Grant and the terrible horrible no good very bad day

*sorry the pictures are blurry, they are from my phone and I didn't transfer them over full size.

On June 17, Father's Day, we were enjoying a nice breakfast when everything changed in one second.  Jenna was still sitting at the kitchen table and I had just gotten Grant down from his seat.  He went behind Jenna and pulled back on her chair a bit.  She and the chair fell backwards right on Grant.  He started screaming right away and Erik scooped him right up.  He passed him off to me and Grant wasn't calming down like he usually does when I hold him.  He was flailing around and screaming harder.  While holding him I held him down towards the floor and we noticed his left leg limp looking.  Then right before our eyes we saw his left thigh swell to the size of a football.  We immediately got him in the car and went to ER.  Looking back we feel so bad that we moved him like we did and even put him in his carseat. 

This was taken about 30 minutes before he got hurt.  He was wearing his new Thomas underwear he got for his birthday over his diaper.  This is what he was wearing when we went to ER.

We got to ER and they got us back immediately.  Grant was sweating and screaming and I asked if he could have some pain meds, something was obviously wrong.  They said they needed to wait until after x-rays to see what was wrong since he might need an IV.  It was awful watching him in so much pain and not being able to help him.  I felt sick to my stomach.  They finally did the x-ray and got the results quickly.  The doctor called me out of Grant's room to show me the x-ray while Erik stayed with Grant.

He said he broke his femur, the largest and strongest bone in his body.
He said he may need surgery, this could be very bad with the veins and arteries in the thigh.
He said he needed to be transferred to a Children's Hospital immediately.
He said he wanted to air lift him, he needed to be seen by a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon.

The X-Ray of the broken femur

I felt dizzy and sick.  We were prepared for a broken bone, but didn't think it would be something that we needed to be transferred for.  Meanwhile, they were trying to get an IV in Grant for pain meds.  They tried both arms and hands and couldn't get it in.  Erik was with him most of this time while I cowardly watched from the hall.  It's heartbreaking to watch your child go through this.  I wanted to break my own leg right then and there and let him be okay.  Erik and I would GLADY take his place if we could.  They finally got the IV in his foot.

We were then told the Children's Hospital's weren't sending the helicopters due to bad storms.  They decided to send him via ambulance.  Erik sat on the hospital bed and held Grant the whole time on the ambulance ride to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.  I went home to pack bags and make sure Jenna was okay with my parents before I drove there by myself.  That was a VERY LONG DRIVE!  Poor Jenna was so sad and worried.  She felt guilty even though it wasn't her fault.

We were admitted to the Children's ER and they gave him a much higher dose of pain meds which we were so thankful for.  The doctor came in and said a lot of stuff...basically I heard:

Erik was stuck in this position for many hours just to keep Grant somewhat comfortable.This was in the ER at the Children's Hospital

Doctor:  Bad break...due to his age we aren't going to do surgery...you were lucky the break didn't puncture his skin...we'll do what's called a hip spica cast...we put him under full anesthetic to do it...we'll move you up to pre-surgery soon.

Me: So, will he be okay?  Can you spell the name of that cast for me?  I want to google it. 

There had already been many tears by all of that morning so when I googled "hip spica cast" I just started crying.  I remember thinking, are you serious?  He is not even two years old, he won't be able to move, he will be stuck and miserable, it's summer and hot out, how will we do this, I don't think I'll be at work for a while.  There were so many thoughts going through our heads.  While we waited to be moved we were visited by great team members, a case manager who was taking care of us, offering us sandwiches and something to drink, an ipad to email family, anything.  We were just trying to keep Grant comfortable enough and stay quiet if he was quiet. 

We had to wait a while for his turn in surgery since there was only one Orthopedic surgeon there and they had a couple emergencies come in, much worse than Grant.  They did a good job at keeping him someone comfortable with meds until it was his turn.  They took him back, asked us what color we wanted to cast (Erik picked red since Elmo and Lightening McQueen are both red) and we were sent to the waiting room. 

This is what we saw when we were called back to see him and he was waking up.  It was so sad.

Grant and his red hip spica cast, my heart was breaking

The next day in the hospital the Physical Therapists showed us how to position him on his stomach

 Much more of the story to come...

Great Wolf Lodge

It's been a few months since we've taken he kids to an indoor water park and Jenna has been dying to go.  One night we told her we had a surprise (we were just taking them to the ice cream store) and she asked if we were either going to Paris or Great Wolf Lodge. 

