Kidney

I'm not a radiologist, but just by looking at this picture and seeing what is measured, I would guess...that isn't normal!  Unfortunately, it is a pic of my abdomen. In the last 2 weeks, I've seen a general surgeon, radiologist, 2 urologists, 2 different admissions teams and a pre-op clinic.  I've had a sonogram, 2 different CT scans, chest X-ray, EKG and several tubes of blood drawn.

Apparently, there is a small funnel that leads from the kidney into the ureter to the bladder.  Mine has an obstruction.  They call this a UPJO.  It is blocked, for some unknown reason, and fluid is backing up causing it to swell.  This swelling is causing fluid on my right kidney.  They call this hydronephrosis stage 4+.  At one of my CT scans they said the kidney still looked healthy.  So that brings us up to today.

At 10:30, I will be checking into Wesley Hospital to have surgery.  I will be having robotic laproscopic pyloplasty to remove the section of the area that is having problems.  I may have to stay at the hospital 1-2 nights, but then I'll be home.  If you get a moment, think of me and hope everything will go well.

End of Second Grade

YEP!!!  It's summer!  Owen's last day of second grade was Wednesday.  I, of course, took a few pics of him and his friends.  (Ironically, Allie is in most of them!!!)

Paige and Allie 

Allie, Owen and David 

Jake and Owen 

Me, Allie and Owen 

This last one was one I took as he walked out the door.  He looks HAPPY to be done with second grade, doesn't he?

Pre-K Graduate

That's right folks!  Allie is no longer a "little girl".  She will be a "big girl" kindergartner this fall.  Her graduation was so cute.  They walked in to Pomp and Circumstance.  They sang several songs (with motions).  Then the teachers passed out the "diplomas" through the tears.  It was very sweet and a happy ending to a fun year.  Here are a few of the pics I took.

The Graduate and her Diploma.

Allie and her 3 teachers. (Mrs. Patti, Gretchen and Laura) 

Allie and her 2 best friends.  (Evin and Kate)

Tiny Dancer

Saturday, was Allison's dance recital.  It was the build up from the whole year of taking dance.  The rehearsal was Friday and she did PERFECTLY!!!  I even recorded her two dances, so that I would be able to sit back and enjoy her performances during the "real deal".  Thank GOODNESS!  Because as soon as she was on stage, she focused on trying to find all of us in the audience (which was impossible to do with the spot light on her).  During most of the ballet, she held her hands above her eyes trying to shield the bright light.  Since she didn't see us, she continued her search for the first half of her tap number as well.  Luckily, she gave up and managed to finish the tap routine with her class.  It was a fun experience.  But as of today, she doesn't think dance is in her future.  We shall see...

Allison and her friend, Faith.

What I've learned being a mommy...(so far)

Mommy and Allie on go-karts. 

Mommy and Owen on go-karts.

Today wasn't Mother's Day, but it may as well have been.  After school the kids, Jake and I went to All Star Sports.  Last time we went there it was less than stellar.  This time, we drove the go-karts and played mini-golf.  We had a blast!  In fact, this evening I decided to blog about SOME of the things I've learned being a mommy.

1. Not all girls like to go do dance class, but ALL girls love to dance to the music.
2. Not all boys like to play the competitive sports, but ALL boys like to be the hero in the game.
3. All animals are cute, until you are face-to-face with them.
4. Sometimes friendships are built on the proximity they are to you.
5. Time-outs are good... for EVERYONE!!!
6. You have the time, for the things that you make the time for.
7. The smallest things really do mean the most.