Last Minute Christmas Plea

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

That ear!

Kristinmas Krafting

I got a wild crafting hair last week and made these little wall hanger thingies from some wood blocks I found in the garage.  With some sanding, painting, papering, modge-podging, gluing, glittering, and more, they are a fun addition to our holiday decor.  They are cuter in person than they are in the pic.

I am stealing this from Kristin (who has a really cool name that's spelled right), who stole it from Stacie, who stole it from Danifred, who in turn stole it from Rebecca. this is not a true "steal" because I've changed my answers . . . also because I'm desperate for blog fodder as well!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love wrapping paper but aren't gift bags SO easy???

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial.  This southern girl is used to a good ol' plastic tree that doesn't make me sneeze or drop needles every-freaking-where.

3. When do you put up the tree? Todd the Christmas Boy has to have it up the weekend after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? If it doesn't get taken down the weekend before we go back to school, it might as well stay up until summer.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, with lots of rum.  Todd?  not so much.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?  I don't remember having a Christmas where I didn't have an awesome, favorite gift.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, we have a couple of them.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Probably my Dad and Marilynn or our teenage nieces.

9. Easiest person to buy for? Todd.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?  Mail - even when they're late.  :)

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? The first thing that comes to mind are some of the gifts from students, but I also know how excited they are to give me the treasures they do.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually after Thanksgiving.

14. Ever recycled a Christmas present? No

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? the candy my mom makes

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear!

17. Favorite Christmas song?  "Oh, Holy Night" is the first that comes to mind.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home 

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes, but I won't list it here in case you decide to steal from me.  :)

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Had an angel my grandmother gave me, but she is so fragile that I've put her elsewhere and now have a bow.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?  The stress of having everything together can be a bit much.  The past few years, the sadness that comes with missing loved ones.

23. Favorite ornament, theme, or color? None really.

24. What do you want for Christmas this year?  I told Todd that all I want is a baby.  Since they aren't sold on amazon, I have a Kindle Fire or tablet on my B list.  I still want a baby.


Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and make the time to remember that we celebrate Christmas because God gave us his Son.

Oh, Christmas Tree

Our tree has been up for two weeks, but I finally got around to attempting a bow tree topper.  Even after watching a youtube video on how to make tree topper bows, I still really needed my Mary or Aunt Rita to do it for me since it's a pretty scary looking bow.  Oh well, the tree is READY!

Time to wrap the gifts, wait for Santa, and celebrate Christmas!

Another Goodbye

We lost my Great Aunt Rita on Sunday.  She was like a grandmother to me because my Dad and I spent almost every weekend with her and Uncle Charlie.  She spent time playing games with me, teaching me to read (I read at age 2!), took me places, taught me Sunday School, helped me with college finances, talked about All My Children with me, and even taught me to drive a stick shift in their Jeep.  We won't mention that it's surprising she didn't die that day . . .  :)

Aunt Rita, Uncle Charlie, and I on my wedding day.

Aunt Rita and Uncle Charlie were married almost 65 years!  Can you believe that?  They were the model for marriage to my family and I.  The love they had for one another was precious and rare.  I now worry for Uncle Charlie because he has lost the love of his life - literally.

I am thankful that I had the chance to see her Saturday night and  take the time to stroke her hair, tell her I love her and say goodbye.  I knew it would be the last time.  I just felt it.  Now I'm imagining how heartbroken Uncle Charlie truly is but also imagining her in Heaven with the many who went before her.  Yes, we'll see her again someday, but we sure do miss her now.

More Prayers

I know I haven't really blogged much about it in the past THREE MONTHS, but my brother Jeffrey is still in the hospital.  He was moved back to ICU yesterday.  Please keep him in your prayers.  He is much more resilient than the rest of us because our family is pretty worn out.

Guest Room - New Pic

Damn dogs.  They are all that plus a bag of chips.  Guest room door is now closed.

Outed

Todd and I have been keeping this secret for years, and we finally let it out at our friends' Halloween party last night.

We are mobsters.  The whole teaching thing is a ruse.

Halloween

I know . . . I'm going to be murdered in my sleep by Pippin and Steve.  Todd just rolled his eyes and looked at me as if I was a crazy woman with my hair on fire.

Pipp was happy being a sweet banana split - and SO CUTE!!!  She ran around with a big smile on her face and even posed for a few shots.

Then she tried on Steve's submarine costume (after he ripped it off & ran around with it in his mouth).  She kept posing and smiling, posing and smiling.

After Pippin tried on both costumes, Steve became jealous and succumbed to the fun.  This is the only photo he let me shoot while facing the camera.

Every pic after was only of his banana head, ice cream scoops, back and butt.  Wonder if that had anything to do with the fact that he ran to Dad and Todd said, "I know, buddy.  It's like you've had your balls cut off again.  I'm sorry."

