Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Clinic

Two thumbs up for Keira. Dr. Effinger told us today at Clinic that she's done taking her daily medication. Yay! It's been almost 3 1/2 years since Keira first started taking steroids to help suppress her immune system.  In October, Keira took her last dose of Dexamethasone, which was a potent immunosuppressive steroid targeted at OMS. As odd as it may seem, the fact that she was on such potent steroids for such a long time meant that her body down-regulated it's own natural steroid production. As a result, she's also been on a supplemental steroid (hydrocortisone) as well. As we removed the Dexamethasone, we had to ensure that her body would start producing its own natural steroid at its normal levels. And today was the day that Dr. E felt comfortable letting Keira's body do its job!  

We are so proud of our little girl! 

So much of this OMS journey is over her head, but she just trusts that we know what is best for her. That's a lot of pressure on us as her parents but today we couldn't be happier to be taking this step forward. 

Talking about it with Naveen tonight, we realized that Keira's reaction was more subdued than you would think... for her it seems like going off her medication was a non-event. I guess it has just been a part of her daily routine for so long that it doesn't seem like such a big deal to her.

When I asked Keira what she'd like for dinner... anything she wanted... she requested chicken nuggets from Old McDonald. Not the healthiest option but easy enough to accommodate.  :)

Keira will need to go in for some blood work in about six weeks to check her steroid levels.  It will be important to see if her remaining adrenal gland has taken over the production of the steroids her body needs. Since she has to get a poke, the doctors will also check a few other things to get a baseline on how she's doing in general.  

Thank you for all the love, prayers and positive thoughts!  We know that they help!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Grandma and Papa's Visit

Grandma and Papa came out for a visit this month.  Here are a few pictures from their visit!

Making pizzas in their pjs was a hit!






Akemi loves the games on Grandma's iPad.



Playing games was fun.


Tea for two!


Check out this cool cupcake.




Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The girls often ask if they can get Lucky Charms when we're at the grocery store and I always tell them they have to wait until St. Patrick's Day. Keira reminded me this year. :) They both loved the marshmallow charms, however, as Naveen and I suspected no one wanted to eat the cereal part...

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I did my best to make dinner fun... pesto pasta, broccoli and green water and milk!
Cheers!  May the luck of the Irish be with you all year long!

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Friday, March 14, 2014

Happy Hollow with Akemi

Akemi's wonderful sitter, Susanna, had to take the day off so lucky me got to hang out with a happy, healthy little girl all day long. Usually if I am home on a week day with a kiddo it's because someone doesn't feel well so this was a treat.

Akemi LOVES the merry-go-round so we headed to Happy Hollow for the morning. She went on the merry-go-round many, many times. I also convinced her to go on a few other rides.

Fun times!

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Bath time... is... fun time!

Naveen was recently inspired to take some bath pictures of the girls. 

I don't know why I don't think to do that... but they're cute!









Sunday, March 9, 2014

Shower for Baby Medley!

Heather and I hosted a baby shower for Jim and Sumita.

We had a lot of fun celebrating the arrival of baby boy.






Jim and Sumita were good sports and played a few games to check to see if they are ready to become parents. Sumita beat Jim in the sock matching game,





however, Jim redeemed himself during the baby food tasting.
 
Then it was time for presents and cupcakes! We can't wait to meet the little guy.




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Monday, March 3, 2014

Green Eggs and Ham

Dr. Seuss's birthday is celebrated every year in schools across America as Read Across America Day. I've been making Green Eggs and Ham since I started teaching.

This year I was able to share my "recipe" with my own kiddos.

Fun!

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