tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41350042398927001252024-02-19T16:28:12.104-08:00The Cruse Kids - Our journey living with biliary atresia and liver transplantMalakai was born Sep 24, 2008. At four weeks old, multiple tests determined he had a rare liver disease called Biliary Atresia. BA is when the bile duct between the liver and the small intestine is blocked or absent. He had his first surgery Nov 6 to temporarily fix the problem. During a five week hospital stay for ascites, Malakai was put on the transplant list on Mar 20. He recieved his "Gift of Life" May 12, 2009 at Children's Hospital in St. Louis.The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-89014999209483168492013-04-08T10:49:00.002-07:002013-04-08T10:49:53.355-07:00Lots to update!Phew! I can not believe it's been almost a year since I've posted on here! Really, health-wise, Malakai is doing really well. He was recently diagnosed as allergic to wheat, chicken, pork and turkey so a new diet has begun. He has been allergic to egg and peanut for years. So that has been interesting. He has not been inpatient since December 2011. He had tubes put in his ears and adenoids removed in November 2012 and his upper and lower scope done February 2013. Other than those two surgeries, blood draws about every 6 weeks and ultrasounds every 6 months, he's been a normal kid! He's in school a few days a week and is very bright! He can write his name, count almost to 100 with help. I'm amazed by him every day!<br />
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Malakai has been chosen as the Honorary Wish Child for the Make-A-Wish Foundations Walk for Wishes this July 13. It will be held at the Fort Harrison State Park. Registration starts at 9 am and the walk starts at 10. We are hoping to have a BIG team this year! Head on over to WishWalkers.org to sign up under Team Malakai. Everyone who will be there needs to register. They will have breakfast and lunch. It's a family friendly event. The kids had so much fun last year!! We collected $1750 last year and are hoping to exceed that for this year. Goodies CupCakery in Whiteland has agreed to help in our efforts. They will be selling the little blue Make-A-Wish stars to hang from their ceiling. Malakai told the owner he wanted to sell 1,000 starts. We hope they exceed his goal. He will be SO excited to see the stars the next time we go in!<br />
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Also, he has been quite the speaker for Indiana Organ Procurement Organization (IOPO) He went with me to University of Indianapolis. He did such a great job raising awareness for organ donation. I was beyond proud of him! Their new marketing campaign is "I mustache you a question, Are you a registered organ donor" He was wearing sunglasses with a mustache or a stick on mustache. He would run in front of someone and say "Stop right there!! You're not going anywhere, I mustache you a question!!" If they said they were already an organ donor, he'd say "Good!" and if they weren't he would say "you should be, because I wouldn't be here if there weren't organ donors" and he'd show them his scar! He had about 10 people sign up BECAUSE of him and his story. If you're not already an organ donor, please consider becoming one. Malakai is a testament on why organ donation is so important!<br />
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On a side note, Makena is currently in Kindergarten and doing very well! I can't believe how fast she is growing up. She loves playing outside and digging in the mud! She's independent and likes to feel grown up. IE, pouring her own cereal and "helping" do the dishes. Kaiden is a firecracker. That's the only way I can describe him. He's blonde headed, extremely independent and wants to do everything on his own. He's kind of mean (he's already been sent to the "office" for hitting his friends at school!) but he does have a sweet side, occasionally. But he is the definition of "all boy" He just decided on his own about a week ago that he wanted to sleep in the big boy bed. He's done amazingly well. He also has been really good about potty training. He's 2 years and almost 3 months. I'm very proud of him :)<br />
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Anyways, that's it for now. If you have any questions about how to become involved with Make-A-Wish, IOPO or Team Malakai, please email me at GoTeamMalakai@yahoo.com!!<br />
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Malakai getting his monthly labs drawn, he's graduated to sitting my himself. Proud, but sad :(<br />
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Kaiden sleeping in his big boy bed for the first time!<br />
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Makena and Malakai at Goodies CupCakery in Whiteland, Indiana!<br />
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Malakai outside of IOPO office after having his pictures taken for some future marketing. Keep your eye out for that coming soon!<br />
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The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-83536974609694141162012-06-28T11:49:00.000-07:002012-06-28T11:49:08.740-07:00Donate Life Memorial in St. Louis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am unofficially the worst blogger, EVER. But, I guess it's kind of a
good thing we have nothing major to report on Malakai's health status.
We recently went to St Louis for his annual clinic check up and his
ultrasound was normal and his liver levels were all great. His levels
were low on iron so he's now on iron drops, which taste nasty. Poor guy,
he's such a trooper though. We spent a few days out in St. Louis where
we visited the Mid America Transplant Services memorial for Donate Life.
They were building it when we were living out in St. Louis for his
liver transplant in 2009. It was just finished up the week we left. It's within walking distance of the hotel we stay in while we are out there. It
was neat to watch them playing in the water fountains. Makena asked on
the way there if we could all pray for Sherae, our donor. She had her head bowed and eyes closed, saying thanks to God
for Sherae and for saving her brothers life. It was one of the proudest
moments I have had as a mom. She did it all on her own and wasn't even
aware that I was taking her picture. Pure innocence.</div>
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<br />The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-8692414368893777932012-04-14T18:31:00.003-07:002012-04-14T18:54:47.161-07:00SAVE THE DATE(s)We will be participating in the Make a Wish "Walk for Wishes" on Saturday July 14, 2012 at Fort Harrison State Park. Go to Wishwalkers.org to find out more about this walk. To register to walk with our team, click the link to "Indianapolis Walk" We are Team Malakai. Each walker needs to register. This is a very family friendly event. Please invite your friends to join Team Malakai as well. We have a team goal of $2,000 and any donation, big or small, will help us achieve our goal! Email at <a href="mailto:GoTeamMalakai@yahoo.com">GoTeamMalakai@yahoo.com</a> to contact me directly.<br /><br />Also, we are having a blood drive at Stones Crossing Church in Greenwood on July 29, 2012 directly following the second service at 12:15. More information to follow.<br /><br />We will be having Handprints for Heroes. This is a fundraising event with all proceeds going to the Make A Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Each child will receive one canvas with their handprint turned into an animal or picture of their choice. Parents are able to paint it themselves or have it done for them. All canvases and paint will be included. We will have snacks and light entertainment.<br />Cost: $15 for the first canvas, $5 for each additional for families with more than one child. Date to be announced but thinking it will be May 19.The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-75375731631515757012012-01-24T19:11:00.000-08:002012-01-24T20:09:25.133-08:00Pediatric Liver Transplant - Children's Hospital St. LouisMalakai was born on September 24, 2008. We brought home a bouncing baby boy who passed all his newborn tests. But three weeks later, he started to develop jaundice of the skin and eyes. I called his pediatrician who recommeded I bring Malakai in that afternoon for a blood test. I knew at that point they were concerned because it was already 4:00 and she wanted me to bring him in that day. His bilirubin was elevated so we were told to come back in the morning for a repeat test and an appointment. They did more extensive blood tests the next day and sent us to our local Children's Hospital in Indianapolis.<br /><br />After a long couple days of testing, we were told that, more than likely, our baby boy had Biliary Atresia. Biliary Atresia, or BA, is a rare liver disease that affects newborns. Without surgery, children born with BA would not live past the age of 2. With the surgery, called the Kasai Procedure, 50% of patients would need a liver transplant before age 5.<br /><br />Malakai had the Kasai on November 6, 2008. We were thrilled to take him home only 5 days after. He progressed slowly, but we started to see the whites of his eyes come back. By January, his numbers were coming down and we thought his Kasai had worked. He spent a few days in the hospital mid-January.<br /><br />Mid-February we were told at his scheduled clinic appointment that he wasn't gaining weight like they wanted and they were going to admit him for a few days and insert an NG tube to feed him. They asked if we wanted to stay that Friday or wait until the following Monday. We decided to wait. But he had other plans. That night, he started acting very lethargic so we decided to take him to the ER. He had a very low sodium and they admitted him to the Pediatric Intensive Care unit. We had no idea that we were going to spend the next 4 weeks in the hospital. From there it was a constant battle to keep his levels stable. He had severe ascites, which was fluid on his belly. He looked 9 months pregnant. They drained his stomach multiple times but just couldn't get him stablized enough to send him home. It looked like we were heading down the road where transplant was our next stop.<br /><br />The doctors had told us about Children's Hospital in St. Louis. Unlike the hospital we were at, Children's Hospital did all three types of liver transplant. Whole liver, split liver and living donor transplant. We were going to go to Cincinnati for their liver program, but Michelle Nadler, nurse practioner for the transplant program at St. Louis called and said they could transfer Malakai to their hospital the next day. It was a whirlwind, but on St. Patricks Day 2009, we were introduced to the wonderful liver transplant team in St. Louis.