Sometimes God doesn't change your situation because He is trying to change your heart.

Wow! That is a very powerful message.

We are getting back to a new normal around here. Gracie is doing so great. I really didn't expect her to be doing as good as she is just days after surgery. The one thing I've found to be the most difficult is keeping her from standing and crawling. We were shocked that she tried to stand her first day home and even more shocked when I found her standing. I called the nurse to find out what to do about that and the fact that she has been in NO PAIN!!! I didn't know if I should continue to give a little pain medicine to be in front of the pain or to stop it completely. The nurse advised she cannot stand at all until we speak to the doctor on Monday at her appointment and we don't have to give her pain medication unless she needs it. So far she hasn't had any since yesterday morning and has no pain.  I gave her a bath last night. That was very hard because she can't get her leg wet. We managed and she felt so much better after. Poor thing hadn't had a bath since Monday night! She has been sleeping in our bed every night. I just want to be as close as possible in case she needs anything, pains starts, etc. She has started talking again which is great and is loving all this one on one time. Hey, they all deserve special attention.
Brody and Madi have done great with Gracie. Madi has been a big help. This morning at breakfast she finished her food, got down and into Brody's chair, and started feeding him breakfast. That girl is the little momma of the group. She walks up to Gracie several times a day and pats her back and gives kisses and hugs.
Ricky's job is so busy right now. He has to work this weekend and they've been working 10-12 hours a day. We don't have any plans this weekend since it should rain all weekend and I really don't want to have Gracie out just yet. So it's just the kids and I.
Brody and Madi have a big day at school on Monday. It's pj and pizza day. I hate Gracie will be missing out on another big school day. We have to get the kids to school and then drive all the way out to Sugarland for her doctor appointment. They will be putting on her new cast. We then have to drive all the way back and hope that we are back to the school at 2:30 to pick Brody and Madi up. Busy day!
We've bought everyone their Halloween costumes. Madi and Gracie are Minnie Mouse and Brody is Mickey Mouse. I'm throwing a pumpkin decorating party in mid October and having a couple friends over with their kids. I'm excited about that. I'm even more excited about December. In Palestine, Texas there is a train station where you can actually take a train ride. During the Christmas Season they have a Polar Express ride. It's based on the book, The Polar Express. You have to wear your pj's (even adults) and during the ride they read the book, serve hot chocolate and cookies. Once you reach the Northpole, Santa and his elves board the train. Doesn't that sound awesome? I think this could be a yearly tradition. My Aunt Melinda lives in Lufkin so we are driving up that day, she and my uncle are going with us along with my cousin, his wife, and their baby, and we will stay the night with them that night. I found the cutest Christmas pj's for the kids yesterday at Sam's Club so we are set!
This year is flying by. So many great things have happened again this year. I can't believe my babies are getting so big. I am thankful for this life of mine.

Krista

Let them be LITTLE cause they're only that way for a while.

Gracie is HOME!!!!!!!!!!

I'll update soon.

KP

I carry your heart. I carry it in my heart. -e e cummings

Gracie update

Gracie is still in the hospital. She is still requiring oxygen. I asked for a Pulmonologist to see her today. Finally at about 5pm the doctor came by. She ordered an xray to make sure her lungs have not partially collapsed. Gracie has been turning blue 10+ times during the day.
They finally came and did the xray about 10:30pm and we are waiting for the results. She seems to be doing much better and her oxygen levels are in the high 90's now. The highest her oxygen levels were during the day were 94 but really staying between 88-92%. FYI, your oxygen levels are suppose to be 100%.
Anyway, we aren't worrying anymore about that since the levels are back up. We are actually pretty sure she will be coming home tomorrow but I'm not pushing her and if she needs to stay longer than so be it.
Her pain is very much there. She receives pain medication around the clock and at times need an additional dose of morphine. We did take her for a spin around the unit in the triplet stroller. She seemed to like that. She also sat up on the couch for a while today. She really wanted to get out of bed so that was good. It's hard to keep a two year old cooped up. Trust me, Brody and Madi have been wild... on purpose!!
I'm very nervous about what to do with her when she is home. I don't know if I should keep her in her bed or let her sit on the floor in the living room, what if she tries to crawl, will it hurt? So many unknown things! I've never had a broken bone (knock on wood) so I'm not sure how it feels to have your leg in a cast, pain levels, etc. Ricky of course has and has a rod and screws like Gracie but he was an adult when that happened to him. I guess we can let her lead the way and just support her and help her how we can.
Brody and Madi are going to school tomorrow. If for no other reason than to give Ricky, Gracie, and I a break! OMG! They are never bad but the past two days have been so horrible I think I have a twitch! :)
Thanks for praying for our girl. I'll update again soon.

