Lexus’ Results

Hooray!
Yippee!
Woo-Hoo!

 

Good News!!!
No surgery!!! Lexus' appt. with the neurosurgeon was today and it gave us reason to celebrate! They were so wonderful explaining everything to us. They gave us a whole folder of information on chiari 1 Malformation. They explained that the cerebellar tonsils in her brain that are at the bottom of the cerebellum were 5mm past the skull plate. Anything 5mm or more is characterized as a Chiari malformation. When the tonsils are being compressed they become pointy at the end as they are pushed into the opening next to the brain stem which decreases the flow. Lexus' cerebellar tonsils are well rounded at the bottom, meaning they are not being compressed (good thing). They showed us the images from her MRI, which showed fluid all the way around the brain stem (another good thing). They checked all of her reflexes, balance, motor skills, coordination, etc… She was great reassuring Lexus that they see many kids her age, younger, older and that her condition is mild. We did find out it can be hereditary. We don't plan to have Kimberly and Austin tested at this point.

 

Lexus' symptoms have pretty much disappeared in the last week. She has not experienced a headache in over a week. She told us Lexus may never experience another symptom again. We have to document any symptoms for the next 6 mths. And call if they ever worsen. The Dr. did tell us that head trauma (soccer ball to the head) can cause swelling/compression of the cerebellar tonsils, another good reason to keep an eye on this. Lexus will return to Children's in January (6 mths.) for another MRI of her brain/spinal cord and meeting with the neurosurgeon. They want to check her spinal cord to make sure spinal fluid is not getting into the core of her spinal cord. The Dr. said Lexus could continue any physical activities her lil' heart desires, no restrictions! The Dr. told us the emotional distress Lexus' has been experiencing is possibly the result of a concussion (soccer camp) or obviously the anxiety of dealing with this. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to see her smile…beaming ear to ear at the good news! The one major thing we do have to remember is if Lexus ever needs a spinal tap, we must contact the neurosurgeon immediately. They expressed that this wouldn't be good with her diagnosis.

We feel like the world has been lifted off our chests!!! Thanks again for all the love and support…we are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends!!!

Love,

Randy, Carrie, Lexus, Kimberly & Austin

Webkinz Cakes

These are the three Webkinz cakes I made for Lexus, Kimberly, and Halle's birthday party tomorrow. Keep in mind, I am only an amatuer cake decorater. I put pics of my sketches next to them. But, I think they turned out cute!

Well’s Boating Excursion 2009

Well's Boating Excursion 2009

Thank You Dad!!!

We enj0oyed the most amazing boating trip this past Sunday at the Well's Family River Camp on the Ohio River. Bright and early we hit the river at 10 a.m., all kids wearing life vests. Right away, Lexus and Randy joined another boat to go waterskiing, while I hung out in the water with the kids. Austin took a boat ride with Grandma and Steph.

 

There were 5 boats, one being a professional ski boat. This means it had a part in the middle of the boat to attach a "boom" which a long pole that extends out the side of the boat for the kids to hold onto. This is step 1 in learning how to ski, then they move to the short rope and finally off the back of the boat. I was amazed at how easy the kids were able to get up and water ski using this. We were so proud that Lexus and Kimberly weren't afraid to try water skiing! Halle and Colin gave it a try too! Way to go Steph and Dana – both water skied for the 1^st time and rocked the waves!

 

Tubing was definitely a favorite of the kids and some adults! The Well's Family sure knows how to show you a good time on the water. They also make the most delicious food! Lunch and dinner were just scrumptious, especially the desserts! Back at camp, Austin had a ball playing in the dirt with a convoy of trucks. The girls drove and rode around on a golf cart and played in the fort.

Chicks...The Teenage Years

Got Chicks??? Yes, we do! I know I haven't posted about our chicks much lately, so here it is. Streak, Scooby and Midnight are doing great and growing fast. They are 4 times the size they were when they hatched. They stand about 4-5 inches tall and look like fluff balls. Two Fridays ago, we moved them outside to their permanent home in the backyard. They really like the coop Randy built. We let them out in the yard with us alot and they are staring to follow us around, just like Chickie Wickie did. They are also eating like crazy! Let me tell you what a big difference it is feeding 3 chicks instead of just 1. They are like 3 teenage boys, consuming all food/water in sight. We were told they still don't have their adult feathers yet. We are still unsure whether they are hens or roosters too. We keep checking for a rooster comb to start onthe top of their heads...tell tale sign!

What an amzing weekend for our family!!! As you know we celebrated Lexus' birthday on Friday. Saturday, we went to Stricker's Grove in Cleves for Randy's company picnic. This is a summer favorite of our girls. They start asking about it right after Easter. They had a blast playing bingo (Lexus won $5), eating sweets all day, and riding every ride from roller coasters to kiddie boats. Randy even won $50 when his name was drawn. He was even luckier later in the night, winning $20 playing poker with the boys.




