Garrett Post-Surgery Update: 3 Months

We have the car ride down a science. The dvd player, his favorite movies, a pillow and blanket, the medical "folder" of reports and information we've collected and the stroller he barely fits in (but he's too heavy to carry). And of course plenty of treats and toys. We made the trip to UCLA yet again for Garrett's 3 month post-surgery VCUG, which is the study that detects and measures any urinary reflux. The goal of the surgery in February was to correct the reflux so as to spare his badly damaged kidney in hopes of allowing it to grow and develop as much as possible and to justify not removing it.

The good news is that his condition is improved. The bad news is that it's not gone. The results of his VCUG show that Garrett still has VUR Grade II (which is an improvement from the previous Grade IV). This, his doctor explained, is not a totally uncommon outcome from this particular (reimplantation) surgery. Unfortunately, it means that there is still significant urinary back-up in his left ureter and it does reach the left kidney (which is already impaired). Long term, it is not advised to leave this untreated, but for now we have decided to "wait and see". There is a possibility that as Garrett's body continues to heal and grow that his condition could improve. If it doesn't, then we will have to re-evaluate our options and weigh those against removing the kidney.

So, we will continue to give Garrett his antibiotics prophylatically and hope for the best. We will follow up in six months and undergo another similar study as the VCUG (called a Urodynamic study) that also measures the pressure being applied by his bladder to ensure that is not contributing to the problem. The information we gain from the study will help determine the future steps we take.

Thanks again for the thoughts and prayers. Garrett continues to amaze us with his courage and resiliency...and growing collection of Transformers (at this rate, I think they will have to create a line extension to keep up with us). We will post any new information as it comes.

Quiet, Please

The boys came to me yesterday afternoon...whispering. This made me suspicious. Then they told me to be quiet. This made me worry. It turns out that they had made their own makeshift library...in my room. They were very excited and what parent doesn't want to encourage their kids to get excited about books? AND they were being quiet. So I had no choice but to play along. As I quietly entered the bedroom, or "library", I noticed that ALL their books from their book shelf were strategically displayed around the entire room.

There was even a "baby section".

They were categorized (somewhat) and organized. After browsing, I selected a book (which, incidentally, was the ONLY book they would allow me to "check out") and then they charged me. It was cute until they asked for real money.

I played along again and produced some change for the register. Then the OTHER librarian informed me that I had to pay him too.

It was an expensive trip to the "library" but the best part is that the boys took me seriously and did a great job when I told them that part of the librarian's job is to put the books away. This got me thinking...we could play gardener, housekeeper, babysitter...this could be so much fun! I'm in!

The Big 0-5

A hug, a kiss, a cuddle. Even for animals. Stories about cowboys and sharks and flowers. And songs about anything. Or nothing. But they're catchy because they rhyme. His imagination, creativity and curiosity. And his knack for dressing himself inside out or backwards. Or both. His HUGE , compassionate heart. His jokes. His big blue eyes and freckled nose. The things that come out of his mouth. Usually in a good way. His profound questions and astounding logic. His hand-made drawings, pictures and little "gifts" he gives away. Constantly. His ability to make friends with anyone, anywhere. His love for his family.

There are so many reasons to love and be proud of Garrett and these are just a few. Adding to this list are his birthday wish ("for all his family to be happy") and unsolicited "this was the besterest birthday ever!". There is an indescribable feeling of joy when, as a parent, you have made your child feel as special and loved as you know they are...and they thank you for it.

It's hard to believe my baby (which he was for so long that I still think of him that way) is turning FIVE! To celebrate this milestone, Garrett was given the opportunity to "read" to his friends at school (his favorite silly book about dust bunnies... not too telling)

we spent "the big day" having fun at Legoland

and have been celebrating with a week long series of mini parties with family.
Note to self: much more low key than a "friend party" and he actually appreciates the gifts (like this one-of-a-kind car made of popsicle sticks by his creative Aunt Renee), which were spread out rather than all at once.

But Garrett's birthday wouldn't be complete without more Transformers...

As Garrett turns the big 0-5, he "graduates" preschool and looks forward to embarking on the "big kid" world of kindergarten and "real school". He is ready and eager to make this transition. For me that means hugging him a little tighter, sneaking in a few extra kisses and being extra generous with the "I love you's". And making him promise to never be too old or too cool to love his mommy. Thankfully, he's agreed. Happy Birthday, Garrett!

Rock 'N Roll

I'm not talking about a rock concert (now I know I'm getting old), I'm referring to Chella.

Not the noise level of the twins (although that could apply) but their attempts at crawling. Ella rocks. Chase rolls. They have figured out how to get where they want to go, just not that quickly.... for now. Ella, figuring out how to sit up on her own, is the ever-proud princess. And Chase continues to flash his charming smiles while proceeding to steamroll over any obstacle in his way... including his sister! I'm sure it's just a matter of time before they are having carpet races.

They pay more attention to each other these days, but mostly while tug-of-warring over toys. Ella tends to win and when she doesn't she screams to loud it startles her brother who inevitably drops the toy she wants and she picks it up... pretty shrewd for a nine month old!