KP

Gracie update

Thank you all so very much for making Gracie's Day possible. The love, support, and prayers were felt all day and night long.
Ricky and I were struggling with putting her through this surgery. In fact, after she was brought to the OR, I had a huge urge to tell them to stop and not do  the surgery. It was one of the hardest things to put her through. The waiting room here at Texas Children's is amazing. They have a tv that tells you which phase of surgery your child is in. I was able to check on her and checking meant actually being able to talk to a nurse in the operating room...how awesome is that? The surgery was suppose to be 3 hours long... It was SIX! I was so worried about her being under for so long because she was on full life support meaning the machines were doing all the breathing for her. Finally what seemed like eternity, the Orthopedic came out to talk to us. He said everything went great, she didn't have a lot of blood loss, it took so long because she is still so tiny, etc. He said he would check on her the next day. Another eternity latter, I was finally walking back to see our girl in recovery. I didn't know what to expect but the moment she saw me she reached out both her arms for me to hold her. After a SIX hour surgery she was able to do that! I love this girl so much!!
After about two hours she was moved from recovery to her room. She smiled the first time when she saw Brody and Madi. That made putting up with them acting up all day worth it.
After an hour or so she was smiling and danced to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse when it came on tv. I told y'all this girl is amazing! About 8:30pm she was worn out and needed to sleep but wouldn't with her bubby and sissy here so I took them home. Daddy and Gracie got to spend some time together.
This morning bubby and sissy could not wait to get here and stopped at the gift shop to buy her some balloons. Madi climbed in bed with her, rubbed her cast very gently, then patted her chest, and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She is the little mommy making sure her sissy is okay. Bubby climbed up, gave her a kiss, and said "I love you!".
The doctor came in and said if her pain is better and her breathing is better, she can go home today. We won't know more until this afternoon. I asked for a Pulmonologist to come in because her breathing is still in the low 90's and she is requiring oxygen. I'm not comfortable with her breathing right now. Prayers for that in her pain. I've been on them about keeping her pain under control and they've done a pretty good job.
I'll update again we I can. Please continue to pray for her recovery.

Krista

Tuesday is Gracie Day!!

We'd like to make tomorrow, Tuesday, September 25, 2012 Gracie's Day! 

Tomorrow is surgery day. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers throughout the day. We will be at the hospital at 6am and they should take her back around 7:30am. The surgery will take at least 3 hours. We are very prayerful that her breathing will be okay and that the pain will be manageable once they remove the spinal block.

I will update this blog at some point tomorrow.

PLEASE PRAY FOR GRACIE! 

Love,

The Patton Family

Be that strong girl that everyone knew would make it through the worst, be that fearless girl, the one who would dare to do anything, be that independent girl who didn't need a man; be that girl who never backed down.

Gracie was cleared for surgery by the pediatrician today. Her surgery is set for Tuesday morning. Ricky and I are scared and dreading the entire process. It is absolutely horrible to know what you are about to put your child through. This is an elective surgery meaning she doesn't have to have this done to live but to make life easier. It's hard to make a choice to sign her up for this without her having a say in the events.
We have to be at the hospital at 6am. They said that her surgery would start at 7:30am. It's a minimal of 3 hour surgery maybe longer. We are taking all the kids with us and will have to wake up around 4am to have everyone up, fed, and out the door. I hope that Brody and Madi will be in good moods and make it through the days ahead cheerfully and obediently! Once Gracie is out of recover, she will be moved to her own room until she is released from the hospital. She will have to stay at least 23 hours after surgery so they can get her pain under control, make sure she is stable, etc. We hope that the hospital will let Brody and Madi stay the night. If not, one of us will have to drive home that night.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE pray for Gracie on Tuesday and the following six weeks. She has a long recovery ahead of her. My hope is that she won't been in too much pain and that the experience will be not as bad as we've imagined and have been warned about. She is our tough girl and we know out of the three she is the only one that could handle this type of stuff. This girl has been fighting since the moment she was created. She is a miracle and more importantly, she is our Gracie girl!