For the record, *I* did not take him to have his balls cut off.  I stayed home and cried like a baby.

Up next: I'm dressing Todd up for Halloween.  Pics to follow, but he may pull a Steve on me.

Of course!

OF COURSE he loves me.  Why do you ask?

And Happy Belated Blogaversary to us.  Have some ice cream, pie or a cookie.  I'm not big on cake.

Day 32 Update: DUDE

Dude . . . I'm the King of My Tubes.  See 'em?

Just don't touch my tubes.  They are mine, ya know, & I don't want you messing them up for me.

Vent settings were decreased slightly since a very slight improvement was seen by the doctor today.  With the help of five people to adjust tubes, lines, and more, Jeffrey spent almost two hours in a REAL chair today.  Go Jeff!!!  Mom said as soon as he got settled in the chair, the "conversations" began.  "Clothes . . . shoes . . . store . . . Coke . . . goodbye . . . work . . ."  The man has a plan, that's for sure.  Sometimes you just look at him and it seems as if Jeff is quietly plotting his next move.  He was completely exhausted after being up for the first time in over a MONTH, but that's okay.

My brother and I hung out for several hours tonight and talked some more about . . . store . . . Coke . . . and work.  Seeing a trend here???  Being the awesome big sister that I am, I taught him how to pull the mask from my face and snap it back.  I'm sure someone in the hospital will be a lucky recipient and appreciate me for that!  :)  We also did some random cognitive stuff (I touch my eye, he touches his, etc.).  He's much more compliant and cordial than my students.  That's for sure!  I'm big about putting stuff on Jeff's lips.  They've been SO dry and because of the vent, he's only allowed to use a minty cream provided with his mouth care stuff.  After a few hours, his lips looked much better.  Another crazy thing is that Jeffrey has a black eye - still don't know where it came from - and it seems to be darker and more swollen today.  Poor guy.  Looks like he's been in a fight, but I think he won!

One funny story is that I placed a pillow under Jeff's right arm this evening.  Right after that, he moved the pillow and set it atop his arm.  I said, "Oh, you want that on top of your arm.  Okay."  Less than a minute later, HE put the pillow under his arm.  Rotten creep!

Before I close, I wanted to share that Mom received a really neat email today from the mother of one of the guys that lives in Jeff's group home.  "S" and Jeffrey go back many years.  They went to school together in Austin as young teenagers.  The email said: "When I took S back to (the house) on Sunday afternoon, he stopped and checked Jeff's chair to see if he was there.  Then he went to the dining table and checked.  I don't give S enough credit so many times - he is more aware of his surroundings and people are more important to him than I imagined.  Of course L (who works at the workshop where the residents of Jeff's home work) had told me on Friday that Jeff was still in the hospital.  While so many family and friends are praying and watching Jeff's progress, his friends from the house and workshop are also missing him."

That message made me smile and warmed my heart almost as much as seeing and spending time with my brother did tonight.  Thanks to all of you for continuing to love and pray for our amazing Jeffrey!  We WILL get him out of this hospital eventually!

Jeffrey Update, 9.13.11

I had a long & late day of work, so here is Mom's note from today.  Go Team Jeffrey!

"Today has been interesting.  Dr. Q said the xray showed some improvement even from yesterday.  Rick wanted me to ask about a rating on a 1-10 scale.  Doc said Jeff started at 0 and is now a 5.  The identification of the specific bug he’s fighting with antibiotics to treat and the hyperinflation of the lungs is what he says is helping.  Also today the staff got Jeff up to a cardiac chair for just over an hour.  At first he really enjoyed it – signing “go, store, coke”.  He all too soon learned that those were waiting but complied.  After about 40-45 minutes he was tired & asking to go back to bed. By the time he got back to bed he was really tired & went to sleep.  It took 5 people to move him because of all the stuff to clear but went extremely smoothly. His heart rate & blood pressure held really well.  He is still on the vent of course. 

Again it’s a slow process but I feel that Jeff is really starting to gain some ground. Thank you all for being such an important part of his success.  Every single person makes a difference.  I’ve said it before & will again “Jeffrey either brings out the best or the worst in people – they reveal who they are”.  Obviously you all are a great group of people.  We thank you all & love you all.  We’ll stay in touch again soon.  Love,  Jeff & Family"

Update on Jeffrey: Day 30

Progress is ssslllooowwwww but we'll take whatever we can get!  Sorry for the delay in an update, but here is a nice, long one for you.

