Here are some cute pics of the boys to appease everyone! Life has been very busy.... after my last masters class is done I'm hoping I'll have more time for keeping this updated way more often. For now I'm shooting for monthly!

Great News!!!

2007-11-26T11:14:00.000-08:00

Keegan's CT Scan today showed that they cyst has resolved by itself. So we have avoided surgery!!!!! My hope is that his shunt lasts for years and years and he needs no surgery for a long, long time.

Our Trip to the Zoo!!!!

2007-07-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

Check out this conversation with Keegan,

Me to Keegan "Wow, Keegan look at those boa constrictors, they sure are moving around"

Keegan gets right up to the glass, "Yeah mommy look at them"

Me to Keegan "Aren't you scared they could get you"

Keegan "No"

Me to Keegan "Let me take a picture of you with the snakes"

Keegan "But mom they aren't smiling"

Keegan to the snakes, "Please smile my mom wants to take our picture"

Summer Fun!!!!

2007-07-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

Keegan's been having fun pretending to be spider man. Yesterday I brought him to the office and he proceeded to "web" everyone in site. Brodin had smiles for everyone, but refused to leave my arms. The weird thing is that I drove the boys home at around 6, they both fell asleep in the car and slept straight through to this morning. I kept checking on them and finally woke Brodin up at 10 to get him to eat but he went right back to sleep after. So all night it was weird, kind of like, what did I do before kids?? I snuggled with the pup, did the dishes, hung a few pictures, did some work, did some homework, watched a show and did some laundry and still felt like I had time left over that I didn't know what to do with!!!

Anyway, here are some very cute pics taken by Becky from July 4th when we all went swimming. Enjoy!

Hi Annie!!

2007-06-30T20:29:00.001-07:00

Annie just arrived from MN, here is a picture of her arrival. (note: Helen and Joe just got wireless high speed internet and commented that I don't update the blog enough so these fun posts are for you!)

Brodin's Army Crawl

2007-06-30T20:23:00.001-07:00

This video is already a little dated. It is from May 12th when Brodin was doing his very funny looking army crawl. Brodin is now crawling pretty fast on all fours, cruising nicely on furniture and his new trick (starting just yesterday) is being able to stand by himself for about a minute without falling. I'll try to catch a video of that.

At Brodin's 9 month appointment he was 21 1/2 lbs and 28 inches. Enjoy!

Grandma Sluis with Brodin

2007-06-30T20:00:00.001-07:00

Here is a cute picture of Grandma Sluis with Brodin at 7 months!!

Hi Michelle!!!

2007-06-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday J.R.!!!

2007-06-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, my little brother turned 27 today.....

Happy B-day Bro!!!

SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT!!!

2007-05-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

Its been busy here, sorry for not posting. Brodin is officially crawling and pulling up to standing and Keegan is having fun "sharing" his toys.

Keegan's face on a pin toy

And, Brodin Standing!!!!

2007-03-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

Brodin is pretty much crawling. It is an army crawl but he can get accross the room in a flash. It is so cute, I've been trying to catch it on video and will upload it once I get it. Meanwhile here is a cute pic of Brodin in his new Monkey shorts.

And Keegan has been feeling really well. His last CAT scan showed that there has been no growth in the cyst so it appears we were wise to wait it out. He has another follow up in 9 months. Here he is in his firefighter outfit from mom. He loves it.

Brodin's 6-month and Keegan's Eye follow-up

2007-03-05T19:21:00.000-08:00

Our baby Brodin had his 6-month check-up today. If I'm remembering correctly he weighed in at 18lbs 12oz and was 27 1/2 inches. He can sit up on his own for about a minute and is super close to being able to crawl. He is saying da-da-da-da and Keegan loves to make him laugh.

Keegan also had an eye appointment today. We got some disappointing news. He still has no depth perception and the doctor said at this point if he hasn't gotten back he never will have it. Also, his eye prescription got a little worse so he will have cute new glasses in a week or so.

Here are some pics from the past few weeks. Enjoy!

Brodin

2007-02-05T18:46:00.000-08:00

So Brodin has started eating babyfood. We are only giving him a little each day to get him used to it. I've also decided to make all of Brodin's babyfood myself which has been suprisingly easier than I thought it would be. He also is talking a bit more and is getting more mobile. He now uses rolling to get where he needs to be. He is getting so big!!!

Welcome to the World!!!!

