Riley had her routine appointment with the Cardiologist, and she is dong awesome! Her resting heart rate was 130, which is fantabulous considering that it was in the 180's for a while there. This means that her Beta Blocker is doing it's job.
We've been having some problems with Riley retching again during feedings, which is most likely due to the fact that she is teething and creating a lot more saliva that she has to digest. We checked with the GI's office (I know Dr. Sherrod's nurse, Shauna, by the sound of her voice) and they agreed that we are doing what we need to be doing - which is cutting back on her feeds and extending them to 1 hour again vs. the 1/2 that she's been doing. Over the last few weeks, we've cut back form 170 ml per 1/2 feeding to 140 ml over an hour. Slowly, we're building up the volume and are back to 170 (1st time today). We'll keep that for another day or so, then start cutting back the duration of the feedings. Riley is doing awesome with the mouth feeds again too, which just warms the heart.
Zoey is getting geared up for her 5th birthday party which we are doing at a local art studio next Saturday. This is the first time that we are doing a party outside of the house and I'm a little freaked out by how little I have to do. I am so used to making sure that my house is super clean, that we have all the food & drinks, the house is decorated - you name it! I actually called the venue the other day to ask them if I should be doing something and they assured me that, nope, I am all set. Weird.
I am on this weird organizing/decorating kick lately. Thanks to a few blogs that I like to read on a regular basis. Right now I am focusing on turning my dining room into a grown up,pretty space, and it is coming along nicely. I've made new curtains from some beautiful fabric that I found along with some inexpensive sheers from Wal-Mart. I've also been doing a photo wall with black & white family pictures (it's amazing how similar the girls look as babies). My next adventure will be the laundry room - which is currently in the delightful shades of olive green, brick red and goldenrod. I plan on painting the trim & cubbies a nice glossy white, the walls a soft grey and then accent with turquoise. I can't wait to get started! Okay, I hate painting, but I love the end result.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Great News!
So, last week we received notification that we would have to appear in court on 8/15/10 at 9:30 am in order to try to get Riley's Medicare denial reversed. We weren't sure what that would entail, so I was planning on sitting down with all of our paperwork (and there is a lot!) to get it organized as I was planning on bringing every scrap of paper that we possessed. Well, Saturday afternoon the doorbell rings and it's the postman with another certified letter, and a large envelope from a law firm. Personally, I assumed that we were just getting some more information on the hearing. Well low and behold, the letter was telling us that Riley's denial was reversed and that she is now approved for the Katie Beckett Medicare!!!!!
I guess all we have to do now, is figure out what to do now? I know I can't rely on them sending us information in the mail, so I plan on calling Riley's social worker to see if she can point us in the right direction. We were told when we stated this process that the coverage would go back 3 months from when we filed, which means it covers from the day that Riley was born until now. I'm hopeful that this will cover the co-pays that we have to make for her specialists and for medications. Specialists now cost us $50 per visit and thankfully those are no longer every-other-week appointments, and meds are costing us close to $200 per month.
Despite not knowing how to proceed from here, I am beyond hopeful & excited now.
I guess all we have to do now, is figure out what to do now? I know I can't rely on them sending us information in the mail, so I plan on calling Riley's social worker to see if she can point us in the right direction. We were told when we stated this process that the coverage would go back 3 months from when we filed, which means it covers from the day that Riley was born until now. I'm hopeful that this will cover the co-pays that we have to make for her specialists and for medications. Specialists now cost us $50 per visit and thankfully those are no longer every-other-week appointments, and meds are costing us close to $200 per month.
Despite not knowing how to proceed from here, I am beyond hopeful & excited now.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Some Road Trip Pics
Here are just a few pictures from the actual road trip part of our adventure thanks to Anne's camera phone. I'll post some pictures from the actual trip when it's not as hot as hades in the office and I can manage to sit in there for more than 2 minutes at a time.
