tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20101299435108552822024-03-16T11:52:44.849-07:00Ruth's Storyon fetal surgery and spina bifidaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-74585470863690160952013-06-04T23:08:00.000-07:002013-06-05T11:11:21.545-07:00Happy 3rd Fetal Surgery Birthday Ruth!<br />
3 Years ago, myself and Ruth underwent an experimental fetal surgery during pregnancy, to repair her spina bifida. 7 weeks later she was born again. We celebrate this day as her "fetal surgery birthday", because she is one of few people in this world that can claim they have been Born Twice. With contributions from some amazing families that we have come to love, we made this video to celebrate this life changing day.<br />
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<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/67702089" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-86487979702618555552012-11-29T16:31:00.000-08:002012-11-29T17:29:21.171-08:00Walk n Roll for the SBANT 2012!Thank you thank you thank you to everyone that donated, bought a shirt, or walked with us. Ruth was the TOP FUNDRAISER, with over $6,000! And Team Born Twice together raised over $9,000! It was a huge success, and we couldn't have done it without you.<br />
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Here is the feature in the latest print of the newsletter:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXc4fBJw6Ks/ULgLsOeztyI/AAAAAAAAeCg/d1cgjeEFt1Q/s1600/20121129-IMAG5614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="302" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXc4fBJw6Ks/ULgLsOeztyI/AAAAAAAAeCg/d1cgjeEFt1Q/s400/20121129-IMAG5614.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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And a few more photos of the rockstar from that day:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nr4ABcUP02c/ULf9wfkdOLI/AAAAAAAAeBs/ycOdBM_P0i0/s1600/20120908-IMG_9933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nr4ABcUP02c/ULf9wfkdOLI/AAAAAAAAeBs/ycOdBM_P0i0/s320/20120908-IMG_9933.jpg" /></a><br />
*WALKING* the Walk n Roll. With style, lol.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C48BacMBYok/ULf9zr3LY8I/AAAAAAAAeB4/iPN92Mzhp6A/s1600/20120908-IMG_9969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C48BacMBYok/ULf9zr3LY8I/AAAAAAAAeB4/iPN92Mzhp6A/s320/20120908-IMG_9969.jpg" /></a><br />
Getting her award for Top Fundraiser<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5NPeu3lEFo/ULf904vmnII/AAAAAAAAeCE/w6-Ta9naI2c/s1600/20120908-IMG_0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5NPeu3lEFo/ULf904vmnII/AAAAAAAAeCE/w6-Ta9naI2c/s320/20120908-IMG_0111.jpg" /></a><br />
Enjoying the lake afterwards!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-47444099469263313522012-11-29T13:00:00.000-08:002012-11-29T13:00:24.504-08:00Photo Dump - September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQMsH4JRfGE/ULfJOqu8D2I/AAAAAAAAd9A/9U7lBLn8Jww/s1600/20120901-IMG_9584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQMsH4JRfGE/ULfJOqu8D2I/AAAAAAAAd9A/9U7lBLn8Jww/s320/20120901-IMG_9584.jpg" /></a><br>Ruth's baptism - by her Grandfather!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mcx-qJYMfE/ULfJQQgH5QI/AAAAAAAAd9M/b4SO3ajiUDI/s1600/20120905-IMAG3271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mcx-qJYMfE/ULfJQQgH5QI/AAAAAAAAd9M/b4SO3ajiUDI/s320/20120905-IMAG3271.jpg" /></a><br>Eye checkup - All clear for another year!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPZBkRmjqFs/ULfJRc_4sZI/AAAAAAAAd9Y/_pQ4jysdF4o/s1600/20120905-IMAG3287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPZBkRmjqFs/ULfJRc_4sZI/AAAAAAAAd9Y/_pQ4jysdF4o/s320/20120905-IMAG3287.jpg" /></a><br>Sporting my sunglasses after having her eyes dilated<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlK8ahozrvE/ULfJSQU-hJI/AAAAAAAAd9k/P4iJ59PcD1A/s1600/20120912-IMAG3430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlK8ahozrvE/ULfJSQU-hJI/AAAAAAAAd9k/P4iJ59PcD1A/s320/20120912-IMAG3430.jpg" /></a><br>WALKING up the stairs at church - this floored me!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq7-Xr09nSA/ULfJTfO9VUI/AAAAAAAAd9w/3dPWour8pNU/s1600/20120914-IMAG3523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq7-Xr09nSA/ULfJTfO9VUI/AAAAAAAAd9w/3dPWour8pNU/s320/20120914-IMAG3523.jpg" /></a><br>Homeschooling field trip for big sister<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NToa1JPHhaA/ULfJmEy4tzI/AAAAAAAAd98/QYGKjEG1CYo/s1600/20120915-IMAG3567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NToa1JPHhaA/ULfJmEy4tzI/AAAAAAAAd98/QYGKjEG1CYo/s320/20120915-IMAG3567.jpg" /></a><br>Playing with our new kitten<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5YCEh7rlnVk/ULfJo5-o3hI/AAAAAAAAd-I/M-4jqBKYjI0/s1600/20120917-IMAG3692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5YCEh7rlnVk/ULfJo5-o3hI/AAAAAAAAd-I/M-4jqBKYjI0/s320/20120917-IMAG3692.jpg" /></a><br>Checking on her kitty<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fIJ9fBPg9XE/ULfJp6A2ZqI/AAAAAAAAd-U/9vJcBZGR7BY/s1600/20120918-IMAG3707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fIJ9fBPg9XE/ULfJp6A2ZqI/AAAAAAAAd-U/9vJcBZGR7BY/s320/20120918-IMAG3707.jpg" /></a><br>Being a big girl during her renal ultrasound!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcEU3uC3eLE/ULfJq0pVTYI/AAAAAAAAd-g/CblVw9V6Kw4/s1600/20120918-IMAG3743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcEU3uC3eLE/ULfJq0pVTYI/AAAAAAAAd-g/CblVw9V6Kw4/s320/20120918-IMAG3743.jpg" /></a><br>Running away from me at Scottish Rite<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OjU-BE5nwZc/ULfJr4qXXrI/AAAAAAAAd-s/0ZG0z-JLNNQ/s1600/20120924-IMAG3799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OjU-BE5nwZc/ULfJr4qXXrI/AAAAAAAAd-s/0ZG0z-JLNNQ/s320/20120924-IMAG3799.jpg" /></a><br>Loves her kitten!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fp6BgeHf_gA/ULfK82z6T2I/AAAAAAAAd_Q/MI3twlV7W4U/s1600/20120926-IMAG3851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fp6BgeHf_gA/ULfK82z6T2I/AAAAAAAAd_Q/MI3twlV7W4U/s320/20120926-IMAG3851.jpg" /></a><br>When I turn my back for a second..<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yl-uir8fR7Q/ULfK-sseLjI/AAAAAAAAd_c/4DB51Eo38z4/s1600/20120926-IMAG3861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yl-uir8fR7Q/ULfK-sseLjI/AAAAAAAAd_c/4DB51Eo38z4/s320/20120926-IMAG3861.jpg" /></a><br>Clothes were wet (see previous photo), so we just enjoyed the great Sept weather!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3DRt0tM3cdE/ULfLASGlqZI/AAAAAAAAd_o/-MxojFY1q-Y/s1600/20120927-IMAG3901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3DRt0tM3cdE/ULfLASGlqZI/AAAAAAAAd_o/-MxojFY1q-Y/s320/20120927-IMAG3901.jpg" /></a><br>On top!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TP9b0wfmVDQ/ULfLB17edpI/AAAAAAAAd_0/v70PrcaGWs8/s1600/20120928-IMAG3922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TP9b0wfmVDQ/ULfLB17edpI/AAAAAAAAd_0/v70PrcaGWs8/s320/20120928-IMAG3922.jpg" /></a><br>Another big girl bed<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FxJXZLqhEuA/ULfLCtlTDDI/AAAAAAAAeAA/WS09F7ODYLE/s1600/20120929-IMAG3925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FxJXZLqhEuA/ULfLCtlTDDI/AAAAAAAAeAA/WS09F7ODYLE/s320/20120929-IMAG3925.jpg" /></a><br>Loves her baths<br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-89033756787978152792012-11-29T11:31:00.001-08:002012-11-29T11:31:47.728-08:00Photo Dump - August<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dKGEaDEPqIo/ULe23JdpEgI/AAAAAAAAd6I/6sAtTraQFLc/s1600/20120801-VIDEO0071_0000065992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="181" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dKGEaDEPqIo/ULe23JdpEgI/AAAAAAAAd6I/6sAtTraQFLc/s320/20120801-VIDEO0071_0000065992.jpg" /></a><br>Walking up the stairs in PT<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qve4iT4QGsE/ULe24XDU4aI/AAAAAAAAd6U/TcKZPd5qnw4/s1600/20120803-VIDEO0074_0000000764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="181" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qve4iT4QGsE/ULe24XDU4aI/AAAAAAAAd6U/TcKZPd5qnw4/s320/20120803-VIDEO0074_0000000764.jpg" /></a><br>Throwing the ball for our new puppy<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AAvZvPWJKXQ/ULe259zlOHI/AAAAAAAAd6g/a9rnevknk3w/s1600/20120808-IMAG2432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AAvZvPWJKXQ/ULe259zlOHI/AAAAAAAAd6g/a9rnevknk3w/s320/20120808-IMAG2432.jpg" /></a><br>Big girl bed!