What our Gracie girl has overcome in her two short years:
No fluid in the womb the entire pregnancy
Kidneys not functioning in the womb the entire pregnancy
Being told she wouldn't survive the pregnancy or birth
Entering this world 15 weeks early weighing 1 pound 10 ounces and 11 inches long
Having emergency heart surgery within her first week of life
Having a central line (IV) surgically placed after many failed attempts at a PIC line
Countless IV lines including in the head
Developing NEC aka the NICU killer (deadly intestinal infection) and BEATING IT!!!
MSRA thanks to the hospital
Release of tendon at the ankle
Casting and painful braces to fix club foot
Surgery for vocal cord paralysis
Countless therapies

I think it's safe to say that she is one special, amazing, fearfully and wonderfully made little girl!

We didn't know if she was a girl or boy until near the end of my short pregnancy because of all the complications she had but we did know one thing, that baby's name would have Grace in it. It's because of His grace she is alive and thriving. She is a pure living miracle and make no mistakes about it, we realize this every single day. His grace for us shines in her smile. It's a God given smile that fixes any bad day or bad situation. She is such an old soul... there is something about this little girl. If I could be just half the person this little girl is...  We love her so much!

Krista

Be thankful for all the difficult people in your life, and learn from them. They have shown you exactly who you do not want to be.

How the heck is everyone?

Gracie had her MRI Monday. The whole day sucked. It started out with Brody and Madi getting ready to go to school. Little Gracie got her feelings hurt because she didn't understand why we were getting everyone but her ready. It sealed the deal when they walked out with their backpacks and she was crawling behind everyone dragging hers. She sure knows how to pull the heart strings... that girl! Anyway, she got some quality mommy/ daddy time before we left for the hospital. Speaking of hospital, we were suppose to be there at 12 but they called right before we left and said to arrive an hour later because they were running behind. If we would have known sooner we would have let her go to school because they had a big day planned at school. Anyway, it pretty much wasted half a day. We got there at one like they asked and waited... and waited... and waited. Finally I told the front desk girl to call back there. Keep in mind Gracie couldn't eat after 6am and couldn't have any drinks after 11am. After an hour wait we were finally to the prep area. The second Gracie saw the nurse she started crying and freaking out. Poor girl has been through so much in her short life. Then we waited... and waited... and waited. And finally Crazy Krista came out. Yep, the pure raise hell, my daughter hasn't ate all day, this is unprofessional, where is a supervisor Momma Bear! A short while later we were finally walking back to where they would give her anesthesia. Gracie flipped a lid and I do mean freaked out. I had to bear hug her and hold her head against me while they gave her the gas to put her out. It is a horrible sight to see your child go under and feel her body go limp. Especially when she keeps her eyes open! OMG! Anyway, my girl was finally getting her test done and I got to wait a little over two more hours. They came and got me a little after 5 and she was still out of it when I got to her bedside. On the way to to her bedside the anesthesiologist was explaining how she required more oxygen then just the nasal cannula but she didn't require a full intibation. They also had to put some mouth piece in to keep her tongue off the roof of her mouth. Anyway, she woke up mad as blazes at everyone but she wasn't flipping all over like the usually does. I got her to drink some apple juice and all looked well. The nurse gave me all her discharge papers and instructions and pulled out her IV. Well guess what? She dropped her oxygen levels to the 40's! Those are panic NICU days people. 40's are HORRIBLE!!!!! They started pounding on her to breathe but she couldn't because she needed to cough but also because something was going on with her throat. This went on for about 10-15 seconds. That doesn't sound long but it really is. While all this was going on the hospital was doing a fire alarm test and the doctor didn't hear any of the hospital wide stat pages. Once she was finally breathing on her own, I looked at the nurse who was past the shade of white. Poor guy looked like he was about to faint. They wanted to admit her to the hospital but she started to seem okay after a little while. I kept making her sit up, lay down, stand up, and do it all over again because I wanted to make sure she was okay. Plus, we were all the way across town and it was just her and I on the ride home. I didn't want anything happening on the road. They ended up releasing us around 7pm that night.
I'm sure everyone knows what my next step was.... yep, we went to the pediatrician. I cannot speak more highly of our pedi. He said that if her lungs aren't better by the end of the week then he would not put her through the surgery on Tuesday. We are staying on top of the breathing treatments and will see what happens.
I'll update as we know more.

KP

Monday- MRI

Tomorrow is one step closer to Gracie's big surgery. She will have her lengthy MRI tomorrow around 12:30-1:00pm. I have to take her and Ricky has to stay home to pick up Brody and Madi from school. But the other reason is because we aren't sure if we will be home before he will have to leave for work. I am dreading her being put under. The last time she was under anesthesia (when she had her vocal cord surgery) she was flipping out as she was waking up and I couldn't even holder and Ricky was having a very hard time. Now she is bigger and it will be very interesting.
We had a chill weekend. We are all still recovering from being sick but did manage to have some fun. chocolate dipped cones, swimming, house cleaning, fishing, and hours of good belly giggles filled the days. Gosh, I love my family!
Random: T. Boone Pickens has things figured out with the oil and gas industry. I wish Washington would get off their high horses and listen to him.