2007-02-05T18:41:00.000-08:00

One of my best friends, Kathy, had her baby last week. Little Kylie weighed in at 5lbs 14oz. (I think that is right). It was so fun visiting them and fun to hold such a little baby again.

Being Lazy

2007-01-15T08:20:00.000-08:00

Yes folks I'm being lazy. I have lots of cute new pics and even a cute new video, but not really in the mood to upload everything... so you will just have to wait in anticipation.

Brodin had his first taste of food a few days ago. We gave him gerber's rice cereal. He ate about a small baby foods jar worth, pretty good for the first time. We haven't tried again since. We figure he doesn't have to be on solids until 6 months so we are just easing in. He seems to love food just like his brother!

Paul and Aushima came over for dinner a couple of days ago. We had yummy Thai food. Aushima left on Saturday for India. She will be gone 2 months and will be dearly missed!!!

Beth and I got together yesterday and we made "booby bead" type necklaces... check out what I'm referred to here: http://www.boobybeads.com/

Cute Keegan Quote of the Week: "Mommy I need a Kleenex because my nose is running away again"

We just got about 6 inches of snow here.... I just saw our neighbor outside and he snow-blowed our side walk.. Thanks Bill!! (this is our neighbors name, not referring to hubby Bill).

Bill and I are finally off together tonight. We still need to open our Christmas gifts from Aunt Ann... I'm thinking tonight may be a good night for that.

I hope everyone it doing well!!!

General Update

2007-01-08T07:14:00.000-08:00

I've been sick the past week with a bad cold... actually it was probably the flu. I felt terrible on Tuesday, then felt a little better by Friday, but yesterday I again felt terrible and finally just decided to camp out at home for the day. I'm still sick today, but I think it is going away.

Bill and I got our grades from last semester. Bill got an A in his Anatomy class. I got an A in Adv. Corporate tax and a B+ in my partnership taxation class. It is my first B, but honestly I deserved B since I didn't study as hard as I would have liked to given having a new baby, the holidays, starting back at work and what was going on with Keegan. Bill and I are both only taking one class each this semester so it should be less stressful.

Keegan is doing just awesome. Next week he gets to be the star of the week at his pre-school. I'm not sure all that entails, but I'm sure I'll hear all about it. He is super excited. Brodin is also doing well. After waking up at night the last few weeks he let us sleep last night.... what a good baby!

I hope everyone had a very happy holiday!

Christmas Videos

2007-01-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a cute Christmas video. My camera only records in 3 minute increments... the second video is just a continuation of the first.

Keegan and Me

2007-01-06T07:21:00.000-08:00

at Kathy's baby shower on Dec. 30...

GOOD NEWS!!!!

2007-01-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

Keegan's upcoming surgery was canceled. Keegan is doing really well and his MRI this month looked exactly the same as the MRI taken in early December so the doctors think we can hold of on surgery as long as it remains stable and as long as Keegan looks good. We have a CT scheduled for two months from now to check the size of his ventricles.

I know the issue is still there but if we can avoid surgery it is a happy day!!! Thanks for everyone's thoughts, I'll be uploading more pics and a video or two later today.

Thanks Everyone!!!

2007-01-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

Keegan and Brodin had a very nice Christmas thanks to all our family and friends. Thanks for making this year so special!!! Here are some various pics from Christmas.

Partial MRI Results

2006-12-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone, Keegan had his MRI on Friday and we finally got a call late today w/ some partial results. I talked to the physician's assistant, not the nuerosurgeon as he was too busy. Sometimes the PA gives inaccurate info so I'll update again after I speak w/ the nuerosurgeon (hopefully tomorrow).

Anyway, they determined that Keegan does have a cyst in his left ventricle. Currently he is shunted on the right side. The PA said that in his opinion Keegan will need surgery to take care of the cyst, but it is not an emergancy at this time. They did a stealth series during the MRI to get a very detailed picture of the left ventricular area. The doctor has unfortunatly not been able to review those results. The PA said they are trying to determine whether or not they can go in endoscopically and try to drain/puncture the cyst or whether Keegan will need another shunt to go into that area.

That is all we know. My hope is that he won't need another shunt and that the surgery can wait until after the holidays. The nuerosurgeon is going to try to review the stealth series results tonight or tomorrow and the PA said we may not hear back until Wednesday. Also if they can't see what they want to see from the MRI Keegan may need to have further tests done before they determine what the next steps should be.

Here's a video as promised

2006-12-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

Here is a video from last week of Brodin trying to roll over. The little stinker is much better and faster at it now.