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4c1XE5MTXpU/ULe26sxRjNI/AAAAAAAAd6s/qhTiv9LM9pU/s1600/20120811-IMAG2507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4c1XE5MTXpU/ULe26sxRjNI/AAAAAAAAd6s/qhTiv9LM9pU/s320/20120811-IMAG2507.jpg" /></a><br>Silly wig<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wsmDEbwG-5Y/ULe27x7a0pI/AAAAAAAAd64/z4ZAkuMBlgU/s1600/20120811-IMAG2520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wsmDEbwG-5Y/ULe27x7a0pI/AAAAAAAAd64/z4ZAkuMBlgU/s320/20120811-IMAG2520.jpg" /></a><br>A toddler and a tea cup collection<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDVTWLS2l9A/ULe3ETSePXI/AAAAAAAAd7E/nBqrYXYNeWU/s1600/20120812-VIDEO0107-0_0000021439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="181" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDVTWLS2l9A/ULe3ETSePXI/AAAAAAAAd7E/nBqrYXYNeWU/s320/20120812-VIDEO0107-0_0000021439.jpg" /></a><br>Playing in the splash pad<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaDFCWLsU-o/ULe3FiaDu_I/AAAAAAAAd7Q/jv1y0Eafimg/s1600/20120814-IMAG2693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaDFCWLsU-o/ULe3FiaDu_I/AAAAAAAAd7Q/jv1y0Eafimg/s320/20120814-IMAG2693.jpg" /></a><br>Walking on grass!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfjYspDj8BE/ULe3HIu2jgI/AAAAAAAAd7c/aKh5pl_oT30/s1600/20120816-IMAG2711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfjYspDj8BE/ULe3HIu2jgI/AAAAAAAAd7c/aKh5pl_oT30/s320/20120816-IMAG2711.jpg" /></a><br>Silly girl<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQokdvtdeYs/ULe3HxH7deI/AAAAAAAAd7o/PGil1RWa_IQ/s1600/20120818-IMG_9431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQokdvtdeYs/ULe3HxH7deI/AAAAAAAAd7o/PGil1RWa_IQ/s320/20120818-IMG_9431.jpg" /></a><br>Swimming in the river<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLgXN5VMI_s/ULe3I6hrwkI/AAAAAAAAd70/5RL6HsNr85A/s1600/20120822-IMAG2811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLgXN5VMI_s/ULe3I6hrwkI/AAAAAAAAd70/5RL6HsNr85A/s320/20120822-IMAG2811.jpg" /></a><br>WALKING around Scottish Rite!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGkw2STQoeI/ULe3Q514ToI/AAAAAAAAd8A/rwKT5H-kWZw/s1600/20120822-IMAG2820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGkw2STQoeI/ULe3Q514ToI/AAAAAAAAd8A/rwKT5H-kWZw/s320/20120822-IMAG2820.jpg" /></a><br>Getting herself all wet outside<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9F7UPpTfIuk/ULe3R1ELoFI/AAAAAAAAd8M/LPsv07QVsDQ/s1600/20120823-IMAG2833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9F7UPpTfIuk/ULe3R1ELoFI/AAAAAAAAd8M/LPsv07QVsDQ/s320/20120823-IMAG2833.jpg" /></a><br>mmmm... cupcake!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-aDmJXRRJk/ULe3S19-F4I/AAAAAAAAd8Y/-Zv0BId8PyY/s1600/20120823-IMAG2848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-aDmJXRRJk/ULe3S19-F4I/AAAAAAAAd8Y/-Zv0BId8PyY/s320/20120823-IMAG2848.jpg" /></a><br>Meeting a fellow fetal surgery/spina bifida babe - that lives just a few miles from us!<br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-21409592107969258442012-11-29T10:54:00.000-08:002012-11-29T10:54:15.813-08:00Photo Dump - July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alAbt1dYxgU/ULetio4XLlI/AAAAAAAAd3U/Msm0qGM1Zbk/s1600/20120701-IMAG0951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alAbt1dYxgU/ULetio4XLlI/AAAAAAAAd3U/Msm0qGM1Zbk/s320/20120701-IMAG0951.jpg" /></a><br>Chasing after her cousin!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOL5BufPOJc/ULetjnDkfyI/AAAAAAAAd3g/thTdW79_qiU/s1600/20120704-IMG_7551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOL5BufPOJc/ULetjnDkfyI/AAAAAAAAd3g/thTdW79_qiU/s320/20120704-IMG_7551.jpg" /></a><br>4th of July Parade!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5FdeF8SX10/ULetkkNWWMI/AAAAAAAAd3s/W2UoMcHzc4Y/s1600/20120706-IMAG1289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5FdeF8SX10/ULetkkNWWMI/AAAAAAAAd3s/W2UoMcHzc4Y/s320/20120706-IMAG1289.jpg" /></a><br>She loves her cousin!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KjxGmzxPsA/ULetmK9y2PI/AAAAAAAAd34/heFjqTiE72M/s1600/20120708-IMG_7985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KjxGmzxPsA/ULetmK9y2PI/AAAAAAAAd34/heFjqTiE72M/s320/20120708-IMG_7985.jpg" /></a><br>At the aquarium<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qsuhGgvmBFc/ULetnQMs_MI/AAAAAAAAd4E/XUN--e7rWP4/s1600/20120716-IMAG1393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qsuhGgvmBFc/ULetnQMs_MI/AAAAAAAAd4E/XUN--e7rWP4/s320/20120716-IMAG1393.jpg" /></a><br>Waiting for her PT to arrive<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0D9oifscg6I/ULet1WprFcI/AAAAAAAAd4U/bU0VGNEt4O4/s1600/20120717-IMG_8231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0D9oifscg6I/ULet1WprFcI/AAAAAAAAd4U/bU0VGNEt4O4/s320/20120717-IMG_8231.jpg" /></a><br>Diva?<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UT5g_wprPZE/ULet3JlKN2I/AAAAAAAAd4c/YDUgsphWhaA/s1600/20120719-IMAG1497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UT5g_wprPZE/ULet3JlKN2I/AAAAAAAAd4c/YDUgsphWhaA/s320/20120719-IMAG1497.jpg" /></a><br>Swimming at the pool<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T6FZFXVcukc/ULet4tT4nUI/AAAAAAAAd4o/DAs5u9z8TB0/s1600/20120722-IMG_8437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T6FZFXVcukc/ULet4tT4nUI/AAAAAAAAd4o/DAs5u9z8TB0/s320/20120722-IMG_8437.jpg" /></a><br>HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY!!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1gDPIqd72Y/ULet5-9zQLI/AAAAAAAAd40/NxIqB7v4dYo/s1600/20120726-IMAG1613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1gDPIqd72Y/ULet5-9zQLI/AAAAAAAAd40/NxIqB7v4dYo/s320/20120726-IMAG1613.jpg" /></a><br>Little Cowgirl<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fa-CVL0d7IQ/ULet8UYKUKI/AAAAAAAAd5A/kKiEjgi6bmE/s1600/20120727-IMG_8813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fa-CVL0d7IQ/ULet8UYKUKI/AAAAAAAAd5A/kKiEjgi6bmE/s320/20120727-IMG_8813.jpg" /></a><br>Riding the mini train - and loving it!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWMq3UA55sc/ULeuI0mjTlI/AAAAAAAAd5M/u4W9qxuUv4A/s1600/20120727-IMG_8878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWMq3UA55sc/ULeuI0mjTlI/AAAAAAAAd5M/u4W9qxuUv4A/s320/20120727-IMG_8878.jpg" /></a><br>First time on a horse<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNTnYHinfAM/ULeuKPSHAAI/AAAAAAAAd5Y/nN_2LBstxeU/s1600/20120728-IMG_9045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNTnYHinfAM/ULeuKPSHAAI/AAAAAAAAd5Y/nN_2LBstxeU/s320/20120728-IMG_9045.jpg" /></a><br>Swimming in the lake<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1NglASYxj8/ULeuLvEL-BI/AAAAAAAAd5k/rff4hdNdB54/s1600/20120728-IMG_9266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1NglASYxj8/ULeuLvEL-BI/AAAAAAAAd5k/rff4hdNdB54/s320/20120728-IMG_9266.jpg" /></a><br>Cooking smore's<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMMmBtuH9Jg/ULeuM-tXVnI/AAAAAAAAd5w/K9ZrdCDNg0A/s1600/20120731-IMAG2208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMMmBtuH9Jg/ULeuM-tXVnI/AAAAAAAAd5w/K9ZrdCDNg0A/s320/20120731-IMAG2208.jpg" /></a><br>Fun at the Museum<br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-6123273899662383662012-11-29T10:33:00.000-08:002012-11-29T10:33:20.529-08:00Photo Dump - JuneUm, well we are a little behind here. I have struggled a little bit to continue this blog. I know it helps a lot of people reading her story, but then again, I'm not sure she wants her entire medical history out there for the public ;)<br />
<br />
I have decided not to go into too much medical details from now on, other than to tell you that she is doing GREAT, and is actually generally healthier than my other kids!<br />
<br />