There isn't enough room in your mind for both worry and faith. You must decide which one will live there.

I got a call today from the Orthopedic's nurse. They are moving her MRI up and have scheduled the surgery for September 25th. All we can do is hold on and go through the course of this ride. Ready or not.
I'll post soon.

KP

Nothing is impossible for You, You hold my world in Your hands, I believe You're my healer

We've got three very sick Littles. Brody and Madi have ear infections, Madi has bronchitis in her right lung, and Gracie and Madi have fevers. Luckily aside from the fever, Gracie is the healthiest. So antibiotics and breathing treatments here we come. Parents PLEASE do not take your sick kids in public or even worse to SCHOOL when they are sick. It's beyond inconsiderate!
Last Thursday we went to the kids PM&R appointment. PM&R is for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Anyway, she has always been on my side in thinking that Gracie's leg issues should be fixed now!! instead of down the road when she is 5+ years old. There are a number of reasons these things should be fixed now like: so she can learn to walk without so much struggle, so she doesn't have to learn how to walk again at five years old, so she won't remember the events, so she can develop and catch up, the list goes on and on. Anyway, I was talking with her yet again about how none of the three Orthopedics have been on board on fixing the leg and basically won't here of it. She suggested we do XRays of her hips and leg and that she wanted to contact another Orthopedic within Texas Children's and would personally email and call him. We did the XRays that day and I was shocked to receive a call on Monday from that Orthopedics's assistant wanting to schedule an appointment with us. But when she said that doctor only sees patients in Sugarland which is over an hour away I said we couldn't do that and we ended the call. A little while later she called back and the doctor said he would see us in the Med Center... um, unheard of and not only that but he wanted to see us the very next day!!!
So today we saw the new Orthopedic. I was praying so hard that this fourth Orthopedic would want to help us and be competent. Folks, I think our prayers were answered! In walked this American born American trained Orthopedic doctor that is a dad! We went over a lot of information and discussed what we've tried and all the things that haven't worked. He said he isn't one to go right to operating but given everything going on with Gracie's leg and history this is a good route to take. With what she has going on in her leg, it causes the main blood vessels to not be where they should and a lot of times they are webbed around the leg. Because of this, we have to have MRI and MRA done so the doctor knows how to go about the surgery and the risk. There is also another major thing... he will have to shave down her bone in that leg so her legs will be the same length. She will have plates and screws in that leg. He also has to stay away from the growth plates. She has also developed a contracture at her heel/foot/ankle because of the ways she has to walk on her tip toes because her leg is contracted so he will need to release the tendon there as well. Make no mistakes this is a major surgery. He said she could possibly need a transfusion, she will have to stay at least 23 hours in the hospital, she will have a spinal block so she can't feel her legs, will be in a full leg soft cast for 7 days and then a full leg hard cast for 6 weeks, she cannot walk on her leg at all for 6 weeks and will have to get around in a wagon or stroller, she can't go to school for a week, and the pain management and starting over in walking. Those things sound really bad and we do realize that. It's very difficult to purposely put your child through something that we know will be so painful and hard. The good outweighs the bad though. Ricky and I watch her work her tail off in therapy week after week. She struggles and fights and has earned every single accomplishment but let me make no mistake about it, it's all been very hard for her. I've not for one second let things be made easy for her and she has rose up and met all the challenges and conquered them. This surgery isn't to be a crutch and if the nonsurgical things would have worked we wouldn't be sitting here today going over all this but the truth is none of those things have worked and they've been painful. We know this has to be done and I've searched and hoped we would finally find someone to help us. With that, it does not make this any easier. It's going to be pure hell for her but I know that come February or March our girl will be walking and running right along with her bubby and sissy. So please, please, please, please keep our girl in your thoughts and prayers. She has to be sedated for the MRI and MRA which is never fun. After all of that the doctor wants to meet with both Ricky and I to go over those results and to schedule the surgery. He would like to get this done in October which is very quickly approaching! I'll update as we know what is going on.

KP

Why you wanna marry me anyway? So I can kiss you anytime I want... - Sweet Home Alabama

Happy Sunday Funday!!!