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| Finally, she sleeps (Anne & I did the happy dance up front) |
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| Objects in the window may appear larger than normal |
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| Stretching out our legs |
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| Riley was thrilled to no longer be strapped into her seat |
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| Riding the ferry to Fire Island ... no sunshine for us that day |
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| Relaxed much? Riley's propping her foot watching Barbie with her big sis |
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| Riley's 1st french fry |
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| Now she's going for her 1st Coke (crazy kid) |
Friday, July 8, 2011
9 Month Appointment
Riley had her 9-month check up today with Dr. Silverman. My chunky monkey is up to 16 lbs 15 oz and 27 1/2 " long - that puts her in the 25th percentile for weight and 60th percentile for weight. Go Riley! The doc says that this terrible diaper rash that she has is most likely a yeast infection, so props to Becky for her advice this morning. She was right on target, although it stinks that either Riley or Andrew have to have this awful rash. So well be getting some different cream and hopefully that will clear it up. Despite the fact that she has a runny nose and is coughing, Riley's lungs are clear which is just music to my ears as we have a history of runny nose-coughing combo leading up back to Egleston. As I have said before, as nice as those nurses are, I really could live my life with out ever seeing a single one of them again (unless maybe I ran into one of them at Target, that would be okay).
On a side note, my sweet almost 5-year old told me that I was a perfect mommy the other day. What's better than that?
On a side note, my sweet almost 5-year old told me that I was a perfect mommy the other day. What's better than that?
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Yucky Virus
So it started with me (I think). Tuesday I came home sick and pretty much slept from that point on through the night. With a little stumble in there when I totally whacked me baby toe - I'm pretty sure it's sprained and I know it's bruised up something fierce. From what we've heard, several people in the neighborhood aren't feeling well either, and now it's on to Riley. Zoey may have had a touch of the virus, but she seems to be doing better now. Keep your fingers crossed that this moves out of the house quickly.
P.S. today is Riley's 9 month birthday!
P.S. today is Riley's 9 month birthday!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Magic of EVOO
So Riley has had a bit of cradle cap for a while now (a few months maybe?). Well I finally found the time and Googled what to do about it. What I found most was to use Olive Oil on the baby's head; let it soak in for about 15 minutes, then comb through with a fine toothed baby comb. Wow, does that ever work! We have done it one time so far and I'd say about 95% of the yucky dried on cradle cap is completely gone. Unbelievable!
Now I just need a miracle cure for her super red diaper rash from her teething ...
Now I just need a miracle cure for her super red diaper rash from her teething ...
Monday, July 4, 2011
4th of July
Happy birthday America!
In grand tradition, we had our annual Tuxford 4th of July parade today. As the 1st place ribbon holders for the last 3 years running, we had to come big, or go home. The Jacobs' family was dressed as fireworks, with float to match ... even Josh participated in attire this year. Hot as ever, we were sweating up a storm by the time we got to the end of the parade route. Not sure who came up with a 4th of July parade; I'm voting to change it to a Thanksgiving Day parade (I'll let you know how that goes!). Sadly, we broke our lucky streak, and are not 1st place winners. We did still place and are proud to bring home a beautiful white 3rd place ribbon. Not too shabby considering we could have come home with only the experience.
On to the BBQ and pool festivities. Sadly, we were a bit delayed in starting out due to a storm that passed through, but the neighborhood stuck it out, cuddled together under the awnings. Once we were cleared by the lifeguards to go back in the pool, the fun recommenced. Zoey tried her hand at the water balloon toss with her friend Kate the dance competition and the hands-free cupcake eating competition -- where she came in 3rd place. Can my kid eat, or what?
Pictures to follow once I can get them on the computer .....
In grand tradition, we had our annual Tuxford 4th of July parade today. As the 1st place ribbon holders for the last 3 years running, we had to come big, or go home. The Jacobs' family was dressed as fireworks, with float to match ... even Josh participated in attire this year. Hot as ever, we were sweating up a storm by the time we got to the end of the parade route. Not sure who came up with a 4th of July parade; I'm voting to change it to a Thanksgiving Day parade (I'll let you know how that goes!). Sadly, we broke our lucky streak, and are not 1st place winners. We did still place and are proud to bring home a beautiful white 3rd place ribbon. Not too shabby considering we could have come home with only the experience.