So, in my attempt to catch up, here is June 2012 in photos:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GF4XvnuC8zE/ULeoL0qeMHI/AAAAAAAAd0k/qFSqVosa43A/s1600/20120620-IMAG0384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GF4XvnuC8zE/ULeoL0qeMHI/AAAAAAAAd0k/qFSqVosa43A/s320/20120620-IMAG0384.jpg" /></a><br>Swinging at PT<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGUIg71yfBk/ULeoNJwaejI/AAAAAAAAd0w/oWI9EbKDROE/s1600/20120621-IMAG0444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGUIg71yfBk/ULeoNJwaejI/AAAAAAAAd0w/oWI9EbKDROE/s320/20120621-IMAG0444.jpg" /></a><br>Playing at the Playground at Scottish Rite Hospital<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hl3q7tPZOo0/ULeoOGIN5tI/AAAAAAAAd08/g7ZfLCixBo8/s1600/20120622-IMAG0484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hl3q7tPZOo0/ULeoOGIN5tI/AAAAAAAAd08/g7ZfLCixBo8/s320/20120622-IMAG0484.jpg" /></a><br>Back porch water play<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fesb3eHRJco/ULeoPRVUs5I/AAAAAAAAd1I/fujwrovTsoc/s1600/20120625-IMAG0538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fesb3eHRJco/ULeoPRVUs5I/AAAAAAAAd1I/fujwrovTsoc/s320/20120625-IMAG0538.jpg" /></a><br>Climbing</br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7uvVPZEzaKg/ULeosMWyxAI/AAAAAAAAd1g/Kg7Qrgn9ElE/s1600/20120628-VIDEO0035-0-0_0000002704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="181" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7uvVPZEzaKg/ULeosMWyxAI/AAAAAAAAd1g/Kg7Qrgn9ElE/s320/20120628-VIDEO0035-0-0_0000002704.jpg" /></a><br>Walking!<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0E4n4QTpP8/ULeota-rzEI/AAAAAAAAd1s/9VnOyVheB6c/s1600/20120629-IMAG0680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0E4n4QTpP8/ULeota-rzEI/AAAAAAAAd1s/9VnOyVheB6c/s320/20120629-IMAG0680.jpg" /></a><br>Occupational Therapy<br></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hD_KA2FM1Qw/ULeoukWNmWI/AAAAAAAAd14/RyWDdFV_yIg/s1600/20120630-IMAG0685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hD_KA2FM1Qw/ULeoukWNmWI/AAAAAAAAd14/RyWDdFV_yIg/s320/20120630-IMAG0685.jpg" /></a><br>MORE Walking!<br></div><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-87645987434109006272012-06-18T12:47:00.000-07:002012-06-18T12:47:21.234-07:00SwimmingWe do a lot of backyard blow up pool swimming here to keep cool.<br />
<br />
Ruth has a little pool that is easy for her to play in.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaGGqpQIvgM/T9-FYUioleI/AAAAAAAADdQ/i4ZTB39FeYk/s1600/20120602-IMG_6656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaGGqpQIvgM/T9-FYUioleI/AAAAAAAADdQ/i4ZTB39FeYk/s320/20120602-IMG_6656.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cCjAKKon8uM/T9-FZIhcdLI/AAAAAAAADdY/LJzHn3xbMfc/s1600/20120602-IMG_6658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cCjAKKon8uM/T9-FZIhcdLI/AAAAAAAADdY/LJzHn3xbMfc/s320/20120602-IMG_6658.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
But as she thinks she is as big as everyone else, it doesn't stop her from climbing in the other one!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mFZd5CkZOg/T9-FZY0WakI/AAAAAAAADdk/WUsr3pkC19w/s1600/20120602-IMG_6728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mFZd5CkZOg/T9-FZY0WakI/AAAAAAAADdk/WUsr3pkC19w/s320/20120602-IMG_6728.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-56230044675618124142012-06-18T12:28:00.000-07:002012-06-18T12:28:08.960-07:00Photo Dump - MayHere is Ruth's May in photos:<br />
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Climbing on tables:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrT3yd-R41k/T9-ACnxp1II/AAAAAAAADag/SwqfXqemHig/s1600/20120504-IMAG0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="191" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrT3yd-R41k/T9-ACnxp1II/AAAAAAAADag/SwqfXqemHig/s320/20120504-IMAG0012.jpg" /></a><br />
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Using her walker like a pro!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOl_VDIB7HE/T9-AC9YWpoI/AAAAAAAADas/wFglT3cNdVg/s1600/20120506-IMAG0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="191" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOl_VDIB7HE/T9-AC9YWpoI/AAAAAAAADas/wFglT3cNdVg/s320/20120506-IMAG0020.jpg" /></a><br />
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Sandbox:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Esx_Anc63_0/T9-ADSt4WqI/AAAAAAAADa4/7w6g-1n5Mnw/s1600/20120506-IMAG0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="191" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Esx_Anc63_0/T9-ADSt4WqI/AAAAAAAADa4/7w6g-1n5Mnw/s320/20120506-IMAG0023.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Sidewalk chalk:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tuSQUgRFu8c/T9-ADxkcnTI/AAAAAAAADbE/Uc-nmxIbTrE/s1600/20120506-IMAG0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tuSQUgRFu8c/T9-ADxkcnTI/AAAAAAAADbE/Uc-nmxIbTrE/s320/20120506-IMAG0027.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Swimming:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLbtVbZiVOM/T9-AEL52c0I/AAAAAAAADbM/_8AI4c6sHjw/s1600/20120506-IMAG0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="191" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLbtVbZiVOM/T9-AEL52c0I/AAAAAAAADbM/_8AI4c6sHjw/s320/20120506-IMAG0029.jpg" /></a><br />
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New basket for her walker!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nX1eRXDZGmo/T9-AVkFus8I/AAAAAAAADbc/h8FkbtbiY9E/s1600/20120509-IMAG0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="191" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nX1eRXDZGmo/T9-AVkFus8I/AAAAAAAADbc/h8FkbtbiY9E/s320/20120509-IMAG0041.jpg" /></a><br />
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Hanging out in her stroller:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYOpvHrLKwo/T9-AV3hMzvI/AAAAAAAADbo/yrq5myUkClY/s1600/20120527-IMG_6169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYOpvHrLKwo/T9-AV3hMzvI/AAAAAAAADbo/yrq5myUkClY/s320/20120527-IMG_6169.jpg" /></a><br />
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She loves her sisters!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nS1Ng9A22I/T9-AWRuI3YI/AAAAAAAADb0/FAbCVf8ezkE/s1600/20120527-IMG_6181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nS1Ng9A22I/T9-AWRuI3YI/AAAAAAAADb0/FAbCVf8ezkE/s320/20120527-IMG_6181.jpg" /></a><br />
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Walking on the dock:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ASWBjt-_G0Y/T9-AWuHIeDI/AAAAAAAADcA/pBAY9eh-S64/s1600/20120527-IMG_6244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ASWBjt-_G0Y/T9-AWuHIeDI/AAAAAAAADcA/pBAY9eh-S64/s320/20120527-IMG_6244.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BjThHVWrkzE/T9-AXZe5d8I/AAAAAAAADcM/hhRlRVj4H1c/s1600/20120527-IMG_6260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BjThHVWrkzE/T9-AXZe5d8I/AAAAAAAADcM/hhRlRVj4H1c/s320/20120527-IMG_6260.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKrH99boukI/T9-Ak2LDrrI/AAAAAAAADcY/nTATohtSlKc/s1600/20120527-IMG_6306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKrH99boukI/T9-Ak2LDrrI/AAAAAAAADcY/nTATohtSlKc/s320/20120527-IMG_6306.jpg" /></a><br />
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Watching a movie at the drive-in:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZZ2SvQzwB4/T9-AlBeJZMI/AAAAAAAADck/B3c8NnZQoP0/s1600/20120527-IMG_6366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZZ2SvQzwB4/T9-AlBeJZMI/AAAAAAAADck/B3c8NnZQoP0/s320/20120527-IMG_6366.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-80197677025944969612012-06-18T12:20:00.001-07:002012-06-18T12:20:35.423-07:00Photo Dump - AprilI haven't been a good blogger this year, Ruth has had very few spina bifida related things to blog about, which is awesome! She is just part of our family, just like her four sisters. <br />
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Here is Ruth's April (after Easter):<br />
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Playing in the sandbox:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5NKSSOmh420/T99-KL-9ubI/AAAAAAAADZY/8c9OxPhy-BQ/s1600/20120424-IMG_20120424_161825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5NKSSOmh420/T99-KL-9ubI/AAAAAAAADZY/8c9OxPhy-BQ/s320/20120424-IMG_20120424_161825.jpg" /></a><br />