<br /><br />The first person we met there was Penny Scholl, transplant coordinator at Children's Hospital St. Louis. She was, and still is, someone we trust with Malakai and love dearly. I feel like I can call her anytime and ask her anything to do with transplant. If she doesn't have an awnser, she will get one for me. And no question is too silly for her. She understands the uncertainty that we have, as liver parents. The second person we met was Michelle Nadler. She has an incredible memory and can remember things about Malakai and his journey that I do not even remember.<br /><br />Malakai was listed for liver transplant on March 20, 2009. My mother in law, Cindy, began the testing to become a live donor for Malakai. His first call came on April 24. We did not have peace about that liver, and after much discussion, we decided to decline that liver. The second call came on May 1. We packed everything and head to St. Louis. He was prepared for surgery and we were given an approximate time of 8:30 pm for the start. At around 8 pm, surgeon Dr. Chris Anderson came in and told us it wasn't going to work. The liver they had for Malakai just wouldn't work in his little body. We went to a hotel that night, disappointed and unsure about the future. Would another liver come in time? Should we have taken the first liver? We were second guessing everything. Cindy's tests came back that she would not be able to donate to him. We felt like time was running out.<br /><br />We went back to St. Louis on May 6th for a clinic appointment and decided because he needed Albumin for three days thru an IV that we were going to move out to St. Louis. We rented a furnished apartment and my in-laws drove out with our then 2 year old daugher, Makena. The doctors told us then, Malakai needs a new liver. And he needs it soon. Within 2 weeks. It was so scary to hear those words from a team of doctors we trusted with his life. My identical twin sister called that day and asked what blood type Malakai was. She was currently 9 months pregnant and found out at her doctors appointment that our blood type was O+. I was certain that my blood type was A+ and since Malakai was O, I didn't think I could dontate. I was then rushed into testing to see if I was an acceptable donor. We were sceduled for me to give a portion of my liver to Malakai on May 18.<br /><br />We went to the Botantical Gardens that Mother's Day, May 10th. He was a tiny 7 month old baby with a NG tube in his nose and barely weighed 10 pounds. I remember thinking as I pushed his stroller that it was Mothers Day and a mother out there was spending their last Mothers Day with their child. I knew that in order for Malakai to live, we needed an organ donor. Most likely a child.<br /><br />We decided on the morning of May 12 that we were going to take the kids to the zoo. I was on the internet searching for the hours when my phone rang. Anyone waiting for a transplant knows, that when your phone rings, your heart skips a beat. "Unknown" came up on my caller ID and I just knew it was it. I awnsered and Penny Scholl said "Third times a charm" I know I probably stumbled all over myself. This was it! We took a short nap and packed up to head to the hospital, a whole 5 minute drive. We arrived around 1 pm and he was sent back to the OR that night. He recieved his Gift of Life in the early morning hours of May 13. I can't even begin to describe the emotions I felt that night. My dad had a double lung transplant in August 2003 and never woke up. I expected the same would be true for Malakai. I was completely terrified that he was going to die. We slept in the waiting room of Children's Hospital St. Louis. Every few hours the nurses would call and give us an update. I feared the worst everytime they called. I read a lot on line about liver transplants and some fellow liver moms sent me pictures of their kids shortly after transplant. It helped but all I wanted was for them to say he was done and SEE him again.<br /><br />What seemed like an eternity later, out walks Dr. Jeffrey Lowell. I think I held my breath until he said "He's OK" I wanted to hug him. We were able to see him shortly after 7 am on May 13. He was taken off the vent as we were walking into his room. He was doing so well. He is such a fighter, always has been. I have a feeling he always will be. Dr. Lowell said he was the skinniest (if that's a word) baby he had ever transplanted. You could literally count every rib on his chest.<br /><br />He spent about 3 weeks at Childrens, another week in St. Louis and we were able to head back home. It was a journey I will never, ever forget. I'm so thankful to every doctor, nurse and friend we made while at Children's Hospital St. Louis. They treat Malakai like he is a part of the family, not like he's a patient. I'm not sure where we would be without the team at Children's.<br /><br />I'm also forever grateful to our precious donor, Sherae. We pray for her family every night and hope they know how special they are to us. We could never repay them for the gift they gave to our family. Malakai was given a second chance because they chose to Donate Life.The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-65611274493448818492012-01-22T18:49:00.000-08:002012-01-22T19:20:46.916-08:00Happy Birthday, Kaiden!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrXMgSPjAHDOOGR7ImCNy61zoOl7dE1E0o3gzrz4_0fw5CPfVrc3Hnnf-AV1zv5QVcI-4IeLXsA-e5BxabiLl3jbLJ-b_UoOwgOEgl6ks0-GyltrkrCUxgX6eI1obphLRBt2S1Kc71-8/s1600/Kaiden%2527s+1st+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700661859271512050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrXMgSPjAHDOOGR7ImCNy61zoOl7dE1E0o3gzrz4_0fw5CPfVrc3Hnnf-AV1zv5QVcI-4IeLXsA-e5BxabiLl3jbLJ-b_UoOwgOEgl6ks0-GyltrkrCUxgX6eI1obphLRBt2S1Kc71-8/s400/Kaiden%2527s+1st+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwXZUAXqsGpS8MOnbxjmOPXcrM78L3uxOlvj6XvyI5aWPZ8CYLBn3SFqjSWgtheeoF83tIuDHa0tclMi9Qy7SlHAvqBQ3T6OCiCt9nbiI1BTP-AQsTDz2LhJynUXGGsko6lkDKfNtyuw/s1600/Kaiden%2527s+1st+061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700661091685949362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwXZUAXqsGpS8MOnbxjmOPXcrM78L3uxOlvj6XvyI5aWPZ8CYLBn3SFqjSWgtheeoF83tIuDHa0tclMi9Qy7SlHAvqBQ3T6OCiCt9nbiI1BTP-AQsTDz2LhJynUXGGsko6lkDKfNtyuw/s400/Kaiden%2527s+1st+061.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuDvMvVuCKlO_99RI7ucSCD-4eHXFZU_yWJGT7wTMLMjbGQjD2J1kHIwBnc4mEwrx9oomE46rsM9ADtic2MckZTkgRVlM_pmtXY9vDxhyphenhyphenl46TVizHjv91K050Ma8ktBR4-oE_0ILQe7E/s1600/Kaiden%2527s+1st+052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700658185689591138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuDvMvVuCKlO_99RI7ucSCD-4eHXFZU_yWJGT7wTMLMjbGQjD2J1kHIwBnc4mEwrx9oomE46rsM9ADtic2MckZTkgRVlM_pmtXY9vDxhyphenhyphenl46TVizHjv91K050Ma8ktBR4-oE_0ILQe7E/s400/Kaiden%2527s+1st+052.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700661108586383954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GrVNjL6wgl_RD2F0mjj3jIcLN8MxKWQsAxVjhUgyDn6N887jtEOGUVzpDsSML5hVsF4tYjgh2bteBJgj0b3ufHDATasZ-6vaADtolFJ9PWVrfv6NvAVqKRYmPR9bS3p8289E5IgNkyg/s400/Kaiden%2527s+1st+129.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>We celebrated Kaiden's first birthday at Chuck E Cheese and had a birthday party at our home yesterday. What a sweet boy he has become. I first called him my little curveball because he was not planned for, but now I cannot imagine my life without him. He started out with a head FULL of almost black hair and now his hair is light and almost blonde. He's crawling, pulling up on furniture and crusing around furniture with no desire to walk at all. I will stand him up and he sits right back down. Won't even try. That's ok with me though. He can stay a baby as long as he likes :) He's daddys little boy and sometimes I feel like he doesn't even like me. But I know he does, because when he cries he says MAMAMAMA....haha. I can't wait to see what God has in store for his life. He's a little bundle of energy and he goes, goes, goes. 2o12 is going to be a great year and I'm excited to watch all of our kiddos grow and thrive. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Tonight I took Makena to see Disney Princess on Ice. It was a "Girls Night Out" which she loves. She is always asking to spend one on one time with mommy. Who could say no to that?? Anyways, as we were going in we saw a homeless man sitting under a bridge with a cup and sign that read "homeless, anything will help, God bless" When we passed him, Makena said "Mom, that's weird!" I told her that it wasn't weird and that some people don't have homes or food to eat. On our way out, we gave him $2. He said "Thank you, young lady" She lit up. She was so excited to help him out. When she prayed before bed, she asked God to give him a warm place to sleep. I don't care if he truly needed the money. That was a huge lesson for her. I am so proud of the little lady she is becoming. I'm so blessed.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700661115415774706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0y-pcxHLx46PesQV9yvQxozYnM7fOx39r4RJtnOOCE9ESACz96nBvJRGaHnUqWjrCVIqwL4g5wzXW2oDb19PBcdKT6dv4QpOKRFHNPxwvilgdxj_js02WFSXZLQH-ZiXHmJOUSm12bk/s400/Kaiden%2527s+1st+145.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-3624811687662994062011-12-30T20:16:00.000-08:002011-12-30T20:51:27.446-08:00Hospitalization December 2011<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>It has been far too long since I updated this blog. I have been so thankful to have this blog to remember the good times, and the bad, throughout our journey. I want to start with our most recent hospitalization, then I’ll try to fill in with some of the details that I’ve missed out on posting about. Not just for those who may read, but for me in the future as well!<br />Thursday, December 15, Malakai had complained in the late afternoon that his belly hurt. I made dinner and he said he wasn’t hungry. I made him a plate anyway, and told him it was there when he was ready. We all ate and he laid down on the couch. He got up and said he was going to get sick so I told him to go to the bathroom but there was someone in there. He threw up on the floor and I cleaned it up and told him to go lay back down. He threw up again and I noticed it was pink. I asked him what he’d eaten and he replied “a poptart” which made sense. Then the third time, he threw up about 6 or 8 small blood clots. This is obviously not normal, so I immediately called St. Louis on call doctor who told me that if he threw up any more blood or developed a fever to bring him into the ER. Not 5 minutes later, he threw up what looked like pure blood. I rushed him up to the ER at Riley and we were admitted into the ICU. His labs looked good, but he showed positive for blood in his stool. We knew he was bleeding, we just didn’t know where. He was given Zofran and fluids and he started to act more normal. The docs from Riley were planning to do a scope but I told them I wanted them to contact St. Louis before they touched him. The GI didn’t like that. He rolled his eyes and walked out the door. It made me so mad because I felt like he was angry that I wanted our transplant hospital to be calling the shots. It’s nothing against the docs at Riley, but Malakais primary transplant docs are at SLCH and if he has ANY procedure at all, he has it done there. I don’t take Malakai to St Louis because it’s convenient or fun. I take him there because the team knows him best there and I feel like he’s in better care there. He didn’t like being there. It has certainly gotten more difficult for him the older he’s gotten. He kept saying he wanted to go home, he wanted to sleep in my bed, he wanted his sister, his dad, his brother. Anything to get outta the hospital. St Louis sent for the transport team and within a few hours of waking up the next morning, Friday (December 16) we were flown out to St. Louis. To top it all off, it was Makena’s 5th birthday. I was so sad that I didn’t get to wake up and make that day special for her. She had been counting down the days until her birthday for over a week and I missed being there for her. It really broke my heart. Thankfully, she was well taken care of by Daddy and my sisters.