Pics Say It Better Than Words!!!

Enjoy the photo show!!!

Chiari 1 Malformation

For the past week Lexus has been experiencing really bad headaches that are affecting the back of her head. She said on top of the pain, it feels really cold, so cold it feels hot. With each headache, her stomach starts to feel queasy and about half the time her legs start shaking. She has only gotten sick once. The headaches occur 2-3 times a day and wakes her up every night about 2 times. She has been very extremely emotional the last couple days too.

 

We took her to the doctor yesterday. They checked the usual stuff, but really focused on her eyes and balance. The doctor pulled me out into the hallway and said that they never like when anyone has pain in this region of the head or when head pain wakes a person up at night. She told me she was going to schedule an MRI at Children's ASAP. Last night, Lexus had an MRI at Children's at 9:00 p.m. The experience was painless; in fact she got to watch a movie during the procedure…Beverly Hills Chihuahua. This was far better than the loud noise my m-i-l and I got to listen to. They sent us home with no new info. I treated her to Greater's ice cream on the way home. Kimberly and Austin spent the night at my parents, so Lexus and I slept in my bed to comfort her.

 

She slept pretty good last night, but woke up with another headache. She was pretty clingy until she left for Art Camp. The doctor called at 9:00 a.m. to let us know her results…they found a small mass at the base of her head and we did the right thing by rushing her for an MRI. She has Chiari (key-are-ee) 1 Malformation. In layman's terms this means she has extra tissue at the base of her brain that is creating a minor blockage that is stemming the flow of fluid that moves from her brain down to her spinal cord. This is what is causing her headaches. It is something she was born with and most people never even know they have. She is Type 1 which is manageable. She will be seeing a Neurosurgeon to discuss options for treatment. Two options her doctor mentioned are letting her grow through it or having surgery to better open up the area and improve the flow of fluid. Of course, we don't know for sure what will happen until after we meet with the Neurosurgeon. We will schedule her appointment next week when they call us. Right now she can do everything she did before and she is allowed to take Ibuprofen (kids' Motrin) for her headaches. She has experienced some slight depression with this and is asking to see lots of people. She is feeling lonely and bored We are doing our best to keep her extremely active and fulfill her requests to see people as much as we can.

 

We have not told her yet. Randy and I are going to sit her down tomorrow and explain everything to her. The doctors have been wonderful up until this point telling her everything that is happening and why. Randy and I want to continue this and make sure she is fully informed about this. The doctor directed us to a website to read up on Chiari 1 Malformation. If you are interested in reading more about her diagnose: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chiari/chiari.htm the website is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the link takes you directly to the information page about Chiari 1 Malformation.

 

Please keep her in your prayers!!! We know God will get us through this and it will all work out! Thank You for all the love and support we have already received, it is deeply appreciated!

Might-y Monday

My BFF Abby created Might-y Mondays and asked us to play along…what a fun way to post and mix it up!

 

Yesterday, we MIGHT have been chillin'' kiddie poolside and cooling down with popsicles. We also MIGHT have channeled our inner TIGGER on the neighbors bouncy inflatable castle.

 

I MIGHT of forgot to put sunscreen on while chillin' kiddie poolside reading my book. I MIGHT have got red as a lobster.

 

I MIGHT of watched Austin try to shove an entire powdered donut in his mouth. He MIGHT have succeeded.

 

Austin MIGHT of looked super cute coloring dinosaurs. He MIGHT of sounded super cute growling like the dinosaurs.

 

Lexus MIGHT of made an elephant out of clay at Art Camp today. She MIGHT of invented her own alphabet at Art Camp yesterday.

 

I MIGHT have let Austin and Kimberly ride "Sandy" the horse at Meijer three times. I MIGHT of let them eat grapes out the cart to keep them quiet.

 

I MIGHT have started packing for our trip which is a week away.

 

I MIGHT have been invited to join Facebook by my Dad. I MIGHT finally join tomorrow.

 

I MIGHT be typing this on the bathroom floor as my three babes are splashing in the tub next to me.

Congratulations Dana!

My s-i-l Dana just got published for the first time in CARDS magazine (July issue)!!! Her card is proudly displayed on page 125.

I envy her; I wish I had more time to devote to get some of my cards published.

Dana makes the most wonderful cards and really inspires my own card making. Way to go Dana!!!

