Boston's Coat's Disease Story

In August 2017 we were getting the kids ready to start school,  Kinzlie was going to be in Kindergarten and Boston was going to be in preschool. I decided to take them both into the eye doctor for a routine check up. My mom and sister had both made comments about Boston possibly having a lazy eye, and telling me his left eye wasn't tracking the way it should. I didn't think anything of these comments but thought I would take him in anyway.
When we got to the optometrist he did the normal eye test and noticed that when Boston covered his right eye he couldn't see anything. So, he decided to take some pictures of the inside of Boston's eyes. His right eye looked normal but when he showed me the picture of his left eye it looked like someone had spilt oatmeal all over the screen. It didn't look anything like an eye and it was at this point the doctor told me something was wrong with his left eye. He didn't know exactly what was wrong because he had never seen anything like this before. The doctor set us up with another team of doctors in Ogden. He said they would hopefully know what was happening and told us worse case scenario was cancer.  My heart sunk. I didn't want to believe that my perfect little boy had anything wrong with him, let alone cancer. I was praying constantly until the next day when we went to the next doctor's appointment in Ogden.
The doctor's in Ogden did quite a few more tests with Boston and took more pictures of his eyes. At the end of our appointment they didn't have any answers for us and made us an appointment with some of the best ophthalmologist at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. The week between these two appointments was one of the worst weeks of my life. I couldn't stop my mind from jumping to the worst possible scenarios for my sweet boy. 

By the time we got to Primary Children's Hospital I was a wreck. Jordan and I didn't say anything to anyone about this situation, especially the kids. We didn't want them to worry so we were putting on a brave face for them. 
The first doctor we saw at Primary Children's Hospital was Dr. Robert Hoffman who is the Chief of the Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Eye Muscle Disorders at Primary Children's Hospital. He and his team did more test and took more pictures and scans of Boston's eye. At the end of the day he said he thought he knew what was wrong but wanted a second opinion before he said anything to us. He then called Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hartnett who is a doctor of ophthalmology and vitreoretinal surgeon at the Moran Eye Center. She took a look at all of the test and was able to confirm that Boston has Coat's Disease which is a rare eye disorder involving abnormal development of blood vessels in the retina. This was such great news for us. We were so relieved that it wasn't cancer and that we finally knew what it was and had a coarse of action to help Boston. 
At this point the doctor's set up a time to do some treatments on Boston's eye while he was under anesthesia. He has had laser treatments, a Vitrectomy (surgical procedure undertaken by a specialist where the vitreous humor gel that fills the eye cavity is removed to provide better access to the retina), and a few other procedures done to help stabilize and preserve his left eye. He will always be blind in his left eye but we are hoping to be able to keep his eye out of pain so that it won't have to be removed and replace with a prosthetic eye. He will also always have to wear non prescription glasses to protect his right eye (which currently has perfect vision). If anything were to happen to his right eye he would be left completely blind so we are taking every precaution to prevent that from happening.
Boston had an appointment with Dr. Hartnett this past week and we were told that his eye is stable and the retina is mostly attached which is a good sign. Boston does have a cataract on his left eye but since he doesn't have vision in that eye they aren't currently worried about having it removed. If it become painful for him or makes it difficult for the doctor's to see into the back of the eye then he might have to have surgery to have it removed. His next appointment will be with Dr. Hoffman in June for another check up.
Boston is such a strong little man. He has never once complained about his eye and has never let it slow him down. He has most likely lived his whole life with vision in only one eye and has never known anything different. He is getting so good and sitting still during his appointments and is a pro. getting eye drops put in his eyes. 
We are so grateful that we caught this when we did and are so blessed to live so close to such great doctor's who can help Boston. 

Jordan is now working as a solar electrician for CR Solar (a branch of CR Lighting and Electric). He has been mostly working in Idaho which makes for really long days. He is currently working on becoming worthy to baptize Kinzlie in November. Jordan is such a hard worker and has also done a full renovation on our kitchen on top of his 4-5 hour daily commute and long work days.
These days I'm just living the Mom dream. I do work at Kohl's a few times a week but mostly I am taking care of the kiddos, with 2 different schools and multiple after school activities this keeps me pretty busy. I also enjoy shopping, crafting, and hanging out with friends (those girls nights are sure good for the soul). Jordan and I are the building lock up specialist for our church and I also design the Relief Society Newsletters once a month.
Kinzlie is really excelling in the first grade Spanish Dual Immersion program at Bridger Elementary School. She gets to learn from an English speaking teacher in the mornings and in the afternoon she has a different teacher that speaks only Spanish. She also enjoys dancing, playing piano, and tumbling each week.
Boston is in his final year of preschool at Wee Friends Preschool. He is starting to blend sounds together and read a little bit on his own. He just finished his first season of basketball and he absolutely loved it. He is such a tender soul and loves helping me.
Creed just turned 2 in October and gets to stay at home with me full time. He is a wild child for sure but he's so cute you can't help but laugh. He definitely keeps us on our toes these days. We have him enrolled in the 'Up to 3' program to help with his speech a little bit. He is catching on to a lot of the things we say and is learning more and more each day.

