Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Merida, Lightening, & Glinda
 Our neighbors drove the kids around the community in a hay wagon pulled by a John Deere tractor. The kids were besides themselves.
 Due to inclement weather, we hosted this year's Halloween party with a few buds. The kids didn't quite get together for their annual picture.
 DaddyO carried Cameron and took the kids for blocks. Lucy was so proud of her loot.
 Jackie has already eaten a few pieces
 Even the grubs are eating tonight!


WEEK 4

It's been four [ long ] weeks since Cam-o broke his leg.  He's been a real trooper throughout.  He had lots of pain weeks 1 and 2 and wore a long leg immobilizer most of the time requiring full assist in/out of his wheelchair.  He was very independent wheeling himself around the hardwood floors but didn't see upstairs until week 3.  Gradually the deep thigh bruise began to subside, pain decreased and range of motion at his knee increased.  Late in week 3 he taught himself how to transfer in/out of the wheelchair without assist; a big turning point.  From there he started going upstairs on his butt to enjoy playing and watching movies with the other kids in the play room.  Today was our week 4 post-op visit with the surgeon.  His knee range of motion is full but the thigh remains pretty weak.  He's been released to full weight bearing as tolerated.  Upon coming home he started with crutches, actually just one like a cane and he took right to it.  At times he asks for someone to hold his hand but is clearly enjoying the greater level of independence.  Although Gramma Dee did an awesome job on his wheelchair costume we opted to join the other kids on the hayride tour of the community.  Cam-o enjoyed being carried to each doorstep for trick or treat.  It's great to see him back with the other kids.  He is restricted to ambulatory activities for the next two months so no bike, scooter, rip rider or trampoline.  In January we return to see the surgeon at which time he will likely be released to all activities.  The doc said today that only 50% of the time do the rods get removed and if they do that will be at about 1 year.  That's it for now.  Enjoy the pics.

INJURY - WED OCT 3
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IMAGES



SURGERY - THU OCT 4
 IMAGE TAKEN IN THE OPERATING ROOM SHORTLY
AFTER THE HARDWARE WAS IMPLANTED


FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT - WED OCT 31
GOOD EVIDENCE OF EARLY BONE FORMATION



Monday, October 29, 2012

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Saint Deane and the Project Team

Once word was out that Cameron would be temporarily wheelchair-bound, we started thinking of Halloween costumes incorporating his new wheels.  It didn't take long to realize Lightening McQueen would be the perfect fit. 

I am in constant amazement at Deane's ability to take a mere idea and turns it into reality. And what a fantastic reality this is!

Still a work in progress, we were all in awe at her creation! She welcomed the kids' contribution to the costume (J did the 95, CamO did the mouth). Cameron's smile is 3 times as big as Lightening's! A wheelchair has it's perks.


Sunday, October 14, 2012

Progress

From here...
 ...To here...
 ...and here is simply remarkable.


Wednesday, October 10, 2012

In an instant

As they say, it all changes in an instant. A week ago, CamO was riding his bike like any other day when he slid in a puddle and crashed to the ground. I remember all the details, from Cameron screaming “I broke my leg! I broke my leg!” and Jackie riding both bikes home, to holding his leg during x-ray and finally the look on his face when he realized he won’t be going to gymnastics and playing soccer.

It is certainly the most traumatic event in his 6 years. And it will be a painful few weeks/months ahead of him. But when I looked at the parents of the 3-yr-old girl in the room next to us, diagnosed with neuroblastoma, it really put things into perspective for me. This is temporary. It will make a great story for him in college and he will (hopefully) only have little scars to show for it. I'm so thankful Dr. Peggy was present during pre-op instructions. It was a trying time for both Dave and I. (Note: all of the pics are from my camera phone, so excuse the lack of resolution.) 

Post-surgery, Cameron was a tearful sight. Took my breath away. 


 TV and drug-induced vegetative state post-surgery with loads of pain and narcotics.

 Love from Deane and Licorice from Miss Karen lifted CamO's spirits ever so slightly. Rock Star Fluff-and-Stuff (the teady bear) got a brand new cast, crutch and wheelchair to match.