From Mom today (9/12/11):

"Dr. Q was in this AM & said progress is happening.  He said causing the lung to open [Jeff is on the PEEP/CPAP vent settings to keep his lungs from completely deflating when he exhales] & keeping it that way is showing some progress.  He said it was the best improvement he’s seen since Jeff’s arrival.  Still slow progress though. This is hard because we all are used to seeing results based on actions we've taken.  However this is physiology: you have to take an action, then step back & watch for the results over a period of anywhere from hours to days.  So we are seeing some progress but because Jeff & his lungs are living organisms, we have to watch that reaction to the things that the science of medicine does.  His vital signs have all been good, his oxygen level has remained in the mid to high 90’s (sometimes even 100%); his color is good; he is still on the ventilator; he is tolerating the tracheostomy very well.  The thing he complains about is he wants his shoes, wants to go, wants to eat, wants a Coke.  With the trach & a feeding tube down his nose, nothing can go into or past his mouth.  So guess what he has to look forward to – just a matter of when.  He’s been such a great patient.  I would have had this room torn apart & threats of bodily harm to anyone who came near me!  He does like the bed when the percussion & vibration modes are on; otherwise forget the bed."

I spent about five hours hanging with Jeff on Saturday.  Poor guy is SSOOOOO bored!  I took a call from a friend because he was resting quietly when I heard him start smacking his lips.  Jeffrey has always been a "sound maker" to entertain himself, so it was nice to hear him back in action a bit.  Later, he began doing this hum type rattling sound from his throat.  It must've worried the nurse because she called respiratory and the RT (resp therapist) was in the room within a minute or two.  He checked all of Jeff's tubes & lines and agreed with  me that Jeff was making all the noises.  I signed and said aloud, "Jeff is funny," and Jeffrey pointed to his chest to mean that it was him being funny.  :)  Outside of being very possessive over his tubes, he carefully touches his vent tubes, trach, and the many other things to which he is connected.  If something is moved or cleaned, he'll feel around to make sure it's all back in place.  Another funny thing he keeps doing  is with the NG (nasal-gastric) tube down his nose.  He'll stick his tongue out, make it very pointy, and touch the tube with his tongue to make sure it's still there.  It's hilarious to watch!  I've been asking God to please bring me my brother back, and Saturday felt like he was finally with me.  Jeffrey isn't 100% himself yet, but he *IS* on his way!

Another neat thing did happen this weekend.  While I was at the hospital, Mom was able to get away for a bit.  Her new hobby when escaping the hospital for a bit (outside of going home to shower and do her hair) is shopping.  Her shopping consists of buying stuff for the ICU nurses, nurses in her department, and anyone else that she thinks "needs" something.  (After refusing Mom's stash of snacks multiple times, I wound up leaving with a 1/2 sandwich and corn chowder for both Todd and me.)  Anyway . . .

A few minutes after Mom left on Saturday, a man walked up to the entry of Jeff's room door/window/curtain and stood there.  The nurse followed behind him and unlatched the door loose and in came a chair.  This was not some ordinary chair.  This was a chair that folds in to a bed.  I realize that doesn't sound that exciting, but family is not permitted to be in the ICU outside of visiting hours much less to spend the night.  That policy has been waived since very few people know how to communicate with Jeff.  My amazing Mom has been sleeping in a non-reclining, waiting room style chair since the night Jeff was admitted into the ICU (3.5 weeks ago).  She was so excited to see her big, new, cushy chair but even MORE excited to later learn that it laid out flat like a bed!

Since Jeffrey is on "contact isolation" (i.e., we all have to gown/mask/glove up when inside his room), I took an extra gown and wrapped the chair with it.  I also took a marker and wrote Mom a message on it for their one month anniversary of Jeff's hospital stay.

I made her sit in the chair for a photo.  If you know my mom, you know how tiny she is.  Her gown is WAY too big and that chair just ate her alive!

A whole new world!

Sister needed to entertain herself while Jeffrey pushed her away so he could hum and smack his lips in peace. I had already loaded a bunch of GOOD music on his iPod, so I broke out the phone camera.  Exhibit A:

I'm in my gown & mask, but I'm not a scrub.

Next steps: Continue to wean him from the vent assistance.  While he's breathing on his own, Jeff is still intubated for safety measures and to allow the PEEP/CPAP to protect his lungs.  After he is extubated (whenever that will be), he will be transferred to a specialty hospital/rehabilitation center (not for druggies!).  His 40th birthday is October 1st.  We were hoping he'd be home by then, but that is doubtful.  However, we WILL be having a huge party for him when he finally gets sprung!

Thanks for your prayers for our Jeffrey.  When I say "our" I mean our brother, son, uncle, cousin, nephew, and your friend.  The prayers, love and support you have all shared with us is something we can never repay.  However, we can share Jeffrey with you.  If you ever need a hero, he's your man.  And I am SO PROUD of him.

Brother & Sister Time, Update for 9.5.11

Day 23 in the hospital, Day 18 in the ICU.

