The past few months of 2013

So it has been quite a while since my last post.  Been super busy with everything and with the boys.  Ranging from both boys being sick (from diarrhea to bad colds) to the busy holidays and finally a busy month with multiple appointments.

Where do I start, I guess i can start with  stuff occurring in the past months based on major events all in this one catch-up post.  Also want to mention, that the boys including Trent are now fully mobile.  Trent is following everything that Troy is doing including climbing the couch and onto the table and switching on and off the lights.  An even bigger challenge to keep up with these two

Sept '13
September was a relatively quiet month with the exception of a few stomach bugs and diarrhea.  But it has occurred several times that we've come to learn to address it.  Although each time it occurs, we get scared.  But mainly treating him with lots and lots of pedialyte and water.  Trent also learned to siphon water from his syringes.

October '13
October was a bit more eventful.  The boys had their 18 month check-up, traveled for the first time (went down to southern California and visited Disneyland, and dressed up for Halloween and actually got to do some trick-o-treating.

Disneyland, lets just say, it was definitely a logistic challenge to travel.  The van was packed to the fullest, Trent's pump plugged in to the car's 120v power outlet, and driving in the middle of the night so the boys stay asleep through the drive and avoid any crying and whining. All well worth it.

For Halloween, the boys were pirates (like Jake and the neverland pirates).  Big brother Trevor was dressed as a fire fighter.

November

Thanksgiving was very low key; just had turkey with the family and snuggled together and stayed home (watched football). For Trent, he had one surgical procedure performed.  This was to determine whether he needed any orthopedic intervention or not on his hips.  Medically known, OEIS babies typically also have issues related with orthopedics (Hip, Spine, club foot etc).  Trent has a mild case of hip dysplasia at birth and he was wrapped in a mummy wrap for about three months with the intent of re-aligning them.  Trent also have a condition called ectrodactyly on one foot (where he's missing some toes).  It is the Hip dysplasia that is what's being evaluated.  Since birth, Trent's hip was offline and was then re-aligned.  We're now to see if it is indeed aligned and also how his hip socket has developed.  So Trent had a hip scope procedure performed under anesthesia.  Most of the time this condition would require either body cast, traction or other orthopedic intervention and most of the time OEIS babies requires this.  Fortunately for Trent, he passed with flying colors.  His hip was lined up well, his hip socket was slowly rounding into the socket (although not fully); and most important of all, Trent's displaying signs of little ill effects with his hip as he's demonstrating he's able to walk, run, and climb with little issue.  We (and the Dr) think it may be attributed to Trent having a twin which encourages competition and the two wanting to do everything each other does (including physical activities).  So Trent does not need any braces or casting (Thank you God).  Having noted this, Trent is now cleared for his next major surgery, his epispadius repair surgery (likely in the spring of 2014).

December

December was mildly busy, but we kept most of our Christmas shopping to be online.  There was just little time to do so and logistically, it was challenging, if we go out, we have to take all three boys with us.  That's a challenge in itself with just the two of us.  We took a new kids photo for the Christmas cards, and it definitely took a look a effort (trying to get three kids to look).  

This was also the first time Trent and Troy was able to actually enjoy Christmas, opening their gifts (more like shredding wrapping paper) and playing with the boxes rather than the toys.  

Towards the end of December, Trent had a visit with his urologist (Dr. Kennedy), it has been several months since he's seen him. I guess its not a bad thing, less visits equals Trent's doing well.  Dr. Kennedy was please with Trent's progress.  He now feels that Trent would be ready for his epispadius surgery.  But not until a few evaluation procedures are done (e.g. a bladder scope and urethra evaluation).  That will be sometime February; actually he's scheduled next week, February 6th.  

So aside from the above, the past few months was although challenging, relatively manageable.  I guess we can say, we survived.  Many tell us they don't know how we handle three kids let alone Trent's special needs, but I guess as human beings, we adapt and adjust.

Thanks