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Climbing on tables:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-QyjQ1kZY4/T99-KWFobaI/AAAAAAAADZk/tEMFukXKZqs/s1600/20120426-IMG_20120426_094405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-QyjQ1kZY4/T99-KWFobaI/AAAAAAAADZk/tEMFukXKZqs/s320/20120426-IMG_20120426_094405.jpg" /></a><br />
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Climbing on her playground:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8r4EBVpKaU/T99-KyF15XI/AAAAAAAADZw/_0A73K4OIR8/s1600/20120426-IMG_20120426_161240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8r4EBVpKaU/T99-KyF15XI/AAAAAAAADZw/_0A73K4OIR8/s320/20120426-IMG_20120426_161240.jpg" /></a><br />
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Climbing on her other playground:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UWLh2HTkihY/T99-awbUuFI/AAAAAAAADZ8/r4JoQVHJkhs/s1600/20120429-IMAG0370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UWLh2HTkihY/T99-awbUuFI/AAAAAAAADZ8/r4JoQVHJkhs/s320/20120429-IMAG0370.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Swinging in her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wingbo-USA-Tummy-Time-Swing/dp/B002SAPIYI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&tag=b06d-20" target="_blank">wingbo</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7slTTWrMHFw/T99-bjHBbtI/AAAAAAAADaU/G2JrDZSo1Fg/s1600/20120429-IMAG0367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="191" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7slTTWrMHFw/T99-bjHBbtI/AAAAAAAADaU/G2JrDZSo1Fg/s320/20120429-IMAG0367.jpg" /></a><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-18434655748274702102012-06-18T11:48:00.001-07:002012-06-18T11:48:27.533-07:0022 MonthsBecause I am just blown away with her walking, another video for your enjoyment:
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4qnB8c_1yqY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-9878227177403788522012-05-21T13:47:00.004-07:002012-05-21T13:48:21.792-07:00More Walking!Here is a recent video of Ruth walking. She just started taking independent steps a couple weeks ago, and she has so much more control now! She is 21 months old.
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/liKfe1bDRqo?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-77818831112714321252012-05-03T14:23:00.000-07:002012-05-03T14:23:43.637-07:00Ruth is WALKING!Ruth has been walking holding onto us with just one hand for a while now, and today, at the very end of her physical therapy, look what she decided to do!! She is so amazing, I am so happy I could cry! (She is now 21 months old)
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<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ijjxGzrVZzw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-56070133729473640522012-04-09T15:29:00.000-07:002012-04-09T15:29:05.614-07:00Egg Hunting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Ruth's first time hunting eggs all on her own, and she did great! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Although when she was done she started throwing them back out of her bucket so she could pick them up again, lol.</span>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-61960072784657587152012-03-08T15:18:00.000-08:002012-03-08T15:18:29.445-08:00An Independent Step!Ruth got her AFO's yesterday. I would share some photos of her getting them, but she is such a handful with doctors, that I have all but given up on taking photos at her appointments anymore ;)
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cute pink AFO's!<br/>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGgUe1rbQKQ/T1k8IeEMrfI/AAAAAAAACDs/uF2Cs-2pIgg/s1600/20120307-IMG_4018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGgUe1rbQKQ/T1k8IeEMrfI/AAAAAAAACDs/uF2Cs-2pIgg/s320/20120307-IMG_4018.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Walking holding on with ONE hand.<br/>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlzEOd3Njs8/T1k8IgRyDSI/AAAAAAAACD4/OfBEfCLk6iw/s1600/20120307-IMG_4062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlzEOd3Njs8/T1k8IgRyDSI/AAAAAAAACD4/OfBEfCLk6iw/s320/20120307-IMG_4062.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She is such a character!<br/>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBGRYx-z0kY/T1k8Ii2-TuI/AAAAAAAACEI/KmWYyMvHfrQ/s1600/20120307-IMG_4069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBGRYx-z0kY/T1k8Ii2-TuI/AAAAAAAACEI/KmWYyMvHfrQ/s320/20120307-IMG_4069.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stylin'<br/>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nyv-CxMRn4/T1k8IxnQnpI/AAAAAAAACEQ/50M4EoVaH10/s1600/20120307-IMG_4077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nyv-CxMRn4/T1k8IxnQnpI/AAAAAAAACEQ/50M4EoVaH10/s320/20120307-IMG_4077.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pigtails!<br/>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-izSUzF7Ao0w/T1k8b7oEDoI/AAAAAAAACEg/VxuIiGHMGjs/s1600/20120307-IMG_4090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-izSUzF7Ao0w/T1k8b7oEDoI/AAAAAAAACEg/VxuIiGHMGjs/s320/20120307-IMG_4090.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her first attempt to stand ALONE.<br/>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxDyEi-MXLY/T1k8cJ-pK7I/AAAAAAAACEs/FEZFQQ_ahfs/s1600/20120307-IMG_4094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxDyEi-MXLY/T1k8cJ-pK7I/AAAAAAAACEs/FEZFQQ_ahfs/s320/20120307-IMG_4094.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And crashing down she came.<br/>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SfOLzNyBZQ/T1k8cROJKXI/AAAAAAAACE4/XBluDxZT_gY/s1600/20120307-IMG_4095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SfOLzNyBZQ/T1k8cROJKXI/AAAAAAAACE4/XBluDxZT_gY/s320/20120307-IMG_4095.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her second attempt to stand alone, and this time she TOOK A STEP! Yes, she took an INDEPENDENT STEP! Yay!<br/>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wO6OXqaBT1w/T1k8tDhmtgI/AAAAAAAACFQ/v5cEgbihgDI/s1600/ruth-19months-standing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="120" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wO6OXqaBT1w/T1k8tDhmtgI/AAAAAAAACFQ/v5cEgbihgDI/s400/ruth-19months-standing.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This girl LOVES her belly button!<br/>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRRoGjlsKzA/T1k8ciCZJaI/AAAAAAAACFA/jgUX64BP8p0/s1600/20120307-IMG_4120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRRoGjlsKzA/T1k8ciCZJaI/AAAAAAAACFA/jgUX64BP8p0/s320/20120307-IMG_4120.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-25730696563935395102012-02-01T10:12:00.000-08:002012-02-09T17:40:10.072-08:00Stair master!She has actually been climbing the stairs for many months now, but I realized I never really videoed her doing it. Here is a video of Ruth climbing our stairs at 18 months old:<br/><br/><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rg59VKxK2Pk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-11693971588901710202012-01-26T04:12:00.000-08:002012-02-09T18:08:21.071-08:00ETV = Successful!!Ruth had her neurosurgeon appointment last week, and we couldn't ask for a better visit. Her ventricles are about the same as her last MRI (3 months ago), her head circumference is now following a normal growth pattern, and he doesn't want to see her again for another 6 months! She also doesn't have an MRI scheduled, for the first time, well... for the first time ever!! He told us that he considers her ETV to have been a success!! Pretty good, I'd say :) Ruth is only the 4th Spina Bifida patient he has done that particular surgery on (he has done many on other types of people), and he has had about 50% success rate. I'm glad she is in the right half of that statistic!<br/><br/>She still has the opening in the bone in her skull, and he told us, that since she has extra fluid (ETV does not drain the fluid like a VP Shunt would), it would likely always be there. But since it is small (about the size of a dime), it does not concern him for safety reasons, i.e., her brain is still very well protected by the rest of her skull.<br/><br/>Prayers are always still appreciated, as he told us, she will never be completely out of the woods. But this is a great step in the right direction!