I spent several hours at the hospital today just hanging out with my brother.  I hadn't seen him since Thursday night, and I really missed him.  Thankfully Rick stayed at the hospital last night & Mom went home and slept for 13 hours straight.  It was her second night sleeping at home in over three weeks.  Sleeping in chairs (not reclining chairs) isn't the most restful, comfortable sleep for anyone.  However, being the awesome Mom she is, she refuses to leave the hospital.

Jeffrey looked good today and seems to prefer the trach to being intubated.  I don't blame him.  He was very interactive with me today, asking (signing) about his bag, his toy, work, and more.  I slathered lip stuff on his lips in hopes they will get some moisture.  I irritated him and wiped his face with a wet washcloth.  I charged his iPod.  Not much else I can do, unfortunately.  Jeff wanted to hold my hand almost the entire time I was there & I was more than happy to do it.  If I offered him my left hand, he pushed it away and grabbed for my right hand.  So maybe he's a little rotten now!  :)  After Mom got there, I became the evil sister and Jeff didn't want much to do with me.  Yes, rotten!

Since I had my left hand free, I sneaked a quick shot of this:

Obviously taken before Mom showed up and turned me to chopped liver.

Jeff will have a cat scan of his chest tomorrow to see if there are any other abnormalities or issues.  His left lung is still not fully inflating as it should be, and doctors want to see if they are missing anything.  Depending on what the scan shows, they may/may not start the weaning process to get him off the vent.  Jeff is not on any other medications other than an NG tube for nutrition (can't eat or drink yet) and a saline drip.  He did get some potassium through his picc line and after a percussion treatment and suction, he requested medicine and got one unit of morphine.

All in all, progress is very very very slow.  We'd love to just get him out of that bed and take him outside or give him a Coke to drink, but that can't happen until he can breathe on his own.  I just want him to be better, and we're all praying like crazy for that to happen.  Thanks for your continued prayers for my brother.  If you'd like to leave a note for Jeff and/or Mom in the comments, I will get it to them.

Update 9.4.11

I have spent more hours sleeping than awake since Friday night and regaining some semblance of being a human again.  I must definitely learn to balance everything in my life better, but I really don't know how to do that right now.

The good news is that Jeffrey is handling the trach well.  Man, he's a tough little brother of mine.  Here is Mom's letter from today:


"Hi Family & Loved Ones,

As always it's a new day.  We have good news on our front and hope that you all are having good things happen as well.

Jeff is doing well with his trach, color is good, xray shows slight improvement.  The doc covering today said that Dr, Q will be in tomorrow and he expects that they may start the weaning process again.  I think Jeff understood as he is trying to make sounds again.  He is being very cooperative, seemingly understands that all of this paraphernalia is to help him get better.  He gently fingers all of the tubes but doesn't pull; we have had his restraint off for 2 days now.  He'll rub his eyes, face or nose but only touches the tubes.  He is very curious about everything and feels as much of the equipment & attachments as he can.  I almost wish I had video of what he has done.  He LOVES the bed with its percussion and vibration treatment - think it has helped a lot.  He also loves it when he gets his oral care (every 4 hours) as it cleans his teeth & moisturizes his mouth.
He has had nothing to eat or drink for 3 weeks now (but has a tube from nose to stomach delivering glucerna).  He is still on the vent but hopefully that will change soon.  He'll be in the hospital a little longer but I forecast a good outlook.

Looking forward to a celebration when Jeff gets out of the hospital and back to himself.  Today he is making sounds again & enjoying the ability to do so. Rick is going to stay the night tonight and has been at his side all the way (as protective as any papa bear could be).  Let us hear from you & you know you'll be hearing from us.   With love, Jeff & Family"

Because I haven't felt well & didn't want to take my germs to the hospital, I haven't seen Jeffrey since Thursday night.  I'm looking forward to seeing him tomorrow.

9.2.11 - Trach Day

Last night was tough for Jeff's sister.  I had a hard time leaving the hospital and cried off and on before and after I finally headed towards home.  To much of the outside world, Jeffrey may not "look" perfect.  However, he is my perfect brother to me.  I hate, hate, hate that he is going through all of this after being chosen by God to live such a difficult life as it is.  I am upset that Jeff's perfect appearance will be further altered.  At the same time, I want my brother back.  I need to be back to the place where I'm irritated with my little brother for his "call of the wild" (screaming) and signing work incessantly until your arm is sore from his signing so hard with his arm.  I'll just have to remember how much I'm wishing for it when it starts up again!  :)

After working a 12-hour work day and being banned from the hospital because of a sore throat, I'll share with you Mom's email from today after the tracheostomy.

"Trach placed without any problem.  Nurse stated not much bleeding.  Almost strange to see his mouth without the big tube in.  Think he'll like it much better.  He'll start waking up in a bit; morphine ordered for pain.  Dr. Q (the ICU doc) looked further into lung & said it looked good.  Jeff was a little anemic so he'll get 2 units of blood today.

