The Reality Is--

Lydia's test results are finally all in and processed.  The biopsies showed she, indeed, has acid irritation in her stomach lining.  They also found a technical term thing that can be indicative of Celiac Disease.  However, where they'd expect to find the same technical term thing in her small intestine, there was none. 

Several blood drawls later...

She doesn't have Celiac.  They even tested for a genetic marker.  She doesn't have one.  She will never develop Celiac Disease.  Which, on one hand-- WOOO HOOO!-- but on the other hand-- FUCK!. 

We were hoping, hoping-hoping-hoping, for a positive diagnosis.  Wheat/gluten we could treat.  Just add it to the list of things she already can't have.  It would have been an easy fix.

But no. 

I asked GI Doc if, possibly, she could still be intolerant to gluten because, let me tell you, Jeremy and I have studied the SHIT out of Celiac Disease and the number of odd-ball, what-the-fuck symptoms Lydia presents is covered under this disease.  So.  Maybe it could be possible she's intolerant to wheat/gluten the same as she's intolerant to half the food in this world? 

GI Doc said it could be possible.  Hell, anything's possible at this point.  All we know is SOMETHING is irritating her stomach.  Its the one and only proven fact we have to work with. 

We've switched her medicine to Prevacid in hopes that it will start heal her tiny little insides.  I asked GI Doc about going gluten free, anyway.  She suggests we take one month to see how well the new medicine does or doesn't work on its own and, after a month, we can try a new diet plan. 

The good news is, we're one week in and she's FINALLY! started sleeping through the night again.

Oh, how I love my sleep. 

Though, what I love even more is that I'm not spending half the night rocking a writhing Lydia as she cries herself back to sleep. 

One day at a time.  One step at a time.  That's the reality of it.

Happy Birthday

Happy, HAPPY, Birthday my lovely Lydia Kate.  Thanks to a VERY busy day yesterday, we had to celebrate your special occasion a day late.  Not that you minded, or noticed.

All you wanted was FISH! for supper once you spied the seafood monger at the farmer's market.  We made your fish.  Lemon Sole, to be exact.  You also wanted potatoes, fresh spinach and an unpeeled carrot.  We spend lots of money at our farmer's market thanks to you.  And believe me, that's a very good thing you've brought into our lives.

For desert, you wanted a Chocolate Lava Cake.  You, my dear, are a true woman.  Chocolate truly is your very best friend in any form!  You polished your plate, took your spoon, and started digging into the baking dish~ inviting your sister to join you!

This year was your year of all things that GO!  Cars, trucks, balls.  Planes and trains.  Bikes, ice skates and scooters.  If it moves, you're in love.

Which is perfect, because you received a lot of trains and cars.  You also fell in love with a new baby, two dresses, an art easel and a little electronic game.  Come to think of it, I'm not sure there's a toy made, for boy or girl, that you don't LOVE. 

Without a doubt, though, cars and trains are the front runners.

You played with this set up until we had to tear you away for a bath and then bed.  You, were NOT a happy camper!

Sometimes I think you're a giant tom-boy.  One of the biggest I've ever seen.  But then I watch you play barber shop with your babies or squeal with delight over the frilliest of dresses, and I know you're just Lydia.  My 3 year old Lydia.

Family Skate

I'm not sure how many wrecks she caused on the ice once the place filled up, but Lydia is a pint sized hazard.  She's like a little Kamikaze with the left foot stroke she has going.  I just want to put a skateboard under her right foot and let her go at it.  She can haul ass on the ice... until she gets her right foot moving.  Then the flailing, falling, bowling for people belly slides on the ice happen. No, really, watch for yourself.

Untitled from Alicia on Vimeo.

Kyra on the other hand, has learned the art of avoiding the camera at all costs. I think I liked her baby days better when she'd flat out ignore me.  Kyra, look here!  And I'd get nothing.  When I whip out the camera now, she runs away and hides. 

Untitled from Alicia on Vimeo.

I think I'm going to start treating her like I tell strangers to do the dogs... If you want Cricket to come close enough for you to pet him, focus all your attention on Bishop. Jealousy will ensue. Certainly this tactic works with children, right?

Christmas Highlights

1. The dusting of snow.  It was a white Christmas, after all!
2.  Kyra- after finding out Santa brought them a gymnastics mat sullenly says, "I think Santa wants me to practice my hand stands..."  Lydia- "MY 'NASTICS?! DANDA BROUGH' ME MY NASTICS?!" [squeals with joy]
3. Lydia- peering into her stocking, "RAY-CAR!  DANDA BROUGH' ME RAY-CAR!"
4. Jeremy- watching the girls duel with their new Harry/Hermoine wands, "Don't point those at people!"  Me- "How else are they supposed to accurately cast spells?"
5. Kyra- opening a sand art set, "Ooooh!  Its BEAUTIFUL! Its my favorite!"  Jeremy- horrified look, "Who gave her that?" Me- "Granma." Jer- "I thought she liked us." 
6. Lydia- sifting through a gift bag from a family friend, "I GOT PANTIES!"  Jer- "I think she likes her panties..."
7. Kyra- kneeling in wait for Communion, "Mommy, do you see that boy a few rows behind us?  He looks like Harry Potter!  Well, not Harry Potter, but the guy in Harry Potter..."
8. Lydia- stepping in front of Deacon to receive her blessing, "I GOT THOMAS THE TRAIN!"
9. Lydia- yelling at Father after the mass, "I GOT THOMAS THE TRAIN!"
10. Jeremy- said with a proud grin, "The best part of Christmas is you didn't guess your present this year."  I got a pasta maker.  Something I asked for months ago but never expected to actually receive.
11. Jeremy- after putting together his new BluRay player and starting Cars for Lydia, he says with awe, "WOW! You don't even have to wait for this one.  It starts right up."  He received a BluRay a few years ago but wanted a second one for the main TV.  I guess things have improved in the last few years.
12.  Kyra and Lydia- bouncing mindlessly together on their new (mini) trampoline Santa brought while watching Cars.

Christmas Eve, 2011

'Twas the night before Christmas

And all through the house

Two girls were posing for pictures

Like everyday super models.

Excited, they were, for Santa's arrival

 

They prepared snacks to eat

 and laid the stockings out neat.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Brought to you from the land of Its Fucking Cold

With not a speck of snow.  What kind of crap is that?

Somewhat on Schedule

Kyra's quilt is finished.  Sure, you don't need to tell me how I started cutting it last winter, bought the rest of the fabric this summer and only now, one year after the start, its done.  And Kyra's sleeping under it tonight.

Christmas cards are filled out, stuffed, addressed and waiting for stamps.  The girls presents are bought, wrapped and waiting to be torn open.  All that's left is candy making, little girl dress sewing and package mailing.  10 days to go....

I'm farther behind then I hoped to be at this point, but farther ahead then I was this time last year.  Things may not arrive before Christmas, but at least they'll make it within a couple days before or after. 

Works for me.

Family Movie Night

Harry Potter Style.  Jeremy has single-handedly created an entire family of Potter Nerds.  At least we're bonding, right?