Noah's Update

Hello friends and family,

We are happy to report that we were able to bring Noah home yesterday. We have actually stayed in Bountiful to be closer to the hospital in case anything happens and we will be here for a couple more days.

So now, for the results. Well, based on a blood test, the Dr.'s found the Noah's blood infects other 'clean' blood, so the thought is that he had a virus. This particular virus prevented Noah's blood from clotting correctly and therefore, caused seizures. There are so many viruses in the world that they can't test for all of them, only six. So that is that. Noah is on anti-seizure medication for the time being and he will be continually monitored by his pediatrician and neurologist and hopefully will be able to go off the meds within a few weeks.

Now a quick word about Noah's seizures. I am telling you all of this so that you know one if you see one, as several nurses and doctors in the ER on Saturday night did not recognize them as such... The seizures that Noah had were not the typical jerking limbs and eyes rolled back in your head that most people imagine when you hear the word seizure. Noah's eyes would look straight up and fixate on something toward the ceiling. His fists would clench and he would be completely unresponsive to any stimulation, including his Granpda shouting his name. He would then go into a very drowsy sleepy state and would still not respond to his name, light in his eyes, etc. Then, as he was coming out of the seizure, he would get very upset and start crying and or screaming. He would have times of delirious laughter and start pointing to things he was seeing in the air and then it would start all over again. This is just a brief description... I just want everyone to be aware that this type of behavior is in fact a seizure just in case it ever happens to you.

It has been a scary and heartbreaking few days and I am so glad to report that there isn't anything serious to report. I would like to let you all know how much we appreciate the well wishes, the emails, telephone calls, the help, prayers and thoughts. We could not have survived this week without our loving family and friends. Thanks to Steve and Michelle for rushing us to the hospital twice! For helping with our darling Emma... Steve and Michelle, the Kent family, Grandma and Grandpa Deters. For helping make sure we didn't go hungry... my sister, Michelle, my brother, Brandon, and Dianna. And thanks for visiting Noah even though he didn't know you were there... Grandpa and Grandma, Mimi, Nana, Uncle Brent and Aunt Julia, Aunt Michelle, Uncle Brandon and Aunt Julie, Aunt Rondi, Aunt Chelsie and Uncle Blair.

A huge thank you goes to the hospital doctors, nurses and techs that worked endlessly to try to figure this one out... Jodi (who spotted the seizure right away and didn't hesitate 1 millisecond before grabbing the doctor), Dr. McDonnell, Dr. Sweeney, Dr. White and Tina, Stacey, Kelli, Sendiea, Westi, Steve, Tim, Lisa, Paula, Ramon, Madison, Dr. Lloyd, Dr. Cramer, Dr. Brogli, and several more neurologists, doctors, nurses, techs and blood takers who I can't remember their names... Thanks for not giving up on us and for answering our endless questions. We hope to never see you again!

Back to the ER

Last week we took Emma to the ER for cuts in her mouth and we are back with Noah. We have had a busy weekend and it has been physically and emotionally exhausting. I am sitting next to Noah in a hospital bed at Primary Children's and I am hoping that this is the last night that we spend here.

We brought Noah in on Saturday night because he was having possible seizures and was acting really confused and disoriented. we felt that maybe he couldn't see. Well, Saturday night proved to be just frustrating. By about 1:30 am, Noah was acting fine and so we went home. Sunday morning he was acting confused and having 'episodes' again. The ER docs and nurses were wonderful and recognized the episodes as seizures immediately.

Long story short... Noah has had many tests and we still don't know EXACTLY what the problem is. We would appreciate all your prayers. If you have any questions you can call us at 801-750-6375. We'll keep you all updated.

What do kids imagine when they play?

Hmmm. I really wonder what was going on in Noah's imagination when he set up this little scene.

The bus driver and student are safely guarding the zebra and stopping any possible traffic. Meanwhile the dinosaur climbs aboard the bus. Is he looking for a ride or is he attacking? The elephant and turtle in the bus are upside down... hiding?

I think I will add screenwriter to Noah's list of possible careers.

More from Chicks and Kids Weekend!

It wasn't just chaos from our weekend away, it was fun! We started out on Thursday and headed to our getaway in Washington/St. George area. We stayed at an awesome home that had a pool and a playground right across the street. And trust me, with 12 kids in tow, we didn't go anywhere else but the grocery store. Between naps and meals, we swam, took walks, played at the park and watched movies. It wasn't much of a 'vacation' but I so happy to have the memories from our trip and to have met my sister's new kids. We are so happy to have Kate and Tag as members of our family. And, I am so glad that we are all able to go and get the kids together for the first time and maybe the only time this year. Here are some more pictures of our fun...

Mealtimes were crazy!

5 of the 12 enjoying a movie with Aunt Claudia.

A different 5 of the 12 kids enjoying a story with Aunt Julia.

Noah relaxing in the hot tub... I swear I did not pose him this way.

The four middle boys... Hayden, Noah, Tag and Brock.

The big girls... Kate and Taytum

When Kate walked in she said, "Hi, I'm Kate. Nice to meet you. Can I share my dolls with these babies?" Then she gave Emma a puppet and Scoutie a Raggedy Ann, snuggled up to me and I said, "Somebody take our picture!!"

Mimi with her 12 grandkids!

What do you get with...

7 women

1 nine year old

2 seven year olds

1 six year old

1 four year old

1 three year old

2 two year olds

1 one year old and

3 babies???

Chaos!!

Thanks for the fun, fun weekend, family!

Back row: Noah, Brock, Tag, Hayden

Big kids: Kate, Dylan, Tucker, Taytum

Babies in front: Emma, Scout, Sawyer, Mia