Olivia is in LOVE with the electric wheelchairs and has asked for one many times. But they are really expensive, and since she would only NEED it for a short period of time I doubt we could even get insurance to rent us one. A regular wheelchair is really hard for her because she has limited use of her hands and arms, so she really can't get around it on her own. (which is hard for our little independent girl)
I found a really cool electric chair for sale, but we just could afford it. I emailed the owner and said if he couldn't sell it would he consider donating it to Shriners. Well today he emailed me as he just dropped it off at Shriners and told them that it was for Olivia to use :) I am so excited but haven't told her yet as I want to see her face when she SEES it and can try it. I think I will video it :) It will also be one of those fun things to bring up AFTER her next cast change is completed on the 17th of December. Especially if she has a rough time again. So thank you Ed for making our daughters Christmas :)
Thursday, December 13, 2007
12/10/2007 First Cast Change
Each day since we have been home from the hospital she went longer and longer without pain, Sunday she didn't say she had any pain all day. In fact she was even asking to walk I had to tell her no until we talk to the doctor so she doesn't hurt her feet. She was telling everyone her feet are fixed and they look like Bailey's now. One seems about 1/2 longer, but it is hard to tell with the cast. They look really good though, she looks like she just broke her legs, the feet already look pretty normal. We are so excited for her to get them off, 11 more weeks to go.
Today, one week after her surgery, is her first cast change (we have 11 weeks of this, though we might not need a cast change each and every week... but at minimum will the first few weeks)
We went to the hospital at 10:00am, though she didn't end up going to surgery until noon. Which we were actually happy about since they said it might be as late as 3 or 4:00pm... which would be so hard on her not being able to eat and all. She is not a big breakfast person, so the early morning is not a issue. In fact she didn't even ask for food until 15 minutes before the surgery. Because they got her in surgery so quickly she was not able to get her verced, so I was a little nervous how she would do going back to the operating room. They let them pick their FLAVOR for the gas. So she picked bubblegum, and they put it on the mask and let them play with it a while before surgery. She puts it on her face and smells it. I think that it would really traumatic to just push the mask on her face. Letting her play with it and get comfortable with it, I think are really helpful. They start to take her back to the room for the operation and she didn't cry at all... or really even act scared. I was so relieved and happy. It just goes to show how much she trusts the doctors and nurses.
it was supposed to be a quick procedure, she was only under about 30-45 minutes. But then she was in recovery for over 2 hours. Longer then any of her major surgeries.
They said she was having severe pain and her blood pressure was 160/120. Which is REALLY high. She had an epidural, plus they had given her loritab, and valium and finally morphine. She finally was doing better and they let her come to the room, but they were checking her blood pressure every 15 minutes. When she got in the room it was about 138/88 and it slowing dropped to a more normal level... she was finally able to sleep.
We were supposed to be in and out pretty quickly, but I ended up there all day until 9:30pm. They initially thought that she would have to spend the night, but around 7pm, she suddenly turned around. I really think the 6:30pm activity really helped. She got to make a gingerbread house and she loved it and FORGOT about the pain. I was not at all prepared for an overnight as she has always done so well with the surgeries (Anesthesia) and this wasn't really surgery just re-positioning her foot.
She got a red and green cast... for Christmas (her big brother Jordan talked her into that one)
We have another cast change this Monday, so I will go to the hospital more prepared in case we do need to stay the night. I am a little more worried now that she didn't do as well. But no one seemed sure why she had so much pain. In fact both surgeons came in separately to check on her and were surprised that her green (her cast were green on one leg and red on the other) leg was hurting, they said they barely moved that one, that the red one was the one they really pushed harder in position.
They gave her little cast shoes and said if she wanted to walk to let her, it will help stretch things out more.
So keep Olivia in your payers on Monday that she does well and doesn't have a bad recovery again.
Today, one week after her surgery, is her first cast change (we have 11 weeks of this, though we might not need a cast change each and every week... but at minimum will the first few weeks)
We went to the hospital at 10:00am, though she didn't end up going to surgery until noon. Which we were actually happy about since they said it might be as late as 3 or 4:00pm... which would be so hard on her not being able to eat and all. She is not a big breakfast person, so the early morning is not a issue. In fact she didn't even ask for food until 15 minutes before the surgery. Because they got her in surgery so quickly she was not able to get her verced, so I was a little nervous how she would do going back to the operating room. They let them pick their FLAVOR for the gas. So she picked bubblegum, and they put it on the mask and let them play with it a while before surgery. She puts it on her face and smells it. I think that it would really traumatic to just push the mask on her face. Letting her play with it and get comfortable with it, I think are really helpful. They start to take her back to the room for the operation and she didn't cry at all... or really even act scared. I was so relieved and happy. It just goes to show how much she trusts the doctors and nurses.
it was supposed to be a quick procedure, she was only under about 30-45 minutes. But then she was in recovery for over 2 hours. Longer then any of her major surgeries.
They said she was having severe pain and her blood pressure was 160/120. Which is REALLY high. She had an epidural, plus they had given her loritab, and valium and finally morphine. She finally was doing better and they let her come to the room, but they were checking her blood pressure every 15 minutes. When she got in the room it was about 138/88 and it slowing dropped to a more normal level... she was finally able to sleep.
We were supposed to be in and out pretty quickly, but I ended up there all day until 9:30pm. They initially thought that she would have to spend the night, but around 7pm, she suddenly turned around. I really think the 6:30pm activity really helped. She got to make a gingerbread house and she loved it and FORGOT about the pain. I was not at all prepared for an overnight as she has always done so well with the surgeries (Anesthesia) and this wasn't really surgery just re-positioning her foot.
She got a red and green cast... for Christmas (her big brother Jordan talked her into that one)
We have another cast change this Monday, so I will go to the hospital more prepared in case we do need to stay the night. I am a little more worried now that she didn't do as well. But no one seemed sure why she had so much pain. In fact both surgeons came in separately to check on her and were surprised that her green (her cast were green on one leg and red on the other) leg was hurting, they said they barely moved that one, that the red one was the one they really pushed harder in position.
They gave her little cast shoes and said if she wanted to walk to let her, it will help stretch things out more.
So keep Olivia in your payers on Monday that she does well and doesn't have a bad recovery again.
12/05/2007 Leaving the hospital today :)
Olivia has done great today, she was eating much better, and wanted to "GO HOME". They removed her epidural and catheter. She has to be able to eat, manage her pain, and pee on her own in order to get released. (of course her blood pressure and oxygen saturation also have to be in line)
So we met all those Benchmarks by evening. So we headed home. She was so excited to go home as she kept saying she missed Bennett and Bailey (her siblings). They are so sweet to her and gentle and will sit there and fetch her toys, give her snacks. They are amazingly patient with her considering they are only 3 years old. What amazing me the most is that we are so focused on Olivia with all her needs, and I stay with her 24 hours why she is in the hospital, they never act jealous towards her. Maybe it is being twins, they are used to sharing and being a team... or maybe I just have the sweetest kids ever... :)
Olivia slept awesome her first night home, in fact she slept from 2:00am to 9:00am without evening waking up for pain meds. I actually freaked out a little when I realized she hadn't woke up, I thought I missed her calling me... LOL I thin not having nurses wake you up constantly and just the security of being home.