Rick brought his razor & shaved Jeff this AM before procedure.  Jeff was sleeping before procedure so didn't put his sunglasses on today.  We're back in the room with him now (we = Jeff's parents - Dad, Joyce, Rick, Mom).  Dr. S (doctor who performed the trach) was so nice.  He said even though this is a simple procedure there can be complications and he likes to pray with patient & family if that was okay.  He said a great prayer.  He is such a nice man & so impressive in all respects.

Our thanks to all of you for your visits, thoughts, prayers.  Today could be a great day for a new beginning.  Love to all, Jeff & family"

Here's to new beginnings . . . goodness knows Jeffrey is due one.  Thanks for the prayers that have gotten us this far.  We're asking for more so that continues.

Update for 9.1.11

From my Mom this morning:

"Dr. Q was in & said Jeff has to have a trach because he just can't clear the secretions on his own. It will allow him to get weaned from the vent & get up and around. Dr. Q said the weaning just can't happen without it. I know this for a fact as I saw what was happening this AM. (Jeffrey became anxious and restless which is a side effect of a patient being "air hungry.") I feel very confident and know how tough Jeff is. He has tolerated all of this so well & will probably love getting the tube out of his throat. The trach will probably occur tomorrow (Fri.). The doc says it is very short term."

I, of course, do not want my brother to become dependent on a ventilator for his breathing.  At the same time, I hate that he has to have yet another thing done.  Please pray that the tracheostomy goes well and the trach is VERY short term - enough to get Jeffrey off the vent and back on his own.  Then, we'll pray the trach can be removed.  Jeff has enough challenges in life and really doesn't need a trach to become yet another.

Thanks for the prayers.  He WILL be well soon, and we so appreciate everyone sending prayers, cards, calls, messages, etc.  You are treasured by my brother and our family.

Day 17: Jeffrey Update for 8.30.11

Yesterday, the lung doctor decided to do yet another bronchoscopy on Jeff's lungs.  Over 600cc of fluid and junk were pulled in that one procedure.  Doctors also found an abnormal angle in his lungs, but we don't know exactly where it is or what it means.  Mom has consulted with doctors about this.  We do know that the angle is 90 degrees which is some rationale behind why Jeffrey is having a difficult time getting rid of junk in his lungs and continues to have plugs that need to be removed.

When I visited him last night, he was pretty worn out from the bronch and CPT treatments every four hours.  Rather than physically or mechanically do the CPT, the respiratory team ordered a fancy percussion bed that does the treatments every four hours.  Pretty cool stuff out there.

Although he was pretty tired, Jeffrey was semi-interactive.  He didn't want me to hold his hand, but he did listen to me when I talked to him (although he's legally deaf, he can hear some & understand what you are saying).  I told him that I was there, that I was proud, and that he needed to keep getting well so we could "bust out of this joint."  At one point in my visit, Jeffrey tried to sit up some in bed and leaned towards me.  When I looked, he was trying to pucker his lips a bit even though the tube was in the way.  I gave him a kiss while my heart filled with more love for him than even before.  (How that's possible I don't know.)  Of course, he promptly wiped it off his mouth, signed "store", and pushed me away when I told him the store was later.   Jeff continues to be precious as always - and rotten, too.  :)  That's my brother!

This morning, my brother's chest x-ray finally showed some slight improvement.  With the aid of a cpap, Jeff has been breathing on his own with 50% oxygen or less for over 14 hours now.  The weaning process is underway again and can take a couple of days, but timing really depends on the individual.   GO JEFFREY!

Well, I'm tired and headed to bed.  Hope this has made some sense.  Know that your prayers are being heard and beginning to show through slight improvements in Jeff's current state.  Please keep them coming.  It's nice to feel a little bit of hope.  FINALLY.  I'm sure Jeffrey sends a kiss to everyone  . . . even though he'll just wipe it off.

PS - Jeffrey is still intubated (meaning the ventilator tube is still in) but we are hoping that he can be completely weaned and extubated very soon.

Jeffrey Update, 8-28-11

15 days in the hospital, 9 days in the ICU . . .

As of late this morning, Jeffrey is completely off all sedation.  He is opening his eyes, but he can't communicate much since he is still intubated and lightly restrained.  The progress of improving his lung function has been minimal.  The left lung still holds a good amount of fluid, and mucus is still present.  Because of this, he can't be taken off the ventilator.  Weaning him off the vent has been basically non-existent.  Respiratory comes in every four hours for percussion treatments and breathing treatments in hopes that will loosen the secretions.  Jeffrey has to be able to cough up things to breathe on his own.  The scariest part of all of this is that the pulmonologist (lung doctor) wants to do a tracheotomy on Wednesday if Jeff's not off the vent by then.  I am opposed to this idea, but I also don't want him vent-dependent either.  It's such a fine line of what is best for Jeffrey now and in the long run.