 

In 2018 we were also able to do a lot of traveling and fun little road trips. We made it to 2 different countries and 10 different states. We also got to go to Disneyland and Disney on Ice. We are hoping to be able to see a few more states this year and go on some more fun adventures together as a family.

Creed Wheeler's Birth Story

On Wednesday, October 12 2016 I had my routine doctor's appointment, the only difference was I would be getting my membranes stripped at this appointment.  This was a big deal because I had my membranes stripped with my otger children and it lead to a fairly quick delivery in both cases so, we had a pretty goo idea that Creed would be born fairly soon after. My membranes were stripped at around 3:45pm and I was sitting at 3.5 cm dialated and 75% effaced. We had everything in place to had a baby that night. Emma was all set to watch the kids, bags were packed, and the car seat was in the car. We headed home, started cleaning and waited for my body to do what it needed to.
Around 9pm my contractions were picking Emma and we were waiting for them to get a little stronger when all of the sudden we get a text from Emma telling us she was at the hospital with galstons. We called up Denise and she rushed right over to watch the kids. By this time my contractions were very regular and getting stronger. We got in the car as soon as Denise arrived and headed to the hospital.
We got to the hospital at 11:30pm, I was checked and at 4cm dialated and 80% effaced so my doctor decided to break my water. After that my contractions got a lot stronger and closer together. I asked for Fentinal for pain relief but that disnt do much, if anything at all, so I asked for the epidural. My epidural was in at 12:50 and after that I was feeling a lot better☺.
I was checked again at 1:07am and had already made it to 6cm, and by 2:00am I was fully dialated and ready to push. My doctor, Kimberly McCullouch, was called in, I pushed for about 2 minutes, and Creed was born at 2:08am on Thursday, October 13th, 2016. He weighed in at 6lbs 7oz and 19 inches long (my smallest baby). He has a fairly bald, perfectly round little head and is a very content little man. He nursed easily right after delivery and seems to be doing great. The nurses, doctor and even the photographer and said that he was perfect and beautiful. They were all very impressed by how good his color was and how well mannered he was for being freshly born.
I am absolutely smitten with my little man and I am so grateful that he made such a smooth entrance into the world. I cant wait until Kinzlie and Boston get to meet their new little brother because I know they will adore him as much as I do.

Side notes: week 36 1.5cm 70% effaced
                     Week 37 3cm 70%
                     Week 38 3.5cm 75%
                      Born at 38w6d (8 days before due date of October 21st)
                     Total weight gain during pregnancy: 16lbs (Yay!)

Baby Boy Allen- Pregnancy Update

Today I had my final ultrasound to track baby boy's growth and development. He is definitely still a boy, weighs about 5lbs 4oz and had a heartbeat of 155bpm. He is in the 34th percentile and right on track. I figured since I'm nearing my due date I might as well fill out a pregnancy questionair so, here it is:
How far along are you: 35 weeks
Total weight gain: 14lbs
Maternity clothes: yes
Food Cravings: peaches and mexican food
Labor signs: pressure in hips but no contractions or braxton hicks
Wedding ring on/off? On :)
Happy or Moody: I say pretty happy but Jordan might disagree
-I have noticed that my 'pregnancy brain' has been a lot worse this go 'round.
-We are pretty set on the name Creed Wheeler Allen
-Nesting hasn't quite set in yet but I think it's because I am in disbelief of how far along I am, and how fast this pregnancy has flown by!
-We still need to set up his nursery and pack our hospital bags

Baby Allen #3

This little one is 18 weeks old today. He/She is due October 21st, 2016 and we all couldn't be more excited!
Unfortunately, today we had a little bit of a scare. I had been bleeding foe about 24 hours so we decided to go to the doctor. We were told that it doesn't look like anything serious but I do need to be extra careful for the next couple of weeks. The blood supposedly came from a blood vessel on my placenta that had burst and was bleeding. We were all very happy to hear that nothing major was wrong. I am glad that my little baby is growing stronger every day!
Next week we get to do a 3d ultra sound and find out the gender. Jordan, Boston and I are wanting a boy. Kinzlie of coarse wants a little baby sister who she can name 'Krystilla'. Either way we are all just excited to meet our new addition in October.