So we met all those Benchmarks by evening. So we headed home. She was so excited to go home as she kept saying she missed Bennett and Bailey (her siblings). They are so sweet to her and gentle and will sit there and fetch her toys, give her snacks. They are amazingly patient with her considering they are only 3 years old. What amazing me the most is that we are so focused on Olivia with all her needs, and I stay with her 24 hours why she is in the hospital, they never act jealous towards her. Maybe it is being twins, they are used to sharing and being a team... or maybe I just have the sweetest kids ever... :)
Olivia slept awesome her first night home, in fact she slept from 2:00am to 9:00am without evening waking up for pain meds. I actually freaked out a little when I realized she hadn't woke up, I thought I missed her calling me... LOL I thin not having nurses wake you up constantly and just the security of being home.
12/04/2007 2nd day in Hospital
Olivia is doing amazing today since having her cast split on both sides this morning. She is starting to laugh and joke and her humor is coming back. She still needs her pain medication every 4 hours but does well in between, which wasn't the case yesterday.
She loves her pink and purple cast, and I must say having each leg a different color has proved to be very useful. Since Olivia doesn't know her left or right. She will say my pink leg is hurting... LOL It has been great. At first I wasn't big on two different colors as the OCD in me needs things to match. But of course we let her do what ever she wanted with the colors since really that is the only control she has in this whole process.
She loves her pink and purple cast, and I must say having each leg a different color has proved to be very useful. Since Olivia doesn't know her left or right. She will say my pink leg is hurting... LOL It has been great. At first I wasn't big on two different colors as the OCD in me needs things to match. But of course we let her do what ever she wanted with the colors since really that is the only control she has in this whole process.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
12/03/2007 Olivia's Feet surgery (WE LOVE SHRINERS)
Well today was Olivia's surgery on both her feet. She went into the OR at about 11:00am... this time they gave her another drug with the versed, so she didn't cry as she went back, in fact she seemed completely unaware that she was even leaving the room. Which was so nice, it is hard to watch them go into the Operating Room in a complete panic.
She was done around 4:30pm.
They brought her to the room, and she slept for a while. She decided that she wanted one PINK cast and one PURPLE cast. Both casts are just below her knees. Luckily this time they are "walking" casts, and are not connected with a bar. (though the bar makes carrying her easy, it makes underwear, pants, and most skirts and dressing in general next to impossible)
As the evening approached she became increasingly miserable. Despite the epidural in her back to help her manage the pain. We were lucky the entire night if she slept 1 hour straight, and often in was only 15-20 minutes. Luckily having twins prepared me for little spurts of sleep, and going to sleep quickly. (laugh) Though I felt bad for our "roommates" who came the night before and were having surgery the next morning. Since we keep them up all night... though I must say they were VERY gracious about it.
It seemed we were constantly paging the nurse and trying to figure out why she was in constant pain. Unfortunately with her language barrier we were unable to really get a good description of her pain... was it "throbbing" or "piercing", etc.
By about 8:00am, we decided to split one side of her cast, in case she was having allot of swelling, which can be a source of intense pain. She we were maxing her on the pain meds, we really couldn't give her more... which is so hard to watch her hurting and not be able to help. Immediately after splitting her cast, she seemed to be fairly pain free... This lasted a few hours, then she started saying that the "split" in her cast was hurting and her foot was "too big". Since she hadn't used those words previously, I was worried that the swelling was continuing and was pushing her skin in the crack, and that is why she said it was hurting. So we called in the nurse and doctor, and decided to split the other side of her cast. She screamed through the entire procedure, even though I don't think it hurt... but she was screaming "I scared, I scared". As soon as the doctor left the room, she stated that the pain was gone. She was finally able to start laughing and smiling again, as asked for some "Soda" and "Fries". (So American) Which was great since she really hadn't had anything of substance to eat since before her surgery. Hopefully we will be able to go home on Wednesday. She is anxious to go home, and I think that it helps keep her mind off the casts and her surgery. Laying in bed and just waiting for the check ups I think stresses her a little. Even though she LOVES Shriners.
Of course there is always Jillian, who has the best job there i think. She is the ENTERTAINMENT person, or as the kids call her the TOY LADY. She give the kids things to do and they always get a small gift. In fact when you come in for your appointments they always have little gifts when you check in, this time they were little dolls with hospital gowns. Then when they go to their room there is a little bag with shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc. with a stuffed animal peaking out. Olivia is always excited to see what PRESENT awaits her. Then there is Jillian who is always checking on the kids to see how happy they are and if they need help. If you need to go eat or leave for a short period of time Jillian will usually come in and play with your child for you. Each night they have activities that all the kids are invited to in the large playroom, if they want to attend. This is a life saver and a GREAT distraction for children that are mostly focusing on their treatment and pain management. The other thing that we LOVE about Shriner's is everyone is so happy. The doctors, the nurses, the cafeteria staff, even the housekeepers. When you talk about your child, it is all about their care, what is best for them. NEVER is money or insurance companies or anything but your child's care every mentioned. I have never been around care like that. Also EVERY child that they CAN treat is accepted, regardless of income or nationality. (There are many people there that don't even speak English)
It is an amazing organization, I wish they could run our health care system... we would all love it :) So remember them if you are ever looking for an organization to donate PLEASE consider them.
She was done around 4:30pm.
They brought her to the room, and she slept for a while. She decided that she wanted one PINK cast and one PURPLE cast. Both casts are just below her knees. Luckily this time they are "walking" casts, and are not connected with a bar. (though the bar makes carrying her easy, it makes underwear, pants, and most skirts and dressing in general next to impossible)
As the evening approached she became increasingly miserable. Despite the epidural in her back to help her manage the pain. We were lucky the entire night if she slept 1 hour straight, and often in was only 15-20 minutes. Luckily having twins prepared me for little spurts of sleep, and going to sleep quickly. (laugh) Though I felt bad for our "roommates" who came the night before and were having surgery the next morning. Since we keep them up all night... though I must say they were VERY gracious about it.
It seemed we were constantly paging the nurse and trying to figure out why she was in constant pain. Unfortunately with her language barrier we were unable to really get a good description of her pain... was it "throbbing" or "piercing", etc.
By about 8:00am, we decided to split one side of her cast, in case she was having allot of swelling, which can be a source of intense pain. She we were maxing her on the pain meds, we really couldn't give her more... which is so hard to watch her hurting and not be able to help. Immediately after splitting her cast, she seemed to be fairly pain free... This lasted a few hours, then she started saying that the "split" in her cast was hurting and her foot was "too big". Since she hadn't used those words previously, I was worried that the swelling was continuing and was pushing her skin in the crack, and that is why she said it was hurting. So we called in the nurse and doctor, and decided to split the other side of her cast. She screamed through the entire procedure, even though I don't think it hurt... but she was screaming "I scared, I scared". As soon as the doctor left the room, she stated that the pain was gone. She was finally able to start laughing and smiling again, as asked for some "Soda" and "Fries". (So American) Which was great since she really hadn't had anything of substance to eat since before her surgery. Hopefully we will be able to go home on Wednesday. She is anxious to go home, and I think that it helps keep her mind off the casts and her surgery. Laying in bed and just waiting for the check ups I think stresses her a little. Even though she LOVES Shriners.