I stayed with him for about four hours today and shipped Mom and Rick off to the movies and a bite to eat.  Jeff wasn't overly thrilled with the idea of his sister kissing him and being in his face, but he was still nice about letting me know to stop.  In the time I was there, he was suctioned multiple times, a full breathing and percussion treatment, two sticks to draw blood, one injection of insulin, and having his mouth cleaned and suctioned again.  However, through all of the poking and tubes and pounding and prodding, Jeffrey is still such a sweetheart.  Neurologically, his personality and mind are still intact.  This is relieving because we still have as much of our Jeffrey as we can right now.  I just want my little brother off that damn ventilator.  I told him today that it was time to bust out of that joint, so he needed to cough a lot and get the tube out.  And when he finally got rid of the tube, he could have all the coke he wants.

So . . . please keep your prayers coming.  Pray that Jeffrey is able to get off the vent by breathing on his own and getting extubated.  Pray that the need for a trach disappears.  Pray for my Mom, too, because she is wearing thin now (though she wouldn't dare let anyone know it) and needs support as well.  Your prayers are being heard.  We appreciate all of you and your prayer groups.  Keep it up!

Jeffrey Update 8/25

Day 13 in the Hospital

They changed the settings on the ventilator this morning for Jeff to breathe without the vent doing it for him.  It also is there to force extra air volume in at the end of expiration so Jeffrey doesn't have to totally reinflate his lungs. So, he's still on the vent but definitely stable and looking good.

The bandages/dressing was taken off his head & neck today.  Mom said that "It's our Jeffrey!  His wound site is impressive with 17 staples but looks really good.  His head is shaved on that side so we'll have to consider a new haircut."  :)  Sedation will increase and the vent will take over tonight so Jeff and his lungs can get some rest.  Then tomorrow, he'll be back to work at getting extubated.  Hoping that will take place in the next couple of days.

Jeff signed "store" today (told you it was coming!) and wanted his hospital gown off so he could plan the clothing for his exit strategy.  I'm just so proud of him.  SO PROUD!  Keep your prayers going please - they are working!!!

Progress!

Doctors ordered the beginning of the process for weaning Jeffrey from the ventilator.  He will have to be able to breathe on his own exclusively before extubation, and today Jeff made progress towards just that.  For two solid hours, Jeff did all of his own breathing without any assistance.  After those two hours, the respiratory team noticed that he was beginning to tire and provided assistance and some sedation to help him rest.  Two hours is progress considering that a few days ago the ventilator on full throttle couldn't even get him the oxygen needed!

Tomorrow comes the next try.  The team will try every day until he is fully weaned and can be extubated.  I know Jeffrey is ready because he is still holding his bag and bear and signing goodbye.  To further prove his point, he's now signing "Coke" "eat" (poor guy hasn't eaten in a week!) "shoes" and "work."  Shoes, work, and store (which surely will be his next sign to say) are Jeff's signs for "Let's get outta here!"  :)

Best of all (in my opinion( is that Dr. Q said that Jeffrey will be okay.  It is so nice to hear that.  You can guarantee that he'll be able to eat and enjoy a stockpile of Coke as soon as he can.  We just can't wait to have him back!

My family and I can't begin to express how much everyone means to us.  All of the prayers - they are being heard!  Your love and support and strength are carrying my brother and all who love him.  Keep sending those petitions to Heaven, and let us know when we can do the same for you.  We are doing it now for some of you and want to continue.

My Sweet Brother

The email from my mom earlier today:

Title: Progress

Drs. Q (pulmonary) & M (neurosurgeon) have been by. Dr. Q says there has been improvement but left lung is still full of fluid so in a few minutes he is going to do another bronchoscopy (tube down to the lungs to clean them out) and more treatment/observation. Don't expect extubation today but moving in the right direction. In the last 24 hrs, meds & treatment have pulled off 6 liters of fluids which helps get rid of secretions. Jeff's color is better & he is mostly resting due to drugs. He is not in any distress, vital signs are great & heart rhythm is great. Dr. M is just waiting for extubation now.

You can't imagine how your prayers, thoughts, support have held us all. If ever you need us or the strength you have given us, we want to be there for you as well. Wishing each of you a great day and great health. Again thank you & love to all.  ~ Jeff's Family

:)

It still shakes me to my core that we could've lost him on Sunday.  Ugh.  After six liters of fluid being pulled yesterday, another two liters were pulled from his body today.  Holy crap.  Can you imagine????  I went by the hospital after work and was happy to see that Jeffrey looks much better than he did Sunday.  When I got there, I took Jeffrey's hand, kissed it and told him I was there.  He immediately signed, "bye-bye."  I told him as soon as he got better that we would go bye-bye.  Neurological intact?  CHECK.