We finally planned a trip and decided to stay for two nights instead of one.  We had a lot of fun and the kids did great.  Grant was old enough to enjoy the little kids slides and the outside water area too.  After two nights it was time to come home, we were broke!  I think we spend $40 in the arcade and ended up with about $3.00 worth of prizes, but Jenna and Grant loved it.  

Jenna with Wolfy and Violet after pj story time

Model pose

The kids with their MagiQuest wands.  Grant didn't have a real wand, he'll probably be ready next time.

Playing outside in the spray pad!

Doesn't Jenna look so small with Grant on her lap?!

Story time...can you tell Grant is tired?

Jenna's pedicure at the Kid's Spa - Scoops.  It's a whole ice cream theme.

She loved being pampered!

Conversation

This is a conversation between me and Jenna yesterday.  She really asks some tough questions sometimes.

Jenna: Mom, where does God live?
Me: In heaven.
Jenna: What does he do there?
Me: He takes care of people who don't live on earth anymore.
Jenna: You mean like, they're dead?
Me: Yes honey.

a few seconds of pause

Jenna: Does God love zombies too?
Me: Yeah, I think God loves everyone. (thinking, where the heck is she going with this and how does she even know what a Zombie is?)
Jenna: Even if they are being bad like a zombie?
Me: I think God wants us all to be good, but he still forgives and loves people who are bad too.

Mother's Day 2012

I had a nice Mother's Day! We are so lucky to have a lot of Mothers in our lives, and wish we could have seen them all. I was enjoying too much and didn't get many pictures of the weekend, so here are some from our phones. I'm so lucky to have two wonderful kids who make me a mother. 

Grant and his "cousin" Miles.  Grant loves babies and was excited to "hold it."



Sorry this is so blurry, my grandparents and their three great grandchildren (with one more soon to be in picutres in Sept!).  The kids are so lucky to know their GG's!

Our only family picture we got on Mothers Day weekend, towards the end of the day after we went out for ice cream.

The kids with Grandma and Grandpa S.  Glad we got a good picture of them all. 

Grant not paying attention as usual.

My gifts from Jenna.  A cute poem about "If you give a Mom a muffin" and homemade muffins, along with a handprint and picture poem.  I LOVE handmade gifts!

Grant's gifts to me.  A handprint plant with a cute Mom poem, and a art project to hang.

Jenna, Grant, and Miles, all smiling and looking at the camera, it's a miracle!

Work it!

Jenna and Grant were recently models in the Red Cross Fashion Show Fundraiser. They were too cute, that is until Grant laid down on the stage, declaring it was bed time. They had two outfits to model and Jenna loved it! Grant had more of a demanding supermodel attitude and was good if he was supplied with fruit snacks and lemonade.

Jenna said afterwards that being a model is hard work, her legs were tired from all of that walking and twirling.  The ladies in the audience loved them, but Jenna reminded them her outfits didn't come in their sizes.  Fun was had by all!

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes

Jenna has been taking singing lessons for almost two months now.  Her teacher, Miss Hannah is great!  We will miss her this summer while she is studying abroad.  Here is Jenna singing one of the songs they've been working on.  

Happy 5th Birthday Jenna!!

Jenna was so lucky to be able to celebrate her birthday so many times!  She had a celebration at preschool, a party with friends at the bowling alley, and multiple parties with all of our families who did a great job to make sure we celebrtated her birthday seperate for our Christmas celebrations.

Jenna and Wyatt at their Bowling Alley Birthday party!!  Pizza, cupcakes, cookies, and bowling with 18 five year olds is an exhausting day, in case you were wondering!

Yummy!!

The Birthday Princess

Jenna and Grant standing by Jenna's birthday cupcakes!

"I'm five!!"

We were happy GG and GG could come celebrate with us!

December 19, 2011 - our family!

Wish and dream big sweetie!

Dear Jenna

Dear Jenna,

Please forgive me for this being so late.  This is your five year letter and you turned 5 in December.

I can't even begin to explain the impact you've had on my life. You are an amazing girl and I'm so lucky you're my daughter. It's been such a blessing watching you grow up and seeing your personality shine through. I've been thinking a lot lately about when we were pregnant with you and how we never could have known how wonderful this journey is, when I first held you I loved you more than I imagined I could, and it's amazing to see the girl you're turning into.