Of course there is always Jillian, who has the best job there i think. She is the ENTERTAINMENT person, or as the kids call her the TOY LADY. She give the kids things to do and they always get a small gift. In fact when you come in for your appointments they always have little gifts when you check in, this time they were little dolls with hospital gowns. Then when they go to their room there is a little bag with shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc. with a stuffed animal peaking out. Olivia is always excited to see what PRESENT awaits her. Then there is Jillian who is always checking on the kids to see how happy they are and if they need help. If you need to go eat or leave for a short period of time Jillian will usually come in and play with your child for you. Each night they have activities that all the kids are invited to in the large playroom, if they want to attend. This is a life saver and a GREAT distraction for children that are mostly focusing on their treatment and pain management. The other thing that we LOVE about Shriner's is everyone is so happy. The doctors, the nurses, the cafeteria staff, even the housekeepers. When you talk about your child, it is all about their care, what is best for them. NEVER is money or insurance companies or anything but your child's care every mentioned. I have never been around care like that. Also EVERY child that they CAN treat is accepted, regardless of income or nationality. (There are many people there that don't even speak English)
It is an amazing organization, I wish they could run our health care system... we would all love it :) So remember them if you are ever looking for an organization to donate PLEASE consider them.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
11/29/2007 Foot Surgery
Well we went back to our surgeon (Dr Roach) today to discuss the game plan for Olivia's foot operations. We went over what the two specialist had advised, and discussed a possible surgery date sometime in February. Since it is likely we will be moving about them, I told them to call us with any cancellations. Since we are only 15 minutes away we can accommodate a very limited notice. (We really just need to know enough in advance so that she doesn't eat the morning of) They stated that since the plastic surgeon only does his surgeries once a month that it was unlikely we would get a sooner opening for his time.
Just as we are about to leave our appointment they tell us they think they just had a cancellation for Monday, which happens to be on the plastic surgeons schedule. They ask if we will take the spot if our surgeon (Dr. Roach) can make time the same day to perform her surgery. After 30 minutes or so they come back and say that she can have her surgery Monday at 10:00am. Then this will put them on track to have the plastic surgeon do her skin graphs around 3:30pm (which was the opening in his schedule).
I have to sort of laugh, as her last surgery was exactly the same, we came in on a Thursday and found out that there was a last minute cancellation for Monday. They say this is rare, yet it has now happened to us twice.
Just a few days ago Olivia was asking me to have her feet "fixed"... she has trouble walking now that her hip and knee are "fixed", since her pointed foot is now too long. So she is excited to have her feet "fixed" so she can walk better and run and play again. She even said "Mommy, lets go to the doctor and Olivia, (snoring sounds), then wake up and feet all fixed". I was amazed that after just one surgery she understood that she would go to sleep and they would do the surgery and she would wake up and be all better.
She will have at least two full leg casts again... which neither of us look forward too. So we have been deciding on what her NEW color will be... she is debating between pink and purple. (She already has had blue and green).
She will get a cast change each week, so I am sure we will eventually have ALL the colors. They did mention that we may have another SPICA cast (full body) but I will BEG them not to. I just don't know if I can do that another 2-3 months again. They don't want her walking, and since she is so assertive she is always pushing the limits, they feel that the only way she won't try to walk in the cast is to make it were she CAN'T walk. But I told them she is ALWAYS supervised, so we will make sure she doesn't walk. Since she has limited use of her hands, when she is in the full body cast she can do very little and is so bored, she can't move, or hardly function. Not to mention the bathroom issue is a nightmare... so we will pray that they won't give her another spica cast.
Well I have allot to do to get ready for another week in the hospital, and to arrange care for my other children.
I must say again how COMPLETELY grateful we are for Shriners and all they do for our daughter and all the other children they help. We hope when we have got our daughter through the bulk of her surgeries that we can give back to them to show them the support and love they have shown us. If you are ever looking for a charity to contribute to, please consider them.
Just as we are about to leave our appointment they tell us they think they just had a cancellation for Monday, which happens to be on the plastic surgeons schedule. They ask if we will take the spot if our surgeon (Dr. Roach) can make time the same day to perform her surgery. After 30 minutes or so they come back and say that she can have her surgery Monday at 10:00am. Then this will put them on track to have the plastic surgeon do her skin graphs around 3:30pm (which was the opening in his schedule).
I have to sort of laugh, as her last surgery was exactly the same, we came in on a Thursday and found out that there was a last minute cancellation for Monday. They say this is rare, yet it has now happened to us twice.
Just a few days ago Olivia was asking me to have her feet "fixed"... she has trouble walking now that her hip and knee are "fixed", since her pointed foot is now too long. So she is excited to have her feet "fixed" so she can walk better and run and play again. She even said "Mommy, lets go to the doctor and Olivia, (snoring sounds), then wake up and feet all fixed". I was amazed that after just one surgery she understood that she would go to sleep and they would do the surgery and she would wake up and be all better.
She will have at least two full leg casts again... which neither of us look forward too. So we have been deciding on what her NEW color will be... she is debating between pink and purple. (She already has had blue and green).
She will get a cast change each week, so I am sure we will eventually have ALL the colors. They did mention that we may have another SPICA cast (full body) but I will BEG them not to. I just don't know if I can do that another 2-3 months again. They don't want her walking, and since she is so assertive she is always pushing the limits, they feel that the only way she won't try to walk in the cast is to make it were she CAN'T walk. But I told them she is ALWAYS supervised, so we will make sure she doesn't walk. Since she has limited use of her hands, when she is in the full body cast she can do very little and is so bored, she can't move, or hardly function. Not to mention the bathroom issue is a nightmare... so we will pray that they won't give her another spica cast.
Well I have allot to do to get ready for another week in the hospital, and to arrange care for my other children.
I must say again how COMPLETELY grateful we are for Shriners and all they do for our daughter and all the other children they help. We hope when we have got our daughter through the bulk of her surgeries that we can give back to them to show them the support and love they have shown us. If you are ever looking for a charity to contribute to, please consider them.
11/28/2007 Hand Specialist
Today we met with the hand specialist to see what, if anything can be done to help Olivia gain more use of her hands.
After waiting 3 hours to see the doctor we really didn't learn allot. It seems each suggestion had a possible negative side effect or consequence. The specialist said that often they do nothing, as the patient can lose more then they gain.
This was all disappointing.
We did discuss trying to straighten her left wrist, as she is right handed and seldom uses her left hand. This would allow us to see if she gains more then she loses from the operation. If it is NOT successful we haven't impaired the hand she uses the most. If it IS successful then we will have the same operation done on her right hand.
I know that Olivia is very determined, and that if her success is up to her, that she will do well. She is difficult to detour :)
We decided to revisit this once her foot surgeries were completed, as she is very reliant on her hands at the moment to scoot around the floor. Once she is up and walking again then we can revisit what we would like to try on the hands.
After waiting 3 hours to see the doctor we really didn't learn allot. It seems each suggestion had a possible negative side effect or consequence. The specialist said that often they do nothing, as the patient can lose more then they gain.
This was all disappointing.
We did discuss trying to straighten her left wrist, as she is right handed and seldom uses her left hand. This would allow us to see if she gains more then she loses from the operation. If it is NOT successful we haven't impaired the hand she uses the most. If it IS successful then we will have the same operation done on her right hand.
I know that Olivia is very determined, and that if her success is up to her, that she will do well. She is difficult to detour :)
We decided to revisit this once her foot surgeries were completed, as she is very reliant on her hands at the moment to scoot around the floor. Once she is up and walking again then we can revisit what we would like to try on the hands.
11/24/2007 Shriners PLASTIC SURGEON
Today we met with the plastic surgeon to see about possible "balloons" for Olivia. Apparently her foot that is pointed (and she can't flatten it) won't have enough skin to cover the heal once they correct it. When "we" point our toes we have a little ripple of skin on our ankle, but since Olivia's foot has always been in the pointed position, she doesn't have that extra skin.
