Fall Perfection

We have really been enjoying the warm fall weather this past week.  I am trying to squeeze in any last sunshine before the coldness sets in.  Jeri took the boys to Hee Haws during their fall break.  They had a great time.  I managed to capture some pretty awesome action shots.

 

I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see him jumping and flipping and being his usual energetic self.

 

 I have to admit I was a bit shocked to see Hank just bust out a flip without any instigation by me or his cousins.  It was a pretty brave move!

 Max had no fear!

 

 Max really wanted Hank to ride on the little train with him. Hank was happy to oblige.

Hayride--I don't recommend this if you have a full bladder...just sayin'

 And of course the corn maze.  Max wasn't really a fan but the other boys had a blast fighting over who found the way out.  

We had a great time at the park with Sarah, Jack and my mom the next day.  The boys love scaring the seagulls.

 I'm glad to see they don't have a fear of birds like their mother.  Sarah has a full recap of the impromptu baseball game/obstacle course that followed on her blog.

 

 Earlier this month, Randy and I had a fabulous time at my cousin Wyatt's wedding.  It was up at Sundance and it was beautiful.  We had a fabulous dinner and danced the night away.  I think I want a do-over of my wedding.  Maybe we will renew our vows on our 15th anniversary. That gives me four years to prepare something incredible.  Randy and I also went golfing last weekend and I finally hit the ball well.  It's been a disappointing golf year for me but thanks to the Ranches Club Champion (Randy) I got some tips that really helped me out.  I am really loving this time of year.  I am so grateful for my family and most importantly their good health.  Here's to hoping for another great week of fabulous weather!

What a difference 2 weeks makes!

It's hard to believe 2 weeks ago we were up at Primary Children's Hospital, hoping and praying to get home as soon as possible.  Hank's blood tests were improving when we left but still not normal so obviously I've been a bit anxious and nervous about how he is recovering. We got home and resumed life as usual, perhaps a bit more paranoid life, but Hank went to school, Taekwondo, and his soccer game.

 

He didn't miss a beat!  His soccer team was so excited to have him back on the field.

 He even scored a goal early in the first half.

I tried really hard not to freak out every time he fell down or acted tired.

On Sunday, we spent some quality family time together.  We went on a long bike ride, ran around at the park, and enjoyed a nice 3D movie.

 He cruised along the bike trail with the same speed he always does.  

 Max didn't do too shabby either on his new Lightning McQueen bike.  Yes he is riding in his jammies!

Hank has been acting really good as you can see, yet I haven't been able to relax.  I've been so worried that things were going to go wrong again. This whole experience has left me terrified and anxious.  Yesterday Hank had some blood taken again, much to his dismay.  I have bad memories of American Fork Hospital thanks to an incorrect diagnosis 3weeks ago.  He met with his pediatrician today to discuss the results and I'm so relieved and excited to say things are improving!  His blood pressure is good and they are going to discuss taking him off his meds in a few weeks.  His kidneys are functioning much better and his red blood cell count has gone up.  In fact, every area they checked has drastically improved from 2 weeks ago. They will continue to do blood tests every 2 weeks for the next few months until things are completely normal.  Our doctor is very encouraged with Hanks progress.  He expects even better results from his next blood test.  I can breathe a bit easier now. 

Oh yes, and we had his parent teacher conference last night I'm happy to report that Hank is a genius with lots of friends. No surprise there!

Birthday #3

After nearly a week delay, Max finally got his birthday party.  Before the party recap I need will give you just a taste of the Mino man at 3 years old.

