Joshua's surgery

We have been fortunate not to have had many surgeries since Josh was born. He of course had his myelomeningocele repaired 24hrs. after he was born (putting the spine into the back and closing it up). He had his VP shunt placed one month after he was born because of  Arnold Chiari malformation which causes hydrocephalus, and that's been the extent of his surgeries. I chose for him to get a cecostomy(ACE) while he's young so he can avoid embarrassing social situations because of his bowel incontinence. This will allow him continence and also to not have to wear pull-ups for the rest of his life. I'm sure he will thank me for it when he's older. The surgery went well!  He's been at Primary Children's hospital. Can I just say that this hospital rocks. They have this way cool Forever Young Zone for patient's and their siblings to come play and do craft projects and just have fun. Last night we made volcanoes and had fun watching them erupt. They have a nice parent resource room too that's full of snacks, there are computers to use, and literature to read. They definitely make the patients and families feel like it's a second home. The doctor and all the nurses have been great. Here are some pictures of Josh before and after surgery.

                                                Pre-surgery- Josh with his Chipmunk crew

 

                                             Two of my brother's came to visit me!

I am hoping to bring him home Saturday. Thank you everyone for your prayers and well wishes.

Jumpin' Jahosaphat...it's July!

So July is a big month for our family because there are 3 birthdays.
This year they are big deal birthdays, at least two of them. My oldest will turn 13 and be an official teenager.

 The second oldest will be 12, big deal in the church because of Priesthood ordination, Boy Scouts, and graduation from Primary.

I can't believe how quickly they grow up. In a few short years they will be serving missions, and I will be officially OLD, but for now I will be 38 years young this month. I'm also going "Coastal with Kenny". For my birthday my sis and I are going to the Kenny Chessney concert at the Usana July 9th.

What else could be going on in the month of July? Well, this little guy will be having surgery next week. As most of you know he has Spina Bifida which entails a lot of complications, two of which are a neurogenic bladder and bowel. What's that you say? Well, basically the message never gets to his brain that his bladder and bowels are full of waste because of the compromised spine. Catheterizations are routine, bowel treatments vary. Well Josh will be able to get an ACE (antegrade continence enema) which will allow fecal continence. Yippee! This little one is a trooper.

Lastly, for the month of July we will be venturing on our annual Navarro family campout!
We are very excited about this, as we love camping and being out in nature. So Jumpin' Jahosaphat
July is here and we are loving it.