So we have to figure out how to cover her ankle with skin once her foot is corrected. The plastic surgeon didn't feel comfortable doing balloons with Olivia since her legs are very small and skinny. He said it takes a significant size balloon to create as much skin as we will need. He felt that the size balloon needed would most likely cut off her circulation. He also felt that filling the balloon would be traumatic for Olivia. So he wants to go with skin graphs. They will shave a small section off her hip, they then put little slices in it to expand it, so they can cover a larger area with a smaller graph, then have to graph that onto her heal. (the machine that expands the graphs reminds me of the little hand tools that you use to cut the pie crust to go over the top of the pie)
I was a little disappointed that we can't do the balloon, as that would have been limited scarring. I know as a girl/women that scars are not as acceptable as a boy/man. Men seem to be able to pass them off as "battle wounds".
We want what is overall best for our little girl, so we will move forward with the graphs.
So we have to figure out how to cover her ankle with skin once her foot is corrected. The plastic surgeon didn't feel comfortable doing balloons with Olivia since her legs are very small and skinny. He said it takes a significant size balloon to create as much skin as we will need. He felt that the size balloon needed would most likely cut off her circulation. He also felt that filling the balloon would be traumatic for Olivia. So he wants to go with skin graphs. They will shave a small section off her hip, they then put little slices in it to expand it, so they can cover a larger area with a smaller graph, then have to graph that onto her heal. (the machine that expands the graphs reminds me of the little hand tools that you use to cut the pie crust to go over the top of the pie)
I was a little disappointed that we can't do the balloon, as that would have been limited scarring. I know as a girl/women that scars are not as acceptable as a boy/man. Men seem to be able to pass them off as "battle wounds".
We want what is overall best for our little girl, so we will move forward with the graphs.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
CHRISTMAS PROJECT - Shriner's Hospital
We have felt so grateful for all the Shriners has done for our daughter. They have not only treated her free of charge, but they are an amazing organization. I have never seen a hospital system work so smoothly, and be so centered around the "patient".
So this Christmas we are trying to gather enough funds to help pay for a new large toy for the x-ray waiting room. Their current toys have been well loved and are missing many parts.
If you want to donate to help our cause, please go to www.helpoliviataylor.com, and select CONTACT US.
Here is the web-link of the item we are getting if you want to read more.
http://www.sensationalbeginnings.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=O+4+701 D
There is also a LARGE area that used as a play room. We wanted to buy a large play structure for the kids to play on. We are getting the playcenter by Step2 called "Naturally Playful Clubhouse Climber". (if you want to look it up on line.)
Both these toys will cost $1,000 total. So if you can help contribute that would be great. We have decided to only buy our children one gift each this year, and really teach them about service, and giving to others that are in real need. We think that this is the true spirit of Christmas. We don't want out kids to be obsessed with what they are getting, since they should be focussed on GIVING. Besides giving is much more enjoyable then receiving when done well.
So this Christmas we are trying to gather enough funds to help pay for a new large toy for the x-ray waiting room. Their current toys have been well loved and are missing many parts.
If you want to donate to help our cause, please go to www.helpoliviataylor.com, and select CONTACT US.
Here is the web-link of the item we are getting if you want to read more.
http://www.sensationalbeginnings.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=O+4+701 D
There is also a LARGE area that used as a play room. We wanted to buy a large play structure for the kids to play on. We are getting the playcenter by Step2 called "Naturally Playful Clubhouse Climber". (if you want to look it up on line.)
Both these toys will cost $1,000 total. So if you can help contribute that would be great. We have decided to only buy our children one gift each this year, and really teach them about service, and giving to others that are in real need. We think that this is the true spirit of Christmas. We don't want out kids to be obsessed with what they are getting, since they should be focussed on GIVING. Besides giving is much more enjoyable then receiving when done well.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
10/31/2007 Halloween - Olivia gets all her Teeth Fixed
Today is the day that Olivia finally gets her teeth fixes. She has been complaining about pain, and ALL, yes ALL her teeth are decayed. We tried to fix two at the dentist office, but she was just scared and screamed the entire time. Even though she had a valium and gas. So we had to stop the procedure. Today we go to Dr Brian Homer, and his pediatric anesthesiologist. They will basically put her under and do ALL her teeth at once. No one wanted Halloween for obvious reasons, but since Olivia has been complaining about pain, we grabbed the first date that we could.
I took her to school as they were having a large costume parade, and Olivia really wanted to wear her "PRINCESS" costume. I wasn't sure what condition she would be in after her procedure, so the parade may be her only event she gets to attend.
She wasn't allowed to eat or drink, since she would be put under a hour after the party. But she loved the parade. At the end she had to take her valium, and then within one hour we were at the dentist office. She kept saying her head was SHAKY, so we knew the valium had kicked in... LOL Then they came out and gave her shot with verced... she didn't seem to feel the shot at first, but I think that it started burning, because she suddenly looked over and saw the needle and started crying.
But within minutes she was completely zoned out and they took her back to start the work with no crying, she didn't seem to have any idea what was going on. It took about 3 1/2 hours for them to complete all the work. Dr Homer was so great, he did all her teeth in white and only charged us for the "silver". Which made her teeth look amazing, you can't even tell how much work she had done. Plus I am sure that her mouth would have had a awful metal taste with all the work that she had done, so now she doesn't have to deal with all that. She did great, though was really out of it when I brought her home.
She slept for some time and then woke up and cried that she was HUNGRY. So the doctor said to let her eat as she asks for it. So I gave her some water and 2 pretzels. Well within 30 minutes she starts to throw up, which since she was laying down shot straight up in the air and back on her face and hair and everywhere. Luckily I was right there and had to hold her in sitting position. Then I had to bath her, as she got vomit EVERYWHERE. She was so limp she couldn't even sit up in the tub, and it was hard to bath her... she felt like she would just slip in the water and drown. I got her dressed again and she wanted juice, so I gave her some, and again about 30 minutes later that came back up. We did this for hours... she came home around 3pm and didn't stop throwing up until about midnight.
The next day she wanted a mirror and wanted to see her teeth, she was so excited, and said "Look mom, white teeth", they were so decayed they were brown previously. She did complain that they hurt for a few days, after that she has done great. We are so grateful for our awesome dentist.
Soon we have an appointment with a plastic surgeon to look at putting balloons in her ankle area, so that when they fix her foot that is pointed straight there is enough skin when they straighten it... right now it has always been pointed, so it really can't go flat. Then two days after that she will see a hand specialist to determine the best treatment plan. The day after that we meet with Dr Roach and we will go over a complete treatment plan for her hands and feet. I am excited to get these last two BIG surgeries done, so we can just work on therapy and the fun stuff.
I worry at times if she regrets coming to the USA, she has had so much happen here, and so many painful events, that we hope that she is happy, and doesn't think we are just torturing her. Though all these surgeries will help her GREATLY in her future, she wasn't in "pain" now, so I am not sure she understands that we are helping her, when she just knows that she wasn't in pain, and now she is??
I took her to school as they were having a large costume parade, and Olivia really wanted to wear her "PRINCESS" costume. I wasn't sure what condition she would be in after her procedure, so the parade may be her only event she gets to attend.
She wasn't allowed to eat or drink, since she would be put under a hour after the party. But she loved the parade. At the end she had to take her valium, and then within one hour we were at the dentist office. She kept saying her head was SHAKY, so we knew the valium had kicked in... LOL Then they came out and gave her shot with verced... she didn't seem to feel the shot at first, but I think that it started burning, because she suddenly looked over and saw the needle and started crying.
But within minutes she was completely zoned out and they took her back to start the work with no crying, she didn't seem to have any idea what was going on. It took about 3 1/2 hours for them to complete all the work. Dr Homer was so great, he did all her teeth in white and only charged us for the "silver". Which made her teeth look amazing, you can't even tell how much work she had done. Plus I am sure that her mouth would have had a awful metal taste with all the work that she had done, so now she doesn't have to deal with all that. She did great, though was really out of it when I brought her home.