I was spoiled rotten for my birthday yesterday. Ricky and the kids went all out and it was pretty much the best birthday in a really long time. I was showered with a ton of gifts. I got a pink tool carrier, pink power drill, pink flashlight, 3 packages of my favorite running socks, running shirt, $26 in scratch offs (I won $25), perfume, and a really cute cake! The kiddos had swim that morning so we went to that and were going to go fishing but it looked like it was going to rain all day but didn't. Anyway, we had a late lunch/ early dinner at Saltgrass, the kids played outside, and we finished the day with a movie. It was perfect!
Today Ricky had the kids outside and I cleaned, cleaned, and cleaned the house. It was really nice to not worry about watching anyone and just focus on getting the house in order. Plus, all my fall decor is out and it feel so great being in the house. I love this time of year!! Speaking of amazing, the weather was just that today. It was in the 70's for the longest time today.
I'll update again soon!
KP

Be confident. Too many days are wasted comparing ourselves to others and wishing to be something we aren't. Everybody has their own strengths and weaknesses, and it is only when you accept everything you are and aren't that you will truly succeed. -unknown

Time for mommy to do some bragging! The kids are just awesome little people. Today was their first day back to school which meant an earlier morning around here. They ate breakfast which was scrambled eggs, got dressed, and didn't throw a major fit about pictures! Hey, the last one is a huge event and I'm celebrating it!! Anyway, we get to the school and found their classroom. They will all three be in the same room this school year and it is the same teacher Madi had this summer. We are so happy and Madi loves her teachers. Anyway, as soon as Madi saw her she was ready to go into her class and I actually had to stop her to have her tell Ricky and I bye! Brody was so excited about school since the moment he woke up this morning and quickly followed Madi into class. Gracie was a bit more reserved which is totally her personality but did very well too. It wasn't the send off I thought we would have as I thought they would at least let us say a proper goodbye but nope, they are so very independent and have confidence which I'm over the moon about!
I am so happy we found this preschool for them. Ricky and I both feel good about leaving our kids there which says a lot about the place. I feel so great as a mom that my kids have confidence in themselves to go into something new and not melt down and freak out. There were many kids and parents crying their eyes out. In my opinion, that is the worse thing you can do as a parent in a situation like that. Do I miss the kids while they are gone for 5 hours a day? You bet but you know what, I have to not think about my selfishness and think what is best for them and this is what is best for them. They are thriving, learning so much, and most importantly so happy.

Brody, Madi, & Gracie,
I am so proud of the big kids you are turning into. Although it's hard to see you grow so fast, I am so happy at where each of you are and I know independence comes with growing up. You are each so loved everywhere you go and this preschool is no different. You three are rock stars to the staff there. I know this year will be wonderful and you will each learn so many great things. Daddy and I are so excited and feel so honored to be able to watch your grow and so very blessed to call you ours.
We love you so much!
Mommy & Daddy

Do not regret growing older. It's a privilege denied to many. -unknown

It's FALL YALL! Not really but it is at our house. Fall and Spring are my favorite seasons and I'm decorating a little earlier hoping this hot weather that feels like the thermostat outside has been set to hell will go away! I had to stop in at Lowe's earlier today and was looking for some fall flowers for the front porch but they don't have any yet.
Can anyone believe that it's already September FOURTH? I kind of lost the first couple days of September thinking it was still the end of August. Before we blink it's going to be December! I'm so excited for December!
Anyway, the kids did very well with their new busy schedule today. Poor Brody has back to back therapy from 9am - 11:30am on both therapy days.
I've been training for my 5K that is coming up in November. It's been brutal but I'm keeping on keeping on. Ricky and I signed up for a 5K walk in October that the kids can ride in the jogging stroller. I think it will be fun.
I'll update again soon. Hope everyone liked the pictures :)

KP

PICTURES!

Finally adding pictures. I know it's been a while! Anyway, the top couple are from earlier in August and the fishing and swimming pool ones are from this weekend. We stayed in a condo on Lake Conroe and took the kids fishing for the first time. Brody is in love with fishing and thinks it's the coolest thing ever. We all had so much fun and caught 25 fish on Sunday and 12 this morning. We were actually able to fish off our balcony which was amazing! The swimming pool was equally amazing and had a kid pool, hot tube, and big pool all over looking the lake. I think we want to stay there again.
We've got a very busy week. The kids start school on  Thursday, they've got a specialist appointment Thursday as well, and of course our regular therapies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Oh, they've also got swim lessons on Friday and Saturday... Anyway, point is we are very busy this week.
I'll update again soon. Look how big our kids are! Going through these pictures is blowing my mind... my big kids :)

KP