1. He weighs 31 pounds (44%) and stands 38.75 (80%) inches tall.
2. He still loves the Wiggles and prefers the episodes with Sam Wiggle as opposed to Greg.  Jeff is his favorite.
3. His diet consists of milk with a splash of chocolate, toast with jam, dino nuggets, waffles, and goldfish.  He isn't much of an eater. 
4. His favorite movies at the moment are Cars, The Chipmunk Movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Toy Story, and Finding Nemo.
5. He is still sucking his fingers whenever he can.
6. He can be the sweetest most loving boy ever and then flip a switch and turn into psycho child.  He has a problem hitting, pinching, and biting...mostly it's just Hank and I on the receiving end.
7. Every movie he watches he assigns a family member to each character.  For example, he is Lightning McQueen, Simon, Buzz, and Nemo.  Every time that particular character comes on the screen he shouts, "THERE'S MAX" or "THERE'S MOM" or "THERE'S DAD".
8. He loves to play on the computer.  Curious George and Toontown are his favorites.
9. He doesn't really have a favorite toy but he tends to play with anything Hank loves.
10. He is completely potty trained and has been for 6 months.  He did that one on his own!
11. He knows all his colors and can count up to 20.
12. He has developed a little stutter, for example: "wa wa wa wa what's that" or "I I I I I want to play" or "don don don don't do that".  It's sort of funny right now but I hope it doesn't require speech therapy in the future.
13. He is Hank's biggest fan.  After Taekwondo he always says "Good Job buddy, you're awesome".  
14. He is able to play with Hank now without causing major frustration on Hank's end.
15. He still takes an afternoon nap most days...although lately he's been fighting it.
16. He loves to read stories before bed.  He would read 50 books if I would let him.  His favorite are the Froggy books and David Get's In Trouble.
17. He is capable of flooding the bathroom after 5 minutes in the tub.
18. He loves to help me make pancakes, waffles, and chocolate chip cookies.

 We held Max's unbirthday on the 29th of September.  He was so excited to finally have his birthday.  Hank helped me pick out every present for Max this year.  Every gift he opened Hank was shaking with excitement.  He was especially excited for Max to open the present from him.  

He got him a SF 49ers shirt (just like the one he has), some hotwheels, Star Wars bandaids, and some camo rain boots.  Max also got a Toy Story Game, playdoh, books, and clothes from Randy and I.  The big present this year was a bike.  Hank brought it out for him and Max said "Cool bike Hank" not realizing it was for him.  Once he found out it was his, he was pumped!

He figured it out really quick.  Knowing Max, those training wheels won't be on for long.

After a quick stop at the pediatricians office with Hank, where I found out absolutely nothing, we stopped at Chick Fil A for lunch.  We met Sarah, Jack and my mom there.  The boys had so much fun together.

 Then it was party time! Max was feeling very photogenic so I had to take some shots while he was in a good mood.

 I'm not sure but I think some crepe paper threw up in my kitchen.

 The cake

 Kunz, Jeri, mom

 Mom and Dad

 Grandpa Sherm and Grandma Yvonna 

 Jack-man

 Danna, Sarah and Kate

 My dad and Randy tried to copy Max's smile.  Not nearly as cute!

 Max and Monet shared a tender moment.

Max blowing out candles might be my favorite thing ever.  His cooperation for photos ended about here so I didn't get pictures of Grandma Joanne, Hayley, Lucy, Isabel, Dyson, Colby, James, Darcelle, Jimmy, or Erica.  None of his uncles made an appearance...boo uncles! Only the Portland boys are excused.

 I had the genius idea to break a pinata since Max likes to hit everything in sight. Worst idea ever! Max was beyond pissed when Hank broke it open.  Oh well, I tried.  He got such wonderful gifts from everyone.  Thank you to everyone who came and called Max on his birthday.  

I

 It was like Christmas morning yesterday when Max woke up.  They painted, they played in their tent, played army guys, games, playdoh, you name it.  Needless to say my house looks like it was Christmas morning.  Disaster!  I think its safe to say he had a wonderful birthday.  I can't imagine my life without Max in it.  He adds so much happiness and energy to our home.  He always keeps me running but I love his wild spirit.  He is truly unique, funny, sweet, out of control, adorable, and loving.  I love you Maxi!

In other Griffin news, we have a new addition to our family courtesy of my mom and dad.

They insisted on getting Hank a Wii after a safe return from the hospital.  He was shocked to say the least as was I.  We are still trying to figure out a way for Hank and Max to play together without killing each other.  Hank is one spoiled little boy!  He deserves it though.

Max's Birthday Announcement

Someone has a birthday party coming up...

Now that everything with Hank is stable and life is returning to normal, we are celebrating Max's Birthday on Wednesday September 29th.  Feel free to call him and wish him a happy birthday on that day.  I've been feeling very guilty for postponing his party so I want to make sure he gets the fabulous party he deserves.

His face in this picture reflects his mood these days...pure devil!

After being trapped in the hospital last week I really wanted to take the kids up American Fork Canyon for a picnic.  They really enjoyed feeding the ducks.

My two buddies reunited.

Max was so happy running around like a manic, dancing, and scaring the ducks.

 Hank was a bit more reflective.

Max was acting a fool when...

he slipped and face planted in the mud!