<br /><br /><br />We arrived in St. Louis and were admitted to their ICU. After an ultrasound, they determined that his portal vein had re-narrowed. He needed to have the venogram, or angioplasty re-done. He’d had the same procedure done in July 2011. Basically the vein from his liver to his bowel was narrowing and they just had to balloon it back open. Josh arrived out in St. Louis late Friday night. Malakai’s procedure was done on Saturday morning and did very well. He was a little nervous before. I think he thought they were going to cut his belly open. He knows they took out his old liver and replaced it with a new one, and that’s how he got his big scar. I convinced him he was going to be ok and they weren’t going to do another transplant but he was still pretty nervous. Thankfully they were able to give him meds to relax him and he didn’t even realize I wasn’t going with him. He had to stay the night Saturday night, mainly for observation. He then developed a fever shortly after the venogram and they decided to do blood cultures to make sure they hadn’t “stirred anything up” in his liver and caused an infection. He didn’t have anymore fevers after that so we were able to go home Monday afternoon. We go back in January for a repeat ultrasound to check and make sure his portal vein is still as open as it should be.<br /><br />Then we all got a nasty stomach bug on Christmas Eve and woke up early in the morning vomiting and had severe diarrhea. Malakai, Makena and I all had it. It was awful. I ended up taking him to the ER for fluids around 3:00 on Christmas Eve. We missed our annual family get together for the second year in a row; last year I was on bed rest. After fluids and IV Zofran, we were sent home around 7 pm and able to spend Christmas at home together.<br />I will post again soon about our Make A Wish trip to Disney. It was an incredible experience that I will never forget. We had so much fun and it was literally a trip of a lifetime. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>A few pics from our hospital stay....</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Malakai on the stretcher being transported from Riley to St. Louis Childrens Hospital. He was excited to ride in a plane and even got his own pilot wings :)</div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692143279077265042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7fASyeOAEGAU-NlFl_iPR6G3nzZ68Qp-tGPX-gGoTb7HxGva03txHYrJv2CbogPB9VxV8_8SOwXFNdXDaSppmKKDCE-g_B1Pxa1GKH3dpzlFFNTyNWUdNmevN-e96tA2ij-hIXFGRA0/s400/carah%2527s+iphone+1690.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Sleeping peacefully (as peaceful as you can in the hospital!)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692143287344251826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJGWtYIEzwZdCRsrj_xpPdM7l3IvUW5TpTSBKPi2LKrfLlssaG5KGoUEKZA2UDCFbn1VlhT9HTiVfi0VDM6fOt2tbuLfrjGiLh-tNh6RMPTMDPiyvOqnyfCJ3PQEssQtCJtX1AUzvlkA/s400/carah%2527s+iphone+1729.JPG" border="0" />Malakai with our one of our most favorite nurses, Michelle Nadler. She is AWESOME!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692143285560292578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZdDB4LGW6XYTsBYBQfuxl-jkSZb2X6OJKGXP1CEWWhKo7C6WIWKOtK2siiyeSkxmZZ-XqasCM16cOZK4sTq4zlozu2GG0NcKzshgoKdL6WwzjowjU-rgMi7DDXPUsJX0pmv2Yf_9mp4/s400/carah%2527s+iphone+1704.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692148272446417666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmC_nHcRq_08akw7Mkr6QsgliwYo0LGcT0aGDxkXENnnuVjNQGDJUPI5xTimivCbpTXB_2P-WGLyrhUtQ7lDOf7Fpj3Jp2_NRRc6-Ne8Dvrg5CmyHFU_0Ai5huKpbO-DGFWp3eD1PLcA/s400/carah%2527s+iphone+1766.JPG" border="0" />Playing with the train table in the Child Life playroom</p><br /><div align="center"><br />Malakai and Daddy with Miss Penny (Scholl) She's pretty awesome, too.<br /></div><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692149792729752690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzvOrHTKbT0HoAASfdSR5958fgf0KcEhR_PNf1D_o17snBA24AarsnUCB1nKhsbSXiRzmta32TyLmI1YSoq_ufwc7Z6LmZHegyvtbzcN9qiXHJ3VSVdI515RgsFyD2_FbGQiE-seDzkA/s400/carah%2527s+iphone+1770.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center">Malakai with one a great nurse, Erika. We were lucky to have her two days in a row :)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692148272115090594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKODjv42jB9jaeBU2sDWY0PfdPsNNZTFfEwwvcEls66_7R5kwE6OHbjlZqfs6B028HqVA43nV7tUkqIWu9BVfEnFThuoMSz2vxGTuMSX9-XI_UaYr0JDFc6Gmjim8TqUemLh-sKKDyBg/s400/carah%2527s+iphone+1761.JPG" border="0" /></p>The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-75075981272640129902011-12-30T20:06:00.001-08:002011-12-30T20:16:37.205-08:00More pictures!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrcFXoZSAWwPwFwcSGkx-Eymwr5__2BHFaAZaT1bEfcDEr2OH0spcTfOsRlBQ3tYzd0ytF-cQ2Y3agvWtz0uR6sJdv8vHH8yYg5yAzd6fOIQ1KfMRvbECCkhywZXU0hCf4G1qHeWnJIw/s1600/carah%2527s+iphone+952.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692140476892080050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrcFXoZSAWwPwFwcSGkx-Eymwr5__2BHFaAZaT1bEfcDEr2OH0spcTfOsRlBQ3tYzd0ytF-cQ2Y3agvWtz0uR6sJdv8vHH8yYg5yAzd6fOIQ1KfMRvbECCkhywZXU0hCf4G1qHeWnJIw/s400/carah%2527s+iphone+952.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJQ4-AcjbR7t4LDeFIc67gHszFZbKsByUUe7MPmZDDCz-l_9RzG_62yU-iGlZdNubdS6HEgrDxK6YxgDSJxZFDE8RMZs1XlLrumbXGckkFkTGE_rRQJccwB2GTjq5YAhDG_WKB8Alo5A/s1600/carah%2527s+iphone+921.PNG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692140464391694626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJQ4-AcjbR7t4LDeFIc67gHszFZbKsByUUe7MPmZDDCz-l_9RzG_62yU-iGlZdNubdS6HEgrDxK6YxgDSJxZFDE8RMZs1XlLrumbXGckkFkTGE_rRQJccwB2GTjq5YAhDG_WKB8Alo5A/s400/carah%2527s+iphone+921.PNG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYMKSMGl-wQ9glXT05iwLvc-j1_DVqiM6d7svNlnupZ6ZvH2qRQIT5N6_S_yXlRFcs_rzjrzedykUI06qR-r1jCTXwu9wKvF8vcQYe8JbsKc9MmuwiYsiyhbbj_fB_r41Y7rs5l6FYxU/s1600/carah%2527s+iphone+920.PNG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692140454902250962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYMKSMGl-wQ9glXT05iwLvc-j1_DVqiM6d7svNlnupZ6ZvH2qRQIT5N6_S_yXlRFcs_rzjrzedykUI06qR-r1jCTXwu9wKvF8vcQYe8JbsKc9MmuwiYsiyhbbj_fB_r41Y7rs5l6FYxU/s400/carah%2527s+iphone+920.PNG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG3zcTgYxZZXZ8Qq57jIaxmXaBvtgGz8XykgTuyUp7MOP5qUtARcfO87jf6Gn03oY_csYzlYKxF_cZO5L35zWBIL085aHhXYYsiEK4qoUeGQ3VK8Jchsi7Rt9hoCEJp3KWtCkp395g2U/s1600/carah%2527s+iphone+763.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692140445676475170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG3zcTgYxZZXZ8Qq57jIaxmXaBvtgGz8XykgTuyUp7MOP5qUtARcfO87jf6Gn03oY_csYzlYKxF_cZO5L35zWBIL085aHhXYYsiEK4qoUeGQ3VK8Jchsi7Rt9hoCEJp3KWtCkp395g2U/s400/carah%2527s+iphone+763.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw24x22NI9sEfF_B89D_koJuhX1Y__jeqRiuJXczCqc0o25zxPa1dFwJK4bzrFxY4r_tn4kcbVR46J2rildtwMr2aRAMs-kzZWvPyVk5jlQDkW_Oyfv04VECcawRFJkaXaXONfQqxkTA/s1600/carah%2527s+iphone+742.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692140439256771202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw24x22NI9sEfF_B89D_koJuhX1Y__jeqRiuJXczCqc0o25zxPa1dFwJK4bzrFxY4r_tn4kcbVR46J2rildtwMr2aRAMs-kzZWvPyVk5jlQDkW_Oyfv04VECcawRFJkaXaXONfQqxkTA/s400/carah%2527s+iphone+742.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-18828561532860735532011-12-30T19:19:00.000-08:002011-12-30T19:48:45.901-08:00I can't believe its been over a year!!<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>I am almost ashamed it's been so long since I've blogged! We moved to our new house and we didn't have internet here until about a month ago. Which really isn't an excuse, but it's my excuse :) I only used my phone for the internet and couldn't update blogspot on my phone.<br /><br /><div><br />Anyways, we welcomed our newest member into our family on January 18th (the day after my birthday....I really thought we'd share a birthday, but he waited a few hours to have his own!!!) Kaiden Zion Cruse was born January 18th 2011 weighing 8 pounds 4 ounces and 20 inches long. We didn't have a name for our poor baby boy until we were literally leaving the hospital. We just could not agree! He's been an absolutly wonderful addition and I can't imagine our life without him. He's been the best baby. He just recently started to really crawl. For the last few months he's been army crawling to get around. He's a sweet boy and I could go on and on about him :)</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692130846683326818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9golnQSMzGEqBEJBj6msTjKu_lH1wRBhDMs_QMG9WJxldJEgBDu-YBt9sDwlUeBmDztENGJ_mogBZzdQ5ZxANC4RkRtheHdWBARPp5NS0gn6PcNx6aDt96zh-ytLkr9PfkQDVEk9mfBU/s400/Kaidens+birth+-+2+months+161.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692129021815725362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8hkTi6m-24attd2l9m-RGT0GaEK1-bC7QMzj2L3c_r3EXhOPWVLK7GBD2nSWVYKo7z7-uxv4i87JM5VXFWlu0dgk5IG-PDluhqgLNpSo-U8X4ywSluS1YYuz0NzyjfulkCxgzm9yeq0/s400/Kaidens+birth+-+2+months+064.JPG" border="0" />First picture of me as a mommy of 3...I remember thinking "wow, I can't believe it. I have 3 kids!"</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692130847372253826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuYKFp8-EB_kZL7F-EWLKxwp_Ik5WNStcNOsH6DIrkX8E-4DYogUtf0gHOdhWPNh9nfIheLC87F2VzyoCiJXoIEOLIh_AWbs-3S83nSxDItuWmRy0kKUYoQOd_vZ8M4-RIrDKR6sMyz4/s400/Kaidens+birth+-+2+months+195.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692130871340842946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94eYZeWF9wOOyppCSiwqpweYaSckOGDKwKMo3Q6DHfhz5lUoKIy_E_UbJYK3BskGFp3Wd0AXC9jv4AtYkYOKK202ChGGYSTCDvGk5_tiAiYc671_V9k_FuEkXv5Bl10ukl1t455IDl-8/s400/cruse+0956.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692130865257144018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPsrH07j_AWXyel2MLrn5eiiUCEQ-kzqz_dM0GOlnFWZq7TqVUu5aKUJtAQAsh-pLxQ-4oqcOdL-1Y7O4MRCtFP0cs8apaTw4rRfPwTPiHkaLwZwQtEpRBCdyWcL6F1vRaYWHzkeQ6oc/s400/cruse+0032.