Update

So every so often I get an inch to make a blog post and today is one of those times  :) I have decided to do a little update of our family, life, and what has been going on lately. 

Let's start with the man of the house, Jordan. He is currently working at Weber State doing some electrical work for CR lighting and Electric. He is currently applying for a new job at Herff Jones. His dad told him about the job a few weeks ago, he has turned in his resume and is now just waiting for the interview. I am hoping that he gets the job because it will be closer to home and he will be making more money. 

I am still a stay at home mom and loving it! I also work at Kohls a few days a week which is fun. Lately I have been trying to get all of our new schedules figured out so that we can start the new school year off with a bang!

Kinzlie is now 3 years old (46 months). She will be starting sunbeams, dance, music, and pre school this year. She is so excited and can hardly wait for all of her activities to start. She also loves to drive past her pre school and check it out. She loves performing and is always singing, dancing or attempting to play the piano. It's especially funny when she says ,"and now for the finale!!" She is so full of life and is such a little comedian. Kinzlie loves tellin jokes and playing with her my little pony toys. She is such a great big sister and loves helping momma with baby boston. 

Boston is now 1 1/2 (20 months). He will be starting nursery, and music class this fall. He does really well in nursery which makes my job a lot easier. This will be his second year in music class and he seemed to really enjoy it last year so I'm hoping it will go well this year too. He is such a funny kids and a quick little learner. He did resently get tested for a little speech delay but he tested average or above average in all areas of the test. He loves reading books and playing with his toy cars. He is also really good at throwing balls (and toys). Boston can say book, up, please stop, snack, momma, dadda, sissy, no, go, shoe, and hat. He is learning new words every day and we couldn't be prouder of him. 

Well that's all for out little family update. Hopefully it won't be too long before the next one :) 

P.S. This past month we also had to get rid of our family pet Korona. It was hard and we still miss her every day but I think she is doing better now with a family that has more time for her. 

Boston's First Roll

Today Boston rolled over for the first time!! I laid him on his belly for tummy time and he rolled from his belly to his back. So, when daddy came home I laid him on his belly to see if he would do it again and he did! I was even able to get a video of it :) I couldn't be happier! 

Memorial Day Weekend

This year we lucked out for Memorial Day weekend because Jordan got a four day weekend instead of just 3 (he's working 4 tens so they get Fridays off). We took advantage of the four day weekend by runnin errands, being outside, and spending time with friends and family. 

On Friday we went on got new tires on the truck. While there I accidentally locked Boston and my car keys in the car (worst mom ever goes to me;(!!) . So, we had to call the police to come unlock the car but there was an accident that dat and that we're all the cops were. Luckily Jordan is really handy and had his tools with him so he was able to unlock the door before the police even got there. I was so heart broken And felt so bad but, thankfully Boston was ok. He was a little pink and sweaty but nothing too serious. I am so thankful for Jordan and the police for helping me and Boston! Later that day we sold the truck to some guys in Wyoming, had some dinner and called it a night. 

On Saturday we had a full day of shopping :) We went to, what feels like, every store in the valley! We bought ammo, fishing poles, clothes, a weed wacker, and toys for the kids. Over all it was a pretty good day but we were exhausted and so were the kids :)

Sunday we had a big cookout with Brent, spencer, Trissa and Taylor. We had it at our house and enjoyed steaks, Dutch oven veggies and potatoes, rolls, and Dutch oven peach cobbler with ice cream. It was so yummy and fun to hang out with family. After dinner we headed to Hastings to rent a movie where we ran into Trissa bad spencer. We rented the monuments men and bought brave for kinzlie. Then, we headed home, had a movie night, and went to bed. 

Monday, which was Memorial Day, we tried to fit in as much as we could. We started the day off by taking the kids to Trissa's house so she could watch them while we tested and signed up for kubex fitness center. We loved it and can't wait to start up in September! Then we picked up the kids, headed home and took a shower. After that we went and got some lunch, had a little picnic at the park, and took kinzlie to the little carnival there. She played in the bouncy castle and rode a couple little roller coasters. She had a ball! Then I went to my hair appointment while Jordan went shooting with his friend at Al's and Trissa came over to watch the kids. Jordan got done shooting and came home but I was still at my hair appointment. It took a lot longer than I was expecting but what can you do? The kids were in bed when I got home so Jordan and I had some dinner and called it a night. 