All in all, I'm very fortunate to have healthy, generally happy and easy babies. Here are their latest stats: at nine months old, Ella is 22 lbs., 4 oz. and is 30" long while Chase is 24 lbs. and is 30 1/2" long.

5/20 Update: And....they're off! The carpet races have officially begun as both babies are crawling now. Ella is off to an early lead making her move first, while Chase is coming around the corner at a slow but steady pace, ready to make his move when we least expect it.

Full Speed Ahead

Is it really already May? Time is moving at an all-time warp speed these days and I barely have had a moment to catch my breath (or blog). Here is a synopsis of our recent life: tax season ended but within hours Brian got REALLY sick (thankfully the rest of us were spared, but I'm pretty sure now that I don't want FIVE kids); the desktop computer crashed...that makes TWO! I must be computer cursed...so no access to pictures and limited access to everything else; then there's the usual end-of-the-year frenzy with school stuff, summer camps, Mother's Day, birthdays (and the required annual doctor's appointments)...and, oh, did I mention the babies are trying to crawl? Which means rearranging at least half of our cramped house to give them safe space (and getting creative with furniture placement), building tolerance to the crying child who is NOT happy about being put in a seat and adjusting to the excitement of sleeping on the top bunk bed (and getting things dropped on you in the bottom bunk...only one black eye so far, no broken bones). And this is just the last two weeks. Life is a little crazy, but wouldn't it be boring if it wasn't? Hopefully I'll have the computer situation straightened out soon so I can go back to my regular blogging...getting back to a regular life? I'm pretty sure that will happen in about 17 and a half years (but who's counting?)...

A Night At The Theater

The Wilcox Six Proudly Presents...
The Wilcox Variety Show

Our first act is the original puppet show "Flappy and Zebra Fall in a Hole" by Blake (piano accompaniment by Garrett).

The second puppet show is Garrett's reenactment of a tractor (using his unconventional but creative SIDEWAYS paper bag) and various farm animals. This storyline is somewhat vague but resembles that of "Old McDonald". Note: A hearty thanks to our talented and imaginative set designer Aunt Renee.

Our final act is a series of piano compositions by Blake with creative movement expression (which some may refer to as "dancing") by Garrett. We apologize that our photographer ran out of memory in her camera at this inopportune time and promise to have this corrected for future performances.

Audience members are giving this entertaining family show 5 Twinkle, Twinkle Little Stars and "must-see smiles" across the board (and standing ovations with help).

Shows are daily but show times are impromptu and show material is random and unpredictable. We hope you enjoyed the show.

Look Who's Talking

Ella has found her voice. She’s been discovering new sounds she could make (like sniffing, gasping and yelling) and now she’s trying to talk. At least I think she is. For about a week she’s been making word-like noises and “talking” with intentional inflection. She’s trying to say something, I’m just not sure what it is. There is one word that’s unmistakable though, “dada”. It’s her favorite, too… probably because she gets a huge reaction from it. But we’ll just say it’s because she loves her daddy. So while Brian has been on tax deployment, at least he knows he’s not forgotten. And since Chase is still content with making loud grunts and squeals, there’s still a chance he might say “mama” first… or not. That’s okay; his endearing smiles more than make up for it. And the positive side is that now I can delegate more of Ella’s needs (like waking up at the crack of dawn) to “dada” since she’s requesting him by name, right?

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

The Wilcox Family photos by Audra Baecker

If You Give Him A Bowl Of Cereal, He's Probably Going To Ask For A Straw...

Garrett is a VERY picky eater. Actually, it’s probably more accurate to say that Garrett really only eats cereal. Seriously- breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are a handful of other foods he will eat from time to time, but cereal is his meal of choice (after dessert). I think I figured out why…it’s a meal AND a drink all in one! He drowns his Raisin Bran Crunch (his current favorite) in milk, eats for a while, then slurps up the milk through a straw. I agree that the milk is the best part, especially once the cereal gets soggy. So, whenever we serve Garrett his cereal, he will quickly remind us that he also needs a straw. And when you give him the straw, he’ll remember he’s also thirsty for orange juice…

Miss Independent

Some say she’s intense, serious, and intimidating…and she’s only eight months (but, really, how do you compete with a brother who oozes charm?). Okay, I’ll agree that she doesn’t just smile at anyone for any reason…she makes you work for it most of the time. BUT if you catch her in just the right mood, she’s smiley, happy and wiggly. (Is it possible that she already has the attitude of a teenager?) And she’s definitely NOT the loud child (unless she wants attention…then she lets out her piercing “girl” scream- ouch!). She’s observant and, while she doesn’t need to be the center of attention, she definitely wants to feel a part of the conversation. I give her credit for knowing what she wants and what she doesn’t and not being too quick to settle for anything less. But most of all, Ella is independent. She’s content to entertain herself, is able to go with the flow, and doesn’t need anyone’s approval…except her mom (she’s a mommy’s girl). I’ll admit it; she has me wrapped around her chubby little fingers (that go perfectly with her cherub cheeks). And for all the people who say that she’s going to have to get dirty if she wants to play with her brothers, I’m not so sure…I have a feeling that she just may have THEM playing at HER tea parties. I guess we’ll see, but something tells me she will be holding her own just fine...