Daddy/Daughter Date Night 2012

 

You are sensitive and dramatic, and sometimes that can be an interesting combo. You are a romantic at heart and truly love people. You are kind, considerate, compassionate, and loving. Your dramatic flair is coming out in your singing lessons you're taking now. Your preschool teachers swear you are going to be famous and on TV on day. They've made you promise you won't forget about them when that happens. So, remember Ms. Kelli and Ms. Erica! You can have quite the attitude sometime. Yesterday you disagreeded with me on your outfit. You are pretty persistant on your way of matching, and I usually pick my battles on that.

You are the most caring and fun big sister we could hope for. You are protective and proud of Grant. He looks up to you already and you're the first person he asks for when he wakes up. Seeing the two of you play together, you read to him, and he having to kiss you goodnight sometimes can bring a tear to my eye. How did we get so lucky to have such wonderful kids?!

You're a busy and social person and are so ready for kindergarden this fall. You love reading, coloring, doing puzzles, and learning. I hope that never changes. You're a good friend and kids (and adults) seem to gravitate towards you. You will start a conversation with anyone and make a new friend wherever we go. 

Valentines Day 2012

We have loved these last five years and are so proud of you. Sometimes Daddy and I talk about the challenges you'll face throughout life and worry and wonder. All we know now is we love you so so much, and will do everything we can to raise you how we believe is right. We will be there for your good days and your bad days. Thanks for being you!

Love ALWAYS,

Mom

Catch up - Marco Island

Our November vacation to Marco Island, Fl was great!  We had a lot of fun and can't wait for future vacations as the kids get older.  We had a few firsts:
Grant's first airplane ride
Jenna's first jet ski experience
Jenna and Grant got to feed a giraffe
Grant's first steps in the ocean
Our first vacation as a family of four!

Our last night - on the condo balcony



Erik, Jenna, and Grant on the boat at the zoo.  The Monkey's were fun to watch

Jenna feeding the giraffe

Grant was not too impressed, and the giraffe was not being too patient

Me and Grant on the boat ride at the Naples Zoo

Catch Up - Fall 2011

I am so far behind in my blogging, which does not feel too far off base from how I feel day to day.   We've had a great fall and start to winter.  Here is just a brief review of the Halloween season.  Jenna was so excited for Halloween this year and it was quite a decision on what she was going to dress up as. 

Jenna begged to carve the pumpkins, she was just as excited to bake and eat the seeds too. 

Grant and I at Papa's Pumpkin Patch.  He loved running around and doing all the kid activities, but I think his favorite was eating a donut and drinking cider...typical Grant!

Jenna's finished product, which was displayed proudly on our front porch.

Happy Halloween 2011 - Jenna was Bat Girl and Grant was a Bat. 

Jenna loved Trick-or-Treating this year, but she liked handing out candy at our house even more.  She cried when 8:00 came it was over.  Grant made it for about 30 minutes then he was cold and tired.  I can't imagine how weird Halloween is for a 16 month old. 

Part of Your World

Jenna belongs on a stage!  She is constantly singing and dancing.  She actually has a good voice when she isn't being silly.  Last night she put on a "show" for me and Erik.  This is her singing part of "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid. 

She has also asked to take singing lessons and we found someone to do that for her starting in January.  Along with swimming and gymastics she also wants to take. 

Marco Island 2011

We  just returned from vacation last night.  It was a lot of fun, but with both kids, not quite relaxing.  My mom came with us for 1/2 the trip and that helped a lot and was great!  The kids had lots of fun, Jenna became a fish and would have spent every second in the pool or on the beach if we let her.  Grant felt the ocean for the first time and liked walking around chasing birds and lizards. 

They did so good on the travel days.  We were saved by dum dum suckers.  Grant and I were sticky messes but it kept him from fussing.  Jenna had her first jet ski experience, on some choppy waters, she was a bit scared, we only made it about 15 minutes and Erik rode the rest of the time by himself. 

These are pictures from my phone, I'll add more later:

The only family picture we got the whole trip! 

My new favorite of the kids, and their outfits even coordinate!

Grant livin' the dream!

Looking for good shells

LOVE this one...Grant's first steps in the ocean

Jenna had fun drawing in the sand

My attempt at trying to keep Grant covered up.  He kept taking off his hat and throwing it in the water

Aww...nice and relaxing!