On to the BBQ and pool festivities. Sadly, we were a bit delayed in starting out due to a storm that passed through, but the neighborhood stuck it out, cuddled together under the awnings. Once we were cleared by the lifeguards to go back in the pool, the fun recommenced. Zoey tried her hand at the water balloon toss with her friend Kate the dance competition and the hands-free cupcake eating competition -- where she came in 3rd place. Can my kid eat, or what?
Pictures to follow once I can get them on the computer .....
Friday, July 1, 2011
Road Trip Recap
2 sentences sums it up .... I'm hungry. Are we there yet?
Okay, so it was quite an undertaking to make this 4 day road trip - 2 of which were taken up with the actual driving. Anne & I embarked on this with eyes wide open, or as open as they can be at 3 am. We actually got in the car and in the drive way at 3:59, 1 minute ahead of schedule, but of course I had to get out & rearrange Zoey's DVD player, so we weren't officially on the road until 4:02; but it could have been worse.
Riley slept the morning away, but Zoey seems to have this aversion to sleeping in the car. She definitely did not get that from me, I love to sleep in the car. We were lucky to mostly stay ahead of the rain (yes, it was a rainy day) until we hit the dreaded Virginia. I don't know what it is about that state, but it feels like you are driving in it for 3 days. We'd been good with our potty breaks and ate lunch in the car, so we opted to take a Target break. We were able to get a new Barbie DVD ($5! score), some stick on heating pad thingys for my shoulder, a new teether for Riley and use the potty. In some of our cases more than once before we got out of the store.
The ride was rather smooth. Mild traffic on the George Washington Bridge, but that's to be expected. Zoey was in awe of all the buildings in NY and all the pretty paintings (I had to inform her that was called graffiti). No major melt downs until about 20 minutes from our final destination. Yep, everyone in the car except for me was in major melt down mode. Luckily we got there in one piece.
Friday was a gray & drizzly day, so our beach plans were modified to just going to Ocean Beach so that we could visit with my dad. We had a yummy appetizer at Matthew's and walked around. This was a first for Anne as she'd never been to Long Island, let alone Fire Island. Nana Rose, Great-Nana, Great Pop-Pop and Grandma were all long for the ride. We were able to meet up with Jeanne and she was able to met our newest addition. After Fire Island we had real NY pizza (yum!). Even though it was late we opted to stop for Italian ices (a must), but Zoey was melting down - she did not want Aunt Melissa to go home, so she took it out on me & Anne in the car. Some of the things that kids comes out with is too funny. Okay, so maybe it wasn't nice to laugh at my 4-year old, but it really couldn't be helped. We were all tired and punchy, and he tired-crankiness just pushed us over the edge. Of course she cried when Anne & I got out of the car and told Grandma she wasn't allowed to get out --- not sure where that came from since I certainly didnt' say that. She did apologize and it's a wonder what lemon ice can cure.
Saturday started off with us getting mani-pedi's in preparation for the Shower. Then we had a steady stream of visitors; let's be Frank, no one really wanted to see me & Anne, it was all about Riley & Zoey. Not that I blame anyone for that. Anne & I ran to Stop N Shop to replenish our snacks for the 2nd half of the road trip and Anne got the 10 cent tour of West Sayville & Sayville. Of course Saturday turned out to be a beautiful (beach) day.
After spending time straightening my hair (not sure why I did that considering it poofed up like nobodies business with in the first hour), it was off to the Arboretum for Melissa's shower. I hadn't been there since I was a kid on a field trip with school. What a beautiful place. We got set up just in time for the first guest to arrive, and then the party began. We were provided with our own pots of tea and trays of scones, desserts and crust-less sandwiches. I think Melissa had a nice time at her shower, and maybe I can get the pictures uploaded this weekend (at least that is my goal!).
Of course we stayed up too late Saturday night, so the road trip to Georgia started with us only having about 3 hours of sleep. Not a good start by any stretch of the imagination. Oh, and then Grandma gave Zoey $2 to get something on the way home. Yup, that would be why we had to stop 3 times in New Jersey. Everyone feel asleep for a short morning nap, and I started getting a little heavy lidded, so I ended up pulling over in a rest stop for a quick power nap myself. Of course that is when everyone else woke up. Anne did the bulk of the driving on the way home and I had the pleasure of entertaining the children. How did our parents ever manage with out portable DVD players?
