No Theme

So, I have a lot to say, but, it's all just so random. There's no theme here. There's stuff about Preston, sweet pictures of Abby and another Carson moment. Where to begin? Youngest to oldest perhaps?

Abby:

She's such a girl, lately. She's getting super sensitive. If you give her a stern "NO!", she falls apart, but slowly. It starts with wide eyes and an I-can't-believe-you-would-take-that-tone-with-me look. Then the lower lip comes out. Then, with perfect dramatic timing the tears start to fall. I usually end up laughing at her, it's just so ridiculous. Trevor can't stand it. He's driving me crazy with all the coddling. He'll pick her up and apologize over and over. "Daddy's sorry princess, don't cry." Give me a flippin' break, dude. He's creating a monster. He gets to raise her in the teen years, that's all I've got to say. Anyway, I bought her the cutest hat from a friend of my SIL, Chelsea. Her website is http://www.jylholidaycreations.com/. I couldn't resist taking a few shots of "princess" in her new, posh hat.

~I'm trying to teach myself how to use photoshop. Trying is the operative word here~

Carson:

Got in the mud at Preston's baseball game. Not once, but twice. Grrrrrrr. I have to admit, the boy does give me the best blogging material. Here he is with his best bud, Luke (I'm always tempted to steal Luke, he's just so cute).

~First time his hair came away unscathed~Second time, the hair wasn't so lucky~

Preston:

Some of you know that 2 years ago, Pres was diagnosed with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve. A normal heart has a tricuspid valve, or 3 leaflets, Pres only has 2. As distressing as this news was, our cardiologist reassured us that he would have a normal life with the exception of annual cardiology appointments and antibiotics before seeing the dentist. We finally have gone back to have another check up since our initial visit. It was a royal pain in the posterior trying to get all his medical records forwarded to the new cardiologist. Another reason not to move! However, I really like the new doctor. He takes his time and explains things very well. We saw him a week ago and everything was pretty routine. We had to go back yesterday to do the ultrasound, as the tech wasn't in the day we were there. I got a few of stunners while I was there. First, his valve has started to thicken. Second, his valve has started to leak. Third, the velocity in the heart chambers elevated slightly. Fourth, he will have to have his valve replaced in his 30's or 40's.

The first three are normal occurrences for anyone with his condition. Dr. B. said he wouldn't even call the them minimal, he would call them trivial. So that was good news. Still, it's a little disconcerting that there has been any change in the last couple of years. It's to be expected, though. Trevor and I were troubled about the surgery part. We always knew it was a possibility, but now it's looking like more of a certainty (is that a word?). I've been doing a lot of googling this past week. Most likely, the surgery they would perform would be the Ross Procedure. I'm torn between being sick with worry and being fascinated with all that I'm learning. They would replace his aortic valve with his pulmonary valve. The pulmonary valve would then be replaced with a donor valve. Isn't medical technology amazing? Who knows what they'll come up with in the next 30 years before he actually has to have the valve replaced.

The ultrasound was especially cool to me. I have a weird ability to separate myself from the situation.

Then, I come home and get to dwell on the fact that this is all happening to my son. I think of what his situation will be then. Most likely, he'll have a wife and children. How will it affect them? Being a former insurance examiner, I'm even worried about his chances of getting health or life insurance. Preston has had his moments of worry too. We've been trying to explain it all to him in a positive way, but he's too smart. He tells us that he doesn't want to have surgery and asked the big question, "Why did Jesus have to make my heart different? Why couldn't he have made it the same as everyone else?". Talk about heart wrenching! We seized on the moment to teach him about trials and that he actually has a very healthy body. Heavenly Father has given us awesome doctors today that will help him fix his heart when it needs it. Still, it's hard to explain "why" to a 6 year old.

Having said all this, it won't change our life much. He's not restricted from any sports, in fact, he's highly encouraged to be active. We'll continue to watch and wait. I just thought that I should start documenting his little journey now. I'm so grateful that we live in a modern time, in a modern country, where doctors and hospitals are accessible and information flows freely from my computer screen.

On a lighter note, he's on a hitting streak. He has had a hit in every game since game 2. What a stud, right?