Let's Go Ravens, Let's Go

Thanks to Mom Mom, Mason caused a lot of commotion today wearing the Raven's jersey. It was all good commotion though. He was able to generate a crowd everywhere we went; church, Friendly's, and Walmart. I don't think Britney Spears could have generated such a fan following. HAHAHA! Now I'm just being that over proud Mother. Soon, I'll be spitting on napkins and cleaning Mason's face in public. What will be next? Ironing Mason's underoo's? By the way, isn't Steve handsome? He's my dreamboat.

Clash of the Bandits

Today, the Bandits played their 2nd real game against the Clash. The final score was 6-1 with Bandits leading the victory charge. Both teams played an impressive game. The Bandits were a little more aggressive and began to actually steal the ball from the opposing players. Will the Bandits continue their winning streak next Saturday when they play DSC United? You bet they will!

No Luck of the Irish Today

On Saturday, Madison played her first real game against the all girl team, the Shamrocks. Madison's team (Bandits) shut the Shamrocks down with a score of 8-0. No amount of four leaf clovers were able to save them from this beating.

Our 2nd Trip to Hershey Medical Center

Mason was such a good boy through the ultrasound, VCUG (doctor shoved a catheter up his private area), and giving blood. At least Steve and I have the official diagnosis:

• He was born without a right kidney.
• He has kidney reflux in his left kidney.
• Based on a stage of 1 -5 (5 being the most severe case), Mason is a 5.

He will remain on his daily dose of Amoxicillin. We will need to notify his pediatrician and urologist should he start acting different which could be a sign of a kidney infection. If this should occur, surgery will be an immediate requirement. Mason will continued to be monitored by the urologist as some children outgrow kidney reflux by the time they are 1 year of age. If not, surgery will most likely be in Mason's future to repair his ureter which is spraying urine back into his kidney.

In 6 weeks, we are going back to Hershey Medical Center so a renal scan of Mason's left kidney can be done. The question now is Mason's left kidney functioning at 100% like it should since it's the only one.

We will keep everyone posted.

Our Decision

As a family, we have decided to treat RRF. We turned in all the dollar bills and coins we were saving in our money jar and we had $350. The sad part is that we were collecting our loose money in the coin jar for about a year now and we were looking toward using that money for a vacation in 2010. The good part is, we have money to place RRF in the hospital to get her started on the insulin, 100 syringes, and insulin. Dr. Cheek is only keeping RRF in the hospital for a day so we do not go over our $350 budget.

This money has now become disposable income and it still bothers me that we are spending it on one of our animals. The money could easily go towards Madison's and Mason's college accounts, school taxes that are due soon, or Christmas gifts. What I hope comes out of this besides RRF being okay is that we are teaching Madison that sometimes the value of a dollar doesn't matter. While decisions should not be reckless, they should be based on love and for the goodness of others. With that said, I will be the first to admit that I should really practice what I preach. Steve and I are trying; which is why we made this decision.

How Far Would You Go?

Does anyone remember RRF? We had to rush her to the hospital last winter after she attacked herself and ripped off her tail. He tail was amputated so only a small portion remained and her overactive reproductive system was removed. As of this past Saturday, RRF has been diagnosed with diabetes. The level of committment needed to keep her glucose levels regulated seems a little extreme. Insulin would need to be administered twice daily; each being 12 hours apart. She will need to spend the first few days of treatment in the hospital so Dr. Cheek can begin the insulin shots. Normally, this would require RRF to remain at the hospital for a week, but Dr. Cheek can work with us and only keep her for 2 days since money is an issue. Money is a BIG issue! The insulin and needles are not that expensive when averaged over a 4 month period which is how long the materials should last with each refill. RRF would then need to stay at the hospital for a day every 2 weeks until she is regulated. During that day visit, her glucose would be tested every few hours. Dr. Cheek explained that this is unsual in a cat as young as RRF since diabetes usually does not occur until middle age. Steve and I found RRF last summer in the woods and while I'm not an animal expert, I don't believe she was anymore than several weeks old during that time.

We will need to tell Dr. Cheek of our decision; whether to treat RRF. If left untreated, RRF will continue to get progressively worse and become so sick, that any type of treatment would be too costly. It's been a tough decision. I know some of you are thinking "it's just a cat" and yes, from an outsider's viewpoint, RRF is "just a cat". But to us, "she's part of the family" even if I think we have too many animals. I am torn as I believe Steve is although he keeps telling me that a bullet will only cost 25 cents. Not funny, Steve! My practical side says that we cannot afford to keep RRF healthy. We are paying medical bills relating to Mason's delivery that the insurance did not cover and we will be paying on them for awhile. On top of that, we do not know of Mason's potential condition of kidney reflux and how severe it is for his age. My emotional side says that we cannot euthanize RRF unless we have at least tried to give her a chance at a healthy life.

How far do you go? At what point is the effort not practical anymore? How much will you sacrafice for an animal? Do you listen to reason or your heart? What if this was your pet?

All Work and No Play

Mason is making sure Mommy stays focused on school work.

Mason taking a little break from all his hard work.

Our Musical Genius

Bubbles is playing the violin in school this year. Watching how she cleans the violin, stands in positions, and knows the notes is so amazing because she's only attended 1 class. She must practice everynight, but she loves it. This clip is Madison playing "Twinkle Little Star".

United We Stand

To all those who lost their lives that tragic day, rest in peace!

Never forget - September 11, 2001

In God we trust

United we stand

Ride Like the Wind: Part III

Okay, this is it. Here is my final attempt at displaying a video of Bubbles riding Steve's mini motorcycle. This video also shows Jasmine riding Red (Steve's smallest 4 wheeler) since her and Mom Mom spent the day having fun with the family.

First Overnight Away from Home

While Bubbles was spending the weekend with her Mom, Mason spent Saturday with Mom Mom. It was so strange not having him around. There was a point when Steve and I were sitting at the kitchen table and I looked behind him thinking Mason's swing was there. I didn't realize how much Mason keeps us alert and always on guard. I found myself so relaxed because there were no baby related chores to perform. Having Mom Mom watch Mason allowed us to spend some alone time together as we rode bikes, watched a movie, had takeout and a few beers, and got a good night's rest. I missed him very much and I'm glad he's back home now.

Who knew a barely 2 month old needed so much stuff?












Mason watching the animals go round.

He loves to people watch.














Mom Mom makes Mason so happy.












He was pooped Sunday night after a busy weekend of being adored by Mom Mom and Aunt Jessica.

Ride Like the Wind: Part II

As promised, here is a video of Bubbles riding the mini motorcycle.

Did you see her? If you squint really hard and follow the silver circle moving in the background, then by golly, you do see her. I will post Ride Like the Wind: Part III on Monday so you can see a better video.