Read all about it...

This mommy shares her thoughts... read all about it here!

Home...

So happy to be home. Yesterday, last night was just awful. I got home at about about 2:30, I think, No Dave. He was golfing, somewhere. I know he told me but I could not remember what he had said since he is in so many tournaments in the next few days... they all run together!! I spent the afternoon and evening alone. Feeling really tired and exhausted. I think the last few days really caught up with me. I watched tv, talked on the phone, cried, texted Bridget, cried some more. Then Dave made it home and gave me a good hug. I think we were prepared to hear what we heard but it still hit me like a ton of bricks last night while I was alone. All I can say is I love that little boy more than words could ever tell you. And my girl Bridget Diana.

What's going on now?

Starting to pack for this boy's wedding...
We leave for Colorado on Wednesday! We can not wait, not only for the wedding fun, but also for the family time together with Tegan and Kelley! Hollar for your Dollar!!! Pack your singles people! Need I say more?

Beckie, Donny, Sarah and Molly move into this house on Tuesday!! They will move some things that day and sleep over night and get to the airport for Denver in the am on Wednesday. They will have to wait a week, while at the wedding, to move everything!! They are beyond excited.
But for today.... maybe these little friends will come by Meme's house! After all, I do have a pool!

Truth Be Told...

Today, Bridget and Cyle did hear answers to the questions they have had, for over a year now. Dr Rauch, took one look and told these parents that, Yes, he could say that clinically, Cayden did have OI- Type 1. A man who has published many research studies on this disease, saw the signs, too many to be denied in our little man. As I watched and listened, I saw my daughter and her husband, accept something I think they already knew in their hearts. They listened, they asked questions, and they seem ready, so ready for the challenge.

Here is how their day started...

Cayden, this morning at 7 am, waiting for the Shriners Van to pick us up. Little did he know that this day would define his little life!
The waiting room at the Clinic at the Shriners. We were first to arrive, but soon this room was filled with parents and children seeking expert treatment.
Cayden loved playing here!
Even in the playhouse... he was wishing Sarah and Molly could see it too!!
Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE here was beyond nice. So kind, comforting, and professional. Here Mommy holds Cayden as they set up for the blood draw. Just like the peds er at Fairview, they have a childlife specialist who works to distract the child during painful procedures. "Angie" was so great at her job!! We had a plan... Bridget and I would handle any blood work, while Cyle would handle x rays since Bridget is pregnant. Cyle tells me he just could not handle any one hurting his son, so he said it was best that he left the room! My other job was to take care of Cayden while Mommy and Daddy talked with the doctors. The Rn doing the draw had an awful time... 2 tries later and she had about half a tube. Bridget, who is so proficient at finding veins, bit her tongue as this nurse did her best.
Daddy's turn next. Here father and son wait for x rays. They started with a bone density test. Then on to a spine x ray. Later in the day they also did skull and hip x rays. Cayden made a friend waiting for x rays. A little boy named Sam. These little friends just kept hugging each other!
Soon we were called back to see the "Bone Doctor"... Cayden says it like BOONE doctor. This is Dr Rauch's Fellow. She was just the sweetest doctor. Cayden liked her right away and did everything she asked. I am sorry I do not remember her name and as I type Bridget is sleeping...
She definitely had a way with this baby!
Dr. Rauch then saw Bridget and Cyle. I did not get any pictures of that private moment. Just Cayden looking to share a new toy he found with me. We took walks... many little strolls down halls, smiling and saying HI to everyone we saw. In Canada, they respond with "Hello"!!

We came in and out of the room where Mommy and Daddy listened and talked to two doctors who gave good advice as to how to proceed. Cayden could not be in better hands, this I know. I will leave the rest of this story for Bridget to tell...

I will tell you that the Shriners hospital Did Not charged a penny for this care. They paid our hotel expenses as well. They cared for us inside and out and I want to Thank them for all they do for children!!

We left Canada today at about 2 pm and drove to Rochester New York to spend the night before heading home tomorrow!!

Did we stop at a hotel with a Pool?

You bet we did!
Hugs...

A WALK TO REMEMBER!

