Mooja cont'd

Before we get an overwhelming amount of responses and offers to help us out, shortly after this last post, Doug mentioned the post to a friend at work who has answered our "plea for help". Luckily for all of you, you are off the hook.

A Desperate Plea for Help!

So we are in desperate need of someone to watch this little guy. No, sorry folks, not Weston, Mooja. We are going to Albuquerque next week for the 4th and are quickly discovering everyone we know is also going out of town or having company. Before you quickly exit of my blog pretending you never saw this post, let me just tell you a little about our dog, Mooja.

He has the stupidest name ever, which is why we were so nervous about naming Weston (fortunately, I still say we didn't mess that one up). He is soooo good around babies and kids, he doesn't lick faces or hands, he sits, shakes, rolls over, and is completely house-trained. He lets Weston pull his ears, tail, paws, mouth and even lets Weston hit him, so now we are struggling with Weston how to be "soft" because Mooja does not even care. Mooja may allow that because he know he can get the most food from Weston.

He isn't allowed on furniture and doesn't shed....that much. He'll sleep all day if you want him to. He sleeps in his kennel at night. He eats once a day unless you leave food on the ground. He is the best vacuum. He doesn't bite or bark unless you are teasing him and purposely trying to get him to bark. But he is easily silenced. He is also the smallest full-sized beagle you've probably ever seen. He is so friendly. If you have a yard, feel free to throw him out there all day. If you don't have a yard, he is an inside dog, anyway. And if after one week, you want to keep him, that can be negotiated through me :)

Now, here is what we are willing to offer as compensation: yard work, babysitting, any kind of food or dinner for you and your family, lifetime friendship, we'll watch your small to medium-size dog when you need it, we'll wash your cars, I don't know we're just trying to save a few bucks on taking him to a kennel. Also, if you can only watch him for partial week that would still help us out. As much as I love Mooja, I am not taking him on a 10 hour drive again to ALB. Last time I did that, I was pregnant and almost left him in Moab.

In Other News....

In case you don't live in UT or you simply don't care about our predicament, which is fine also :) Here are some other updates in our lives.

Weston got his drain out about a month ago and also went off all his diuretics, so his belly just ballooned! And we were so frustrated because he was just so uncomfortable again, but Dr. Book came back in town and took care of business as usual. She put him on a different combo of diuretics (which help him pee better, because his kidneys struggle) and he had an ultrasound a few weeks ago and another scope yesterday. He didn't have to have the sclerotherapy done, which treats the veins in his throat because his veins are doing much better. The veins are oozing a little blood just from the surrounding tissue so it was a long day, because they had to give him blood and fluid for hydration.

The bad part is from the ultrasound, the spleen is still fighting to pump all that blood and fluid through because his veins are so tiny and the liver was so big. So at a future date, we may have to consider a surgery called a "shunt", not exactly sure how to explain it, but to say it would redirect the blood flow. However, it's also possible the problem may fix itself as Weston gets bigger and his veins get bigger, so we're scheduling an MRI to take a look at all his veins, which he will have to be sedated for. How educational is my blog, if you take the time to read all this nonsense :) But to be honest, Weston has never been funner and he is so close to crawling each day! He is learning to clap, pull himself to his knees, dance, nod (not just shake his head), wave, and throw temper tantrums. And he has 3 teeth total - two and a half on the bottom and another half on top :) And now he is eating everything and also off formula and onto a more expensive milk pediasure, fabulous.

Also in other news, I have the best parents ever. I bought toilet paper the other day for the first time in really I think a year. Every time, my mom is in town, she buys laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, and a roast for my freezer. I have yet to buy laundry detergent. And, of course, all this is purchased with Dad's money so I must thank both of them. I was so caught off guard that we didn't have any toilet paper and it was a sunday, so I had to use paper towels for a day, Doug refused.

My mother is now officially not only the voice in my head, but in Doug's also. Said Doug when performing this trick with Weston, "I can hear Grandma Kaye now, 'What are you doing to my grandson?!'" Grandma Kaye's response upon hearing this story, "I have accomplished what I set out to do."

Sorry this post is so long - I'll try to be more frequent!

Weston's Birthday Bash

Here are some pictures from the big celebration. We received so many fun presents from family and friends. Thank you thank you thank you!










We pretty much just asked for books, which was so great! Weston loves to read and loves his new books. I wrapped them up so he would have something to unwrap on his birthday, and boy was he mad at me for taking them away.

















Not to toot my own horn or anything, but this train is probably his favorite toy. He was so excited. It is Tigger & Pooh, of course!


