We made it home close to 11 pm, all in one piece, but exhausted
Okay, so it was quite an undertaking to make this 4 day road trip - 2 of which were taken up with the actual driving. Anne & I embarked on this with eyes wide open, or as open as they can be at 3 am. We actually got in the car and in the drive way at 3:59, 1 minute ahead of schedule, but of course I had to get out & rearrange Zoey's DVD player, so we weren't officially on the road until 4:02; but it could have been worse.
Riley slept the morning away, but Zoey seems to have this aversion to sleeping in the car. She definitely did not get that from me, I love to sleep in the car. We were lucky to mostly stay ahead of the rain (yes, it was a rainy day) until we hit the dreaded Virginia. I don't know what it is about that state, but it feels like you are driving in it for 3 days. We'd been good with our potty breaks and ate lunch in the car, so we opted to take a Target break. We were able to get a new Barbie DVD ($5! score), some stick on heating pad thingys for my shoulder, a new teether for Riley and use the potty. In some of our cases more than once before we got out of the store.
The ride was rather smooth. Mild traffic on the George Washington Bridge, but that's to be expected. Zoey was in awe of all the buildings in NY and all the pretty paintings (I had to inform her that was called graffiti). No major melt downs until about 20 minutes from our final destination. Yep, everyone in the car except for me was in major melt down mode. Luckily we got there in one piece.
Friday was a gray & drizzly day, so our beach plans were modified to just going to Ocean Beach so that we could visit with my dad. We had a yummy appetizer at Matthew's and walked around. This was a first for Anne as she'd never been to Long Island, let alone Fire Island. Nana Rose, Great-Nana, Great Pop-Pop and Grandma were all long for the ride. We were able to meet up with Jeanne and she was able to met our newest addition. After Fire Island we had real NY pizza (yum!). Even though it was late we opted to stop for Italian ices (a must), but Zoey was melting down - she did not want Aunt Melissa to go home, so she took it out on me & Anne in the car. Some of the things that kids comes out with is too funny. Okay, so maybe it wasn't nice to laugh at my 4-year old, but it really couldn't be helped. We were all tired and punchy, and he tired-crankiness just pushed us over the edge. Of course she cried when Anne & I got out of the car and told Grandma she wasn't allowed to get out --- not sure where that came from since I certainly didnt' say that. She did apologize and it's a wonder what lemon ice can cure.
Saturday started off with us getting mani-pedi's in preparation for the Shower. Then we had a steady stream of visitors; let's be Frank, no one really wanted to see me & Anne, it was all about Riley & Zoey. Not that I blame anyone for that. Anne & I ran to Stop N Shop to replenish our snacks for the 2nd half of the road trip and Anne got the 10 cent tour of West Sayville & Sayville. Of course Saturday turned out to be a beautiful (beach) day.
After spending time straightening my hair (not sure why I did that considering it poofed up like nobodies business with in the first hour), it was off to the Arboretum for Melissa's shower. I hadn't been there since I was a kid on a field trip with school. What a beautiful place. We got set up just in time for the first guest to arrive, and then the party began. We were provided with our own pots of tea and trays of scones, desserts and crust-less sandwiches. I think Melissa had a nice time at her shower, and maybe I can get the pictures uploaded this weekend (at least that is my goal!).
Of course we stayed up too late Saturday night, so the road trip to Georgia started with us only having about 3 hours of sleep. Not a good start by any stretch of the imagination. Oh, and then Grandma gave Zoey $2 to get something on the way home. Yup, that would be why we had to stop 3 times in New Jersey. Everyone feel asleep for a short morning nap, and I started getting a little heavy lidded, so I ended up pulling over in a rest stop for a quick power nap myself. Of course that is when everyone else woke up. Anne did the bulk of the driving on the way home and I had the pleasure of entertaining the children. How did our parents ever manage with out portable DVD players?
We made it home close to 11 pm, all in one piece, but exhausted
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