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692130849844988162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVeP-mrPgdRekSlplYRzpcvMcRSDz6M_Yy0TbLo-Qx_EoX8MKulWcToAg5fTH4FSSvKJiPT0JTHc8RWkogtfOzwc14few0AFKrlvZ5KNwCusTLJg2sq6x0V_d_abM3afO93Tk42pLrzk/s400/Kaidens+birth+-+2+months+236.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692132727912013986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bj16D2Li4Gs-L8_uzl3yvamHXYBDduOHFWOxJ-sVHchtLDv7_nQZ08dZ28m0zBd8LNmohhf6YdmxOhyphenhypheniEJvfUXV0mYHkenHNS5U5vY-VcVTlNcPAYDMpVBwkRT7uX4-GHF2u9LABHXo/s400/carah%2527s+iphone+214.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692133610068619186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP2oWWyZBizRXsS1rNsA0Mr94ysXbuFPrTaFt8tT3LJKqcsb07tHXPgFgqREBojMCDJa4rZXeXbHj4VM3W5hheFgNofLup0OI1h_EaizHfKa06AiAxTGLi1Qqd1107ZbbeGv32d3qjyc/s400/carah%2527s+iphone+237.JPG" border="0" />The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-63818471234694333052010-10-28T09:52:00.000-07:002010-10-28T10:46:42.365-07:00Long overdue update!Some recent pictures!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKQ2fFhc4RXsI4GX8vC4lT_3IAmptgthv1DYl52E5ztYZRIm-51I3GmpDrK5zkobHL72WoF6bX0TzHQNOG3Jz8DxitQM04GRTcUtxoLGbUUBbnR6uK_e00lIWhyU0uusx5PK0rk4HTh0/s1600/August-Oct+2010+344.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533154194320136770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKQ2fFhc4RXsI4GX8vC4lT_3IAmptgthv1DYl52E5ztYZRIm-51I3GmpDrK5zkobHL72WoF6bX0TzHQNOG3Jz8DxitQM04GRTcUtxoLGbUUBbnR6uK_e00lIWhyU0uusx5PK0rk4HTh0/s400/August-Oct+2010+344.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawJj7bWSBua48n9AC6Hc6f-zvbae30_feN_FyrL5sp8tOIxOCA5-dv3UQrIHgEIk0tNLuRDCAaRvzdAaTUk-gLgKo4E_nuYfxtBRkQGy4S_iSaloR91FjDMsWNHEeO275piCmgkyB4Cc/s1600/August-Oct+2010+285.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533154191286843058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawJj7bWSBua48n9AC6Hc6f-zvbae30_feN_FyrL5sp8tOIxOCA5-dv3UQrIHgEIk0tNLuRDCAaRvzdAaTUk-gLgKo4E_nuYfxtBRkQGy4S_iSaloR91FjDMsWNHEeO275piCmgkyB4Cc/s400/August-Oct+2010+285.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XTZHELfi2EObYQ_1i5KJ0ZBFLta_Jr3UI9PYY6BhOvs03BkJyt2iN_tbj58LwOjPN9TonxXTo47vnLBTwxBX_Wz-5PFB69sXrzcxX5dqy-bIVUEoARWDQ2AdmfzVi2zbc2Q9-mbjTJo/s1600/August-Oct+2010+191.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533154187392906418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XTZHELfi2EObYQ_1i5KJ0ZBFLta_Jr3UI9PYY6BhOvs03BkJyt2iN_tbj58LwOjPN9TonxXTo47vnLBTwxBX_Wz-5PFB69sXrzcxX5dqy-bIVUEoARWDQ2AdmfzVi2zbc2Q9-mbjTJo/s400/August-Oct+2010+191.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HzA8-3md3aks-GaNPrG8I7pWNN78xnrdVykyNF95MC4D5ExwERTmoho2ZYHFvF74zORCSBYgogrZNzzJjA5HPO5-oyJ8DHJesON02IIsOxNQNCR9guMsqz6kubR5uLWp_qWvtocGvLo/s1600/August-Oct+2010+113.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533154176309206946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HzA8-3md3aks-GaNPrG8I7pWNN78xnrdVykyNF95MC4D5ExwERTmoho2ZYHFvF74zORCSBYgogrZNzzJjA5HPO5-oyJ8DHJesON02IIsOxNQNCR9guMsqz6kubR5uLWp_qWvtocGvLo/s400/August-Oct+2010+113.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2eSb6sO1QK63gkKA-65Jo1D2BP0XVvr3T0s50R-pwF54AZl1F8U2y9G0OTWchAiTIVkaPcHz5vvmjKZUcGyYYyc2TfknSWmufS1tX6nN_HNNoPpI9tXri5ePsR8S4rYWmDU9v9pQ_O0/s1600/August-Oct+2010+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533154158885277298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2eSb6sO1QK63gkKA-65Jo1D2BP0XVvr3T0s50R-pwF54AZl1F8U2y9G0OTWchAiTIVkaPcHz5vvmjKZUcGyYYyc2TfknSWmufS1tX6nN_HNNoPpI9tXri5ePsR8S4rYWmDU9v9pQ_O0/s400/August-Oct+2010+009.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I don't even know the last time I updated, but I know it's been too long! We found out we are having another little boy! He still doesn't have a name, but we have 12 weeks left in the pregnancy to come up with one. Makena was very disappointed that he was a boy. She really wanted a sister. I told her I would be coming home with balloons and if they were pink, she was having a sister..if they were blue, it was another brother. She came running around the corner when she heard the door open and the look on her face was pure devastation. Poor thing, she really was upset. Shes gotten used to the idea now, and even acts excited. But still asks when she is going to have a sister...<br /></div><div>Malakai is doing WONDERFUL!!! He is now completely out of all therapy. No more physical therapy, occupational or nutritional therapy. He's well on his way to being a normal little boy!! He's talking up a storm and developing his own personality. He's just recently learned to climb out of his crib, and thankfully has only done it once. But he's fighting naptime, and hasn't napped in over a week! He is starting to make himself throw up to get out of bed, something I never dealt with, with Makena. We have started to potty train and he's actually doing well. At first, he had no interest in it at all. But the last few days he's shown alot of interest and I am hoping he's trained, at least for the most part, by the time his brother gets here! </div><br /><div>We had a big birthday party for him! Bouncy House, real cupcakes (with his dairy and egg allergy, he never gets treats like that!) plenty of Mickey Mouse and lots and lots of fun! He had a blast and we had a great turnout! He was saying "Thanks for comin'!" as people were leaving, so so cute!!<br /></div><div>We go to St. Louis in a few weeks for his check up clinic visit. We havent been since May and really it's just for an ultrasound to check is portal and hepatic vein (where he had the narrowing) I'm excited for all of them to see him, he's really changed so much since then!<br /></div><div>We recieved a letter from our donors family this week. It was such an emotional letter, awnsering a lot of the questions I have had since his transplant. They sent us pictures and she was such a beauiful, vibrant girl. I mourned for her family. They lost a very important member of their family. I've always known it, it just made it seem more real I guess. I hope to eventually build a relationship with them and maybe one day get to meet them. I'd love for them to be able to meet the little boy who's life they saved. They are forever in my heart and I love them. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-9556028797652786162010-08-03T12:44:00.000-07:002010-08-03T13:04:20.927-07:00Another hospital stay....Malakai started developing fevers and becoming irritable a few weeks ago. I took him to the doctor who diagnosed him with an ear infection and started him on an antibiotic (Augmentin) After 8 doses, he seemed to be getting worse, not better. He basically stopped eating and would not let me put him down. He was in my arms, in the rocking chair, all day for four days. By Sunday, I thought he was looking pale and he was almost lethargic. After calling St. Louis and speaking to the doctor on call, he advised we take him to the ER to get him checked out. After three days at Riley, blood, stool and urine cultures all coming back negative, they were getting ready to send us home. Then he had a stool test positive for blood. After that, they set up an ultrasound and called St. Louis to figure out what they wanted to do. The ultrasound revealed that his portal vein (the vein going out of his liver) was narrowed. He had a narrow hepatic vein in January. The docs said for both of the veins to be narrowed post-transplant is rare. So we were flown to St. Louis on Wednesday evening and he was scheduled for his procedure Fridaymorning. They went in and ballooned his vein to open it back up. Because of his size, they didn't put a stent because he has alot of growing to do. Because of his multiple ear infections, and his body taking extra long to fight them, they went ahead and put tubes in his ears at the same time. I was thankful they were able to do both procedures at the same time with one anesthesia. He went back to eating and drinking normally after the procedure and was discharged Saturday morning. We were so glad to be home, and I think Makena was equally glad we were home! Poor girl, she's really starting to understand more when I'm gone. It was difficult this time being in the hospital, being pregnant and all. I slept in the bed with Malakai, and he wanted to be touching me at all times. Doesnt make for a very restful sleep. I'd do it all over again if I had to (praying we don't for a very, very long time) I'm just thankful he's here and is able to live a normal life :)The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-67370159802952196352010-06-24T11:53:00.000-07:002010-06-24T12:20:23.360-07:00Long overdue updateWe have yet to get internet out at our new house and therefore I am never on an actual computer. I came into the office today to work so I decided while I had a few minutes, I would update this blog. I've been a terrible blogger post transplant. But I guess it's good that he's doing so well that I don't have much to update :) He's a walking, talking toddler. He's weaned from breastfeeding (Hooray!!) He loves to mimic his sister and he's finally been trying new foods and drinks! His labs were stable last month, praise God. He's sleeping through the night, although he's an early riser (Usually around 7:15) He's getting stronger in his physical therapy. You should see him try to jump. It's hysterical. It looks like he has a peg leg. His core muscles are what needs work but I think in a few months he will be caught up to his age. We've taken his Occupational thearpy down to only once a month...he's doing so well. He's also going to be a BIG BROTHER. Yes, I am indeed pregnant. Almost 10 weeks to be exact. This was not a planned pregnancy in the least. Malakai is still so needy and with his health being fragile, we were not expecting to have another baby at least until he was 3 or 4. But God has other plans :) We are due January 24th. Not only am I expecting, Josh's sister is pregnant with a little girl due in September and his brothers girlfriend is expecting a baby in December. Josh's cousins wife, we are close to just found out they are expecting as well. Four new babies in the Cruse family!! Makena really wants a baby sister and says if it's a boy, she will be sad. I'm trying to prepare her in case it is a boy. She understands but I think will still be disappointed if it's another brother. She will tell complete strangers "My mommy has a baby in her belly...but we don't know what it is. Only God knows. He gets to choose!" It's very sweet how interested she is in the pregnancy. She wants me to read her the pregnancy books and asks 1000 questions. Her mind is much different than when I was expecting Malakai. We're stuck with baby names, trying to decide if we stay with the "M" or move onto something new. We have plenty of time, I suppose :)<br /><br />I am thinking of writing our donor family again. I sent the first letter in March and haven't heard back. I think about their angel often and what she has done for our family. She gave us our son back. I ran across this picture on my computer and it makes me want to cry. He was so thin and so, so sick. Here he was just weeks before his transplant. 