Saturday, June 9, 2012

Family Pictures

Gilmore Family 2012

Thanks to Leslie Garbanati for the wonderful job she did in taking our family pictures. What a gem to give of her talents and share them with us! Thanks, Leslie!!!




 One of my favorites and I didn't even know Leslie got this!





Friday, June 1, 2012

New Trick

Isaac getting another echo to check his heart valves. 

Since the last posting, we have had some big improvements and news. At our last visit with Dr. Cowely, Isaac lost his oxygen, he is now officially cordless. Since May 8, we have been able to walk around the house, yard, and anywhere else without fear of not having enough cord or wondering if we need to switch bottles or not. What freedom we have now. Something so seemingly insignificant can be so demanding. Not to mention the fact that he looks like a different kid. I didn't recognize him at first, you get so used to the tubes, it was crazy to see him without them.


On May 18, we also met with the geneticists. Since Isaac has been low on his calcium for so long and finding out that his parathyroid gland isn't working properly, our endocrinologist wanted us to talk with the geneticists to make sure nothing was missed. Isaac's heart defect and parathyroid problems  indicate a Q22 deletion syndrome, or DiGeorge Syndrome. Though his blood tests came back negative for that syndrome, the doctors wanted to make sure.

A big thanks to Leslie for the Baby Legs, sometimes there are cute things for baby boys.

Holding our breaths, not knowing what to expect, the geneticists told us exactly what we needed to hear. Other than the random heart defect, there is no category or label that Isaac needs to bear. The geneticist felt that the parathyroid and heart defect were essentially one problem, that they go hand in hand. So as long has he makes his milestones there will be no more gentic testing. Isaac is a special little guy. How lucky we are to have him with us and to be able to watch him grow and develop.

Speaking of milestones and new tricks. Isaac has one of his own to show you. Just see the video.


My favorite part is little Eli at the end. This was Isaac's fourth time, it took me that long to get my camera. But each and every time Eli was there at the end cheering his little brother along and so happy for him. I think we got a glimpse of the future, the relationship the two boys will have.

Just this morning, as we were getting ready for the day, Eli came right out and laid down next to Isaac, spending the next 5-6 minutes talking to him and rubbing his head. I know Eli is excited for a little playmate and realizes how special Isaac is. Eli is a brute to everybody, including mom and dad, except to Isaac.

Last Wednesday, at his latest check-up, he was a whopping 9.5 lbs. Still wearing newborn diapers at 3 months old but he is doing it, almost doubled his birth weight. The doctor says that heart kids just burn more calories than the average kido, so he may always be a bit skinnier than most. We have no complaints, he is growing, developing, and getting stronger. When we put him in the corner of the couch, he seems to do crunches as he tries to sit up and hold himself up. Good work Isaac, we love you!

The first week in June will be the first time since mid-December that we haven't had an appointment(s) during the week. It will be nice to not have to go to a doctor's office or hospital. How nice.

Emily's Preschool Graduation

Playing in the fountains at City Creek as we waited to meet cousin Julia!