I told my mom and Rick to go downstairs and get some dinner while I hung out with my lil brudder.  We interacted most of the time they were gone, but Jeff did not open his eyes due to the sedation he is still receiving.  We talked about his bag (those of you who know Jeffrey at all know about that damn bag), a large teddy bear the caretakers from his home & work brought him, and talked about bye-bye, medicine and the bag again.  He reached for his face, so I released his restraints.  Jeffrey touched the ventilator tube and straps across his face.  I told him all of that was to help him feel better and they'd be gone soon.  Before he had the chance to try and pull it all, I clipped the restraints back down.  He isn't FULLY restrained, but enough to where he can't do any damage.

Jeff did cough a few times which set off alarms. Thankfully, I was aware of this but it's hard to stay calm when you see red alarms flashing, hear loud alarms beeping, and look at the hero of your life turning red in the face.  Add to that the nun's habit looking bandaging on his head, about six to eight bags of IV stuff with their pumps, a huge machine pumping air into his lungs, compression sleeves connected to air tubes on his legs, a simple blood pressure cuff, the numbers on every single monitor, and all the sounds & smells of an ICU . . . it can be just a tad scary.

The sweetest part of my alone time with Jeffrey was when I handed him his "toy" (teddy bear).  I signed toy and told him aloud that he had a toy.  We felt the soft fabric fur, touched his eyes and nose, and then - instinctively - Jeff started to pet the bear and stroke its fur.  He has the sweetest heart, and that made me love him even more than I thought was possible.

We hope for extubation tomorrow or Thursday and pray that Jeff's lungs and body can handle it.  We are all ready to have our man back, and that would be a big step.  Today was the first time I felt like my brother might survive this, and I'm going to ride that feeling as long as I can.

Keep fighting, Jeffrey.  You have so much love to give you strength and prayers from SO MANY that are letting God know we love you, too.  Thanks - as always - for your prayers.

Jeff Update: Monday 8/22

This will be very brief since I'm completely spent after surviving the first day of school.  Jeffrey is still critical but stable.  The ICU staff and the many, many other medical staff that help him are amazing.  For that, we are blessed.

Preliminary biopsy results are coming in, so we hope to know more soon.  Of course, there is a strong chance we will never know why Jeff had the seizure that began all of this, but we can hope.  Please continue your prayers that my brother's body can get some rest and healing from the ventilator and sedation.  Doctors hope to slowly wean him from the vent over the next couple of days.  It's going to be a process that will take longer than we might like/want, but it is what is best for Jeff.

Thanks for everything --- Jeff's Family

Prayers for My Hero

This is going to be as detailed as I can get in my exhausted, emotional state without being too much.

My brother, Jeffrey, has been in the hospital for eight days now.  As you may or may not know, Jeffrey is handicapped and has been through more trials in this life than anyone should have to endure.  Jeff has a smile that is contagious and a laugh that can make you lose your own breath in laughter.  He had a generalized seizure on Saturday the 13th while with our Mom and her husband.  They were shopping at W.al.mar.t and thankfully paramedics were shopping in that same store when 911 was called.  After they checked him, Mom decided to take Jeff to the ER of the hospital where she works.  They decided to admit him, and he's been there since.

In trying to determine the cause of the seizure, doctors found that Jeffrey has chronic mast.oiditis and fluid in his ears.  A lum.bar puncture was planned and happened last Tuesday (I think).  His proteins in his fluid were more than double of the high end of the normal range which is a sign of inflammation.  After infectious diseases ran a battery of tests on the spinal fluid, blood cultures & such, it was found that Jeff has no viral or bacterial issues that may have caused the seizures.  Therefore, a meni.ngial biopsy was then scheduled for last Thursday to determine the cause.  The surgery went extremely well & Jeff was scheduled to stay in the ICU for observation that night.  His poor head is bandaged like a nun's habit, but he was comfortable on pain meds and doing well.  Friday is went things went to crap.

The ICU doctor - who just so happened to be the doctor who saved Jeff's life twelve years ago when he was in the same hospital with a collapsed lung - was on the ICU floor when he noticed Jeff's oxygen didn't look good.  He determined that Jeffrey had an obstruction and within minutes, Jeff was sedated, his lungs suctioned for mucus, and placed on a ventilator.  He has been on it since (now over 48 hours).

Our hopes were that extubation would occur today, but when the respiratory team tried to wean him off the vent, Jeff's fragile lungs and body couldn't handle it.  They left him intubated, but even with the ventilator doing most of the work, Jeff's oxygen saturation was subpar.  Medical staffers finally got everything under control right around the time I got to the hospital.  When you have a mom that is a nurse, you follow her lead.  When things started going downhill, Mom got scared.  When I spoke with her by phone, I got scared.  Everyone got scared.  And we still are.

I know there are probably more details, but between working twelve hour days preparing to return to school tomorrow and worrying about Jeffrey, my world has been rocked.  I will ask for some specific prayers at this point, but general prayers for Jeff's healing will be gladly cherished as well.