We had an awesome Memorial Day weekend and we are so grateful for the men and women who fight for our freedom. God bless America!

Kinzlie at 29 months

Kinzlie has such a funny cute little personality! She is a ball full of energy and definitely keeps me on my toes. She is going to gymnastics once a month and  she absolutely loves it! She does so good  and is making some new friends too. 

-she weighs 34 pounds

-she calles everything "cute little" I.e. She asked me to get her a tissue for her ute little booger. Then, the other day she was using the vacuum tube as a cute little shooting gun

-she loves showing off her gymnastics tricks for friends and family 

-we watch frozen music videos on YouTube almost daily and she is getting really good at singing the songs (especially 'do you want to build a snowman' and 'let it go')

-she loves going on walks an runnig errands with momma 

-her favorite color is pink

-she is getting pretty good at her colors, shapes, and counting 

-she is still taking naps daily which I am very grateful for :)

-she is obsessed with buzz lightyear and takes him with her all the time

Boston at 2/3 months

My little guy is getting bigger and bigger every day! I am happy that he is healthy abs growing but in sad that he's not a tiny little newborn any more. At his 3 month well baby check up he was ---inches tall and weighed----. 

-he is a little bum skootcher. Whenever I sit him up against something (pillows, the couch, his bouncy chair) he uses his bum and legs to skootch down until he is nice and comfy 

-he is a pretty mellow little guy and doesn't cry too much which is nice

-he keeps to a normal sleep schedule he is usually up for the day around 8:30 takes a nap from 11:30-2:30 and goes to bed around 9 (he sometimes wakes up between 3-5 am for a change and another feeding but goes right back to bed after that)

-I am still breast feeding him for the most part but he does get 3-4 bottles of formula daily during sleeping times. He does really well transitoning from the breast to the bottle and vise versa 

-last week we heard his first belly laugh and I was absolutely adorable! Kinzlie was jumping on the bed and falling in her bum and boston thought that was hilarious! Since then Jordan a has been able to make him laugh too :)

- he does not like tummy time and cries the whole time he is on his stomach until we pick him up 

-he does a good job at holding his head up and is getting stronger every day 

Boston's 1 month

Boston is 1 month old today! This past month has flown right by. Boston is such a content little baby and is growing so fast! We are so glad this little man joined our family. 

Boston at one month:

-8 lbs 9oz

-20.5 inches long

-started rolling over at 5 days old

-gets hiccups often(and did in the womb too)

-sleeps 3 hours between feedings and goes right back to sleep 

-does not like tummy time (he cries the whole time until he rolls over onto his back)

-breastfeeds during the day and a couple bottled throughout the night

-only likes to use nuk pacis  

Hospital Packing List

I just wanted to post these pictures so that I can remember what I took to the hospital with baby boy. Hopefully, this will help me when packing for baby #3 (if/when we have baby #3) 

Boston's Birth Story

Yesterday I went to my regularly scheduled doctors appointment at 2:45pm. The doctor, Ann Blackette, checked me and stripped my membranes. She said I was at 5 cm and 70%. She told me that she was surprised that I hadn't had the baby yet and that stripping my membranes should move things along. 

Well that's just what happened! At about 5pm Jordan got home from work and began telling me all about his day. I was having contractions during this time but not enough to time them. Then at about 6pm I decided I better start tracking them because they were getting more frequent. While I was waiting I was up doing dishes and getting things ready invade this was the real deal. After about 30 minutes of consistent contractions about 3-5 minutes apart I decided it was time to go to the hospital. So, we loaded up Kinzlie, took her to Johnny and Denise's house, and made our way to the hospital :)

We checked into the hospital at around 7:15pm. I was admitted and given a bed and then checked, I was at 6cm! I was then given my epidural and told that I was going to have a baby that night! After I got my epidural things seemed to move right along:) Trissa got to the hospital around 10pm so that she could take pictures, and she got there right on time!  At around 10:25pm the nurse called my doctor and they got everything set up for little mans arrival. I began pushing at about 10:30pm and after 3 or so pushes he was here! 

He was 7lbs 6oz and 20inches long. His birthday is Thursday December 12, 2013 at 10:38pm :) He has a little bit of blonde hair and blue-ish eyes. And, from what I can tell he has this Daddy's chin and nose. 

Somehow I knew he would be born on the 12th because at my baby shower 2 weeks ago that is the day I guessed. Also, I have been up cleaning, organizing, and moving furniture around all day trying to prepare for his birth:) I feel sort of silly know though because earlier today I was stressing out about whether or not to get induced on the 19th but I turns out that Boston was as ready to meet me as I was to meet him :)

Jordan and I both love and adore him so much already and I know that when Kinzlie get here she will love him too! 