7 months old and probably only 10 pounds.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijyhlfM2nbqQKK9YtZbelQL-NLe6Y0PwAWGupaGeuZDP-OTTKnoQvFhCwF6nzY00pTsUq6DyQIVCCPWAIXe9c9Zo-GhvjdLOL7TkpKCqv8AuNuU5jgPkIlG7UxWMC0uFIwRx_JAIf3Sw/s1600/163.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486416090470782018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijyhlfM2nbqQKK9YtZbelQL-NLe6Y0PwAWGupaGeuZDP-OTTKnoQvFhCwF6nzY00pTsUq6DyQIVCCPWAIXe9c9Zo-GhvjdLOL7TkpKCqv8AuNuU5jgPkIlG7UxWMC0uFIwRx_JAIf3Sw/s400/163.JPG" /></a> And here is at Emma and Jack's birthday party riding a big kid bike. He really wants to be big :)<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPORV7fu3yMKj3yJJQY3VLJUisQ5W5uMsK3T19DGsrphLzqugYT9RMREh4T_w0jgB5a7-FyPAPB3bouELKFBm2Ia3yWQS7T0wFM3PtlDgV4-V7rYFqaeJBXoHDjNykR2NplJVVWl_D-0/s1600/kai+2.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486416078758109938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPORV7fu3yMKj3yJJQY3VLJUisQ5W5uMsK3T19DGsrphLzqugYT9RMREh4T_w0jgB5a7-FyPAPB3bouELKFBm2Ia3yWQS7T0wFM3PtlDgV4-V7rYFqaeJBXoHDjNykR2NplJVVWl_D-0/s400/kai+2.bmp" /></a> Messy after breakfast...complete with a baby food unibrow!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddm1aonPeOYfEeyWrv05YcuMv36zikKeOU94r5ZVJNjs-CQbyiF_-2rEtFs-U7M_QXPJG4DEFfPOwLZPN6rjlm1pTjZr2NCfNZ4YFGTKh0hkIyhJp3iKDap0oBwfiKki4O5s39THBzEY/s1600/kai+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 98px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486416067124362178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddm1aonPeOYfEeyWrv05YcuMv36zikKeOU94r5ZVJNjs-CQbyiF_-2rEtFs-U7M_QXPJG4DEFfPOwLZPN6rjlm1pTjZr2NCfNZ4YFGTKh0hkIyhJp3iKDap0oBwfiKki4O5s39THBzEY/s400/kai+3.jpg" /></a><br />Here is my little guy at the zoos splash park. He loved being able to run around with all the other kiddos...I loved watching him. And check out that belly...doesn't he look great?!!!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPI0rbCOQKs3w8f1B-xTaRmLYM-XW7GuawQMBmRvi_bZR8AkEE4ZYOody3SehY86esSDQ0fgvC97-tI8iMuGtAq9eJRJ2NWMOPYPKK5m5ZwjIAYW7P39wsRCeO1zRltHv4M5_6k3r-TM4/s1600/kai+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486416065482994018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPI0rbCOQKs3w8f1B-xTaRmLYM-XW7GuawQMBmRvi_bZR8AkEE4ZYOody3SehY86esSDQ0fgvC97-tI8iMuGtAq9eJRJ2NWMOPYPKK5m5ZwjIAYW7P39wsRCeO1zRltHv4M5_6k3r-TM4/s400/kai+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-35386798877183351322010-05-14T10:55:00.000-07:002010-05-14T11:08:11.550-07:00Happy Liver Day!!We celebrated one year with Malakai's new liver on Wednesday! The day was beautiful. I reflected alot on the past year and just how thankful I am for his donor angel and her family. Without a new liver, he wouldn't be here and I am forever grateful to them. My baby has endured alot of hardships over the last 18 months but I am so, so thankful for him to enjoy life and to be healthy.<br /><br />We went to dinner with our immediate family...Rita, Brent, Clay, Addie (Happy 1st Birthday, girlie girl :) Sarah, Emma, Jack, Grammy, Billy, Nana, Papa and Uncle Jeremiah. I brought along butterfly cupcakes...the butterfly is the symbol for organ donation.<br /><br />We went on vacation last week to Orange Beach, Alabama. I will be posting pictures as soon as I can find my camera cord. We had a blast! They both did well on the flights and behaved very well. Both kids enjoyed the beach and the pool. We had a little scare while we were down there. I had to take Malakai to the ER in Pensacola to have his blood drawn. He had a bloody stool, and with his internal bleeding in March we had to be extra cautious. Everything checked out OK and we enjoyed the rest of our time. But man, it was scary!The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-36714290773559231882010-04-23T11:26:00.000-07:002010-04-23T12:26:22.095-07:00It's been a month since my last update!!<div align="center">My handsome little man fishing with Daddy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V7rMV3yLcKKXQSdQM69hXgNsT2JbCIhvd3TDkM4I70uDBv9hZsKWqqzcnXwtPHuVzhCaM7eaiAOpPBsLbf3ugoI6kao32g3i7Yq9KWxDBgAliPIHL0-Az1vUBUzRiFNGD1Tu5ivKlSU/s1600/January-April+2010+048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463411633323242722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V7rMV3yLcKKXQSdQM69hXgNsT2JbCIhvd3TDkM4I70uDBv9hZsKWqqzcnXwtPHuVzhCaM7eaiAOpPBsLbf3ugoI6kao32g3i7Yq9KWxDBgAliPIHL0-Az1vUBUzRiFNGD1Tu5ivKlSU/s400/January-April+2010+048.JPG" border="0" /></a>Easter egg hunt<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JV6FtwIHijp5Xc-MvTFqaozvBP_ptuJObf_Ouu3SETVMnyc01jQl0xP0bgz1MoM66PEvnuBnVqfVcdXhDTpNY5bMZiJm9Q3Kmf8Mfd0-yQaWpD7108oTjlflboADmTMR-1cbvgzmguQ/s1600/January-April+2010+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463411625710449170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JV6FtwIHijp5Xc-MvTFqaozvBP_ptuJObf_Ouu3SETVMnyc01jQl0xP0bgz1MoM66PEvnuBnVqfVcdXhDTpNY5bMZiJm9Q3Kmf8Mfd0-yQaWpD7108oTjlflboADmTMR-1cbvgzmguQ/s400/January-April+2010+025.JPG" border="0" /></a>Makena and Malakai with the Easter Bunny<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMX-teigvEaD-Ldcgfb3ts6jgr60Z5jFVBJe6ehLnGCZWEHLKn504-TLkDH9-2FNT2HsPvGD7YelOmOESoMvedlPXYNhTY09UOaLcfFzRdoKgP9Z-xQvqc_bfhC9wIwCaHRpsww7cpQw/s1600/January-April+2010+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463411620753430610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMX-teigvEaD-Ldcgfb3ts6jgr60Z5jFVBJe6ehLnGCZWEHLKn504-TLkDH9-2FNT2HsPvGD7YelOmOESoMvedlPXYNhTY09UOaLcfFzRdoKgP9Z-xQvqc_bfhC9wIwCaHRpsww7cpQw/s400/January-April+2010+023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is what he does when you ask him to do his "Home Alone" face :)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajqZfiFgs_UutEPPauWDqK8Uvht8FH2dBVv14637b80xkKpMnqMkAev-mv25dYJ9UG7hNN-P_6OWa_b5oOQ43sdPruoMnHSn-siKxWLE4gLY_HNKqcbnCJNnbFuIk31A5FfmhRY44dNM/s1600/January-April+2010+019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463411614719141506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajqZfiFgs_UutEPPauWDqK8Uvht8FH2dBVv14637b80xkKpMnqMkAev-mv25dYJ9UG7hNN-P_6OWa_b5oOQ43sdPruoMnHSn-siKxWLE4gLY_HNKqcbnCJNnbFuIk31A5FfmhRY44dNM/s400/January-April+2010+019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Kids at the Butterfly Gardens<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4wg5qOON3GK72e_NpOLJmJ0g7IW5EBEZwWlRM6vgz1axK4DJCDwh88ahY95a24dey_Ptok7jTICBMJYaGHwQPTy9O8QgX-pGy_fLT_WTMLfxCf_F2CK9ngDZs4t6IHWna5mKpvOa2wE/s1600/January-April+2010+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463411603813859938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4wg5qOON3GK72e_NpOLJmJ0g7IW5EBEZwWlRM6vgz1axK4DJCDwh88ahY95a24dey_Ptok7jTICBMJYaGHwQPTy9O8QgX-pGy_fLT_WTMLfxCf_F2CK9ngDZs4t6IHWna5mKpvOa2wE/s400/January-April+2010+014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>After being released from the hospital, Malakai has done very well. He was diagnosed with RSV the day before we were discharged so we had to postpone his venogram he was supposed to have on that Friday. We were told to get labs the following Monday and then again two weeks later. His labs have not only stablizied, they've improved! The venogram is not even necessary at this point! Praise God!! His hemoglobin was 10 at his last draw. The lowest it got was 5.2 and it should be 12. So we ARE getting there! His belly is flatter than it's been in months and he's even walking!! I am beyond proud of him. He started standing on his own, getting up by himself and as of the beginning of this week, he started actually walking. 10 - 12 steps at a time!<br /></div><div>We are finally getting settled into our new home. Makena loves having the space to run, although her being so far away from us at night has proved to be a little scary for her. She ends up in our bed about 50% of the time...which usually means she sleeps later. Malakai likes the new place because of the cows. We can hear him through the baby monitor in the morning saying "cow, cow" He thinks he can see them through his window. We do have about 50 cows that live surronding our new place. We walk almost daily to go out to see them.<br /></div><div>His vocabulary is constanty growing. He says Nana and Papa, Mama and Dada. Jack, Emma, he calls Makena"dit" or trying to say Sis. He says ball, cow, drink, bye, hi, baby, yellow, blue...I'm sure there are more that I'm forgetting. It's so amazing watching him grow into a toddler. He looks up to Makena and wants to do the things she doing. </div><br /><div>We are doing the Liver Life Walk on May 22. It's downton Indianapolis, if anyone is interested in walking with us, please email me and let me know. <a href="mailto:Carah117@yahoo.com">Carah117@yahoo.com</a>. I'm thinking about ordering some t-shirts for everyone walking with us. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-91316115900764429842010-03-24T08:42:00.000-07:002010-03-24T08:52:57.250-07:00Update via Aunt SarahCarah has asked me to update her blog nearly 100 times over the last week and I continued to forget. She just called me and said she would beat me up if I didn't get on and update. I am going to copy and paste her status updates from Facebook - so I hope you get enough details from them :)<br /><br />Thursday, March 18 @ 11:47am<br />Back in the ER. Malakai had blood in his stool this morning. They're gonna get his vital signs, hoping and praying this is minor and he will not be admitted.<br /><br />@ 2:59pm<br />His hemoglobin level is very low at 5. Blood transfusion soon and scope. Possible transfer to St Louis. Pray for him.<br /><br />@ 5:58pm<br />Well, we are being admitted ;( At least one, if not two days. He's unable to eat or drink and is very unhappy. They will watch his levels and will then decide which route to take. They need to find the source of bleeding. Docs here at Riley and St Louis decided it was ok for him to stay here...<br /><br />@ 10:09 pm<br />Has your heart ever hurt so badly for your child you feel like you just need to cry? My poor baby is miserable because he can't drink. He's asked for one a thousand times. I just wanna run out the door with him. Please pray they find some awnsers, soon. I hate hospitals !<br /><br />March 19 @ 9:43am<br />Malakais hemoglobin continues to drop, even after his blood transfusion which suggests he is still bleeding. He is going into the OR in 20 minutes for an exploratory scope. Hopefully they locate the bleed and are able to stop it. He's resting peacefully at the moment, although last night was very rough. I actually slept in his crib for part of the night.<br /><br />@ 11:42am<br />He is out of the scope. Unfortunately, they didn't see anything abnormal. He is going to get a PICC line inserted and the team here is calling St Louis to come up with a game plan. Probably staying here awhile unless something big happens. Waiting to go see my little mommas boy :)<br /><br />@ 2:26pm<br />He's currently undergoing a test that tagged his red blood cells to see if they can find the bleed. This will only work if he is actively bleeding. He's sleeping, which he needs. They don't think this will show much but it was an easy test to rule out.