Hello Mother! Hello Father! Here I am at Camp Granada…

We have been busy little bees this past week! The girls both attended camp. Lexus went to soccer camp each day and Kimberly went to Wise Owl Camp. Kimberly learned camp fire songs, how to track animals, what bears do and many other exciting things. She brought home souvenirs every day and at the end brought home her camp journal with all the badges she earned. Lexus learned new soccer games to play with friends and worked to improve her soccer skills. The only souvenir she came home with was a black eye! One the last day of camp she was hit in the face with the ball and her glasses left some good marks on her face. These were just the beginning of many fun camps the girls will attend this summer.

 

Austin turned 18 months old last Friday and had his checkup on Tuesday. He now weighs 26 lbs. 12 oz. and is 33 ½ "long. He is picking up words like…ball, down, boo boo, a garbled version of truck, fish. He is desperately trying to keep up with his two sisters this summer too. He has started to pout when he doesn't get his way. I am thanking the Lord right now that all he does is sit down, stick out this pitiful lip and just stares at you with puppy dog eyes(sometimes he throws in a little crying). But NO throwing himself on the floor and screaming at the top of his lungs…Thank Goodness! He has started wearing hats again…yeah! He just looks so cute in them. TRUCKS! TRUCKS! TRUCKS! They are the center of his universe right now. Everywhere we go, every car that drives down the street, he goes crazy over trucks. His favorite place to drive passed right now is the new shopping area being added in Newport. He loves seeing all the industrial backhoes, track hoes, etc… he got to see two up close yesterday…he was in heaven!

 

Randy came home Friday afternoon and we presented him with his father's Day presents and card. We took him out to eat at his favorite restaurant Rio Grande and got some refreshing Hawaiian Shaved Ice for dessert. Isn't this the cutest card!

 

We've slowly been getting ready for our trip. We washed the car inside and out. Austin thought it was hilarious we were putting bubbles all over the car. The girls put on their new bathing suits to help wash the car. Randy surprised the girls with a new DVD player with 2 screens for the car. Our old one broke 2 ½ years ago and we have been saving for a new one. This will be a trip saver. Kimberly has never been a child to enjoy long car rides. We went to Gatlinburg when she was a toddler and she screamed the entire ride home. Randy and I almost lost our minds. Recently, we went to Indianapolis and she got bored about half way there. The car couldn't move fast enough. We keep praying as she gets older and matures this will go away.

 

We have a birthday party to enjoy this afternoon, so until then we are just chillin' poolside! (Kiddie poolside)

Happy Father’s Day!!!!

Happy Father's Day!!!!

Father's Day was a little different this year; we had to celebrate long distance with Randy. We have a big celebration planned for him on Friday! The girls have really created a cute surprise. We did celebrate with the Grothaus Family for a delicious brunch at my Aunt Karen and Uncle Ed's house. The 2009 Dad Games were as entertaining as ever. Everyone had a fun time, despite the sweltering heat which was making everyone crave an ice cold pool.

 

The kids and I retreated to our AC haven and took some dream filled naps to cool off. My cousin Christy and her husband Andy were sweet enough to invite everyone over to their pool. This was everyone's first time jumping in the pool this summer. I am convinced Austin is turning into a fish like his sisters. They all live to go swimming or take baths.

 

Here are the father's Day Cards I made for my Dad and my Father-in-law. I will post the one we made for Randy on Friday; I don't want him to see it before he gets it.

 

We are so blessed to have so many fathers who are a part of our lives! Thank You!

 

Here is a pic of my parents…Are they the cutest couple!!!

Mary Mary Quite Contrary, How Does Your Garden Grow?

We are trying to grow a small garden this year. Zucchini, squash, tomatoes, green beans, spinach, lettuce and herbs (parsley & basil) are sprouting from their containers. We are still waiting for the chilies to sprout. The girls have been fascinated with the growing process from seed to plant. My mouth is already watering thinking about roasted veggies, fresh herbs to cook chicken with, and chilies to spice up our dishes! It's so rewarding to grow your own veggies and you can't beat the price…dirt cheap!!!

 

The girls created a secret clubhouse yesterday, it was so cute! They were pretty creative tying blankets to the upper bunk bed with ribbons. This takes me back to the days when I created forts and hideouts with my brother and sister, just using blankets and chairs. I love seeing my children used their
imagination
and not just flopping down in front of the TV like ragdolls. Even if they make the biggest mess ever, it's so hard to get angry at them when they are playing so well together.

 

Here is a masculine birthday card I made at craft night at my s-i-l' Dana's house. I think it turned out pretty good. At first, I was worried it needed something more like ribbon, but I agree with my friend Tiffany – that would make it look girlie (definitely not what I was going for).