We are having our photographer come on the 13th around 10am to get pictures of Kinzlies first time meeting her little brother, and some family shots as well. I couldn't be happier with my handsome little man! 

Kinzlie says the Funniest Things

Kinzlie is quite the character and has such a cute little personality :) She is always saying funny things so I decided to jot some down so we don't forget.

-"what does Santa say?" Ho ho ho merry christmas tree

-"what does the fox say?" Ding ding ding (based on the song "what does the fox at by ylivis)

-" what does daddy say?" No no no

-" what does momma say?" Weee wee weee (while playing worlds smallest violin)

- " what does kinzlie say?" (Blows kisses)

- whoo-she (we don't really know what it means but she says it when she's "reading" stories)

- Bowen (we don't know what this means either but whenever she says it she sticks her arms straight out with her hands flexed)

- morning sunshine

- nastics on Wednesday

- I need this

- ah I'm naked (whenever she changes her clothes or take a bath)

-cars don't squish us (when we cross a parking lot or road)

Baby Boy Allen

I had a doctors appointment today to check on little man. I am right at 37 weeks and I'm ready to meet my little bundle of joy :) Apparently my body is getting ready too because I am 4cm dialated and 70% effaised! Little mans heart beat is sitting right at 150bpm which is just right. 

I've got my hospital bag all packed and ready to go. We still need to set up the play pen in our room and get the car seat  put in the car but other than that were pretty much ready for him :) 

Baby shower for baby boy Allen

Last night I was surprised with a baby shower! Jordan told me to get ready so we could go to dinner and we would just drop kinzlie off at his moms while we were eating. But, when we go to his moms I got a big surprise when I walked in the door! All of my friends and family were there for a baby shower put on by Kirsten and Trissa :) 

We filled out a baby stats paper with all of our predicted info about little mister. Then we played a matching game and the winner got a prize :) After the games were done we had some snacks and opened presents. I got a new double stroller from Jordan, Johnny and Denise, and Lynn and Jess. Then I also got a bunch of clothes, blankets, diapers and wipes for little man. Now I am all set for his arrival(hopefully)! I am so blessed to have such great in laws that were willing to put on a baby shower for me :) I am also greatful to every one who was able to make it and support me! 

After the baby shower we went to dinner at sizzler with my mom, grandma, aunt rand, and auntie em. Then we got to go swimming at their hotel :)

Happy Thanksgiving

Today was thanksgiving and we had a very busy day! We were up and out of the house by 10:30 this morning. We went up to Preston to have lunch with to schvaneveldts. We got there at 11:15 then lunch was at noon. Everything was so yummy and we all got stuffed full. After dinner we watched some football and checked out all of the black Friday ads. Then, at 3:00 we headed down to logan to have dessert with Johnny and Denise but on the way down our car broke down :( Luckily skyler, Rachel, and Taylor were right behind us and we're able to tow us home. We finally made it to Johnny and Denise's house around 5! We had dessert and chatted for a bit then headed home :) All things considered we had a great thanksgiving! 

 

Kinzlie and Sierra Votava

Kinzlie didn't have a nap today so she thought this dresser drawer of her brothers clothes would be a good place to sleep lol! She was very tired! 

Kinzlie at 25 months

-she loves buzz light year and watching toy story

-she is very good at climbing things to get what she wants (climbs up high chair and chairs to get to snacks/cake/candy)

-she is very friendly and says "hi guys" or "hey everybody's" to random groups of people

-she goes to gymnastics(nastics) on Wednesdays and absolutely loves it! She has memorized all of the stretches and does them at home all of the time :)

-she is potty trained but still wears pull ups at naps and night time

-she loves to look at little babies and wants to hold them (I think she'll be a great big sister)

-she plays really good with other kids whether it's at nursery, gymnastics, or the doctors office

-she is very smart and has a mind or her own 

-when she sleeps she has to have all of her toys and stories in bed with her and be covered with at least 10 different blankets

-she likes to sing (abcs, twinkle twinkle, itsy bitsy spider, patty cake, ring around the Rosie and old McDonald)

-she is working on learning her colors, shapes, and numbers

-she loves reading stories

A day in our life

8:30 wake up/potty/breakfast

9:30 tidy up the upstairs

10:30 movie/tv/play time

12:30 stories and nap time

2:30 kinzlie wake up/lunch time

3:00 playtime

4:30 fix dinner

5:00 daddy home/dinner time

6:00 play down stairs

9:00 bath/story/brush teeth/prayer/bed time