Being the evil mom I am, I quickly ran for the camera to capture the moment.  It was hard not to laugh.

Hank was far more sympathetic.

 Max had no problem eating his lunch in the nude.

The joys of being a boy in the mountains.

 It did us all some good to get outside.  It's going to take me awhile to recover from the stress and emotion

 of last week.  Hank is doing really well but I notice him getting tired quickly. I am so paranoid something is going to go wrong again.  He had a headache tonight and I contemplated calling his doctor.  I know I'm driving him nuts.  I need to relax.  I am exhausted and apparently the boys are too.  They were both in bed by 7:30 tonight.  That's a first!

 

Hank Update #11 We're HOME!!!

After nearly 9 days at Primary Children's we are home!  Hank's platelets shot up to 145 today and his other numbers came down enough for the doctors to discharge him. 

From this...

To This!
His doctor said that he doesn't have any dietary restrictions and can go back to school on Monday.  His hematocrit is still pretty low and that will take a few months to get back to normal.  As a result he will get tired pretty quickly.  Other than a follow up visit with his pediatrician next week and daily blood pressure medication he is good to go until he meets with the primary children's doctors in 3 months.  They want to check on him once a year for the next 5 years.  She doesn't think he will have any lasting effects but the high blood pressure could continue for awhile.

We were greeted by Grandma Jeri and Kate when we got home and Sarah made this gigantic welcome home sign with balloons.

The kids in our neighborhood made this sign for Hank.  He also received a soccer ball from his team, which they all signed.  He was feeling pretty darn special coming home, as he should.  I just can't even believe everything we've been through this week.  I am so grateful, happy, and relieved that everything turned out how it did.  We definitely dodged some bullets and we are so fortunate to have Hank home and healthy.  Nothing will change your perspective like spending a week at a children's hospital.  I am forever changed.  Life is such a precious gift, not to be taken for granted.  There is nothing more important than health and family.  It is something I will cherish everyday for the rest of my life.  Again, I can't thank you all enough for the tremendous outpouring of love and concern.  It means the world to my little family.  I love you all so very much.  It's so good to be home!!!!

Hank Update #10

Last night Sarah and my dad came up to hang out with Hank while Randy and I went out to dinner.  How awesome is that?  Not to mention Scott and Jeri had Max all day and Jenni helped out this evening.  My family is amazing.  I have the most incredible family in the world, hands down, I just can't stress that enough.  Even those who are nowhere near Primary Childrens, offer their support in the form of phone calls, texts, e-mail, or care packages.  My family in Manti sent Hank a super soft Red Sox Blanket and he snuggled up to it all night.  My four moms in Laguna Beach sent me a gorgeous floral arrangement yesterday. I am amazed and overwhelmed everyday by your support.  I love you all so much.

Now for Hank's stats for the day.  His platelets are up to 95!  WooHoo!  His doctor is really happy about that.  His kidney function also improved.  They are talking more and more about him going home soon.  His potassium and phosphorus is still high so they have him on a really strict renal diet.  He isn't too happy about that but he knows that by sticking to it he can go home sooner.  If you are coming to visit, don't' bring any treats for him, or me for that matter.  I told him I would stay on the same diet he is on.  We are getting a new doctor tonight so it is up to her when he gets discharged.  That's all for now...more to come.

Hank Update #9

Hank got the all clear to leave the room yesterday afternoon, so he has been all over this hospital.  His spirits are high, thanks to the amazing visitors and constant entertainment from Randy and I.  He is quickly becoming famous on the third floor.  The nurses are in love!

The Doctor just came in this afternoon and told us his platelets jumped from 59-76 which is awesome progress.  He said he wished his other HUS patients had that much progress.  He looked at Hank and said, "Gee I'm glad I don't have to put you on dialysis.".  He is hopeful that if we continue to see progress he can get out of here later this weekend possibly.  I'm trying not to get my hopes up because I know how medical things go and I need to be emotionally prepared for this thing to take longer than expected.  His kidney function is holding steady but is still only about 50% of normal.  I know he's going to beat this thing.  The doctor said the damage done to his kidneys is minimal so that is great news.

I can't thank everyone enough for their love and concern.  It means more to me than I can ever say.  I feel your support and it is the only thing getting me through this.  Thank you to everyone who has helped me with Max.  Randy and I are taking turns going home and spending time with him.  He is anxious to have our entire family back together and so am I.  Love to you all!