UNC sends their football team (or basketball team depending on the season) around the children's hospital for photo ops the day before a home game. 2 of the 3 players pictured had broken their bones as a child and Cameron could appreciate that.

Miss Karen and Miss Julie entertained the girls for 48 hours straight. They got their nails done, had sleepovers, dinner and lunch dates- they royally spoiled these girls!  A day later, Miss Amy did the same. I am forever grateful to them.
 PT began with an involuntary transfer to the wheelchair. Any movement causes lots of pain for Cameron, so he's content wherever he resides. Being in a wheelchair was not his most desired location.

 There's no place like home...

I am so thankful for the love and support my friends and family- especially my rocks, Deane, Karen, Julie & Amy. Cameron has received countless gifts and visitors, and we’ve gotten loads of meals, groceries, medical support, and chauffeur services. We are truly blessed.

Each day brings it’s small successes and frustrations, but Cameron’s improving daily. More to come!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Oh the girls!

If I had known a painting project would entertain the girls for days, we would have a whole kingdom by now. 


The other morning, Lucy asked DaddyO for orange juice. He asked her what the magic word was, and she replied: Bippity Boppity Boo!

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Season of Change

After a few years of a lawn-care service, it was time to man-up and do the maintenance ourselves. The boys took their new toy out for a spin this morning. Can't tell who was more excited about this.
As always, Cameron dressed up for the occasion.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Latest and greatest

Lucy is such a ham these days, it was nice to get a cute pic of her.

 The superhero of the Marriott Courtyard. Don't mess with Captain Underpants!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Lucy's First Day of School

Even though Lucy's a 'medium sized girl' now that she's four, her backpack still overwhelms her!

Friday, August 31, 2012

Princess Lucy's Birthday Party

Lucy has known for MONTHS she wanted a princess pool party for her birthday. Yesterday was her real birthday, but she wasn't convinced she was 4 until today- the day of her party.
 We delayed our school a wee bit this morning and instead chose to make Lucy's cake. Thanks to Deane's tenacious Ariel hunt, our cake was decorated with all of The Little Mermaid's friends.
 Our main peeps joined us for pizza and festivities at the pool, engulfed in a pink princess theme.
 Despite her extreme tiredness, Lucy managed to try on her plethora of princess dresses
 and the girls were happy to dress her up in a fashion show. Happy Birthday, Lucy Lu!

Friday, August 24, 2012

First Day of School

It's that time of year already! School started on Monday. After months of curricula development and lesson planning, Amy & I were happy to see our hard work come to fruition. And the kids sure missed each other!
 


Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The Perfect S'More

One of my favorite things on Drummond Island was the nightly S'More ritual. After dinner, Grandpa would get the fire started and the kids would follow behind, like puppies. We would go through at least 2 chocolate bars, half a box of graham crackers and half a bag of marshmallows each night. 
 Jackie loved roasting marshmallows for any willing eater. The smoke bothered her a bit, but she came up with a great solution!

Friday, August 17, 2012

Water Works: Drummond Island Style

After many hours of traveling, we finally made it to Drummond Island in northern Michigan. The kids couldn't wait to get in the water, despite the chilly temperatures for us Southern folks.
 Week by week, Lucy is getting more comfortable in the water. By the time she's 12, she may actually go under!
 The jet ski was a huge hit for Jackie and Cameron. Jackie is all about speed- just like her daddy!


The littles were content torturing Louie with the squirt guns. It was hours of fun for them all.

Lucy and Cameron were hiding from Louie. They blended right in!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Henning/Tewes Wye River Family Reunion

August marked the beginning of our family tour. We started in MD at the Wye River to visit the Tewes and Henning families (Deane's side of the family).

  They were all so happy to reunite with Mike and Ang's kids, Owen & Alena.


 Hot weather made the pool & swing and swing a welcome respite for the kids.
 Little Miss Lucy Lu is becoming quite comfortable in the water!
 Uncle Patrick was ever so happy to entertain the kids fishing.