Friday, September 23, 2016

Kenzie Follow-up

This week we had our six month follow up appointment with the pediatric neurologist for Kenzie.  She is really happy with the progress that Kenzie has made and that she is definitely expanding in her skills.  Unfortunately though there still aren't many answers as all genetic blood tests done to this point have come back normal.  Because of this and to make sure we are following the appropriate medical plan of action, Kenzie will need to undergo a few more tests to hopefully get a diagnosis or better idea of what is going on.

So at some point in the near future (most likely some time in January) Kenzie will need to check into Maine Medical Center to undergo an MRI brain scan, and a spinal tap to test her spinal fluid for some ailments that are only picked up that way.  These tests will require Kenzie to be put under general anesthesia, so she will be knocked out.  It is unfortunate to have to put her through this but it seems like our best shot of getting a better handle of what is actually happening so we can chart the best course for her. 

The good news is that Kenzie is very happy, outgoing, and intelligent.  She is making great progress through physical therapy, pulling herself to stand repeatedly and doing some cruising along chairs, tables, etc.  The desire is there to walk, and her right leg is doing really well.  It is her left leg causing the most issues currently, and hopefully these scans will give us clues so that Kenzie can get the most out of therapy.  We may also be starting speech therapy soon.


As soon as we hear when these tests will happen we will pass the date along to all of you. 

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Kaitlyn's First Day of School

Kaitlyn was excited to head back to school this past Wednesday.  To give credit where credit is due, some of the photos were taken by the school's principal and I ripped them off the school's Facebook page...









Some of Kaitlyn's first week highlights...
  • There is a fish tank in her classroom.
  • There is a birdfeeder right outside the class windows.
  • Her class job this week is "paper passer", so she collects and hands out all the papers for the class.  She's most anxious to get the "feed fish" job.
  • They have free time to read every day and Mrs.  Libby has some of the Magic Treehouse books.

She's had a great few days so far.  Mrs. Libby gives stamps each day... one for good work and one for good behavior.  So far, Kaitlyn has earned all her stamps.  Once I looked closely at the calendar Kaitlyn made for the month, I knew I had to share it with you all.  It only took me two days to spot this... hahaha



Thursday, September 1, 2016

Kenzie is 2!

Earlier in the week, Kenzie had her 2 year well-check up with her primary care doctor.  She is doing pretty well.  Still teeny tiny weighing in at 21 lbs 6 oz.  The only really noteworthy thing from her visit is she has now been referred for speech therapy.  Dr. Foster seems happy with her progress, but he believes in being proactive.

On Friday, she had her follow-up with genetics.  As you probably remember, they ran two panels on her.  One kind of broad spectrum and one for known causes of microcephaly.  Both came back normal.  We are kind of in a holding pattern with them.  She once again brought up cerebral palsy.  She wants to see if Kenzie's neurologist wants to do an MRI in November when we follow-up with her.  If the MRI is done, she will review the results.  If no MRI is done, she wants to run a neurological panel.  I'm not a fan of either option.  The MRI would require Kenzie to receive anesthesia.  And the panel would likely require another blood draw.  Either option to me would cause Kenzie distress when there is no evidence right now that there is anything really "wrong" with her other than a few developmental delays. Kevin believes it's because she is not just a doctor, she's a scientist so she believes there has to be an answer for everything.  I guess for now we will wait and see with the neurologist has to say and go from there.

After the doctor's appointment, we kicked Kenzie's weekend into gear.  Kevin and the girls ran a few errands.  While I decorated.



I had such high hopes for that birthday hat, but alas Kenzie is a little snot.  She grabbed that thing anytime it came anywhere near her.  I even tried waiting til she fell asleep and gently placed it on her head, but nope.  Those little eyes came flying open, she ripped it off her head, and went right back to sleep.  Oh well.  Maybe next year...


Kenzie really enjoyed her birthday sundae at Red Robin!



Waiting for cake and presents!




























I made a cookie monster cake for my little monster.  Chocolate cake with yummy Oreo buttercream frosting!













On Saturday we headed down to Boston and started our day off with a Duck tour. 






Kaitlyn got to drive!  She was nervous to go up and try because she "didn't know how", but gave it a chance when I told her none of the other kids knew how either!




Next we headed off to the aquarium!


Kenzie watching the penguins...



She loves the penguins just like her big sister.  She kept yelling "guin".  If we had let her, she probably would have jumped right in with them.














I guess it should be no surprise that Kenzie picked  a penguin as her souvenir. 


We went to the North End and had some yummy Italian for dinner.

After dinner, some of the firefighters at the station across the street were outside.  Kaitlyn headed over there to check out the trucks.


To end the perfect day, we had some Boston cream pie from the Parker House- where it was invented.  Kaitlyn loved hers!

Before we left on Sunday, we had lunch at Fogo de Chao then swung by the Public Gardens for pictures with the Make Way for Ducklings statues.  As you can see, Kenzie was quite worn out.