Specifics:
Pray that Jeffrey can be extubated and his lungs will function independently.
Pray that biopsy results return with a cause of the seizure that can be easily treated.
Pray for my more than tired Mom who has spent all but a few hours one night in the hospital with Jeff.
Pray for the continued wisdom and caring of the medical staff caring for Jeff.
Pray for comfort and peace for our entire family and for all who love my brother (which is MANY).

Updated - Photos

I had a major fail with my last post about the Guest Suite because the slide show wasn't working.  Come to find out, Picasa changed my default settings so all of my albums were visible to only me.  Oops.

The photos have been updated in the post, so go check it out!

Summer Project 2011: The Guest Suite

Did you ever see the episode of FRIENDS where Monica & Rachel lose their apartment in losing a game to Chandler & Joey?  Monica moves all of their stuff into the guys' apartment, decorates, has everyone over for snacks and drinks, and Monica falls asleep once they get there?  That is me.  Todd went out of town, and I finally got started on my summer project!  


Remember my 2010 project was the family room?  And in 2009 I did the laundry room before our home was torn apart and put back together again?  Did you forget that in 2008, I redid an old rocking chair after IKEA-hacking and setting up my scrapbook armoire/craft area?  Have you been paying attention? :)


Our guest suite is what some call a "mother in-law suite," whereas we have a bedroom and full bath in its own hallway separate from the rest of the living quarters.  Unfortunately, after I sold the bed in that bedroom, it had become a functional bathroom and storage room.  You could walk into the guest room, step over a few things to get to the closet and leave.  It seriously looked like a scene from the show Hoarding: Buried Alive, except things weren't piled quite as high as an insane person's room.  Embarrassing, yet true.


In just over two days for my 2011 project, I cleaned out our guest bedroom, closet and bathroom.  With bunches of help from my mom, I painted the walls, spray painted almost anything in reach, and redecorated the whole thing.  I bought new bedding, removed old and added new furniture, removed shutters and installed blinds, cleaned out everything, made a couple of trips to Goodwill, set out a few loads for bulk trash, reorganized the closet, drawers, cabinets, and more.  I won't tell you what the rest of the house looked like in this process, but it was BAD.


Exhaustion and pride are the only two words I can think and feel at this point!  I have during and before shots, but I'm really too tired to find them right now.  So here is the after:




The walls look a lighter blue than IRL because the color has more of a gray tint to it.  I love it though!  Still to do: curtains, new lamps, paint doorknobs & shower door frame, organize gift wrap into underbed storage boxes, take MIL's clothing, furs, bags, & shoes to resale, send photos off to be scanned, and more I can't think of right now.

Goodnight.

Todd & Kristin's Vacation - Part Uno

Destination Destin!  I already told you about the first few characters we encountered along our way, and there were more!  First stop: Mobile, Alabama - July 15/16, 2011

When we arrived in Mobile, it was POURING.  Coming in from the droughts and record-setting heat of North Texas, it was really odd to see it rain this hard in the summer.  Our lodging for the night was at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Mobile's Historic District.  It was recently remodeled and really pretty!  Our room was large and comfortable, so we slept well.  I would definitely recommend the hotel to others.

We ate dinner at the original Wintzell's Oyster House and YUM!  The nice front desk clerk at our hotel gave us coupons for free gumbo, so that was partly what led us there.  We started off with the gumbo, then Todd had oysters and I had seafood au gratin.  The beer was cold and the food was tasty!  I've actually been craving Todd's oysters, and I'm not an oyster girl.

The next morning the rain had let up for a while, and we headed out to see some friends.  Breakfast was at Spot of Tea only a block or two from our hotel.  I had the Vanilla French toast with some eggs and bacon.  I shared some of it with (well, it was stolen by) one of my favorite little people - my lil' Goddaughter, **PAYTON**

I'll share my food with this little bird any day!

Miss Restless Pants (who did really well at breakfast!) was ready to get out of that highchair seat belt, and she finally did.  Across the street is a splash pad, so Miss P knew it was time to run, play and get soaking wet.  She did all three very well!

Payton steps on the fountains.

Payton's Daddy and I both told her that drinking from the fountains was yucky, and that led to this:

Drinking

from

every

single

fountain!

I was cracking up watching Payton go from one fountain to the next, all right in a row.  Stubborn, silly girl!  She ran & ran (sometimes too far) & ran & ran.

Her Mommy and Daddy ran and caught her . . .

And once she slowed down, we took a few posed shots . . .

Todd & Kristin --- the vacationers

kekis and her mini-kekis

Payton loved the flowers

She finally has hair!  :)

Last, but not least, one of my besties Sarah!

We enjoyed our short time in Mobile, but it was time to head to the beaches of Destin!