She slept for some time and then woke up and cried that she was HUNGRY. So the doctor said to let her eat as she asks for it. So I gave her some water and 2 pretzels. Well within 30 minutes she starts to throw up, which since she was laying down shot straight up in the air and back on her face and hair and everywhere. Luckily I was right there and had to hold her in sitting position. Then I had to bath her, as she got vomit EVERYWHERE. She was so limp she couldn't even sit up in the tub, and it was hard to bath her... she felt like she would just slip in the water and drown. I got her dressed again and she wanted juice, so I gave her some, and again about 30 minutes later that came back up. We did this for hours... she came home around 3pm and didn't stop throwing up until about midnight.
The next day she wanted a mirror and wanted to see her teeth, she was so excited, and said "Look mom, white teeth", they were so decayed they were brown previously. She did complain that they hurt for a few days, after that she has done great. We are so grateful for our awesome dentist.
Soon we have an appointment with a plastic surgeon to look at putting balloons in her ankle area, so that when they fix her foot that is pointed straight there is enough skin when they straighten it... right now it has always been pointed, so it really can't go flat. Then two days after that she will see a hand specialist to determine the best treatment plan. The day after that we meet with Dr Roach and we will go over a complete treatment plan for her hands and feet. I am excited to get these last two BIG surgeries done, so we can just work on therapy and the fun stuff.
I worry at times if she regrets coming to the USA, she has had so much happen here, and so many painful events, that we hope that she is happy, and doesn't think we are just torturing her. Though all these surgeries will help her GREATLY in her future, she wasn't in "pain" now, so I am not sure she understands that we are helping her, when she just knows that she wasn't in pain, and now she is??
Monday, October 29, 2007
11/22/2007 Olivia Broke her Leg!!! UGHHH!!!
As you all know Olivia started Kindergarten a few weeks back, which she loves.
Well today they call me and tell me that there was an accident, and Olivia got her leg stuck in her stroller. She has a personal aid, and this is the person that was pushing the stroller. They said that she has been screaming for over 15 minutes. So they put her on the phone so that I can talk to her and try to calm her down. She says "mommy my leg hurt... please come". They tell me they don't think she is REALLY hurt. I said my daughter is very tough and didn't scream like that after her surgery. So SOMETHING is wrong… So I said I was going to come pick her up.
So I drive to get her, and she is still screaming… clearly in pain. Her eyes are big and puffy, like she has been screaming awhile. The aid again tells me that she doesn't think she is REALLY hurt... I didn't say anything to her, because I was a little in shock that she would say that. My daughter NEVER screams like that, even when she does get hurt, she normally just brushed it off. So I KNOW that something is wrong. The aid did apologize and seemed to have felt bad that she was crying.
I take her to the car… she is still sobbing and she screams when I have to lift her to put her in the car (despite how careful I was being) so I decide to take her to Shriners … I was actually scheduled to go there this morning anyway to get a temporary handicapped parking sticker (parents are rude when I leave my car at the curb to take my daughter in and pick her up from school, and I didn't want to ILLEGALLY park in the handicapped space, I don’t have time to explain her situation to every parent at that school) She was also in pain since her cast removal last Thursday, so we had used her left over codeine from her surgery for the weekend and now we needed more. However this morning she did fine with no pain meds, she didn’t cry when I got her dressed or put her in the car at all. Which she had the previous days, so it seemed that her stiffness had worn off to some degree.
So I go straight to Shriners, Olivia cries the entire way there (about 30-40 minutes) It took allot longer since I had to drive really slow as every little bump she was screaming. I called my husband and told him that something was really wrong with her.
I finally get there and ask to see her doctor (I didn't want to go to an ER as Shriners is awesome, and is more familiar with her medical condition... which is rare, and I knew they would be faster and they are FREE, which is great since we are still trying to pay for her dental bill this month.
Olivia’s care coordinator comes down, she sees how Olivia is crying and I explain to her what little I know about what happened. They take her to x-ray and take several x-rays of her leg were she said it hurts. And her hip to make sure it is still in socket. Which of course she screamed almost the entire time. The x-ray techs asked what the heck happened to her, as she is always so happy for them (you always see the same techs at Shriners), so I explained the situation. They all felt so bad for her, even Thursday when she was in pain after her cast removal, she was laughing and happy most of the time even at x-ray... just when you moved her she would say "BE CAREFUL MOMMY...OWIE"… pointing to her leg.
So we get the X-rays back, and they tell us that it looks like her leg is BROKEN.... nice!! My first though is they would put another huge cast… her hip is fragile still and I know she can't have a heavy cast on her leg, as it can pull on her hip, which could dislocate it. I was very happy to learn that this type of break (and were it was) heals quickly and they only had to splint her leg, so we can remove it and bath her, and they said it should heal in 2-3 weeks.
I called the school and told the receptionist (who is so sweet by the way) and she couldn't believe it. She said that they would need to fill in an accident report. I told them that they could call Shriners to verify her injury. I am sure that they are worried we will sue. But despite the fact that we would love extra money for Olivia's dental work… LOL I would only sue someone if I felt they intentionally injured my child or were really neglectful. I really believe it was an accident, and Olivia being our 5th child, I know that sometimes things happen even when you are being careful. Olivia bones are more brittle from her condition, and malnutrition and being in a cast so long makes them more brittle. So it wouldn’t take as much pressure to break her bones as a normal healthy child.
Anyway that is the end of my saga for the day. Olivia got pain meds for on the way home from the hospital, so she has been sleeping about two hours now. I feel so bad for her, it is not as if she doesn't have enough things to go through in the next few months, or that she hasn't been through enough.
We meet with hand specialist next month and the surgeon to begin our treatment plan for her two feet. Hopefully her leg is healed in time :( We had hoped to have her in swimming lessons this week, to really help with her hip etc. (we were waiting for her pain level to go down to were she didn’t need pain meds, which it seemed to be there just this morning) So now she can't really do any therapy or move well again. They wanted her to really get some strength during her break between her hip and her feet surgeries but I don't see that happening :(
Se please send your prayers Olivia’s way that she will heal quickly and will return to her happy self. She has just loved school and asks us everyday to go, even on the weekends. Now she is begging me not to go back to school :( So I hope that we can make school a happy place again, I hate the thought of dragging her to school when she is begging not to go.
Well today they call me and tell me that there was an accident, and Olivia got her leg stuck in her stroller. She has a personal aid, and this is the person that was pushing the stroller. They said that she has been screaming for over 15 minutes. So they put her on the phone so that I can talk to her and try to calm her down. She says "mommy my leg hurt... please come". They tell me they don't think she is REALLY hurt. I said my daughter is very tough and didn't scream like that after her surgery. So SOMETHING is wrong… So I said I was going to come pick her up.
So I drive to get her, and she is still screaming… clearly in pain. Her eyes are big and puffy, like she has been screaming awhile. The aid again tells me that she doesn't think she is REALLY hurt... I didn't say anything to her, because I was a little in shock that she would say that. My daughter NEVER screams like that, even when she does get hurt, she normally just brushed it off. So I KNOW that something is wrong. The aid did apologize and seemed to have felt bad that she was crying.
