All 4 Jake: Matt's return

Jake's story

July 21st was a normal day, as were the days of summer before. Everything was in it's place. School days were approaching and the family was enjoying the last days by the pool, ignored bedtimes and high popsicle counts.

Then July 22, 2008 came....

Jake had his first seizure. I did not recognize it as such. It was not until he had several more of these "little jerks" and bloody noses that I thought this could be seizure activity. We were scheduled to see a neurologist on August 4th, after going through our pediatrician, however we didn't make it that far. I was awakened August 1st, by Jake in a full seizure (6 minutes long)...he started to turn blue so I called 911....

Here begins our journey......

...we were taken by ambulance to the hospital. Checked in. Released. 3 more grand mal seizures after being released. Checked back in. Sent home 3 days later. Another grand mal, this one lasting a whopping 11 minutes and taken by ambulance again. Stayed at Childrens Dallas for a week. Upping meds, changing meds and mixing meds.
Diagnosis: Epilepsy
Cause: Unknown
We have now found, through some absolutely amazing family and extended family, whom I will NEVER be able to thank enough, the wonderful doctors and nurses at Cook Childrens Hospital in Fort Worth, who are continuing to help us through this. We have had another grand last thursday, and are averaging anywhere from 5-30 seizures (jerks, drops, stares) a day. I was to begin back teaching at Apollo, but am having to put that on hold until the seizures are controlled. Jake is not able to go back to school until he is 30 days seizure free. We are still waiting for that ONE day. Please pray for our family and for little Jake. Although this is not the end of the world, it is a huge hurdle we WILL overcome. Pray for courage for Jake, understanding as parents, good doctors and for the right medicines.

Jake's mom, Christine

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Matt's return

Matt finally decided to stay a couple nights at home with us, before he leaves again.
We greeted him with a pizza party, cake, presents and a ginormous prescription bill.

Addison's high fever turned out to be the flu. She had to miss her first soccer practice and her first game. She has spent most of the past couple days in bed with a fever of 103, coughing uncontrollably, and in between stints, throwing up.

She managed to perk up a tad to help daddy open his birthday presents.

While Matt was opening his gifts Jake was having seizures and Addison was coughing up her lungs.

This is "drunk Jake" after a seizure.

Finally, bath and bed time so Matt and I can get in some Wii time!

Matt and I played tennis, bowling and baseball for several hours. Although we are both embarrassingly sore from the hours logged having ridiculous fun, and I am bruised, literally, from Matt's over excitement in bowling (he nailed me in the face), we can not wait to turn on that piece of electronical equipment this evening as well.

The kids woke up, and too, were super excited to get some bowling in. Addison has turned out to be quite the bowler! She is now trying her hand with tennis.

I received a much anticipated addition to my camera today. How cute is this strap cover? Now, even though my picture taking skills are not the best, or even near pretty good, at least I'll look good butchering some "Kodak moments."