And Nemo Birthday cake from Coldstone, yummy!









I think Weston had a hard time opening fun things and then having us take them away. He didn't quite understand it and actually enjoyed the ceiling fan and his balloon the most.

Time for a new post

Ok, well, it's well past the time for a new post, but with several trips up to the hospital for labs and being essentially camera-less and more excuses than that :) I have not. I have many things I'd like to post, but we'll start with this.

Happy Birthday to my little buddy Weston! He turned one on 6-6. We are amazed at how fast it went by, and then realized that 1/3 of the time was spent in the hospital so it was bound to speed by. We had a fun birthday celebration all weekend with friends and family. As Weston turned one, he has learned many new things. Here is one of them.

title-less

I could not pinpoint a title for this post, you may have your choice: "good news, bad news", "yummy yucky" (like the book :)), "uh-oh, yay!", "sad, happy", but here goes:

Completely Violated...

So sad that on mother's day, while I was away, Doug being a great pet-owner took Mooja to the dog park and upon returning to the car, found the back passenger window busted and someone had stolen his golf clubs! I cried, yes, I cried for Doug's golf clubs. We don't have a lot of nice things for ourselves, but Doug's clubs were something he had and loved. I am so sorry for him! Now, I am greatly appreciative of the donations and collections we received for hospital bills for Weston, but now I think I may start a collection for new clubs for Doug. It's all related...quality of life you know. Just kidding! But we will scrimp and save and maybe put a little of that extra tax refund towards some new ones someday. On a MUCH lighter note...

There's no such thing as too many girls, right ladies?

Lisa and I have opposite fears now. I am afraid, because I want a little girl so badly (someday in the far, far future) that I will have all boys, in which case, I have all my boy names picked out just in preparation. Lisa, now that she is having 2 fraternal twin GIRLS, (that's right Jamie, let the advice roll in) will only have girls. I had five sisters and I love them all (on most days) and of course I love my only brother (every day upon his graduating high school). And also my only blond sister, Kristen Lee :) We are so excited for you Lis, you will be the funnest babies mama :)
















I'm so sorry ladies, I know this was almost 3 years ago, but it's the only picture I have of all of us at Kristen and Aaron's wedding. But we look fab, because we were dressed by the best :)

Happy Belated Anniversary!

Happy Belated Anniversary to my lover! I am such a great wife, I ditched Doug for our anniversary and mother's day and left him flying solo for a week while I went to ALB for Kacey's graduation. & Weston & I missed him like CRAZY! We went to Cheesecake Factory ALONE a few days earlier, but we didn't do much other celebrating. We have been married for four years on May 7. It's been a great ride, so we figure we'll give it another year or two :) I love you, Doug, my baby daddy! Here's to skinnier, tanner days....ah....

Not for the Squeamish

These photos are from Weston's last scope he had done, but I thought they were too cute not to include. On Friday, we were hoping to be in and out of the hospital, but the poor thing was so sore. It was soooo sad! He can't eat for six hours before he has these done so usually it is a nightmare. But he really did so great! I mentioned to Dr. Book how fussy he had been and was just worried that something else is going on. Afterwards, I looked into his mouth and felt quite foolish as I discovered his top teeth are coming in. I was relieved to know there was a reason.

We stayed the night because Weston needed more pain medication for his throat. These are the latest pics that they took when they went down. I'm sorry if it is a little graphic for some readers, but I think they are really interesting. That big vein is what is causing the most problems and the reason they have to keep going down. I know I have explained it before, but just to recap: the blood gets backed up from a non-functioning liver and takes time to get caught up. So they inject chemicals into his throat to collapse the expanding veins so they don't bleed. We will go at least 6 weeks before the next time since his throat was so sore this time.

Getting Crafty!

On a lighter note, I am by no means creative! And we've been living in this apartment since Weston was born and I STILL haven't finished decorating. But gradually I am getting there. But being creative is definitely something I have to work at even though I really enjoy it. For Christmas, my older sister Lisa made me this really gorgeous wreath and ever since my door has been so lonely so I created this little number and quite proud of it. I spent the last month looking for an actual wreath and ribbon and flowers on sale at Hobby Lobby & Michael's. I love it, the only problem is now I want to spend all my time on my front porch! And every time we come home, I say to Doug, "Don't you feel so much more welcome coming home to that on our door?" Usually, I don't even get a response.

I also made this, which I don't love as much, but I'm still proud of:















Felicidades....Dobles!!!

And last, but definitely not least...congrats to all the many preggos that I know, especially Lisa & Adam who are expecting TWINS! Better you than me :) I am so excited to be an aunt to these little guys (or girls we'll find out in a few weeks).