<br/><br/>A few photos of Ruth from about a week ago. She has turned into quite the toddler.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqpgdadBTOM/TzR8BgC0lBI/AAAAAAAABmU/1OEZC4RZH_k/s1600/wpid-20120126-ruth-17months.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqpgdadBTOM/TzR8BgC0lBI/AAAAAAAABmU/1OEZC4RZH_k/s320/wpid-20120126-ruth-17months.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707322993008743442" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-57686849365933333792012-01-11T02:52:00.000-08:002012-02-09T19:19:59.448-08:00Ruth Update & Vacation photosI've been slacking a little on Ruth's blog, no real updates for a while. So, here is a quick one to let everyone know how she is doing. I've decided to become a little less specific with her medical issues now that she is getting older, as I'm sure some day she would not appreciate all of that on the internet :)<br/><br/>Ruth is now 17 months old. How did that happen??<br/><br/><b>Walking:</b><br/>Ruth is doing AWESOME with her walker! She got her walker right before Thanksgiving, and just loves it. She is getting faster with it, can turn herself around to face the right directions, and is confident in it that she will not fall. She still needs to work on steering it.. but that will come with more practice. <br/><br/>Her balance isn't quite where it needs to be to walk independently (no walker). She sees her ortho in a little more than a month, and I think he plans on putting her in higher braces called AFO's. These will go up to right below her knee, and should give her a little more stability. We do not think she will need such high braces forever, but she may need them now unless she proves us otherwise in the next month. You never know with that girl!<br/><br/><b>Talking:</b><br/>She has also started talking a lot more. Her favorite sayings right now are "See it?" when she points at something, and "uh, oh - what happened?" when she drops something, or plays with the TV remotes ;) She also calls just about every animal "Meow". We are working on that one. But she really likes cats!<br/><br/><b>Neuro:</b><br/>She had a rapid MRI yesterday just to check on things. That is a quick MRI with no sedation. It was at the end of the day, and I did not let her nap, so she was good and tired beforehand. She screamed at being strapped down for the first part of the scan, but by the end she dosed off and on enough for them to get the pictures they needed. We don't see her neurosurgeon until next week, but prayers are always appreciated. Her skull from her surgery last May still has not healed closed from where he drilled, because of fluid present in that area. That could mean she will end up needing a VP Shunt, or it could mean we will just continue to watch it and it will eventually heal. We will find out at her appointment how her scan looks compared to her one last September.<br/><br/><b>Urology</b><br/>Ruth has continued to struggle with UTI's. Despite our best efforts, she continues to get them with very high fever every couple of months. Her kidneys are still healthy, so we are grateful for that. Prayers always appreciated to keep those darn UTI's away!<br/><br/>So, now for some vacation photos! Over the break, we traveled to see family in Arizona, and got to do lots of fun things! Here are some photos of Ruth in action. <br/><br/><i>To see all our family photos, not just of Ruth, check out my facebook or flickr accounts ;)</i><br /><br />Opening presents with her sisters' help!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91ZYca0iyyg/TzSLJkL8Q0I/AAAAAAAABvU/KjNauGNt7cE/s1600/wpid-20111217-IMG_0625.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91ZYca0iyyg/TzSLJkL8Q0I/AAAAAAAABvU/KjNauGNt7cE/s400/wpid-20111217-IMG_0625.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707339624234107714" /></a><br /><br />Carlsbad Caverns<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jETVbLHJoyA/TzSLJ8zlfzI/AAAAAAAABvc/z2KK2_qvrmQ/s1600/wpid-20111227-IMG_0797.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jETVbLHJoyA/TzSLJ8zlfzI/AAAAAAAABvc/z2KK2_qvrmQ/s400/wpid-20111227-IMG_0797.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707339630842838834" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4C-6Wzs65xA/TzSLJwgvpQI/AAAAAAAABvw/iJhK_D7XzaY/s1600/wpid-20111227-IMG_0817.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4C-6Wzs65xA/TzSLJwgvpQI/AAAAAAAABvw/iJhK_D7XzaY/s400/wpid-20111227-IMG_0817.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707339627542586626" /></a><br /><br />Air & Space Museum<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlpTn9IqQL4/TzSLKdNLY3I/AAAAAAAABv4/6L5SQbMMIsc/s1600/wpid-20111228-IMG_0851.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlpTn9IqQL4/TzSLKdNLY3I/AAAAAAAABv4/6L5SQbMMIsc/s400/wpid-20111228-IMG_0851.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707339639540114290" /></a><br /><br />Air & Space Museum - She is looking at me in this photo, like "Really, another photo Mom?" lol<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPRkySNBhus/TzSLKsm6aEI/AAAAAAAABwE/de02ONNf3cQ/s1600/wpid-20111228-IMG_0880.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPRkySNBhus/TzSLKsm6aEI/AAAAAAAABwE/de02ONNf3cQ/s400/wpid-20111228-IMG_0880.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707339643674585154" /></a><br /><br />Zoo!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tA8-qee7bLA/TzSLUJWYB0I/AAAAAAAABwQ/lUGGMpLoE5c/s1600/wpid-20111229-IMG_1376.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tA8-qee7bLA/TzSLUJWYB0I/AAAAAAAABwQ/lUGGMpLoE5c/s400/wpid-20111229-IMG_1376.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707339806008674114" /></a><br /><br />I am SOOOO proud of her here. She walked about half the zoo and kept up with the group! She was so tired after that, she slept in her Daddy's arms for the rest of the time. But she was so determined to walk, she would have NOTHING to do with us picking her up. She amazes me!<br /><br />White Sands. It took us a couple weeks to get all the sand off her walker, lol.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtLL7kQr-UI/TzSLUSmlRuI/AAAAAAAABwY/iKN_Su1UuGo/s1600/wpid-20111231-IMG_1501.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtLL7kQr-UI/TzSLUSmlRuI/AAAAAAAABwY/iKN_Su1UuGo/s400/wpid-20111231-IMG_1501.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707339808492570338" /></a><br /><br />Sledding with Daddy!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHyXU5ucpag/TzSLUaMevwI/AAAAAAAABwg/2SDFyHkyHE4/s1600/wpid-20111231-IMG_1624.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHyXU5ucpag/TzSLUaMevwI/AAAAAAAABwg/2SDFyHkyHE4/s400/wpid-20111231-IMG_1624.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707339810530574082" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-91741028210078659202012-01-05T10:44:00.000-08:002012-02-09T17:39:33.867-08:00Uh oh, What Happened?Ruth's new favorite saying! It usually has something to do with the TV (she loves to get the remotes and start button mashing)<br/><br/><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/o8rFPFFW71M?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-1842586763941819872011-12-09T05:09:00.000-08:002012-02-09T17:42:32.320-08:00Go go go...Ruth is enjoying having her walker when we go places. She hates to be held, she wants down (normal for a 1 year old!). The walker lets her have her independence, without crawling around on dirty grounds! She hasn't mastered steering the walker just yet, but she is getting there!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvZflnq7q-A/TzR1960HlpI/AAAAAAAABkQ/cwmXCfhu-xw/s1600/wpid-20111130-IMG_0507.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvZflnq7q-A/TzR1960HlpI/AAAAAAAABkQ/cwmXCfhu-xw/s400/wpid-20111130-IMG_0507.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707316334405588626" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-61842653148617807612011-12-09T04:40:00.000-08:002012-02-09T19:10:05.420-08:00Family Camp 2011We attended the SBANT Family Camp this year right before Thanksgiving as a family. It is held at Camp John Marc, which is specifically for children with special needs. It is really a wonderful place. This year there were 24 families there, all with similar journeys as ours. It was nice to be around people that understand!