<br /><br />@ 10:50pm<br />Seriously, it's 10:48 pm and Malakai is cruising around his crib, watching tv, laughing and playing peek-a-boo. Are you sure this kid had three procedures today and bleeding internally? He sure is a trooper :)<br /><br />March 20 @ 9:53pm<br />Malakai continues to be up and down with his hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. He had normal stools all day until tonight when there was blood again. My instincts tell me he will be air transfered to St Louis on Monday for further testing. I will go home tomorrow while Josh is here with him and shower and pack a bag. I... just want him better. I feel like we have yet to really see the REAL Malakai. A healthy Malakai. Please continue to pray...<br /><br />March 21 @ 8:56pm<br />thankful for a break from the hospital. Daddy and Papa came up today and I was able to eat lunch with Makena, take a nap, shower, eat dinner and I'm now back with Malakai. Hoping tomorrow we have a game plan...<br /><br />March 22 @ 4:13am<br />It's 4 am and Malakai is wide awake watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I'm sure his routine will be hard to adjust when we go home. Oh, the joys of hospital stays...NOT!<br /><br />March 23 @ 10:11am<br />His hemoglobin rose from 8.9 to 9.5. Liver numbers are a little high but it's because his Tacro (anti rejection medication) level has been low (common with illness) everything else looks good. They are cutting his iv meds again today. Chest X Ray because he sounds a little raspy but it's more procautionary. Looking at ...Thursday as a discharge day. Hoping his bloody stool doesn't come back with the decrease of his meds.<br /><br />March 24 @ 11:40am<br />Ok. They're doing another procedure at 1:00, although he won't have to be sedated. This will look to see if he has an abnormality causing the bleeding. Long story, I'll fill you in later if it shows something. Still going to STL Friday so hoping to be discharged early tomorrow. Pulmonology is coming to listen to him a...nd they've sent off cultures from his nose. He's coughing and sounds crackley when he breathes. He's in isolation and may be transfered to a different floor because of the other transplant patients. Another day in the life of a transplant mom!The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-35199088487487883922010-03-17T07:57:00.000-07:002010-03-17T08:32:20.486-07:00Latest and GreatestWell, alot of time has passed since my last post. We were unsure if things were going to go our way, but they did and now we have moved into a beautiful new home! Last week was spent packing boxes and going through our old house. We hired movers and they arrived Friday morning at 10 am. The job was estimated to last eight hours and the poor guys were at our house until almost 1 am. Yup, 15 hours. I felt so bad for them. We fed them lunch and dinner, I'm not sure what they would've done if we hadn't fed them. I think they were planning to eat when they left. We have alot of very heavy furniture, that alone is why we hired movers. We had alot of help *Thanks everyone!!!* over the weekend and are getting close to being settled. I have been fighting a serious sinus infection so I haven't been as productive as I would've liked! This new house is seriously like a dream to me. There were so many things about our old house that I had learned to live with, but didn't like. We had well water. I didn't like doing laundry or showering with well water because it was so hard. And my washer/dryer were down in the basement, which was basically storage. I had to make sure both kids were occupied to do laundry. The closets were tiny. We didn't have a garage. I could go on and on. The new house, I have my own bathroom and walk in closet. I've literally taken a bath every night since we've been there. The first day there, the washer didn't stop. It was so nice to be able to do laundry while the kids played in the living room. I was only a few steps away. There is plenty of room, everything has a place. We have a very large garage and circle driveway. Makena enjoyed riding her bike yesterday (Looooove this warmer weather!) and I'm actually looking forward to cleaning my truck out tonight! I feel very blessed. Truly blessed. Exactly one year ago today, Malakai was being flown to St. Louis for the first time for his transplant evalutation. Amazing what one year and a healthy liver can do for a family :) Thankful everyday to our donor family!<br /><br />Ok, what else? The week before, I took Malakai out to St Louis for allergy testing. He had been throwing up and had very loose stools for months. We thought maybe he was allergic to something he was eating so we got an appointment set up quicker than normal and headed out there. He was tested for common allergies and some things he eats alot, that may have been causing his symptoms. He tested negative for onion, tomato, garlic, peanuts...those are the things I was worried about. He did test sensative to dairy and eggs. The transplant team started him on a steroid, Prednisone, to see if that helps. So far, so good. I've tried to cut most of the dairy/egg out of his diet, although most of what he eats doesn't have any of that in it. He's a very picky eater and we're actually going to see a feeding therapist to see what they think. Hopefully they can give us some ideas on what to feed him and how to go about new ways to get him to try new foods. While we were out in St. Louis we stopped by the hospital and met a little guy named Jax. He is currently waiting on the perfect liver. Chatting with his momma put me right back about a year ago when I was the one waiting. The wait is torture. Wondering WHEN you were gonna recieve that call. Your mind plays these terrible games and you feel like you're going crazy. I hope and pray he gets it soon...<br /><br />Recently, his belly has started getting bigger again and his veins are protruding alittle more than they were. The concern here is that his hepatic vein is narrowing again (stenosis is the term, not sure how to spell it) We are scheduled to go out to STL on March 26th for another venogram to expand that vein again. He had it done on January 22, and it really shouldnt need it again. But, his was more narrow than usual so I guess maybe he's just the not-so-usual case! We are also encouraged to try to get more protein into him. They've thrown out the idea of starting a feeding tube to ensure he's getting the right nutrients, so I'm gonna try what I can to get him to eat more balanced meals. I REALLY don't want a feeding tube back. I hated that thing. He hated that thing. Life is much easier without it. And he's much cuter without it :)<br /><br />Makena is growing up way too fast. I know I hardly talk about her on here. She's a good little helper, loves to feel grown up. She actually helps do the dishes and likes to wipe the counters down. When she doesn't know what you're trying to say, she'll say "What'd you said?" It's cute! She LOVES dance class! She told her Nana she learned how to "shovel" trying to say shuffle. Nana said, "Next, you'll learn how to flap." And Makena said, "I already know how to flap!" and started flapping her arms like a bird. With your feet, dear. Not your arms :) I love that little girl to pieces.<br /><br />Once we get internet back at home, I will try to post some new pictures. I know it's been forever! Thanks to everyone who thinks about Malakai and prays for his health. Keep it up, we will always need it :)The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-5448064662268286442010-03-02T08:59:00.000-08:002012-06-28T11:49:46.550-07:00Sending my letter out todayI'm sending the letter to the donor family today. I'm nervous and excited. I hope to hear back from them, but I also realize there is a good possibility that I won't. I truly hope they know how much I deeply care for their family and how appreciative I am that they gave Malakai his life back. He is doing well from a liver stand point. His new liver is very happy and healthy. His numbers are stable and continue to be so. I will post the letter I wrote, but I haven't decided when. I want them to read it before I post it on here. I continue to pray for peace and comfort for them. I hope they're doing well.The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-24147687903297273732010-02-24T15:19:00.000-08:002012-06-28T11:51:00.350-07:00"I did it""I did it" is Malakai's first phrase. He usually only says one word. His vocabulary is definitely expanding and just a few days ago he started saying "I did it" when he did something he was proud of. Throwing a ball into a basket, standing on his own for a few seconds, etc. It is very sweet :) He started physical therapy last week and during his session, he would say "I did it" before he did anything. His therapist would say "No, you didn't do it yet" and he'd say "I did it" It was cute! He's now saying "My Mama" and pointing to me. His favorite word is still ball :)<br />
<br />
Malakai ran a fever a few days ago. It got up to 102.4, I gave him Tylenol and it broke pretty quickly. He's had a alittle bit of a cough but seems fine. Makena is sick today. She woke up around 3 am coughing, kind of barky coughing. She came into the bed with us and I could tell she had a fever. When she got up this morning I gave her some Tylenol Cough and Cold and she seemed to be better. She's played and acted normal until about an hour ago. Her temp is elevated again and she's laying on the couch watching tv. Hopefully it passes quickly. I hate when they're sick.<br />