 

The chicks are eating like pigs…oink! oink! They love the yolk of a hardboiled egg. They are still just as cute and fuzzy as they day they hatched! Last night, I saw hands down the most precious moment of the chick's life. They were lined up single file each sleeping with it's head on the others back (like a big, fluffy pillow). Poor Streak got the raw end of the deal, resting on the pine shavings.

 

I saved the best news for last!!! My best friend Jenny found out yesterday she is having
Twins!!!
We couldn't be happier for her family! Now, the fun is waiting to see if they are two girls, two boys, or one of each??? CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!

Introducing Midnight!

Chick #3 arrived Friday morning; we call it "Midnight". It looks just like Chickie Wickie did sort of grayish black. Technically, it is called a blue silkie. They are all downstairs in the basement, where we will acclimate them to the outside temperature using a brooding light. In about a month we will be able to move them outside to their permanent home.

 

The chicks are starting to eat the egg yolk mixed with chick feed. We have even been able to feed them out of our hands. Yesterday, we brought them upstairs to wonder around the ottoman. Aren't they just the cutest! Their personalities are starting to emerge, which is fun to watch. Streak being the oldest is definitely the leader of the group. Scooby is a little shy and follows Streak everywhere. Midnight is the baby and craziest! He is just a silly little bird J

 

Our yard sale on Saturday was a success. We didn't unload all the baby clothes, but I made a small dent in my maternity clothes. (thanks to my bff Jenny, who is pregnant!) We did sell the PS2 for $80 (yea!) and various other items that needed new homes to be appreciated. I plan to take the remaining clothes out to Once Upon A Child on Wednesday. I just love this store; we bought all three kids some cute outfits and found a Baby Bjorn to use for Austin on our upcoming trip to Mammoth Cave.

Chicks In The City

The chicks look as fluffy as clouds this morning. They are still nestled inside the incubator. We will move them to their home in the basement around 3:00 p.m. Today was the original hatch date, so there is still a chance more eggs will hatch in the next couple days. It sounds a little sick, but for the first few days the chicks will eat the yolk of a hardboiled egg. Then a medicated chick food, so we don't have to take them to the vet for shots. In a month, we can move them outside to the chicken coop to live in style.

We are just so happy we were successful in our first hatching! I admit, Randy did a lot of research on the Silkies and deserves the credit for our successful hatching. I just turned the eggs.

I will post more pics of the chicks when we remove them from the incubator!

It's Raining Chicks!

Chick #2 is here!!!

We are now the proud parents of 2 chicks!!! The girls have been arguing over what to name each chick. Lexus choose to name Chick #1 – "Streak", since it has a black streak down its back. Kimberly named Chick #2 – "Scooby" after her favorite cartoon character. We are not sure of the sex of the chicks yet. We can't touch them for 24 hours. There is still a 2-3 day window for the other eggs to hatch. Now that two are here, it's really, really hard to wait for the others!!! They snuggle with each other (2 cute for words) and "Cheep! Cheep!" back and forth like they are holding a conversation. I am still working on posting a video of them.

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Another egg is sporting the "square hole" that is the starting sign of a chick using the egg tooth to break free. In less than 12 hours we will have another chick entering the world! Chick #1 is fluffing up and looking super cute! Still no name yet, girls are having a little trouble agreeing on a name.


And for my BFF Abby, here is a pic of my new haircut...

The Stork Has Arrived!

What a suprise!!! We woke up, ate breakfast, and then heard "Cheep, Cheep!" I jumped up and looked in the incubator....to find Chick #1 had already cracked it's egg in half and was emerging. The kids are going crazy with excitement! It's coloring is black and buff, so we are not sure which color it will be. The head is smaller than the end of my thumb. It doesn't have much room to move in the incubator, but has managed to rest itself across the other eggs.

Lexus' Short Story

Clare and Her New Book
By: Lexus Ossege

Once upon a time, Clare went to the book store to buy a new book. She looked at all the books, but when she found the book she wanted; she had ruined the whole store. When the owner came, Clare told the owner what happened, She helped the owner pickup the books. When she finished helping picking up the books, she paid for the book she wanted. She went home to show her parents her new book. The End.

Kick on the AC!!!

It was sooooo hot today! Time to kick on the old AC, don't ya think. Summer is here and we kicked it off right on friday night. We had a bonfire at the neighbors house. This is one of our favorite things to do as a family. Just a great way to enjoy good company, good food (smores, hotdogs, roasted marshmallows), and an occasional adult beverage.