<br/><br/><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HbKcTHEE1k/TzSJBOyMsEI/AAAAAAAABs4/9VRoDW97Lq8/s1600/wpid-20111119-IMG_0228-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HbKcTHEE1k/TzSJBOyMsEI/AAAAAAAABs4/9VRoDW97Lq8/s400/wpid-20111119-IMG_0228-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337282026778690" /></a><br /><br />Lots of fun activities to do.<br/><br/>Scavenger Hunt!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zqj4lPsjYEY/TzSJBe9QiWI/AAAAAAAABtA/TDja3OEIXa4/s1600/wpid-20111119-IMG_0233.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zqj4lPsjYEY/TzSJBe9QiWI/AAAAAAAABtA/TDja3OEIXa4/s400/wpid-20111119-IMG_0233.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337286368135522" /></a><br /><br />Sports! She particularly loved the parachute! She just laughed and laughed!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_TnykmsPzI/TzSJBZxY_CI/AAAAAAAABtM/axPRPJ02p7s/s1600/wpid-20111119-IMG_0256.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_TnykmsPzI/TzSJBZxY_CI/AAAAAAAABtM/axPRPJ02p7s/s400/wpid-20111119-IMG_0256.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337284976180258" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PcgRk_3K86w/TzSJBvYmo_I/AAAAAAAABtU/RpHmOdDmRLk/s1600/wpid-20111119-IMG_0263.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PcgRk_3K86w/TzSJBvYmo_I/AAAAAAAABtU/RpHmOdDmRLk/s400/wpid-20111119-IMG_0263.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337290777797618" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S67fveEkqmY/TzSJBnRGy8I/AAAAAAAABto/hqgBJxR-BHk/s1600/wpid-20111119-IMG_0283.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S67fveEkqmY/TzSJBnRGy8I/AAAAAAAABto/hqgBJxR-BHk/s400/wpid-20111119-IMG_0283.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337288598866882" /></a><br />Fishing! Her sisters did most of the fishing while Ruth stood in her walker, but Daddy came by to let her get a chance. She loved that too! This was her first chance to really use the walker and she was a little cautious, but she loved just being about to stand in it and the independence with not being held all the time.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WY0W_L-gI2g/TzSJOWGA-NI/AAAAAAAABt0/DKRdZ2o_aic/s1600/wpid-20111119-IMG_0312.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WY0W_L-gI2g/TzSJOWGA-NI/AAAAAAAABt0/DKRdZ2o_aic/s400/wpid-20111119-IMG_0312.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337507327244498" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PV_zUuaNyak/TzSJOXJADLI/AAAAAAAABt8/niSlII8Yrvw/s1600/wpid-20111119-IMG_0318.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PV_zUuaNyak/TzSJOXJADLI/AAAAAAAABt8/niSlII8Yrvw/s400/wpid-20111119-IMG_0318.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337507608202418" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EWmIhSyAOAg/TzSJOhKlSbI/AAAAAAAABuM/S0ax5ekNldU/s1600/wpid-20111119-IMG_0328.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EWmIhSyAOAg/TzSJOhKlSbI/AAAAAAAABuM/S0ax5ekNldU/s400/wpid-20111119-IMG_0328.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337510299191730" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYLVrGbJOP4/TzSJO_x-goI/AAAAAAAABuY/3JVn12Kkyh4/s1600/wpid-20111119-IMG_0338.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYLVrGbJOP4/TzSJO_x-goI/AAAAAAAABuY/3JVn12Kkyh4/s400/wpid-20111119-IMG_0338.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337518517486210" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyX6WXcJTWg/TzSJPDhuQoI/AAAAAAAABug/LqDc6vegg4Y/s1600/wpid-20111119-IMG_0345.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyX6WXcJTWg/TzSJPDhuQoI/AAAAAAAABug/LqDc6vegg4Y/s400/wpid-20111119-IMG_0345.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337519523054210" /></a><br />Arts & Crafts! Although, it was a bit of a disaster. Ruth was ready for a nap, and I'm not sure what I was thinking giving her a fabric marker (we now have purple decorated pink pants! Whoops!)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-12JsiqGb23w/TzSJXqxnk9I/AAAAAAAABuw/QDxT-GLJuQA/s1600/wpid-20111119-IMG_0396.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-12JsiqGb23w/TzSJXqxnk9I/AAAAAAAABuw/QDxT-GLJuQA/s400/wpid-20111119-IMG_0396.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337667497661394" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9qgWCpfD0E/TzSJXx8qQsI/AAAAAAAABu4/h5_zqs_CNlM/s1600/wpid-20111119-IMG_0400.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9qgWCpfD0E/TzSJXx8qQsI/AAAAAAAABu4/h5_zqs_CNlM/s400/wpid-20111119-IMG_0400.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337669423022786" /></a><br />There was a campfire with songs, ropes course (big sisters did that while we did arts and crafts), and a few other social gatherings and activities, that I did not take many photos at. I think next year we may recruit a grandma to come along to help with all our kiddos! LOL.<br/><br/>Ruth even made some new friends! These two were soo cute together, they both just loved and hugged on each other all weekend.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XFyo4nKrb94/TzSJXwM09tI/AAAAAAAABvI/f8oTfpzlnEE/s1600/wpid-20111120-IMG_0496.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XFyo4nKrb94/TzSJXwM09tI/AAAAAAAABvI/f8oTfpzlnEE/s400/wpid-20111120-IMG_0496.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337668953962194" /></a><br />We are looking forward to coming back next year. I know Ruth will love it more and more as she grows! Once she is around 8 years old, she can go to the camp on her own (without the family). I am pretty sure her sisters will be jealous of that fact, they LOVED it there too! Lucky girl!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-46006504183891967482011-11-17T05:12:00.000-08:002012-02-09T17:41:21.848-08:00Walker!Ruth's PT brought her a loaner walker to use until we get her own ordered.. She absolutely loved it! She may have been a little too brave, she ended up with a fat lip by the end of the PT session.. but it didn't stop her at all. She got right back up there and kept walking!<br/><br/><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SMHmWtFc8Uc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-21228069852197472482011-11-05T13:55:00.000-07:002012-02-08T19:43:05.195-08:00Meet Ruth<object id="vp115QI8" width="480" height="270" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1320546819&f=15QI83FRYLs6KqEdX94WHQ&d=257&m=p&r=240p+480p&volume=100&start_res=480p&i=m&ct=Ruth's%20Story&cu=http://www.ruths-story.com&options="></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed id="vp115QI8" src="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1320546819&f=15QI83FRYLs6KqEdX94WHQ&d=257&m=p&r=240p+480p&volume=100&start_res=480p&i=m&ct=Ruth's%20Story&cu=http://www.ruths-story.com&options=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="270"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-16954328363585920942011-10-31T01:45:00.000-07:002012-02-09T18:10:31.586-08:00Spina Bifida AwarenessOctober is Spina Bifida awareness month. Yes, I know it's October 31st, but I wanted to get at least one post out there about it.<br/><br/>Spina Bifida Awareness to me, is about making people aware that Spina Bifida is not a terminal condition. That people living with SB, can live long fulfilling lives just like the rest of us.<br/><br/>This is our face of Spina Bifida.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fEDbDIhamK0/TzR8exwM0uI/AAAAAAAABmg/IkinP3BLHqk/s1600/ribbon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fEDbDIhamK0/TzR8exwM0uI/AAAAAAAABmg/IkinP3BLHqk/s400/ribbon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707323495978685154" /></a><br />I want to share a quote a fellow SB Mom friend of mine posted on Facebook.