going private

This blog is going private due to personal reasons.  If you send me an email to vathielen@q.com along with your name, I will add you to the list.  I plan to do this in the next 2 weeks. 

Jayden's leg x-rays

Jayden went in for a physical on Tuesday because he needed his last round of shots before Kindergarten.  The appointment took a good 1 1/2 hours by the time we got out of there.  Our new family doctor is very thorough and went through his entire medical history with me. 

If you recall, back in May of 2009, Jayden had his Mic-Key button removed.  While in surgery, the doctor measured the length of his legs because he had noticed quite the size difference.  I posted about that visit which you can read here and what the outcome and possibilities were.  You can also see a picture of his legs and the size difference along with the drawing from the doctor as he tried to explain what was happening.  We ended up being told to just watch his legs and make sure they stay the same length.

Over the last few years, Jayden has always had one leg that is wider or fatter than the other leg.  We've never noticed the length being different.  Until Tuesday.  I couldn't believe what I was seeing when our new family doctor pointed it out.  He had him laying on the exam table, shook him at the hips to loosen him up and pulled down on his legs. We got him as straight and relaxed as we could and then compared both legs.  It was clear that his kneecaps weren't lining up.  In fact, it looked like there was between 1/4 and 1/2 inch difference between the two.

Our doctor called down to Avera Children's and spoke with the surgeon who did the surgery.  Luckily he was actually there because he has retired, but happened to be on call that day.  He suggested we take x-rays of his legs to get the exact measurements of each leg from the hip down to the heel.  I asked if they had talked about how big of a difference would be concerning, but they didn't.  He said the surgeon suggested after the x-rays to consult him again if there is a difference and from there they would likely refer us on to Shriner's Hospital in Minneapolis. I guess there is a large team of providers that work together on this stuff.  Our doctor mentioned looking for a pediatric orthopedist in Sioux Falls and comparing options at that point.

So today we took Jayden in to the clinic and had the x-rays done.  We probably won't hear from the doctor until Monday sometime.  We're praying that there isn't a big difference in his legs.  However, we have noticed he shows a slight limp when he walks now that we hadn't really noticed in the past.

emotions

It's been a whirl wind of emotions lately.  I quickly became attached to the puppies in all their furriness and cuteness.  We kept them for 5 weeks and then took them back to the humane society to be spayed or neutered last Thursday.  5 of the 6 were adopted the next day.  Ninja is still there with mama.  I kind of felt what I imagine empty nest to feel like.  Crazy I know, especially since they were puppies.  But it's true.  I missed seeing them play in the yard, the sounds they make and their playful demeanor's in general.

Our neighbors adopted Kohl and kept her name.  I can see her bobbing around in the yard from time to time and they walk by our house everyday, so I can see her then too.  So cute!

Shaylee turned 14 yesterday.  Can you believe that?  My gosh, it seems like just yesterday she was born.  Seriously where does the time go?

foster pups

A big part of our life is fostering dogs from the Brookings Regional Humane Society until they can find a forever home.  We have adopted two dogs and one cat from there.  It brings joy to our family to have these animals in our home.  Our newest foster situation has been a momma dog and her six puppies.  We have had them for almost a month now.  They were so tiny when we got them and have grown so much.  Tomorrow they will go in for their first round of shots.

This is Kohl.  The kids named her.  She's got yummy food on her nose.

 Hershey, as in Hershey Kisses is one of my favorites.  She is so squishy, lovable, and snugly!

 Ninja is a sneak.  He likes to sneak up behind you and try to get in the back of your pants or onto your back.  He's kind of feisty.

 This one is Phin.  He does his own thing.

 Tiko is a ham.  He has really found his voice.  He loves frolicking in the yard.

 And Tootsie, as in Tootsie Roll, what can I say about her?  She's a real sweetie who will surely make somebody happy.

Our neighbors have put a claim on Kohl, or at least she is their favorite and I'm pretty sure they are going to adopt her.  It will be fun if they do so we can see one of them grow up.  :)  In one more week they will be spayed or neutered and shortly after will be available for adoption.  

lack of blogging

I popped onto my blog several times in July with the idea of possibly putting down an update, then I got side tracked and lazy and just didn't.  Towards the end of the month, I thought to myself, why start now, let's just wait until August!  And here we are!  Stay tuned for updates.  I promise!  ;)