Austin got his 2nd haircut on Saturday. This time it was a real haircut from my sil Ann, not the pathetic trim job Randy and I did the first time. I wanted to cry as our lil' boy started to look like a lil' man as she layered and cut away the baby hair. I know the "mop" look he was sporting was hideous, but he still looked like my baby with it. I know I have to get over this, since he will require haircuts regularly every six weeks. Ahhh! The differences between girls and boys.

Yesterday, we finally got to see my cousin Katie's new baby Eli! He is soooo adoreable at 8 weeks old! We drove up to visit and see their house for the first time. Lexus and Kimberly really liked holding Eli, Austin kept giving him love-pats on the head. Austin was also infatuated with one of their two dogs...Ralphie. They have the coolest park several blocks from their house. It had water features, a playground, sandbox with water, and tennis/basketball courts. the playground equipment was like nothing we'd seen before, very creative.

We are having a yard sale this Saturday from 8-12...so spread the word!!! Lots of baby items, baby clothes, and maternity clothes for sale as well as the usual yard sale items.

T-minus 2 and counting!!!
The eggs are schedule to hatch on Thursday! I am hoping to post a video or two of them hatching. The full process takes 12 hours, but I will just shoot the highlights. I know I am behind on the egg updates, so here what has been happening...

16th day - As the head moves to under the right wing, it settles done at a position good for hatching,

18th Day - The amount of amniotic fluid decreases and the chick prepares for hatching.

19th Day - The air chamber becomes much bigger and the yolk is settled in the body. The bill is held out toward the air chamber and lung breathing starts.

School's Out for SUMMER!!!!

73 days of summer vacation until school comes along just to end it. Our annual problem is finding a good way to spend it...like swimming, camps, vacation, bugging each other, playing with neighbors, etc... There's a whole lot of stuff to do before next fall, so stick with us, cause the Ossege Family is gonna do it all!!!!

Today was Lexus' last day of school. She received a t-shirt for having over 100 AR points this year. But, I was a bad mom and forgot the camera, so no pics :( We are really proud of all that she has accomplished this year! The kids are soooooooo ready for summer. "Can we go swimming?" is all we hear! They are signed up for several camps each and plan on participating in the library's reading program and the free events at the Fort.

We are planning a small trip to Mammoth Cave next month (inspired by our trip to the cave at the Natural History museum). I know I've been there as a kid, but it will be exciting to see it from an adult's perspective. This time, I will actually listen to the tour guide and find every word fascinating. I've spent today researching our trip; planning it to make the most of our time and money(highly important).

Egg Updates

Day 12: It becomes much bigger and begins to hear for the first time. Feathers grow so that you can see them and framework becomes solid.

Day 14: With the head lowered toward the trunk, the back is bent to the left. Feathers cover the entire body with the head toward the air chamber.

Excitement is growing around the Ossege house as we find ourselves eight days away from the eggs hatching! Our biggest fear is that none of the eggs will hatch. We are hoping to have between 1-3 chicks. If more hatch we will keep up to four and find homes for the rest.

Yesterday, my sil Dana and I went to Archiver's (scrapbooking store) and it was amazing!!! We were like two little girls in a candy store. Wall to wall creativity in the form of paper, ribbon, stickers, brads, punches, tools, etc...

Lexus had her 3rd grade class picnic today. Tomorrow is her last day of school and awards ceremony. I'll be sure to post pics tomorrow :)

Whirlwind Weekend!

Where, Oh! Where, has my weekend gone? Friday night, the kids spent the night at my parents while Randy and I attended the wedding of his co-worker Dan. It was a nice wedding and fun reception (open bar and dancing). I just love date nights with my husband! I am sporting a new haircut, I had 8 inches cut off. It's like a bob, but I flip the curls out instead of under.

Saturday was spent mostly at my parents fishing and waiting for Austin to wake up from his nap. Lexus caught a frog with her fishing pole. Kimberly and my dad each caught a fish. The Detroit Red Wings WON game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins. They beat them 3-1.

Today, we spent the afternoon at the Natural History Museum. The kids just loved exploring the cave. Wow, how the cave brings back memories. I still remembering going through the cave at the old museum location as a kid. I am so glad they kept it. It's just the coolest experience, esp. when you are little. It seems so real! The Preschool sandbox was a big hit with Austin. It combined his two favorite things...trucks and sand!








Egg Updates:
8th Day - Brains are settled in the head completely. The neck becomes longer, and the bill develops remarkably; and the wings and limbs are separated.

10th Day - Wings and limbs are separated completely and toes form. Egg tooth begins to occur and feathers start to grow.