I've got tile!

So I've been saying that I wanted a tile backsplash since our first house in Crystal Lake. In each house I said I was going to do it but never got around to it. Well third time's a charm! I finally found tile that inspired me to get the job done. I bought the tile without Dave's approval while he was in PA with the kids and was really worried how he'd react. It definitely wasn't what he expected, me neither actually. And when it came in I second guessed myself for a few days. I also ended up having to change a couple things on the fly, but all in all it turned out so much better than I had anticipated. And Dave loves it, too. I wish I had done it sooner.


"before"


"after"

Back to school, back to school!

Jackson and Emma went back to school today. Emma took forever to fall asleep last night in anticipation of the day - it was so cute! They were both really excited to go this morning. It's fun to see each year start fresh, and look forward to how much they'll change and grow. And I didn't even get emotional this year. Now when Brian goes to preschool in a couple weeks, I'm sure I'll lose my mind.
Here are pics from this morning.






On a side note, Emma had her gh stim test last week and did well. It was a rough day, but she hung in there and now it's all behind her. I go on the 24th for the results. Fingers crossed.

New test date

Emma will be having the test done at Levine Childrens Hospital on August 13th. They have more specialized equipment to help locate a good vein for the IV so we're hopeful she won't endure multiple sticks like yesterday. I won't follow up with the dr for the results until the 24th, but I'll be sure to post what they find.
Funny thing about yesterday though was that they measured her before the test. Dave said they had her at 46 inches tall. If that is truly the accurate measurement then I don't think we'll have anything to worry about. The whole reason for this test was because at Emma's last check-up she was 45 1/4 inches tall, which dropped her down to the -2% for height. The dr. said since her growth had stalled again we should really do this test. They measured her twice that day to make sure it was accurate. So a month later she's 46 inches? If she grew 3/4 of an inch in a month we'll have worried for nothing. But, at least we'll know for sure. I'm guessing they either measured her w/shoes on or rounded since it wasn't an official check. But time will tell.

Thanks for keeping Emma in your prayers. She recovered quite quickly yesterday and had a normal day.

Growth Hormone Stim Test

UPDATE: no dice. they couldn't find a vein that would last more than a few seconds. Poor girl got poked multiple times all for nothing. So now we have to reschedule for another day to have the procedure done at Levine Children's hospital. So not happy about that.

Tomorrow (tuesday, aug. 4th) Emma is having this test. I can't explain it well, so I'll copy and paste the medical definition

Definition

The growth hormone (GH) stimulation test measures the plasma level of human growth hormone (hGH) after the administration of the amino acid arginine and/or GH-releasing hormone. It measures the ability of the pituitary to secrete GH.

How the test is performed

An angiocatheter (IV) is usually placed in a vein, typically in the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band or blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper arm to cause the veins below the band to swell with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and then removed while the angiocatheter is left in the vein. The band is then removed to restore circulation.

Your blood will be drawn 5 times. To prevent multiple punctures of the vein, samples will be taken through the IV line instead of repeatedly re-inserting the needle.

The first sample will be drawn between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., then an intravenous (IV) infusion of arginine is started and continued for 30 minutes. After the 30-minute infusion, GH-releasing hormone is administered intravenously and then four more blood samples are drawn at 30-minute intervals.

Why the test is performed

This test is typically performed to identify hGH deficiency as a cause of growth retardation.

Normal Values

A normal peak value is at least 10 ng/mL; 5-10 ng/mL is indeterminate; 5 ng/mL is subnormal. (A normal value rules out hGH deficiency; in some laboratories, the normal level is 7 ng/mL.)

Note: ng/mL = nanogram per milliliter.

So that was taken from "How stuff works" website. It was the least medical of all the explanations I could find. The reason Emma is having to have this test is her growth had stalled again. She is closely monitored by an endocrinologist and up until now she had been holding her own. Even though she was tiny, she was at least maintaining her own growth curve. After this last appointment her dr. said she was in the -2% for height. I didn't even know there were negative percents! Emma does know about the test and she gets more nervous as each day passes. She does like the attention and drama (no idea where she gets that from - LOL) but I think she truly is scared. It won't be a big deal I don't think once the IV is in place though. Her dr. did say she'd feel pretty yucky but could eat as soon as the test was over. I will send her with a packed lunch I think. Dave is taking her so I can keep the babies here, and also so she doesn't see me upset. I'm not sure why, but I think I'm having a harder time with this than warranted. But she's already been put through a lot at such a young age, I just wish it was all behind her.

Please, if you think of it, pray for Emma tomorrow. She will be there from 8-11 or 12. I'll post how she does once they get home.