It's not enough that they work and play "farm" but they have to read about it too!!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Great Weekend
What a fun weekend! Friday night we celebrated my birthday by going to The Melting Pot in Greenwood. Sally and Eric went with us and what a fun time. Great food and lots of laughs, mostly at Eric!!!! Laura came over to watch the boys. They love her so much and she is a wonderful girl. Definately a keeper!!!!
Then on Saturday we went to our traditional Valentine event. The Farm Machinery Show (don't get to jealous girls I know it is everything you would want too). However, this year was a little different. It was the first year we took Max. He had never been to something like this nor to tractor pulls. He did pretty terrific. He did sleep through 2 classes of tractor pulls (2 hours) so that helped. Really, who can sleep through tractor pulls? If anyone can, my children can!!!!! Brock had to stay at home. My mom came over and watched him for the day! THANKS MOM!
The only disadvantage of having a great weekend out is that now it's Sunday and there's lots to do around the house before the new week begins!!
Then on Saturday we went to our traditional Valentine event. The Farm Machinery Show (don't get to jealous girls I know it is everything you would want too). However, this year was a little different. It was the first year we took Max. He had never been to something like this nor to tractor pulls. He did pretty terrific. He did sleep through 2 classes of tractor pulls (2 hours) so that helped. Really, who can sleep through tractor pulls? If anyone can, my children can!!!!! Brock had to stay at home. My mom came over and watched him for the day! THANKS MOM!
The only disadvantage of having a great weekend out is that now it's Sunday and there's lots to do around the house before the new week begins!!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Wanted
I am looking for a sectional couch to put in my basement. It doesn't have to be in perfect condition but nice enough! I really don't have a color preference either. If anyone knows of one for sale or someone just wanting to get rid of one please let me know through this blog or e-mail me at amaschino1@verizon.net.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Snow Days
We made it through the bad weather. The boys and myself actually didn't leave the house until Friday night. (I guess working at home has more than one advantage). Max did go out and play in the snow and loved it. Brock on the other hand did not. He is nuts about getting stuff on his hands and when the snow got on his boots and gloves he had a fit. So, Andy put him in the truck and let him watch from there.
I was able to meet my new nephew this weekend. His name is Caiden Alexander. I was also able to visit with his brother, Dominic. I don't get to see them often, so it was nice. They are so cute and Dominic is growing up so fast.
Andy did some great work this weekend. I had a list of like 8 things for him to accomplish and guess what he got them all done. I am soooooo proud. He was working on one of the closets doing some reorganization and pulled the boys' book basket out and as you can see from the picture, Brock was in heaven. I am so glad they both enjoy reading. Even though it made a tremendous mess for me to clean up.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Max's Results
Okay Dr. Neeley called this morning and I know some of you have been waiting for this, so I will do my best to explain it. Max had an eye exam and ERG (electroretinogram) under anesthesia on Tuesday. This was going to check the retina to see if there was further damage in the back on Max's eyes other than just his congential motor nystagmus (wobbley eyes) that he has had since birth. The results are that all parts of his retina are deminished. You have Rods in your retina that are good at "seeing" things that move, in the dark, black and white, less detail and mostly outer peripheral vision. You also have cones in your retina that are good at "seeing" things that are still, daylight, color, fine detail and mostly central vision. One or the other or both can be damaged. Max has both damaged. His optic nerve was also checked and that is basically the line between the brain and the eye. That seemed to be in good shape.
To put it in easier terms they us the anaylsis of a camera. The optic nerve takes the picture from the brain and the retina developes the picture for the eye to see. He is taking the picture but he cannot get it developed. He will also more than likely be color blind. It may be all colors or it may be colors that are similar that he will not be able to distinguish from. Hope that helps a little. This still does not tell us exactly everything that he can and cannot see but it correlates everything that I have said about his vision. Time will tell whether it will stay the same or get worse, however, at this time there is no surgeries that can be performed or cures. There is a possible surgery for his nystagmus that would tighten his muscles of the eye but will be looked at later down the line. This would not change his vision obviously just help reduce or stop the nystagmus (wobbly eyes).
Dr. Neeley suggested we have genetic testing done now. For those who don't know, my dad has very bad eyesight as well. Although he and Max have different diagnoses, I more than likely am a genetic carrier of something and testing will possibly give more answers. This will also tell us the chances of us having more children with this condition. Fortunately, Brock has shown NO signs of vision issues, but should be tested sometime just to check. This would also tell what chances Max has to carry it on to his children.
