Soren's MRI Results

We got the results back! Here's what the doctor said:

"I know you are anxiously awaiting results of Soren's MRI- so I wanted to email you an update.

It shows that the end of the cord is a bit thickened - not too much, but moderately and there is what they call an incidental cyst (very small). I have sent off the results to our specialist and am waiting to hear if he thinks there should be any follow up to this. He will review the images and let me know and I will of course let you know what he says."

I was just writing her a brief thank you note when I got another e-mail with the notes from the specialist. S/He said:

"I have reviewed the MRI; the filum is mildly thickened at 1.2mm but generally we are not concerned until the filum is 1.5mm or higher. Also he does not have a low lying conus or any fat in the filum. I consider this a negative exam. Also no need to follow up the filar cyst. Hope this helps."

I sent her another e-mail to verify whether or not we need to keep an eye out for any specific symptoms as he grows or if he's basically okay for the rest of his life. She said:

"At this point we would treat Soren just as we would anyone else- no special risk factors."

That sounds pretty positive, so...HOORAY!

One of a Kind

How many 5 month olds do YOU know who have to get a special outfit for an MRI? Not many, I bet. Isn't he beautiful?

Since I'm sure you're wondering, he's got a deep dimple on his bum. That part of the skin develops at the same time as the spinal cord, so he needs an MRI to determine whether or not his spinal cord is tethered. He went through the procedure (including sedation) like a champ, and we are awaiting the results. I'll keep you posted. 

Greet the Day

Ren always climbs into bed with me when he wakes up. A few days ago he climbed in, patted his tummy, and said "Mommy, my tummy is not full of cough drops. I need some!" Um.....right.

Life Through Ren's Eyes

And the artistic version:

Going from one child to two

In summary: It sucks. (But there is light at the end of the tunnel.)

The first six weeks were the hardest (thus far), as we all adjusted to the change in family dynamics and the total lack of sleep. Poor Ren was hit the hardest. No longer the only child, no longer the sole focus of our attention, AND when we did have time we were too tired to do much of anything with him. That kid has watched more TV in the last two months than I have in the last three years, I swear.

In addition, Ren is 3 and, consequently, wanting to "assert" himself. Grrrrrr…… Not fun at any time and especially not when you're sleep deprived. However, we've hit two months and are all doing better. Ren seems to have made the adjustment - or else he's now more accustomed to not as much attention and/or we're actually able to give him more attention because we're not quite as tired. Whatever - it's better. 

In general, I don't have too many good things to say about having children, plural. BUT, today I found a giant positive: I have little to no anxiety about doing stuff that would have pushed me over the mental edge when I had my first child. This is definitely more a function of experience than of multiple kids, but since I couldn't put the experience to use without having multiple kids, I'll take it either way! Today I took both boys to Happy Hollow (park/zoo) by myself, for four hours! And we had a good time!

Going anywhere with Ren always sent me into a panic attack, so I'm very grateful that I currently: a) am enjoying better mental/emotional health, and b) had the experiences I had with Ren, so I can be calm about similar experiences now. As someone who was on an emotional/mental knife edge the first year of my firstborn's life, let me tell you, the second time around is MUCH easier, as far as the anxiety/depression goes. (Halleluia! And, um, switching to a drug that I can take while nursing certainly helps, too.) 

The moral of the story? While I'm not loving every moment of this crazy period of my life, I definitely do see some blessings and I'm very, very grateful for them.

One Month

The first month flew by. Not too surprisingly, everything is seeming to pass MUCH more quickly this time around.

Welcome Baby!

Soren was born on December 11, 2014. He weighed 10 lbs, 2 oz, and was 20 inches long. And he has red hair!!!!! :-D