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Some big things could be in store for our family in the near future...we're not pregnant, LOL, but stay tuned for possible big news :)The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-11685837575956990932010-02-14T18:34:00.000-08:002010-02-14T18:43:29.864-08:00Ashley's Gift: A Liver for LuLuI've been following a little princess, LuLu, and her journey to transplant. Their local newspaper did an article featuring both her and her donor angel, Ashley. It's a very touching story, and very emotional to read. It made it seem more real that Malakai actually recieved a portion of someones liver, and that little girl had a family. I have a letter written and I will be sending it soon. Anyways, take a look at it. The story seems like something out of a movie.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14390307">http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14390307</a>The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-76035564756518567312010-02-13T13:54:00.000-08:002010-02-13T14:07:00.307-08:00Some new pics...<div align="center">Malakai's 1st time in the snow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VUtXU1jDzzgDIBIntoGO0Eutmevp4dVW-tiYzdCXNqCNGgcRL2fnjwmuMrHt2OYcCX1hJbzTm-_A79xofzfwcqv9A-SsN2rhqYBZhjT5Cufi46y02CHBikVnpTamcXKlXRZmnf4AzmQ/s1600-h/End+09-+Start+10+402.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437851823819985218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VUtXU1jDzzgDIBIntoGO0Eutmevp4dVW-tiYzdCXNqCNGgcRL2fnjwmuMrHt2OYcCX1hJbzTm-_A79xofzfwcqv9A-SsN2rhqYBZhjT5Cufi46y02CHBikVnpTamcXKlXRZmnf4AzmQ/s400/End+09-+Start+10+402.JPG" border="0" /></a> He was OVER it! Get me outta these clothes!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437851806368799026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieoo9AkuLQaigt5cad0odPN9e7ENOGIl1S-BcIvR44_KMS13BSWE9ggE3T1Wjekf_a8ZCGkwjW-0upa-kJteAnjzYeAI2t9iBt8ugg6F_k8iIFs1kfeOENK7miewexh8jnCDvnuft_P4/s400/End+09-+Start+10+409.JPG" border="0" />Makena actually sat still long enough for me to curl her hair...it didn't stay this pretty for more than a few hours<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9WyqG6f8AJVa0rgL3jtYieiHIweJldz8qcWaP4Bwh4-Baw-gPpdXVO4EGpTQwuvQBMN1D0Zax3rf1APzpCMGKYDhyphenhyphenw_KK1Ne4_TAYEzj2fy1xVutSm8oBnL67d_HL0LjKLnNX3zTetA/s1600-h/End+09-+Start+10+455.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437851820537336834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9WyqG6f8AJVa0rgL3jtYieiHIweJldz8qcWaP4Bwh4-Baw-gPpdXVO4EGpTQwuvQBMN1D0Zax3rf1APzpCMGKYDhyphenhyphenw_KK1Ne4_TAYEzj2fy1xVutSm8oBnL67d_HL0LjKLnNX3zTetA/s400/End+09-+Start+10+455.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lookin' sharp after his very 1st haircut<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6x2OUeodBNygj2UYfV5jRTyE1GSlgavsgaOnuh3tm_LUltsQhyphenhyphenbC0mFLZ6nhvqL34NGl3J0odHgpaoE2yJAZvxWLvZGqoEOIspLeGN0Ra3qEc2ah0hf9kqNHGz7XHQ0ES1JbfaAw324/s1600-h/End+09-+Start+10+453.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437851814718416690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6x2OUeodBNygj2UYfV5jRTyE1GSlgavsgaOnuh3tm_LUltsQhyphenhyphenbC0mFLZ6nhvqL34NGl3J0odHgpaoE2yJAZvxWLvZGqoEOIspLeGN0Ra3qEc2ah0hf9kqNHGz7XHQ0ES1JbfaAw324/s400/End+09-+Start+10+453.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div>The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-45168706417778318192010-02-11T19:02:00.000-08:002010-02-11T19:17:39.643-08:00Obstruction or No Obstructon...That is the question...<br /><br />Malakai wasn't allowed to drink anything past 10:45 am this morning and we were to be at the hospital at 12:45, procedure was supposed to be at 1:45. We got into our room around 1:00 and were seen by the nurse, anestisologist and then the GI doc came in. We'd never met her (or if we had, I don't remember) and she was the one supposed to do his scopes. Josh asked her if she knew why she was performing the procedure and we could tell immediately that she wasn't sure. Bottom line, she wasn't aware that he was on aspirin, and being on aspirin makes you at higher risk for bleeding. So we waited until she spoke with his doctor and another GI doc. We were given the decision, go ahead with the scope and know that he is at a higher risk to bleed, or wait until tomorrow...which would mean admitting him overnight and doing the scopes tomorrow. I didn't want to wait. He'd already been without food and being in the hospital RUINS him! So we decided, along with the doc, to go ahead.<br /><br />He had fallen asleep on me at this time, it was 2:45. So I took him straight into the procedure room and was able to be with him until he was asleep. He was given gas through a breathing mask so he would be out before they put in his IV. We were told it would be about 1 1/2 hours and were given a pager. We went to the cafeteria for lunch and within an hour we were being paged over the overhead speakers. We went to the APC where his procedure was done and told them we were being paged. He had already come out and we were met by a doctor whom we'd never met. He told us that Dr. Weymann wanted to speak with us to "let us know what the next step was" My heart sank. I thought for sure something was wrong, 1.) because he was only back less than an hour. I thought maybe they found something definitive and stopped because of that 2.) they were paging our doc to come talk to us.<br /><br />The doc came in and said his upper scope went well. The tissue in his esophagus looked good and that his stomach was a little red which can be nothing, but can also mean inflamation. The lower scope was a little more difficult. She said she was able to go in 70 cm and then the scope wouldn't go any further. I thought this meant blockage. So he was sent to Radiology and given an enema barium test. Basically they inserted a tube into his bottom and shot barium fluid into his rectum to watch how the fluid passed through his body. Thank God, this went well. It was TERRIBLE to watch him lay there helpless. He'd just come out of anestetic and now he was being forced to lay in different positions with a tube up his heiny. Poor little guy.<br /><br />After speaking with the doc, we decided to stay in St Louis one more night. It was already 5:30 pm and we figured it was in his best interest to stick around. They want us to call in the morning to check on him before we leave for home.<br /><br />He's sleeping and doing well. He wasn't as excited to eat as I expected. He ate a little bit of mashed potatoes and chicken, and a little banana babyfood. He's basically wanted to drink his apple juice. I'm trying to wean him from breastfeeding and right now he's doing well. I hope tomorrow is as successful as today :)<br /><br />I can't wait to get home and give Makena a big squeeze. I miss her so much while I'm gone. We Skyped the other night and it was really good to see her. She loves her Nana and Papa, but I know she misses us too. She doesn't quite understand why we are all in St. Louis at the hospital and she's not here. She thinks the hospital and St. Louis are fun, thankfully it's a happy place for her :) but sad that she wants to be here and can't. I know it will change as she gets older, I just hope we're not here very often!<br /><br />Thanks again for praying for us!!!The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-9444774269065099532010-02-10T18:29:00.000-08:002010-02-10T18:45:24.647-08:00No bowel obstruction...Well, I updated last on my iPhone and for whatever reason, I couldn't write anything other than in the Title. So that is why it only had a brief note.<br /><br />I took Malakai to our pediatrician office on Monday morning and he was concerned because Malakai's belly was enlarged (I took him in because of this and he has been throwing up on and off for about a month now) We were sent over to the hospital for an X-ray. The radiologist called the pedi and said he thought there was an obstruction. We were told to head to Riley because Malakai needed to see a surgeon that day. I called to his transplant team in St. Louis and they were (as always) on the ball and we were able to avoid going to Riley.<br /><br />We came in on Monday night and stayed in a hotel. He had an obstructive series and bloodwork done first thing. During the ob. series, he had to drink a terrible barium solution and they watched it going through. He had x-rays done every 30 minutes to show where it was going. This came back positive, as in NO OBSTRUCTION! Thank God. The radiologist back at home was not used to seeing a pediatric liver transplant patient. That being said, Malakai's anatomy is different than other children. All of his intestine are kind of squished in and that is why the radiologist thought there was a blockage. <br /><br />The bloodwork, however, turned out his hemoglobin level was very, very low. We've known he is anemic for awhile now and he's on an iron supplement. It just hasn't been enough so he was given a blood transfusion while we were there. It was crazy how pale he was, and I didn't really notice HOW pale he was until about an hour into the blood transfusion, his cheeks started turning pink. I mean, he looked like he had been outside on a summer day playing in the heat! They were that pink! He has felt so much better since getting that boost. The nurse said he was getting "a pep in his step and pink in his cheeks" and boy was she right!<br /><br />We are currently still in St. Louis. He will be getting an upper and lower scope done tomorrow to check for the source of his vomitting and hopefully getting some awnsers. Because of the tests, he hasn't been able to eat anything solid today...only apple juice, Sprite, chicken broth and jello. He's done GREAT! I couldn't have asked any more from him! He hasn't napped, it's 8:45pm and he's still going. That extra blood really helped him out yesterday!! So if you're looking for a reason to donate blood, let that be it!<br /><br />Let's hope tonight goes well. He's used to nursing himself to sleep and if he wakes up, he usually nurses back to sleep. So tonight should be interesting so say the least! I'm thinking we may be weaning him all together, it seems to be interfering with his appetite and this may be a good time, seeing as though he's going to have to go a full 2 days without it. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it!<br /><br />We won't know any more from the scopes for about a week. They're going to take samples from his colon, esophagous (totally didn't spell that right) and other organs. They'll test him for infections, look for ulcers, etc. I hope they can find a reason to his vomitting and he'll be able to move on from here. I am sick of him being sick. He deserves to feel good!<br /><br />Once I get home, I'm going to try to put some new pictures. I realize it's been awhile and I have taken about 500 pictures since the last time I put any on here. Just know that he looks amazing and is getting SO big!<br /><br />Thanks for praying for us and thinking of Malakai. He's a true miracle and I am blessed beyond measure!The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-86845742240635315092010-02-08T12:58:00.000-08:002010-02-08T13:07:29.121-08:00Headed to St Louis. Tummy X Ray showed a possible bowel blockage. Pray this is minor!The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-66268151806457616112010-01-28T10:00:00.001-08:002010-01-28T11:19:34.317-08:00Yet another hospital stay...I wish I updated my blog more often. Our internet at home is so slow and it takes forever to get enough time to get on and write.<br /><br />Since my last update, I got in a car accident (no injuries, thank the Lord) and I turned 25! That feels old! Josh and I went out to a nice dinner and movie, alone with no kids (Thanks Nana and Papa). We really should do that more often. It was nice to have adult conversation and not having to feed someone else before I ate! With the accident, I was hit from behind which pushed me into the truck in front of me. My truck is in the process of trying to figure out if we want to have it fixed or just to get a different one.