The major issues that he will have will be in the school setting. Special resources will have to be used for him, but it looks like he will be able to attend regular schooling. We are working with the School of Blind and the Low Vision Tech for Jennings County on getting him into preschool and they will come in and work with him and get materials he needs. They also said he will likely tire easily because he will have to work harder to see his work. Therefore, will probably have less paperwork to do than the average student. There is also the issue of driving, although several years down the road (thankfully), he may or may not be able to. However, a lot can change in 12 years as we have all seen in the medical field.
Please continue to pray for Max, although what he sees he thinks is normal because that is all he has ever known, he will have hurtles to jump. He is highly intelligent and I'm not saying that because he's my son, but because he can memorize things you wouldn't think and hear things and know what they are without seeing them. His other senses have definately kicked in without him even knowing the difference.
I know many have been praying for different results as I have been too. I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart. However, we know some answers now and we will work to help assist Max in anything he needs help with. If anyone is interested in knowing more that I did not cover please feel free to contact me. My friend Amber and I have also been doing research and you can get some info when you Goggle: Retinal Dystrophy or Nystagmus in Children. There is a lot to go through but I have covered the general information here. Thanks to Amber too for helping find info in laymens terms. I will keep you updated on the genetic testing and further happenings with our family.
To put it in easier terms they us the anaylsis of a camera. The optic nerve takes the picture from the brain and the retina developes the picture for the eye to see. He is taking the picture but he cannot get it developed. He will also more than likely be color blind. It may be all colors or it may be colors that are similar that he will not be able to distinguish from. Hope that helps a little. This still does not tell us exactly everything that he can and cannot see but it correlates everything that I have said about his vision. Time will tell whether it will stay the same or get worse, however, at this time there is no surgeries that can be performed or cures. There is a possible surgery for his nystagmus that would tighten his muscles of the eye but will be looked at later down the line. This would not change his vision obviously just help reduce or stop the nystagmus (wobbly eyes).
Dr. Neeley suggested we have genetic testing done now. For those who don't know, my dad has very bad eyesight as well. Although he and Max have different diagnoses, I more than likely am a genetic carrier of something and testing will possibly give more answers. This will also tell us the chances of us having more children with this condition. Fortunately, Brock has shown NO signs of vision issues, but should be tested sometime just to check. This would also tell what chances Max has to carry it on to his children.
The major issues that he will have will be in the school setting. Special resources will have to be used for him, but it looks like he will be able to attend regular schooling. We are working with the School of Blind and the Low Vision Tech for Jennings County on getting him into preschool and they will come in and work with him and get materials he needs. They also said he will likely tire easily because he will have to work harder to see his work. Therefore, will probably have less paperwork to do than the average student. There is also the issue of driving, although several years down the road (thankfully), he may or may not be able to. However, a lot can change in 12 years as we have all seen in the medical field.
Please continue to pray for Max, although what he sees he thinks is normal because that is all he has ever known, he will have hurtles to jump. He is highly intelligent and I'm not saying that because he's my son, but because he can memorize things you wouldn't think and hear things and know what they are without seeing them. His other senses have definately kicked in without him even knowing the difference.
I know many have been praying for different results as I have been too. I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart. However, we know some answers now and we will work to help assist Max in anything he needs help with. If anyone is interested in knowing more that I did not cover please feel free to contact me. My friend Amber and I have also been doing research and you can get some info when you Goggle: Retinal Dystrophy or Nystagmus in Children. There is a lot to go through but I have covered the general information here. Thanks to Amber too for helping find info in laymens terms. I will keep you updated on the genetic testing and further happenings with our family.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Max's Proceedure
Max had his eye proceedure done yesterday at Riley and although we know a few things I'm not going to give an update until all the tests have returned. They should call us today (Wednesday) or tomarrow with more results. Max did great. He was not real happy to have 20 eye drops put in each eye but once they gave him what we called his "giggle juice" he was fine. He went under very easily and woke up fine. He was starving but who wouldn't be when they hadn't eaten in 16 hours. I will give another update as soon as I know more. Keep praying!!!!
Monday, January 12, 2009
January 12, 2009
Max & Best Buddy Lane
Brock with cousin Kennedy (we are 5 days apart)
Brock with his beloved "Moe Moe"
but he only sleeps with him
Brock with his first black eye
Hope you enjoyed the pictures!!!!!!!!!!!
Now that we have all probably recovered from the holidays it's time to get serious about the new year. Any good New Year's resolutions out there???? Mine is a little resolution with myself to try to be a better wife, mother and friend.
Max is going up to Riley next Tuesday for his eye proceedure so please pray for him. This will give us some answers as to his eyesight severity. We are obviously praying for positive answers but have been preparing ourselves (or myself anyway) for other results. Anyway just pray for him.
Max & Brock have a new cousin today. My brother had a baby boy whose name is Kaiden Alexander. Welcome to our family Kaiden. You have much love that will be given to you!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)