Yesterday, we went on the Wells Family Boating Excursion and it rocked!!! Will be blogging about this as soon as I download the pics :)

Cave Formations

Since, I couldn't post every pic from our vacay, which of course would bore you all to death. I decided to post some pics of the really cool cave formations we saw in the Frozen Niagara Cave and Drapery Room. By the way, if you ever visit Mammoth Cave you are sure to run into these crazy people called "cavers" who like to squeeze their bodies into all kinds of crazy, tight, dark holes/passages. Did I mention they do this for fun!?!? I know...they have to be insane...right? Plus, when you do this so-called fun activity, you are destined to have some crazy tourist (Randy) take a pic of your backside as you enter said hole and post it on their blog...enjoy!

Happy 9th Birthday Lexus!!!

Happy 9^th Birthday Lexus!!!

Each year, Randy and I just watch in awe as Lexus grows older and becomes an even more beautiful young girl! 9 years of pure happiness she has brought into our lives! For her birthday today, she is going to the zoo with her cousins (Addison, Natalie, Megan, Nicole, and Samantha). Then, off to lunch with Grandpa Grothaus, and when she returns, she gets to pick out a Webkiinz at the store. Tonight, we will feast on her favorite dinner – Chicken with noodles and gravy. I have fulfilled her request for a butterfly birthday cake, will post pics after I'm done frosting. Last, but not least we will lavish her with homemade cards and presents. We love you Lexus!

Here are some pics of Lexus enjoying her birthday!!!

Mammoth Cave - Part 2

Every afternoon, we took car rides to help children drift off to dreamland for a few hours. We ventured out of the park on our 2nd night to Guntop Mountain. Lexus and I rode the lift and the rest took the tram up. A western town filled with live-action gun fights, country music shows, magic show, etc... Randy and the kids even got put in jail. The kids mined for rocks and found some treasures in the shops in town. Lexus found a Worry Rock - a rock with a groove in it to rub your thumb on. You "rub your worries away"! When she asked for one, I absolutely said "Yes", definetly something she could use right now! The kids found many ways to entertain themselves at the campsite from playing in the rocks/dirt, exploring for animals, bike riding and coloring.


They also helped us cook dinner each night, wrapping the corn and potatoes in Reynold's wrap. Well, we might (I might) of forgot to pack a few things...can opener! No worries! Randy "maguivered" his way into the green beans with a rock and a rusty, old military can opener. The can isn't pretty, but the beans were delicious. Randy was right at home cooking on the campfire, even without tongs (I might of forgot those too...oops!)Our 3rd and final tour was the Snowball Tour. We walked through Cleveland Ave. which is covered in Gypsum. We saw it many crystalline shapes and sizes. The large ones look like flowers. The coolest part of our tour was eating lunch inside the cave, specifically in the Snowball Room! Our tour guide Ranger Jerry was a 5th generation tour guide for Mammoth Cave. His ancestors were black slaves who have been giving tours since the late 1800's. (his realtives are even buried in the cemetary in the park)He had many famous relatives who made great discoveries at Mammoth Cave.

Mammoth Cave - Part 1

I apologize in advance for the lateness of all these posts, my mind has been not been working the best lately.

Just after leaving the house...resting up for our big adventure

The kids watched Mary Poppins on the way down and loved it (Randy & I were regretting it as Kimberly sang the chorus from every song at least 100 times or so!)Setting up camp was quick; we borrowed a pop-up camper from Randy's brother Doug. Our first cave tour was by far the shortest and the most beautiful! The Frozen Niagara Tour guided by Ranger Jeremy showcased various unique cave formations...flow stone, stalactites, stalagmites, etc... We entered the cave through a sinkhole and descended an optional 100 steps to see the Drapery Room (vert. shaft with beautiful formations hanging from the ceiling). We learned the history of how Mammoth Cave came to be our 26th Nat'l Park. Ranger Jeremy's family used to live on park land before it was taken by eminent domain for $30/acre. Cave crickets were all over the walls. This cave was hands down our family fav! The wildlife is everywhere in the:
park! Deer and turkey are the most visible to see as you drive/walk/sit. Lexus kept a running tally of the animals we saw the entire trip:
Deer - 50
Turkey - 9
Squirrels - 5
Rabbits - 2
Raccoon - 1
Bluejays - 5
Here is a couple pics of us around camp and the campfire.


Our 2nd cave tour was the Historic Tour where you enter at the Historic entrance to Mammoth Cave. This is the entrance people have been entering the cave throughout history. Austin didn't really like this big hole of darkness. He was really uncomfortable with his new surroundings and needed Mommy to keep him safe. A little background: Randy & I bought a Baby Bjorn to carry him in the caves (to take turns carrying him). Austin had other plans in mind! I carried him on the 1st tour, Randy was to do the 2nd. Austin screamed bloody murder, clawing at Randy to get to me. So, I ended up carrying Austin for all 3 tours and yes! my back was screaming for relief by the end of tour 3! We learned how they used the caves to mine salt peter (used to make black powder in the War of 1812). This section of the cave was gigantic...large open spaces with lots of loose rock. Not alot of formations like the 1st tour, but filled with fun passageways like Fat Man's Misery, Tall Man's Agony, and Bottomless Pit. Kimberly was the only one able to walk thru Fat Man's Misery without turning or bending over. We learned about Stephen Bishop (black slave) who was the first person to set foot in many parts of the cave. Only 12 of the 365 miles of cave is open to the public! It's divided into 5 levels and we got to level 3 on this tour which put us 370 feet under the surface.