Keegan's MRI

2006-12-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

Keegan's MRI on Friday morning went very well. Keegan was scared but brave. Luckily it only took one try to get his IV in. They put him to sleep since the MRI took a little less than an hour. He as a little loopy after he woke up and couldn't walk straight for a few hours. We got to the hospital at 7:30 and were released less than 2 hours later.

We still don't have results and are hoping to hear tomorrow (Monday). I will try to update the blog as soon as we hear. In the mean time Keegan is feeling very well. He is in a great mood and hasn't been sick since last weekend so I'm hopeful that whatever they saw on the CT scan last weekend resolved on its own. Here is a very cute video of Keegan from tonight.

Santa Pics

2006-12-10T20:26:00.000-08:00

Keegan and Brodin got to meet Santa. Keegan told Santa that he wanted a Great Big Snowball for Christmas. When Santa told him that was up to the weather man, Keegan told him he wanted a fire truck.

Annie Meets Brodin

2006-12-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

Aunt Annie didn't get to meet Brodin until Thanksgiving.. here is the first pic I've captured of the two of them:

Now for some good news

2006-12-06T07:19:00.000-08:00

Brodin started rolling over from his back to his tummy this weekend! He is getting so big so fast. I'll try to capture it on video for you guys.

Not such good news

2006-12-06T07:16:00.000-08:00

Keegan has been acting a little funny this week and then on Monday night he threw up so we took him in for a CT scan yesterday. Thankfully he doesn't have a shunt blockage (YAY!) but he does have an abnormal accumulation of fluid in one of his ventricles. The nuero said it is either a cyst or some tissue mishealed after the last set of revisions and walled off a part of the ventricle. So he is getting an MRI on Friday morning so they can see that section of the brain more clearly. In all liklihood he'll need surgery to break that membrane, but at least it isn't an emergency.

I'll try to update this blog as soon as we get the MRI results. The MRI is on Friday at 7:30 a.m. and he'll need to be sedated. Luckily Joe and Helen are coming up to watch Brodin so we can take Keegan in for the test. Keegan has Pizza w/ Santa today at school so I'll be sure to send some pics later today.

This weeks events

2006-11-29T21:59:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. With the crazy Christmas holiday, me starting work again and final exams to study for I'm probably not going to be blog posting much over the next 3 weeks. But rest assured that I'll get back into the swing of things once things are a little less crazy.

For everyone's enjoyment here is Brodin showing off his new dalmation print diaper!

Brodin's Bumbo

2006-11-23T22:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a pic of Brodin in his Bumbo seat... a great invention!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

2006-11-23T22:11:00.000-08:00

Our family wishes you a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful to have such great and special family and friends!

A little fun

2006-11-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

So it is a lazy Saturday today. Bill has off which is unusual but very nice since we get to spend some family time together. Brodin "discovered" his feet today and he just keeps staring at them, it is so cute. Here is an adorable video

Keegan and Brodin

2006-11-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

I tried to get a new pic of the boys together... it didn't turn out too great, but here it is

Bye Grandma Bonzi!!!

2006-11-16T08:08:00.000-08:00

Well my mom, aka Grandma Bonzi, visited this past weekend. We all had lots of fun. She was able to give me more sewing tips and for the first time I attempted to sew using a pattern. I did a purse and unfortunatly I sewed the bottom of the purse (an oval) the wrong way so it really isn't working as planned. I'm discovering that you need a lot of patience to learn how to sew...

Here is a cute pic of Brodin and Cathi.

Did you know??

2006-11-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

Today is the anniversary of Bill and I's first date, 12 years ago!!!!!! We are doing really well. Bill got a 100% on his mid-term exam and was accepted into the clinical program, he officially starts clinicals in late August 2007. It will take him 21 months to finish the program, then he'll be an RN!

My masters classes are kicking my butt. I'm doing well in them, but man it is a lot of work. I almost took 3 classes and Bill talked me into taking only 2, boy am I glad I listened. I'm trying to get ahead since I start work in 13 days.

Brodin weighed in at 14lbs, 14.5 oz at his 2 month check-up. The kid is huge!

Keegan's neuro follow-up appointment went well and provided there are no shunt blockages they don't need to see him for another year. And he is now officially daytime potty trained, there are still a few accidents a week, but not too shabby.