<br/><br/><blockquote>Spina Bifida shouldn't be something scary, sad, foreign, or feared as one would fear a death sentence. And yet every parent who is hears "I'm so sorry -there is something wrong - your baby has Spina Bifida" feels those things. Every pregnant mother who is left with the decision on whether or not to terminate her pregnancy... based on a horrifying description of the "poor quality of life" their child ...will have - feels those things. And it's not only because we are overwhelmed with a diagnosis we didn't expect - it's because we are UNAWARE. We are uneducated, unprepared, unaware of what Spina Bifida really is. What it looks like. What it means for our children. What it means for our futures. We overlook what it CAN be because of what we FEAR it to be. Don't let Spina Bifida continue to be like a ghost in the shadows - shine the light on Spina Bifida. Be aware of the research surrounding it, the miracles born with it, the people who live with it, and the many who strive to REDEFINE it. ~<a href="http://www.babyboypenny.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Joanna Penny</a></blockquote><br/><br/>I also want to share a post a mom left on a Spina Bifida support forum I belong to. She was given misleading information about her unborn baby, and was lead to believe she had no other option but to terminate. To hear her story, her regret, is heartbreaking. She was given encouragement to get help from the other mothers on the board, and I am proud of them.<br/><br/>I am posting a screen shot of it here, for any mothers that may stumble across this blog in the same position, that they may question those doctors and follow their heart. For my friends and family, it is not for the faint of heart, so please keep that in mind before choosing to read it.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdOgmvmqKmg/TzR8fLkHffI/AAAAAAAABms/q7EUsSxKhX8/s1600/sb-awareness.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdOgmvmqKmg/TzR8fLkHffI/AAAAAAAABms/q7EUsSxKhX8/s400/sb-awareness.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707323502907325938" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-9941143764020379962011-10-23T03:07:00.000-07:002012-02-09T18:07:08.727-08:00Neuro UpdateSo, as I talked about during my last post, Ruth's MRI report from her MOMS trial follow up in San Francisco showed some concerning areas.<br/><ul><li>The quarter size hole in her skull he made to perform the ETV has not closed, in fact the MRI shows there is fluid built up and the bone actually has a slight upward lip to it, indicated there is some pressure.</li><li>Her ventricles are still enlarged.</li><li>She has syrinx (build up of fluid) in her spine, and her spinal cord has become tethered to scar tissue at the bottom instead of floating freely.</li></ul><br/>We expected these things meant a shunt was likely in her future, although we did not talk to a neurosurgeon while in San Francisco, we did already have a scheduled appointment with her neurosurgeon back home the week after we returned. Rachel was nice enough to overnight all the reports and MRI disk (since we had to leave too early to wait for them all), and I called her neurosurgeon nurse and spoke with her. She said as long as Ruth is acting fine there is no reason to bring her in sooner than her scheduled appointment (a week out).<br/><br/>So, the day of the appointment we were all but certain her doctor would be having us schedule a shunt surgery. We were pleasantly surprised! Her head circumference is back on the normal growth curve, and her ventricles are SMALLER than her last MRI before her ETV surgery. He was not happy with the fact the bone has not healed, but unless it gets worse, he can "live with it" like that. So for now, the main things we are watching for is her head circumference to start increasing too fast (go back off the normal growth curve), and the fluid to start bulging out of the opening in her skull. He didn't feel like she would exhibit other symptoms of hydrocephalus, since it is mild and has a very slow progression.<br/><br/>I asked him about the syrinx and tethered cord. He said unless it's causing problems, they do nothing about them. So, that may mean a surgery a few years down the road, or next year, or never. Another one of those wait and see things.<br/><br/>We will continue to watch her closely, and she has a scheduled "rapid" MRI - with no sedation, and a follow up appointment in January. Please continue to pray for no surgery! It is working!<br/><br/>Here is the only photo I took (with my phone) during her appointment. Ruth was sitting in my lap and I was holding my phone out trying to grab a photo of her, and her Daddy decided to be a goof in the background. So, I'm sure he will love that I am posting this, but that's what he gets!! :-)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJnclfzYuck/TzR7nxeiEKI/AAAAAAAABmI/Jiyk-xH9VNQ/s1600/wpid-20111006-2011-10-06-09-55-41-006-orig.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJnclfzYuck/TzR7nxeiEKI/AAAAAAAABmI/Jiyk-xH9VNQ/s320/wpid-20111006-2011-10-06-09-55-41-006-orig.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707322551011774626" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2010129943510855282.post-84743935534425324112011-10-16T03:33:00.000-07:002012-02-09T18:29:57.482-08:00MOMS Trial 1 Year Follow UpSince we participated in the MOMS Trial (for fetal surgery for Spina Bifida), we traveled back to San Francisco for scheduled follow ups. The first one is at 12 months, which they calculate from her due date, and since she was born 2 months early, fell on the end of September. <br/><br/>I already blogged about the fun stuff we did, so here is the rest. It was very emotionally draining for me, which is probably why it has taken me so long to blog about it. I didn't expect all the emotions from last summer to come rushing back to me. It was incredibly hard being back at the hospital there. <br/><br/>I dragged my big camera around with us, but never took it out of the bag. I did, however, take a few random shots with my phone, so I will share those. Forgive the poor quality.<br/><br/><strong>DAY 1:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXukmG5b8yA/TzSA1LB5_RI/AAAAAAAABn0/MxzlHD-hXjA/s1600/wpid-20111016-moms-trial-followup1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXukmG5b8yA/TzSA1LB5_RI/AAAAAAAABn0/MxzlHD-hXjA/s400/wpid-20111016-moms-trial-followup1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707328278767467794" /></a><br />The first day consisted of a physical exam and developmental exam. Both of those combined took up the entire morning (4 hours!). We then had a short lunch, and she went for a renal ultrasound and back x-ray.<br/><br/>I wrote in my journal about it, so I will share that:<br/><br/><br/><br/><blockquote>Long day at UCSF. It was nice to see Rachel again, not so nice to be back at the hospital.<br/>The first thing was the physical exam, he tested her vision and hearing. He let us show him that she could crawl, and after we got a lower box, pull up.<br/>He poked her legs with a sharp toothpick to see where she had sensation. He tested her leg movement. Felt around on her belly and tested her bum.<br/>He went over the results with us. He said she has l4 level of sensation since she can't feel the outside of her calves. She has s1 level of motor function since she can wiggle her toes, but doesn't have much ankle movement. Nothing abnormal was noted about her bladder. <br/><br/>The next thing was the developmental exam (baby SATs). She worked really hard, she stacked blocks, played with cups, and did really well with most of the occupational tests. She did not like the tester taking toys away from her. She was soo tired by the time they got to the physical part she didn't really listen, but we did get her to pull up on a small chair. Both exams combined took 4 hours.<br/><br/>We ate lunch then headed to the renal ultrasound. She had the same tech that she had in the nicu! That was neat. After that we headed upstairs for the spine xray. Ruth was so done, we headed back to the hotel and she napped.<br/><br/>We walked around some shops after she woke up and then took the train to eat at one of our favorite places by the family house.</blockquote><br/><br/>A little about the levels mentioned. Spina Bifida effects every baby differently, depending on where on the spine (the level) the opening was, and what nerves at that opening were effected. Ruth was diagnosed with an S1 opening during pregnancy, but after birth, it was determined by MRI she had an L5 opening, which is worse/higher.