We woke early to hit the road again today. Cayden took a ride on the luggage cart this morning with Daddy!
It was crazy fun!
The car does something to this boy... that or the movie Monsters, Inc., not sure which!
Finally... Montreal is in our sights!
We found the hotel quite easily and checked in at about 11:30 am today.
It is a suite with a kitchen, sitting room, bedroom and bath.
A little apartment, really.
We hit the road to walk to Shriners Hospital and just check it out. We thought ... we can walk, after all it's only about a mile and a half. We needed some exercise after being in the car so long.
Cayden liked this adventure!
We saw some really beautiful homes along the way.
Trees on rooftops are very big around here!
I loved all the special touches to the architecture everywhere you looked!
It was a LONG WALK... AN UP HILL ALL THE WAY KIND OF A WALK!! Shriners sits up on a hill. You must take stairs or walk up the steep driveway. Look at this painting of the hospital. It really does not look like a hospital at all.
This is it's sign down on the road.
Bridget, at 7 months pregnant, in flip flops, with Cyle, pushing Cayden in the stoller up the steep driveway. Phew... It was really a hard mile and a half. Good thing they are sending a van to pick us up at 7 am tomorrow!!
Strolling the halls...
Checking out the rehab rooms and the in-patient floor. All signs are child-like and child friendly, as was the staff we met along the way!
We loved all the art work painted on the walls... Cayden liked all the animals!!
We made it back to our block and had lunch. Now, Cayden, Daddy and Mommy are napping and I am blogging away!! Don't you feel like you are right here with us? Have a good night everyone... I will talk to you tomorrow!

WE "ARE" OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD(s)!

My friend Meigan texted me this morning as we were leaving the house and said...

YOU ARE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD(s)!

She is so right! I cried when I read that one!

We left for Montreal Canada at 9:30 this morning. Cyle, Bridget, Cayden and I. We are on our way to the Shriners Hospital to see Dr. Rauch. I am going along to be a support to my daughter and to help with Cayden any way I can. We will have answers soon to so many questions about our boy Cayden. As Bridget said goodbye this morning she was tearful. I think she fears hearing the imminent diagnosis, a mother who loves her child so much and can't bear to think he will have a hard road ahead of him. Dave hugged her tight, telling her it will be good to know what we are fighting. Roxi also held her as she cried and told her what a good mommy she is, and how lucky Cayden was to have her! Her sister Beckie was there too to share a hug with Bri and Cayden too!!

We arrived at the border around 5:30 p.m. and drove about 10 miles to the hotel for the night. We have about 150 miles to go in the morning! Cayden was so good in the car.

Did I mention I love this kid??

I do!

We got settled into our room. Cayden tried out his bed...
Looks like it will work...
Then it was time for some fun for this little guy... Off to the pool we went. Cayden loves to swim and play in the water!!
I love this little family.
We are settled in for the night. I sent Cyle and Bridget next door for dinner together. They will discuss strategies and questions they have for the doctors. Stay tuned... you know I will be back with more of our trip to Canada!

Can I just say a special THANK YOU to Meigan and Roxi, who both had the wonderful idea to put together bags of goodies for our trip. How lucky am I to have friends like these two. You both touched my heart! I love you girls!!

Eyes don't Lie!

Last year some time, Sarah began wearing a pair of my old glasses without the lenses in them. She would say, "Meme, I really do need them! They help me see better!" We all would just giggle and let her wear them.
Soon she took an old pair to school. She would sit to do her work sheet and stop and tell the teacher she needed her glasses out of her book bag. Little did we know, she REALLY did need glasses. At her Kindergarten screening, she failed her eye test. Showing 20/60 in both eyes. WOW! Just look at these Fake ones...
So off the the eye doctor they went! Sarah did get glasses! She is happily reporting being able to see "really, really, good now"! She looks absolutely adorable too!
She tells people... as she taps on the lenses- "Look, they are REAL!" She is precious to me.

Girls are here for the day. Justin Bieber was on the Today show and we really jammed out to Baby, Baby, Baby! Look at my babies...

Just Sugar and Spice...
and everything so nice!