Reading & Quotes

So something else I pulled from General Conference is from that same talk where Sister Tanner quotes President Hinckley: "How much more beautiful would be the society in which we live if every father and mother regarded their children as gifts from the God of Heaven and brought them up with true affection in wisdom and the admonition of the Lord. " It reminded me of a quote from one of Jodi Picoult's books My Sister's Keeper, (which is about kidney donation) & I should not have read it RIGHT when Weston got his transplant) where she states: "We never have children, we receive them."













Doug & I read a lot in the hospital. So here is the list we have read in the last two months. Doug read in one month Eragon & Eldest, which may not seem very much, but considering he wasn't there ALL day like I was, it is a lot because Eldest is really long.

I read the following:

Of the Twilight series, New Moon and Eclipse, How to be Lost, by Jodi Picoult, I read My Sister's Keeper, Perfect Match, Nineteen Minutes, Change of Heart, Salem Falls, The Pact, Picture Perfect, & the best one, Second Glance & that's all I can remember now.

Second Glance was by far my favorite and had this quote in it that really touched me. It just made me appreciate all the help from family, friends, nurses, doctors, our ward, & many people I don't even know who supported us in our time of need. We did all we could to help and comfort our little Weston. And when we could do no more, these people and our Father in Heaven took over.

"Heroes didn't leap tall buildings or stop bullets with an outstretched hand; they didn't wear boots and capes. They bled, and they bruised, and their superpowers were as simple as listening, or loving. Heroes were ordinary people who knew that even if their own lives were impossibly knotted, they could untangle someone else's. And maybe that one act could lead someone to rescue you right back."

There were several experiences where I felt "saved" by our nurses. One in particular hit me hard. Weston had a pretty bad bleed after his transplant and our night nurse asked if I was LDS. I said yes. She said, "Oh good, because I was singing him Primary songs last night." I had been feeling guilty for not staying nights and it comforted me to know that Weston was being so completely taken care after all I could do.

Monkey Bread for the Monkey Head!

Random title I realize, but we had been dreaming about monkey bread since we were going to have it for conference (a tradition we borrowed/stole from Kristen Lee and our fat, satisfied bellies thank you for it :) We just have to learn not eat the whole thing ourselves in one Sunday). And during church, Sacrament meeting, mind you, I asked Weston if he wanted Monkey Bread for the Monkey Head. And he erupted into laughter. It was so funny. Maybe that doesn't sound funny to you at all, but we got a kick out of it.

I’ll be the first to admit I slept through the afternoon sessions of conference with every intention of watching them on my DVR. But I have been reading some posts on your blogs and wanted to share how touched I was by this talk in the Sunday morning session by Susan W. Tanner.

“I delight that I am a daughter of Heavenly Father who loves me. I learned of my divine identity in my earliest years at my mother’s side. Just recently, I saw my then three-year-old granddaughter learning her identity from her mother. Eliza had gone to bed distraught. She could be comforted only as her mother again told Eliza’s favorite true story about the special night when Heavenly Father distinctly and clearly whispered to her mommy’s heart that Eliza was a special spirit with a noble mission ahead. I take great delight in my role as a nurturer, which allows me to express my deepest identity as a woman…It is not only a mother’s primary responsibility but also part of our individual pre-mortal, mortal and eternal identity and purpose. To nurture is to teach, to foster development, to promote growth, to feed and to nourish. Who would not shout for joy at being given such a blessed role?"

This part struck me and I mentioned to one of Weston’s nurses the other day how he has been starting to fall asleep better on his own sometimes than when I rock him. This is the best part of my day: to watch Weston fall asleep and hold him in my arms and thank my Heavenly Father for bringing Weston once to me, then twice and in better condition than I had him before. How sad that he is already growing up! And when Doug and I felt so strongly that we were supposed to start our family, we knew throughout the pregnancy and even more so now that our Heavenly Father has big plans for him.

She continued, “I delight in the examples of those in the scriptures who walk by faith on their earthly journey. Each time I walk with Abraham and Isaac on the road to Mt. Moriah, I weep, knowing that Abraham does not know that there will be an angel and ram in the thicket at the end of the journey. We are each in the middle of our earthly path and we don’t know the rest of our own stories that we as Abraham are blessed with miracles. I delight in the Lord’s mercies and miracles. I know that his tender mercies and his miracles large and small are real. They come in His way and on His timetable. Sometimes it is not until we have reached our extremity. Jesus’ disciples on the Sea of Galilee had to toil in rowing against a contrary wind all through the night before Jesus finally came to their aid. He did not come until the fourth watch meaning near dawn. Yet, He did come. My testimony is that miracles do come though sometimes not until the fourth watch.”