<br/><br/>She was given an L4 sensation level. L4. That is worse/higher than where her defect was located. That was very discouraging to hear, but.. we knew she didn't have much feeling in her lower legs. She does have SOME, but I'm guessing not enough for the examiner to count for trial purposes. Her right leg is better off than her left leg, and she can feel when you touch the bottom of that foot. Her left leg is a little worse off, but not terribly.<br/><br/>She was given an S1 motor level. That is BETTER than where her defect was located. She is trying to walk, pulls up, crawls, can wiggle her toes some, and have a little ankle movement. <br/><br/>The developmental exam was exhausting. Ruth got to sit in my lap during the testing, but we couldn't react (laugh, encourage, clap, etc) at all. It was hard, and it was hard on her. She worked really hard at all the tests they laid in front of her, but did NOT like the fact that the tester kept taking the toys away from her! The put the physical part of the exam at the very end, and luckly we were able to encourage her during that part. She was SO DONE by then, and it took a lot for us to get her to show them what she could do (pull up, cruise, climb over things, etc). She did pull up, but refused to cruise, and climb. She kept crawling towards the door (let me out of here!). Poor girl. We did not get the results from that test, but I feel like she did pretty well. She was able to do most of the cognitive tests pretty well. She did not show off her physical abilities too well... but oh well. <br/><br/>I had to remind myself those test have no bearing on Ruth. It is for the trial, and really doesn't mean anything for her. She is who she is, she is going to do what she is going to do, one long morning with random people judging her, well it doesn't mean much. Of course, I want her to show off... But, I tried not to dwell too much on it if there was something she couldn't, or wouldn't, do for them.<br/><br/><strong>DAY 2:</strong><br/><br/>The second day was the urodynamics (study on her bladder), and full head and spine MRI. Since the MRI required sedation, she couldn't eat anything after midnight, and couldn't drink anything after about 8AM. She handled that fine, tho.<br/><br/>Here was my journal entry for the day:<br/><br/><br/><br/><blockquote>Today was the final day of the MOMS trial follow up. We met Rachel at the fetal treatment center, and she walked us up to urodynamics. We waited a good bit for that to start, enough time for Ruth to get really tired. They took her weight and height (19ish lbs and 28 inches). Once they got us in the room, they had me prep her (empty her bladder and insert the probes). She started to get upset so I put her blanket close to her face and she calmed down. Soon after she fell asleep, and slept through the rest of the test (thank goodness). The test showed she has a normal bladder capacity for her age, and a smooth bladder. It also showed she has a closed bladder neck. All of those things are great for future continence. The reflux that was present last year was still there, but not until her bladder was very full. The doctor was running the test, and it was great to be able to ask him questions. I left there feeling pretty good.<br/><br/>We left there and went back to the fetal treatment center to answer more questions for the trial. Once it got close to 10, Rachel walked us to the mri. We waited, and they finally started at about 11:20. Not too happy about that since Ruth was npo, but she handled it like a champ. She screamed and fought the gas mask to put her under like crazy, which broke my heart. I left her in tears. They told us "about an hour". After 1.5 hours, we had them call back, and was told "another 20-30 minutes". All in all it was almost 3 hours before we saw her again. (They told us the machine kept over heating. Comforting, huh?) It took her a long time to wake up. I nursed her for a while, then headed back up with her to the fetal treatment center to finish the trial questionnaires. She was very grumpy, but we got through it. Once Matt got the disk he joined us, and Rachel told us the radiologist was very concerned about the fluid around the opening in her skull from the last surgery. We knew it was a possibility, but still disappointed. A shunt is likely in her future. He did say he saw the ETV still functioning. We see her nuerosurgeon next week, who knows what he says.<br/><br/>Ruth was very grumpy so we hung out at the hotel for a while before going to eat supper. None of us had eaten, so we were all glad to finally go eat. Ruth made it most of the meal before getting really upset, so I calmed her down outside the restaurant.<br/><br/>She did better once we got back to the hotel, and we all had an early bedtime. So ready to be home.</blockquote><br/><br/>Photos from before/during the urodynamics. Poor girl was EXHAUSTED.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3vge4nsZLJg/TzSA1bZqlkI/AAAAAAAABoA/J8TsN57gihI/s1600/wpid-20111016-moms-trial-followup2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 89px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3vge4nsZLJg/TzSA1bZqlkI/AAAAAAAABoA/J8TsN57gihI/s400/wpid-20111016-moms-trial-followup2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707328283162089026" /></a><br />Photos from before/after the MRI.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4Ye18hkJTA/TzSA1o4IoRI/AAAAAAAABoM/6VDjzlKKlcA/s1600/wpid-20111016-moms-trial-followup3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4Ye18hkJTA/TzSA1o4IoRI/AAAAAAAABoM/6VDjzlKKlcA/s400/wpid-20111016-moms-trial-followup3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707328286779547922" /></a><br />A follow up to my note about the MRI - Ruth has since seen her neurosurgeon at home.. it has taken me a while to write about this. I will probably blog separately about all that has happened medically since we got home, so keeping this post from becoming a novel, but as to not worry anyone, Ruth does NOT need surgery at this point. In San Francisco they do not do ETV surgeries for hydro in spina bifida, and the radiologist did not have her most recent MRI to compare against. It does appear Ruth's ETV is doing it's job for now.<br/><br/>One of the reasons we chose to participate in the fetal surgery trial was to hopefully give her a better outcome. Did we? I think so, but it is impossible to know for sure (thus why it was a medical trial, they look at a bunch of kids and the overall outcomes). The two areas the early results from the trial show are (1) better motor abilities and (2) less need for a shunt. Ruth definitely gets around well. She has done everything on track besides walking, and she is getting there. Ruth did not escape the hydrocephalus however. BUT, it is a milder form. Had we not done fetal surgery, she would have likely needed a shunt right away, and had MUCH more fluid draining than she does now. Fetal surgery may not have cured her hydro, but it definitely made it less severe, and thus, she was able to have an alternate surgery (ETV) instead of a shunt. That could change, and very well may, but I still feel we made the best decision for her. <br/><br/>Is fetal surgery the right choice for every baby diagnosed in utero with spina bifida? Definitely not. It is very risky, I know at least two babies have died during the fetal surgery since it left trial, which is absolutely heart breaking. It can also have negative effects on the woman's ability to have more children, since scarring and weakness in the uterus is a possible side effect. Ruth was born premature, but not dangerously so, and we were lucky there. She has no side effects from prematurity. <br/><br/>If we knew then, what we know now, would we have the fetal surgery again? YES, definitely 100% for sure. I have no regrets. It was definitely the harder choice, but I am forever grateful we were given the opportunity, and would do it all again in a heartbeat.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00363746868233335203noreply@blogger.com2