I take her to the car… she is still sobbing and she screams when I have to lift her to put her in the car (despite how careful I was being) so I decide to take her to Shriners … I was actually scheduled to go there this morning anyway to get a temporary handicapped parking sticker (parents are rude when I leave my car at the curb to take my daughter in and pick her up from school, and I didn't want to ILLEGALLY park in the handicapped space, I don’t have time to explain her situation to every parent at that school) She was also in pain since her cast removal last Thursday, so we had used her left over codeine from her surgery for the weekend and now we needed more. However this morning she did fine with no pain meds, she didn’t cry when I got her dressed or put her in the car at all. Which she had the previous days, so it seemed that her stiffness had worn off to some degree.
So I go straight to Shriners, Olivia cries the entire way there (about 30-40 minutes) It took allot longer since I had to drive really slow as every little bump she was screaming. I called my husband and told him that something was really wrong with her.
I finally get there and ask to see her doctor (I didn't want to go to an ER as Shriners is awesome, and is more familiar with her medical condition... which is rare, and I knew they would be faster and they are FREE, which is great since we are still trying to pay for her dental bill this month.
Olivia’s care coordinator comes down, she sees how Olivia is crying and I explain to her what little I know about what happened. They take her to x-ray and take several x-rays of her leg were she said it hurts. And her hip to make sure it is still in socket. Which of course she screamed almost the entire time. The x-ray techs asked what the heck happened to her, as she is always so happy for them (you always see the same techs at Shriners), so I explained the situation. They all felt so bad for her, even Thursday when she was in pain after her cast removal, she was laughing and happy most of the time even at x-ray... just when you moved her she would say "BE CAREFUL MOMMY...OWIE"… pointing to her leg.
So we get the X-rays back, and they tell us that it looks like her leg is BROKEN.... nice!! My first though is they would put another huge cast… her hip is fragile still and I know she can't have a heavy cast on her leg, as it can pull on her hip, which could dislocate it. I was very happy to learn that this type of break (and were it was) heals quickly and they only had to splint her leg, so we can remove it and bath her, and they said it should heal in 2-3 weeks.
I called the school and told the receptionist (who is so sweet by the way) and she couldn't believe it. She said that they would need to fill in an accident report. I told them that they could call Shriners to verify her injury. I am sure that they are worried we will sue. But despite the fact that we would love extra money for Olivia's dental work… LOL I would only sue someone if I felt they intentionally injured my child or were really neglectful. I really believe it was an accident, and Olivia being our 5th child, I know that sometimes things happen even when you are being careful. Olivia bones are more brittle from her condition, and malnutrition and being in a cast so long makes them more brittle. So it wouldn’t take as much pressure to break her bones as a normal healthy child.
Anyway that is the end of my saga for the day. Olivia got pain meds for on the way home from the hospital, so she has been sleeping about two hours now. I feel so bad for her, it is not as if she doesn't have enough things to go through in the next few months, or that she hasn't been through enough.
We meet with hand specialist next month and the surgeon to begin our treatment plan for her two feet. Hopefully her leg is healed in time :( We had hoped to have her in swimming lessons this week, to really help with her hip etc. (we were waiting for her pain level to go down to were she didn’t need pain meds, which it seemed to be there just this morning) So now she can't really do any therapy or move well again. They wanted her to really get some strength during her break between her hip and her feet surgeries but I don't see that happening :(
Se please send your prayers Olivia’s way that she will heal quickly and will return to her happy self. She has just loved school and asks us everyday to go, even on the weekends. Now she is begging me not to go back to school :( So I hope that we can make school a happy place again, I hate the thought of dragging her to school when she is begging not to go.
10/20/2007 Olivia's 7th Birthday Party
Olivia had a GREAT time at her birthday party. We of course had to give her codeine as she is still really sore and we wanted her to be able to enjoy it.
We held it all The Little Gym in Sandy, Utah. It was great, the kids had so much to do and their staff was great at entertaining the kids.
Olivia was all over the place... you couldn't even tell that she had been in so much pain. (Thanks to the codeine). She was rolling all over and loved playing with all the kids. She loved the cake, but calls it "POTTY" cake, which doesn't sound at all appealing LOL... she means "PARTY" cake, but it never sounds like "PARTY".
She also loved the presents... I am sure that Christmas will be a blast too.
We went home and she just loved playing with all the new toys. It is so great for her to have so many things that are hers. We didn't give it much thought at the time but when we brought her home so many of the toys were the babies... since they were 3 years worth of birthdays, Christmas's, etc. Though the babies are great at sharing, I know it is nice to have things that are just yours.
We held it all The Little Gym in Sandy, Utah. It was great, the kids had so much to do and their staff was great at entertaining the kids.
Olivia was all over the place... you couldn't even tell that she had been in so much pain. (Thanks to the codeine). She was rolling all over and loved playing with all the kids. She loved the cake, but calls it "POTTY" cake, which doesn't sound at all appealing LOL... she means "PARTY" cake, but it never sounds like "PARTY".
She also loved the presents... I am sure that Christmas will be a blast too.
We went home and she just loved playing with all the new toys. It is so great for her to have so many things that are hers. We didn't give it much thought at the time but when we brought her home so many of the toys were the babies... since they were 3 years worth of birthdays, Christmas's, etc. Though the babies are great at sharing, I know it is nice to have things that are just yours.
10/18/2007 Cast Removal
Olivia FINALLY got her cast off today. She has been telling us "Olivia cast off, and Olivia walk"... I wasn't sure should could walk right away since I knew her muscles would be weak as she has been in a cast for 3 months now. But of course we told her "Yes Olivia walk, when her cast is off".
I made the mistake of telling her days in advance that she was getting her cast off today, and she has asked non-stop since... "Cast off today"... She was very happy all the way there. Last time she was asleep, so I wasn't sure how she would do with the loud saw.
They started to cut it off and she did great. I video taped it and if I can figure out how to put it on here I will add it.
As soon as the cast came off Olivia said "No walk"... "later". As the day continued I noticed she was in more and more pain. Which I thought was odd as she hasn't had any pain since the first week of her surgery.
We scheduled her hand specialist appointment in November so we can determine if they will operate or what the best plan is for her. We also scheduled to meet with the doctor to set up our protocol for treating her feet. Both will need surgery, but we need to get a game plan together for that.
She was in so much pain by the time we got home that I gave her some codeine left from her surgery. (Very glad that we had some).
She slept well and the next day needed more pain meds. She was starting to pull herself up at the table and slowly walk around the table and couches. She was quite proud of herself... LOL
We can't wait to get her back in swimming and let her enjoy her cast free months.
I made the mistake of telling her days in advance that she was getting her cast off today, and she has asked non-stop since... "Cast off today"... She was very happy all the way there. Last time she was asleep, so I wasn't sure how she would do with the loud saw.
They started to cut it off and she did great. I video taped it and if I can figure out how to put it on here I will add it.
As soon as the cast came off Olivia said "No walk"... "later". As the day continued I noticed she was in more and more pain. Which I thought was odd as she hasn't had any pain since the first week of her surgery.
We scheduled her hand specialist appointment in November so we can determine if they will operate or what the best plan is for her. We also scheduled to meet with the doctor to set up our protocol for treating her feet. Both will need surgery, but we need to get a game plan together for that.
She was in so much pain by the time we got home that I gave her some codeine left from her surgery. (Very glad that we had some).
She slept well and the next day needed more pain meds. She was starting to pull herself up at the table and slowly walk around the table and couches. She was quite proud of herself... LOL
We can't wait to get her back in swimming and let her enjoy her cast free months.
Friday, October 12, 2007
10/13/07 Olivia's 7th Birthday
Olivia's first birthday in the USA :) She will be 7. At school on Friday they had a little event for her birthday and was she so excited. They have her a crown that showed cupcakes and she was thrilled to just get the PICTURE of the cupcake...laugh
Though her birthday is technically the 13th, we decided to have her party on October 20th, since she gets her cast off on October 18th, and we wanted her to be able to run and play and really enjoy her party.