I think that speaks for itself for my thoughts on miracles :)

Hey Everybody! Come See How Good I Look!

Here are some Easter pics of our little man. "I'm ready to go golfing, Dad!"













I couldn't seem to get a good picture of the shoes...

Crazy Relatives!

We are fortunate enough to have Doug's family close just in Provo and Krissy Poo in Provo also. But we loved having tons of family visits the last few months! We are so grateful for all the support Doug's parents have provided and my true babysitter/nurse in training Kristen! We love them! & Of course you probably all know my mom came out TWICE! She is the best and my dad is the best for loaning us to her. She brought lots of fun toys for Weston which we love! Thank you!

But here are some snapshots of our adventures with out of towners...

Lisa hopped on a plane Week 2 of Weston's transplant. She brought her fun self and books that Weston loves. She got to spend some quality reading time with him. I thought these were so cute especially with his little hand holding the book. He is quite a reader. It is his favorite thing to do.


























Grandma Joni came out and helped the last week of Weston's transplant. It was so fun to have her there. Doug & I were able to go on an actual DATE! We ate a whole bucket of popcorn & two large Diet Cokes. We felt so sick afterwards and had to pee like you wouldn't believe. I know this may seem a bit graphic....but I only mention it because Doug & I have been to a total of 3 movies since Weston was born. Needless to say, we were very grateful for Grandma's last minute visit!










Aaron & Kristen Lee made a very important pit stop at Cafe Rio and we were able to see them for a little bit. They also bought Weston Mooja II at Build-a-Bear. Weston loves it. It kind of freaks me out. I keep yelling at Mooja to get off the bed - thank you guys!




















Kacey came out for her spring break and we had a lot of fun with her, also. & Of course, we're always glad to have Kristen up to visit....Mooja is very comfortable with Kristen...maybe too comfortable. I turned around and saw this and thought it was really weird.


















We missed Aimee & Dad, but I'm sure we'll get to see them soon. Especially now that Aimee has a new job, Congrats! We're excited for her! We love you all and we were so happy to see everyone!

His Daddy's funnies and his momma's good looks!

Weston has just been cracking us up lately! He is so fun - even when we were in the hospital. So here are some pics...some with stories....some without, but may not need any explanation... ENJOY!

My little swollen Asian baby! They pump him so full of blood and fluids, that he was so swollen and fat! & we are not used to having a fat baby!













Needless to say, the swelling went down....in fact, he lost weight. Now he fits into his 3-6 month clothes again. Well, the pants anyway. He is too tall for most of his onesies. It's driving me crazy. Nothing fits. These pics were just verrrry interesting ways of falling asleep and we thought they were quite humorous!


















Soulja Boy! Weston really likes his buckethead. He gets mad when we try to take it off. I don't know why, but I thought he looked like a soldier here with his weapon of choice. Also, I included one with his trademark crossing his legs. Sometimes, he even crosses his legs with one ankle on his knee like a grown man, if that makes sense? Even the surgeons were dying when they walked in and he was laying like that. Here again, you can see how skinny his legs are.























Time with Daddy! This is what happens when I leave Doug alone with Weston. This is Weston's fort at the hospital. Can you blame me if I am slightly terrified? And I just love how cute Doug & West look all cuddled up.

The Actual Transplant

Here are some pics from the actual transplant... It is pretty jarring to see you're baby so sedated. This is when we first saw him after his transplant. He had two drains in. Then a week later they went back in and stitched up the muscle and came out with another drain. It was still too tight to sticth everything together, so they had to include a piece of synthetic muscle. It won't ever have to come out unless it causes him any trouble as he develops his muscles. Now, he only has one drain in that we came home with. We're not sure when that one will come out.

















It's like having a baby all over again. This is when they removed the ventilator. It was actually worse when they have the ventilator in. He tries to cry and he is actually crying, but you can only see him crying. You can't hear any noise because the ventilator blocks the air from passing the vocal cords. So sad! And I was really strong and held my brave face until I heard him cry after they took the ventilator out which was 2 days later. His voice was raspy and I couldn't hold him yet. I just felt so helpless.










This is first time I got to hold him after the transplant which was about 4 or 5 days after.










And this is the first time he smiled after the transplant...which was ironically after they took all of his tubes out of his nose and mouth. I won't even begin to tell you about all the tubes and lines he had in. It will just become too confusing.