A really cute video of Keegan and Brodin

2006-11-09T11:08:00.001-08:00

Dad and JRs Visit

2006-11-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

JR left on Thursday and Dad left on Friday. I accidently deleted some really cute pictures of JR and I and Dad and Brodin (I was clicking too fast, arghhh!) But I did manage to properly download a really cute one of JR with Brodin. This was taken right before he left for the airport. We'll miss you Uncle Rob!!!!!!!!!!!

Some new pics!!!

2006-11-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

Here is one of Keegan in his new spiffy coat sent by Aunt Carolyn. Thanks!!!!

Here is one of Brodin trying to do a push up and another of him smiling... too cute!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2006-10-31T11:00:00.000-08:00

Keegan had a great halloween. He and Brodin were matching jack-o-lanterns. See the cute pictures!!! Keegan loved trick-or-treating and loved the candy. Dad gave out candy, he didn't need a costume (hee, hee) and uncle Rob was here visiting too. We also went to a pumpkin farm at Apple Holler with Helen and Joe. It's been a busy weekend!

Captured a Brodin Smile!

2006-10-31T10:59:00.000-08:00

Mom would be sooo proud of me......

2006-10-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I dusted off the sewing machine and actually tried (tried being the key word) to sew something. I just wanted to sew some flannel cloth wipes, should be easy right?

It took me 3 hours (not exaggerating) to figure out on my own how to create a bobbin, thread the bobbin and thread the top part of the thread (spool right?). Apparently I can read, analyze and write a detailed tax research memo about some of the most complex sections of the federal and state tax code, but I can't figure out a Brother's sewing machine instruction booklet.

Finally after I threaded the machine I had to start cutting the flannel. So, how exactly do you cut straight? I can't seem to figure that one out. I got it close, but my original 8x8 inch square is now 8 inch by 7 1/4 inches.

My sew line was not even close to straight... and I used about 10 different stiches. At least this is cheap fabric. So my 5 hours of work produced one uneven, interestingly sewn, flannel cloth wipe. Not bad eh?

We are cloth diapering!

2006-10-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

OMG, yes you heard that right! Brodin had a never ending diaper rash. I tried tons of different diaper creams, even prescription ones. A fellow mom friend of mine recommended that it may be the disposable diapers I am using so I tried a few brands to no avail. I posted on the babycenter message board re: this never ending issue and a girl posted back that I should try to use cloth diapers because they breathe better. I told her she was nuts. I could never dunk a diaper in the toilet or put a pin near my baby's bottom and she told me new cloth diapers don't have pins, they are super soft microfleece and dunking nowadays isn't required sooo I took a look, bought one diaper, then I was hooked!

Brodin's rash has improved dramatically, the diapers are super cute and easy to clean. As an added bonus I'm saving money and preventing a lot of waste, but really it is all about the cute, softer than soft diapers. They are so super soft that I don't even like disposables anymore. If I had known it was so easy I would have done the same with Keegan, wished I would have known since it would have saved me a ton plus they are more fun. If you have to spend your money on something, why not spend it on something a bit more fun hey?

I swear I'm not weird and I'm not trying to create a movement, I just feel like I found a better way. My favorite brand so far is called BumGenius!, they are sold by Cottonbabies at www.cottonbabies.com, check out their blog if you are interested: Cotton Babies Cloth Diapers Blog: People still use cloth diapers

I'll post some pics of his new dipes soon.

Ali

Funny Keegan Commentary

2006-10-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

O.k. so this weekend Keegan and I were driving over to a friends house. I had just finished asking him if he remembered what city he lived in, what city grandma lived in, etc. when we passed a McDonalds. He looked at it and said, "Mom... oooohhh that's a Mcdonalds" and I said "yep" and he said "That's where chicken mcnuggets live". Too Cute!!!

Keegan's Potty Trained... Well Almost !

2006-10-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

After months of bribing Keegan is finally using the Potty!! (can you tell this is a mom's blog?) Here is a cute pic. of him, we can save this to show to his future girlfriends! We aren't completely there yet, but we are close!

And here is the video.. sorry if it does not work its my first try

2006-10-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

2006-10-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

So Brodin turned 2 months on Friday. In honor of this I took some new pics and a video. I'm going to do my best to upload them here... gotta try to figure it out. Here goes....

Welcome to our new blog!!

2006-10-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

O.k. having learned more about blogging I have decided that I'm not a huge fan of myspace and like blogger much better. So I am jumping ship! From here on out our family events will be posted here so family and friends who aren't near can keep up with current happenings! Also, you can post comments to any posting we write, a good way to keep in touch.