I am posting her birthday invitations that was made by sweetandsimpleannouncements.com I am just in love with her designs :)
If you are in Utah and want to meet our little Olivia, please RSVP.
Though her birthday is technically the 13th, we decided to have her party on October 20th, since she gets her cast off on October 18th, and we wanted her to be able to run and play and really enjoy her party.
I am posting her birthday invitations that was made by sweetandsimpleannouncements.com I am just in love with her designs :)
If you are in Utah and want to meet our little Olivia, please RSVP.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
10/10/07 Olivia at the Dentist - COMPLETE DISASTER
We had to cancel Olivia's surgery date to have all her teeth repaired under a general anesthesia, we just don't have the $5,300 right now, and it is our businesses slow season. The timing just couldn't be worse. I tried to call and get discounts and get people to work with us. The hospital would only discount 10% of their $2,500 and that was it.
So we scheduled an appointment for today with our regular dentist to see how she would handle the dental work. We got her some Valium, and they used the little gas on her nose. But even before he began the work, she kept saying she was scared, and as soon as they turned on the suction she was crying, then they put the little purple thing in her mouth to help hold it open and were just trying to get the green plastic support in and she was screaming. I stayed and held her hand and tried to console her, but it wasn't working. She was border line hysterical. So he put some stuff on her tooth that has been hurting her to try and help with the pain. She has been really complaining about tooth pain since yesterday. When I asked her WHICH tooth hurt she pointed to two of them, and then said ALL MY TEETH MOMMY.
It is so hard with an adopted older child, you really don't know what they have been through and why they are scared, what happened in their past. Knowing the cause of her fears would help us know how to prepare her and help her. Though Olivia is our 5th child, I often feel like a new parent trying to learn all new methods to work with her. Also with all her needs I have to stay on top of so many things, to keep her treatment plan moving and also to get her signed up and registered for everything. We have done not stop paperwork for two years, I thought when we got her home that we were about done, and in many ways it felt like we just started OVER...
I am just so frustrated... we just don't have the money, yet I know she needs all this work. Now that she is complaining about pain it make me feel even worst. We just needed a little more time to recover from the $30,000 we had to pay to adopt her... but as you know if you are a parent... you never get a break... :(
Our dentist is calling a pediatric anesthesiologist to see if they can come in and give her some other meds that will really sedate her and we hope we can do all the work then. So please pray that we can work out this dental situation. We paid so much just to bring her home, well above what they had quoted us. We are just tapped financially.
We own a flooring company, so if you are looking at new flooring, we would love to help you WINK WINK!!!
www.laminatefloorscheap.com
So we scheduled an appointment for today with our regular dentist to see how she would handle the dental work. We got her some Valium, and they used the little gas on her nose. But even before he began the work, she kept saying she was scared, and as soon as they turned on the suction she was crying, then they put the little purple thing in her mouth to help hold it open and were just trying to get the green plastic support in and she was screaming. I stayed and held her hand and tried to console her, but it wasn't working. She was border line hysterical. So he put some stuff on her tooth that has been hurting her to try and help with the pain. She has been really complaining about tooth pain since yesterday. When I asked her WHICH tooth hurt she pointed to two of them, and then said ALL MY TEETH MOMMY.
It is so hard with an adopted older child, you really don't know what they have been through and why they are scared, what happened in their past. Knowing the cause of her fears would help us know how to prepare her and help her. Though Olivia is our 5th child, I often feel like a new parent trying to learn all new methods to work with her. Also with all her needs I have to stay on top of so many things, to keep her treatment plan moving and also to get her signed up and registered for everything. We have done not stop paperwork for two years, I thought when we got her home that we were about done, and in many ways it felt like we just started OVER...
I am just so frustrated... we just don't have the money, yet I know she needs all this work. Now that she is complaining about pain it make me feel even worst. We just needed a little more time to recover from the $30,000 we had to pay to adopt her... but as you know if you are a parent... you never get a break... :(
Our dentist is calling a pediatric anesthesiologist to see if they can come in and give her some other meds that will really sedate her and we hope we can do all the work then. So please pray that we can work out this dental situation. We paid so much just to bring her home, well above what they had quoted us. We are just tapped financially.
We own a flooring company, so if you are looking at new flooring, we would love to help you WINK WINK!!!
www.laminatefloorscheap.com
10/02/07 Olivia Starts School
Today was Olivia's first day of school... it was just a chore to get her in. Since our other children don't have any medical issues I didn't realize how much you have to do to get a child registered for school when they do have issues.
We started the process back in July. They had to evaluate everything to see which school she would be in, and if they would mainstream her. Which we decided to do, since she is so smart. (though we do worry about teasing)
Then we had to meet with the school officials, nurses, etc. to determine her needs. Then they had to hire a aid, since Olivia can't go to the rest room alone.
So today is FINALLY her first day. She has been so excited to go to school. She just danced and laughed her whole way there. She had a great time with all the activities though we had to work with her on paying attention and to follow the teachers direction. There was so many things in the room, she wanted to just touch and try all the new things.
She learned to write her name in just two attempts. Several of the kids were so sweet and really tried to include her and help her. One little boy kept wanting to sit by her and would rub her leg and would play fetch with her at the recess. Another little girl was also very tender and sweet and had Olivia's bright hair... it was so cute and long I can't wait until Olivia's hair is grown out. We did have a little situation at her table when a little girl said "What is wrong with her hands, they are HORRIBLE." I try not to over react to comments as I don't want Olivia to sense that I am upset, or feel bad. So I just said calmly, "They are horrible, just different." She didn't say anything else, but she did keep staring at her.
Olivia is so happy and confident I hope that she can brush off little comments and stares. I stayed with her all day, since her aid doesn't start for two more days. Plus I wanted to get a real feel for her class, schedule, teacher, etc. It was also a great insite into all the children's personality. We hope to invite children over as playmates once Olivia's cast is off. Which is just one week one day away...YEAH
We started the process back in July. They had to evaluate everything to see which school she would be in, and if they would mainstream her. Which we decided to do, since she is so smart. (though we do worry about teasing)
Then we had to meet with the school officials, nurses, etc. to determine her needs. Then they had to hire a aid, since Olivia can't go to the rest room alone.
So today is FINALLY her first day. She has been so excited to go to school. She just danced and laughed her whole way there. She had a great time with all the activities though we had to work with her on paying attention and to follow the teachers direction. There was so many things in the room, she wanted to just touch and try all the new things.
She learned to write her name in just two attempts. Several of the kids were so sweet and really tried to include her and help her. One little boy kept wanting to sit by her and would rub her leg and would play fetch with her at the recess. Another little girl was also very tender and sweet and had Olivia's bright hair... it was so cute and long I can't wait until Olivia's hair is grown out. We did have a little situation at her table when a little girl said "What is wrong with her hands, they are HORRIBLE." I try not to over react to comments as I don't want Olivia to sense that I am upset, or feel bad. So I just said calmly, "They are horrible, just different." She didn't say anything else, but she did keep staring at her.
Olivia is so happy and confident I hope that she can brush off little comments and stares. I stayed with her all day, since her aid doesn't start for two more days. Plus I wanted to get a real feel for her class, schedule, teacher, etc. It was also a great insite into all the children's personality. We hope to invite children over as playmates once Olivia's cast is off. Which is just one week one day away...YEAH
Thursday, September 20, 2007
9/19/2007 OLivia's Kazak and American Passports Photos - HUGE CHANGE
In looking at Olivia's Kazakhstan passport photo taken May 2007, and her American passport photo taken July 2007, so barely two months apart and look how different she looks, it is almost shocking… she looks years older. I joked with my husband she looks like she had a nose job... laugh
I will post the photo so you can see for yourself...
