A blessed but rough week...

This last week has been crazy but we are blessed. So Tuesday we went down to Primary's to do a follow-up visit with the PA. we weren't really sure as to why we were there but it was clear when we left and what to expect from here on out. Audrey's official diagnosis has changed slightly. It is now called Simple Partial with Secondary Generalized Seizures. All this means is that her seizures start on one side/spot in her brain then spread to the rest of her brain. So what it looks like is her right arm starts twitching and then the rest of her body starts shaking, and her eyes blinking. Sounds scary and it is, in the moment... but she's getting good 'eye lash batting' practice. ;) ha ha

So right now she's on two medicines and we're just trying to find the sweet spot (right dosage) to where she will be seizure free. She had another seizure yesterday which was only about 5 minutes and came out of it herself. (no meds required) YAY! (our celebration moments are small right now) so the new record for the month is 12 days. awesome! 

Going along with Audrey's long seizure, they found some weird blood cell in her blood workup they did... thought it might be leukemia. We retested on Tuesday and everything was normal so all clear there. Such a relief to only have to worry about one problem at a time. 

On some happier notes... Congrats to my 2 cousins and their exciting news of their babies... baby girl coming in may and another(no gender yet) in Sept! So excited for you both!!! and a shout out to Erik! glad you're safe! (for those who know the latest events there) ;)

Thanks for all those who have asked about Audrey in the last couple of weeks. We're still doing our thing and 'roll with the punches' when they come. Can't wait for Spring to come and stay... we've already been to the park twice (even with snow still on the ground) because we have spring fever SO bad!

Happy Birthday to Garrett!! I can't believe it's been 3 years since he came into our family. What a cute, fun little boy! He is my 'best helper' and such a sweet brother to Audrey. They do love each other a ton. Siblings are awesome! except maybe if you have to share clothes... right Celeste?!....  :) He was able to get just about everything he wanted... batman, superman, buzz lightyear, and a swimming shirt he is dying to use.

The slide is his favorite thing at the park. Still love that contagious smile! My cute happy boy!

 My 'best helper'. 

He even thinks vacuuming is something fun we do... because he plays 'chicken' with the vacuum.

4 months old... so cute.

Where does the time go? 

 Birthday morning...

Evidence of the birthday moment...

 After a picnic at the park, I was informed on the way home, " Mom I'm not 3 yet but i'm gonna be 3 today. Here's my plan... we're gonna go home, make cupcakes, put the candle in, and you sing 'Happy Birthday', then my blow it out, then I'll be 3."

Who knew, that a 3 year old would know, that there was a birthday 'rite of passage'. It never does feel like your birthday until someone sings and you blow out the candle right!?!

On to the next couple weeks... Easter and Conference...

more excitement... NOT! I've had my fill...

So in thinking that with Audrey's previous track record...we were in the clear for at least another 10 days so... I decided to go to work tonight. Jordan had school so, I left the kids with my parents and went to work for maybe a little getaway, if only for my brain. calling doctors is not fun. I'm tired of calling, waiting, not knowing what is going on and why this is happening. So as I'm cleaning away, letting my brain rest before it explodes....
 I get a call from my mom letting me know that Audrey's having another seizure! "are you serious?!" is all I can think to say... "yes" my mom replies, "what do I do?"
 I can't begin to describe the clarity I get at this point in time. I know exactly what to do now and I'm not sure if it's because this is my new routine, or a hidden talent I've been blessed with. Perhaps both. Another trip to the ER. Another blessing that my mom and dad were home together. Luckily, Audrey was able to pull herself out this time... only 8 min. Improvement from 37... but still not super great. I know it was a long but fast 8 minutes for me as I waited for them at the ER, ready to grab and go.
 I work for such great and understanding people who let me walk out the door in the middle of cleaning. So grateful for parents that can handle a stressful situation. Sorry mom and dad. my life is crazy right now...
Now, we get to call more doctors tomorrow. What's in store...
-possibly a different medication.
-we now have 'rescue medication' as I like to call it, so that as soon as she hits 5 min. I can give it to her and stop the seizure. no more driving like crazy people to the ER.  YEA! (the down side is it's rectal.)     nice. this should be interesting. :)
the things you never thought of doing as a parent and family member... sorry guys :)
-more appts and I'm sure more tests.


Hopefully we can get to the source of the problem and soon. until then...stay tuned for more updates and excitement. Thanks again for all the support and prayers. We have been truly blessed this far with our trial.

my sweet baby girl...

Riding the ups and downs

*** I'm mainly doing this as a record for myself. For those who want to stay informed, enjoy.
Just to keep updated.... We made another exciting adventure to the ER last night. Audrey had another seizure. This one was longer. About 37 minutes to be exact. One word to describe it: scary. I'm so grateful for the times we live in and the modern medicine and knowledge we have to help us in these difficult trials. Once was now the new norm... Will now become a different new norm. I feel as though this is just a trial and error phase of this process. We have more tests to do, different dosage to try, possibly new medications in the future, and more questions and discussions with the doctors. I'm still so grateful for the power of prayer and the peaceable comfort HE offers us in our most desperate time of need. where would I be, and in what state of mind without the gospel? I'm so grateful for the gospel and the covenants, promises, and knowledge it brings to my life. Please keep Audrey in your prayers. She is ok for now, and hopefully back to her happy smily self in the morning. I will keep the updates coming. Thanks for all the love and support!

Pic- brother and sister enjoying their morning. And my sweet baby girl- happy as always! :)