<br /><br />More importantly, Malakai's belly started increasing in size and his bloodwork showed he was anemic and his albumin levels were low. His transplant team requested we come to St Louis one week earlier for clinic, as we were supposed to go out there the last week of January. We were told to expect to stay a few days and that's exactly what we did. He had a narrowing in his hepatic vein which restricted the bloodflow. He developed ascites because of this. We were admited on Wednesday. Two more nights in the hospital to add to our list of admissions. He had a procedure on Friday where they went in through his jugular vein and basically ballooned out his vein. I feared he would be a mess if I had to hand him off to a nurse so I asked if they could give him something to relax him. It helped alot, but then they let me take him straight to the OR table. I was able to stroke his hair and hold his little hand until he was completely out. He cried a little bit because it made him feel so funny, but only about 5 seconds of crying and he was out. It was definatly scary watching him just leave the room, in a sense. I was glad I was able to be there with him, he wasn't scared because I was there. It took him a little while to wake up but once he was awake, he wanted to nurse right away. He took a pretty good nap and we were able to go home that night. I'm hoping this is our last hospital stay on 2010! I know it's only January, but I have to be positive, right?!?!<br /><br />Malakai is doing amazingly well! He's crawling all over the place and starting to walk with our help. He climbed the stairs at our house all by himself (with daddy close behind) which was quite the task. We have alot of stairs! He loves bubbles and still LOVES to play with any kind of ball. He calls them "ball-ball" trying to say basketball. He is also a little love-bug. He wants to give kisses to anyone wanting one :) He'll pucker out his little lips and expect you to walk across the room to give him a kiss. Then he'll keep kissing you until he's tired :) It's absolutely heartwarming. His favorite 4 words, which he uses correctly, are Ball, DaDa, PaPa and Momma (newly using it as of yesterday....before he would only say Momma when he was crying in his crib) He can use the sign language signs for Nurse (milk), Please, more and recently all done. It's so sweet to see him expressing himself.<br /><br />Malakai has a new liver buddy, London. She recieved her "Gift of Life" just a few weeks ago and is doing amazing! Check out her blog <a href="http://www.liverforlulu.blogspot.com/">www.LiverforLuLu.blogspot.com</a> Her momma does an awesome job on updating her site :)The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-87600813351680514282010-01-06T08:55:00.000-08:002010-01-06T10:57:07.516-08:00Busy month, lots to updateThe last four weeks have flown by! So much has happened since my last post. I'm sure I won't remember everything, but here I go...<br /><br />We had Makena's third birthday party at the house. I stayed up late the night before putting up decorations so when she woke up in the morning the house looked ready for a party! She was so excited. She said "Mommy, this is the best birthday EVER!" No cake or presents needed, just a few balloons and streamers and I had already made her day. She got lots of cool presents and had a great day! She was dressed in her princess dress, complete with matching tiara. Her cake was a big castle and before she blew out her candles she closed her eyes really tight and said "I wish for a castle" then blew out the candle. All in all it was a great day and we were surronded by wonderful family and friends!<br /><br />Then Christmas was right around the corner. We were so busy the few days before. Makena had her Christmas program at preschool. She was the kid running infront of the line, yelling to us in the audience, twirling and dancing when she wasnt supposed to. But it made us all very proud! It was so cute!! Rita, Sarah and the kids came over to make cookies. They had a blast and it's a tradition I really hope we keep. Christmas Eve we went to my aunts house and then to Josh's parents house. Christmas morning we woke up and opened presents. Makena got her Loving Family dollhouse. We waited until the last present to give it to her. She was waiting so patiently (which is very hard for her) and then she tore it open and the expression on her face was priceless!<br /><br />Josh and I left for a Caribbean cruise on the 28th and were gone 6 days. It was so nice to get out of the Indiana cold and into very warm weather. We basically soaked in the sun during the day, and at night we went to the nice dinners and shows they had. Josh was a frequent in the casino :) He would've lived there if I would've let him! It was nice to have some adult time and it was wonderful to have some alone time with Josh. The kids stayed with Perry and Cindy (Josh's parents) and Makena spent one night with each of my sisters. They were both thrilled to see us. Malakai wouldn't let me out of his sight for the first two days were home. It was hard leaving right after Christmas because I came home and had alot of work to do (still have alot to do) like take down the tree...<br /><br />Malakai is doing well. We're looking into starting physical therapy with him. First Steps is a service he's currently working with, but they only have an occupational therapist available. I might be contacting Riley to see if they can get him in. I'm not super concerned with him, but I know he should be doing more than he is. He's 15 months old and I feel like he's no where near walking. He's pulling up on things, but not moving at all once he's up. Other than that, he's thriving and growing everyday. He's getting to be a little stinker, just like his sister :)<br /><br />I wrote a letter to his donors family last night. I haven't printed it yet, and I need to get some pictures printed of him to send with it. I feel like I need to let the letter sit for a few days and then make some changes if necessary. I hope they know how much I love them and appriciate their decision to donate their childs liver to Malakai. I hope they write back, but understand if they don't. We shall see...<br /><br />Well, hopefully the next time I write it won't be a month in between...I have a little boy who is begging me to lay him down for a nap :)The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4135004239892700125.post-25848813251840417002009-12-09T13:09:00.001-08:002009-12-09T13:27:46.266-08:00Christmas is coming...I took Malakai and Makena to get their pictures taken with their cousins. Six kids 3 years old and under, I think we got a pretty good picture. I didn't order any of my kids because I had a photographer come out and take their pictures. I don't have them back yet. Mandy (Josh's sister) took some as well so I didn't need to buy any. But here they are...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ppICucLPNxNkoDVYfRf102755y3JqQ_VnGUMlIu2MUrqbzMbFK0YIb6bxHH3zGedqHCPKSoHnR1XseHXEEKJLt1X0kw57RLZzz5f8JTcsNhv_lXvrBCu-1w_ISoqRJXG5udMSnzG1Dc/s1600-h/Christmas+09+100.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413350515339038658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ppICucLPNxNkoDVYfRf102755y3JqQ_VnGUMlIu2MUrqbzMbFK0YIb6bxHH3zGedqHCPKSoHnR1XseHXEEKJLt1X0kw57RLZzz5f8JTcsNhv_lXvrBCu-1w_ISoqRJXG5udMSnzG1Dc/s400/Christmas+09+100.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoS9JkbrD1U2OjdxryIeEKSjSh1-ipbDuWa-1hXIJOm6t1T9osTBHqaOuIZs04-Yc6kS0GqDGJjklC4KNCD9DH360pBkLIv6NnPYgYT6ibYfaCrhN-yTZ4-ZKP76AP4jQ0Tg7XPtrZJYc/s1600-h/Christmas+09+085.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413350511728371954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoS9JkbrD1U2OjdxryIeEKSjSh1-ipbDuWa-1hXIJOm6t1T9osTBHqaOuIZs04-Yc6kS0GqDGJjklC4KNCD9DH360pBkLIv6NnPYgYT6ibYfaCrhN-yTZ4-ZKP76AP4jQ0Tg7XPtrZJYc/s400/Christmas+09+085.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNIsUG3O1QrAm0KFnNgd90fkIqMf7dYdFVkFUCuLCpzu3O02qzfRfzDKLg-WPvFIsroMaZx8iBmCw6d-KjSCh5cM7-yKoU_igSfaRAZPdqwcTf1QYKFH13FPXD2RCoyXHhoKP_Yr0JIs/s1600-h/Christmas+09+079.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413350505709855986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNIsUG3O1QrAm0KFnNgd90fkIqMf7dYdFVkFUCuLCpzu3O02qzfRfzDKLg-WPvFIsroMaZx8iBmCw6d-KjSCh5cM7-yKoU_igSfaRAZPdqwcTf1QYKFH13FPXD2RCoyXHhoKP_Yr0JIs/s400/Christmas+09+079.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnPKtESNHrMQGw9YhgbB_VXA9kdov6uJu1M91iEVTKmUX7Qo30UTsyLMKILvKN-ftNnJch-g9cCrbON4aIZk72kmbWk_kzzO7iJBQiGa50D34FORC1axvAsfEeYhv1bK4j8S7J6MJZ3A/s1600-h/Christmas+09+037.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413350501249517810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnPKtESNHrMQGw9YhgbB_VXA9kdov6uJu1M91iEVTKmUX7Qo30UTsyLMKILvKN-ftNnJch-g9cCrbON4aIZk72kmbWk_kzzO7iJBQiGa50D34FORC1axvAsfEeYhv1bK4j8S7J6MJZ3A/s400/Christmas+09+037.jpg" /></a><br /><div>It seems like you prepare for Christmas, and BAM it comes and goes! I can't believe it's already December the 9th! We had our first snow a few days ago and Makena was so excited! I told her in June at Emma's birthday that when it snowed it would be her birthday. Nothing more was said and when she woke up she looked outside and said "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!" I couldn't believe she remembered! I told her it wasn't today, but soon. She's getting really excited. </div><br /><div>She's started preschool and so far, so good. She calls her teacher, Ms. Brittany, Ms. Murry. No clue where she got Ms. Murry from. Brittany said she's corrected her, but she continues to call her Ms. Murry so she just quit correcting her. She loves carrying her lunchbox in and I think she's well liked by her peers and teachers. She's a pretty outgoing kid, I can't imagine why she wouldn't be likeable. </div><br /><div>Malakai had his first appointment with First Steps yesterday and he started crawling. Right then, on the spot. The therapist came in, and he started crawling on his hands and knees. Up until then, he was still army crawling. His favorite word and toy right now is "ball" He says it all the time. It's like he has a one track mind. He's constantly thinking about where his ball is. He's also started to "make a basket" with a small basketball and a plastic tub. He's getting pretty good at it. The basket is small and I'm surprised he's even able to do it. He's saying "MMMM" when you ask what a cow says. He's able to point to a few objects in a book. Sarah showed him a picture of him with his cousins and said "Where's Kena?" and he pointed right to her. He's just grown up so much in the last few weeks, it's incredible.<br /></div><div>I just booked a cruise for Josh and I. It's a Caribbean cruise going to Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau. We will be leaving the kids with family and will be gone 6 days. I am very excited, but at the same time hestitant to leave him. I'm not really worried about Makena, she's been away from us enough that I feel like she'll be perfectly fine. Malakai has never been away from me more than about 8 hours. So I am going to be nervous, but I also know he'll be fine :)</div><div> </div></div></div></div>The Cruse Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12342895878547427009noreply@blogger.com1