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
9/18/2007 Olivia's Cast Change
Today is the day...
we had to get up at 5:00am to be to Shriners by 6:00am. Even though I knew we would just wait there for hours. I tried to quietly get Olivia in the car while she slept. But she woke up and so I told her that we were head to get the blue cast off. She was so excited she just squilled.
We get to the hospital and checked in, went through the normal questions and answers several times. Olivia gets her "bunny" gown, and is very excited about the new cast. (or should I say getting the blue cast off). She keeps going back and forth on whether she wanted the PINK or LIME GREEN cast. The final all was LIME GREEN. She did great and was really happy until they began to take her to the operating room, then she broke down. I kept telling her that there were no "owies" today. So I am not sure if the versed they gave her made her more emotional, or if she was just scared since the last time she went to the OR she woke up in allot of pain.
The whole procedure took about a hour. Then she spent about an hour in recovery. She finally come in the room with her new green cast. I was surprised to see that it wasn't on her hops at all and was basically only on her legs, with a bar connecting her feet.
I showed her that she didn't have a cast up her chest and she was very happy. Then when she saw the cast she said "NO, GREEN OFF"... and I told her later... in 4 weeks (which I don't think she understands more then tomorrow and later).
She kept lifting her legs and was very happy she could move. Then she figured out she could sit up and was very excited about that and kept saying "LOOK MOM, OLIVIA SITTING".
All the way home she just continued to want to show me everything she could do now, and was excited she was going in the car (since she has been homebound for 6 weeks). She was also again thrilled she could sit in her carseat. She had to ride to the hospital laying down.
Then when we got home she spent hours showing EVERYONE several times all that she could do. Including rolling all over the floor to the point that she now has carpet burns on both hands.
So I think that the next 6 weeks will be much easier on her.
we had to get up at 5:00am to be to Shriners by 6:00am. Even though I knew we would just wait there for hours. I tried to quietly get Olivia in the car while she slept. But she woke up and so I told her that we were head to get the blue cast off. She was so excited she just squilled.
We get to the hospital and checked in, went through the normal questions and answers several times. Olivia gets her "bunny" gown, and is very excited about the new cast. (or should I say getting the blue cast off). She keeps going back and forth on whether she wanted the PINK or LIME GREEN cast. The final all was LIME GREEN. She did great and was really happy until they began to take her to the operating room, then she broke down. I kept telling her that there were no "owies" today. So I am not sure if the versed they gave her made her more emotional, or if she was just scared since the last time she went to the OR she woke up in allot of pain.
The whole procedure took about a hour. Then she spent about an hour in recovery. She finally come in the room with her new green cast. I was surprised to see that it wasn't on her hops at all and was basically only on her legs, with a bar connecting her feet.
I showed her that she didn't have a cast up her chest and she was very happy. Then when she saw the cast she said "NO, GREEN OFF"... and I told her later... in 4 weeks (which I don't think she understands more then tomorrow and later).
She kept lifting her legs and was very happy she could move. Then she figured out she could sit up and was very excited about that and kept saying "LOOK MOM, OLIVIA SITTING".
All the way home she just continued to want to show me everything she could do now, and was excited she was going in the car (since she has been homebound for 6 weeks). She was also again thrilled she could sit in her carseat. She had to ride to the hospital laying down.
Then when we got home she spent hours showing EVERYONE several times all that she could do. Including rolling all over the floor to the point that she now has carpet burns on both hands.
So I think that the next 6 weeks will be much easier on her.
9/17/2007 Olivia's Bath and School
Tomorrow is Olivia's cast change so we are hopefully have our last "bath" in the kitchen sink. Olivia loves her hair to be washed, though she is so sensitive it is hard to wash :)
We also try and clip her finger nails and toe nails, which she doesn't like as she wants LONG NAILS. But really long nails limit her use of her hands. Jordan, Olivia's bog brother drew pokoman all over her cast. He wanted her to like pokoman so that he could watch it with her. Little did he know she would LOVE it... so now she wants to watch it so much he is TIRED OF IT... laugh (see photos)
I can't wait to see what her new cast looks like and to get rid of her current cast, as a close smell still smells like pee... :( Despite all our attempts to tuck baby wipes all over when she needs to pee, and my husband special chair to help he sit up straight when she pees. As girls don't pee well in a bed pan.
I also called the school, despite the fact that I went in and registered the first week we got home, they still haven't provided a tutor. They wait a week or two then tell me they need something else, then it takes me a few days to get it, then there is always something else... so frustrating.
We also try and clip her finger nails and toe nails, which she doesn't like as she wants LONG NAILS. But really long nails limit her use of her hands. Jordan, Olivia's bog brother drew pokoman all over her cast. He wanted her to like pokoman so that he could watch it with her. Little did he know she would LOVE it... so now she wants to watch it so much he is TIRED OF IT... laugh (see photos)
I can't wait to see what her new cast looks like and to get rid of her current cast, as a close smell still smells like pee... :( Despite all our attempts to tuck baby wipes all over when she needs to pee, and my husband special chair to help he sit up straight when she pees. As girls don't pee well in a bed pan.
I also called the school, despite the fact that I went in and registered the first week we got home, they still haven't provided a tutor. They wait a week or two then tell me they need something else, then it takes me a few days to get it, then there is always something else... so frustrating.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
9/12/2007 Dental Update
Well the dentist called and have now informed us that our "portion" of Olivia's surgery is now $5,300. (up from the $4,300 they originally estimated) I am just having a stressful day, I just don't know how we will cover that. It is hard enough right now to get through the day to day chores with a child in a body cast, a husband that works out of town 5 days a week, and a house that we are still trying to finish remodeling so we can sell and move to Cedar City, so we can be with "daddy". Not to mention I also TRY and work from home, which is hard lately with Olivia in her condition, and needing help with everything. (and unable to go to school, etc.)
This is one of those days that I am just overwhelmed with it all. If anyone knows of any organizations that will help with dental work, please, please let me know. Since Olivia is now complaining of pain we can't delay her dental surgery, yet I just don't see how we can get that much money in less then two weeks. The hospital will let us make payments, but the rest has to be paid up front. The dental work is over $3,000 ($2,000 of which we will need to cover), the hospital bill is another $2,500 and the anesthesiologist is another $800.
We tried to get grants for Olivia's adoption, but were unable to get one since we are "Mormon", and apparently not Christian to the agencies that award the grants. So I seriously doubt that we will be able to get any assistance with this bill either.
But we are open to ANY suggestions that anyone has, or possibly any programs that are out there that I am not aware of.
This is one of those days that I am just overwhelmed with it all. If anyone knows of any organizations that will help with dental work, please, please let me know. Since Olivia is now complaining of pain we can't delay her dental surgery, yet I just don't see how we can get that much money in less then two weeks. The hospital will let us make payments, but the rest has to be paid up front. The dental work is over $3,000 ($2,000 of which we will need to cover), the hospital bill is another $2,500 and the anesthesiologist is another $800.
We tried to get grants for Olivia's adoption, but were unable to get one since we are "Mormon", and apparently not Christian to the agencies that award the grants. So I seriously doubt that we will be able to get any assistance with this bill either.
But we are open to ANY suggestions that anyone has, or possibly any programs that are out there that I am not aware of.
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