No new updates about Nolan. It's been a month since we found out Nolan needs surgery, but we've yet to hear from the cardiologist or surgeon to schedule a pre-op appointment or surgery. Scott and I have calls into the doctor so that we can get this ball rolling and I promise to send an update as soon as ANY new information emerges.
In the mean time, I've added a few new photos from a last minute camp trip we took this last week. As many of you know, every year we go camping and abalone diving in Fort Bragg. I've been going with Scott and his family since 1998. This was going to be the first year since I've known Scott, that ALL of the Thorne's would not be attending. Very long story as to why we weren't going, but needless to say, I was a little disappointed to break my continous track record. This would have been my 15th time camping at Fort Bragg.
The last two weeks Scott and I have been trying to figure out where to go camping for a quick trip before July-I was pushing for somewhere near the ocean-Scott wanted somewhere closer to home with a river or lake for fishing. Then last Friday he got an e-mail from one of the friends that were going to Fort Bragg with some of our "normal" group and one thing led to another. We jumped on Reserve America and found there was actually a spot open in the campground (right next to our friends with kids).
We took a walk to see if Mema and Grandpa could hold down the fort for us for a few days, and then jumped on the web and booked it! Leaving our trailer at home (because it is in need of new tires before it takes a long trip), we (mostly Scott) packed up the truck, the kids, and the kitchen sink and headed to Fort Bragg Sunday afternoon!
We'd booked the campsite through Tuesday, but ended up staying until Wednesday. It rained on us most of the day Monday, but otherwise the weather was beautiful. The ocean cooperated for Scott, who got his abalone limit both days, and the kids were wiped out each night and slept until 7:30-8:00 every morning! All-in-all it was a great little trip and we are very glad we were able to go.
Once again-I'll keep you posted about Nolan.
Changes are coming...
Dear friends and family,
Over the next few months this blog will be used for updates on Nolan. Check back frequently as I'm not sure I'll be sending out my e-mail updates. And be sure to share with anyone that you know or you feel would want to know how Nolan is doing who might not access this blog.
Some of you are aware that Nolan has been having quarterly check ups on his heart. Those check ups have been specfically to watch an area beneath the pulmonary valve where muscle tissue has started to grow. Back when Nolan had his first open-heart surgery at 3 months, there was tissue build-up in this area and the tissue was removed during the first surgery. We were told at the time that the tissue may grow again, and he may need another surgery to remove it. Well...the time has come. It has crossed the threshold that has been watched over the last 2 years, and surgery is needed to remove the tissue build-up. At a checkup up on May 7th, his cardiologist told us that it was time to to do the surgery :(
In the next 2 weeks we should be hearing from the surgeon to set up a pre-op consult. At that time, I imagine a date will be set for the surgery.
What we do know:
1) The surgery will most likely take place sometime before September.
2) It will be performed at Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento. (The same hospital that Nolan & Leah were born.)
3) We should be able to "camp" out in our trailer at the hospital as we did for the 2 week stay after the birth of Leah & Nolan.
4) The pediatric heart surgery team at Sutter was trained by Nolan's surgeon at Lucille Packard in Stanford. Nolan "might" even have Dr. Reddy attend/perform this surgery-but not sure.
5) Nolan knows he needs the surgery but in his own words, "I am having open-heart surgery...but I'm not going!"
6) The hardest part of this surgery (for mom and dad) will be helping Nolan go through it. It was so much easier when he was a baby and didn't know.
As we get more information we'll keep everyone updated, but please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you all.
Jill & Scott
Over the next few months this blog will be used for updates on Nolan. Check back frequently as I'm not sure I'll be sending out my e-mail updates. And be sure to share with anyone that you know or you feel would want to know how Nolan is doing who might not access this blog.
Some of you are aware that Nolan has been having quarterly check ups on his heart. Those check ups have been specfically to watch an area beneath the pulmonary valve where muscle tissue has started to grow. Back when Nolan had his first open-heart surgery at 3 months, there was tissue build-up in this area and the tissue was removed during the first surgery. We were told at the time that the tissue may grow again, and he may need another surgery to remove it. Well...the time has come. It has crossed the threshold that has been watched over the last 2 years, and surgery is needed to remove the tissue build-up. At a checkup up on May 7th, his cardiologist told us that it was time to to do the surgery :(
In the next 2 weeks we should be hearing from the surgeon to set up a pre-op consult. At that time, I imagine a date will be set for the surgery.
What we do know:
1) The surgery will most likely take place sometime before September.
2) It will be performed at Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento. (The same hospital that Nolan & Leah were born.)
3) We should be able to "camp" out in our trailer at the hospital as we did for the 2 week stay after the birth of Leah & Nolan.
4) The pediatric heart surgery team at Sutter was trained by Nolan's surgeon at Lucille Packard in Stanford. Nolan "might" even have Dr. Reddy attend/perform this surgery-but not sure.
5) Nolan knows he needs the surgery but in his own words, "I am having open-heart surgery...but I'm not going!"
6) The hardest part of this surgery (for mom and dad) will be helping Nolan go through it. It was so much easier when he was a baby and didn't know.
As we get more information we'll keep everyone updated, but please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you all.
Jill & Scott
We're still here!
How do you like our new RV? We've bagged the storm water stuff and are travelling the country selling Jelly Belly! Hence why it's been so long since my last blog post :)
Wish that was the real excuse, the real excuse is just life I guess. We have been a bit busier with school-related stuff since I signed the kids up for a weekly co-op at our church. You can find out more about that on my homeschool blog. Otherwise, just plugging along with "normal" day-to-day stuff that occurs in a homeschooling, self-employed family.
I have not been too good at taking pictures in 2012. (Except for my homeschool co-op yearbook) I was looking for photos to add to the blog & it was dismal. I've posted photos of the kids since 2010, an idea I borrowed from a friend's blog. (Thanks Molly) These photos were taken in March of the preceding years. I'm in desperate need of a new photo shoot before these children change too much more.
I will recap a few of the highlights that have happened since we rang in the New Year:
In mid- January, I was able to travel & visit my sister in Chicago & meet my new nephew Grant. It was a short but delightful visit. I was able to hang out with my nieces & nephew and hopefully help my sister a tiny bit. Although, she was into her routine with 3 kids by now pretty well, so my visit was more for my need to meet Grant before Grammy got to see him the following week :) Sorry Mom-the truth comes out...tee hee!
While I was gone, the family all came down with a nasty cold/sinus infection. So of course, when I got home, my loving family shared it with me. I was pretty much down for the count for the next two weeks and had just started to feel normal again when we started our new, weekly homeschool co-op.
February was pretty low-key. I turned 39...whoo hoo...less than a year until I am the BIG 4-0! And that's been pretty much it for the new year. No exciting trips for us yet. Scott has travelled for work a few times, but we've stayed home. Oh wait....I did squeeze in an overnight with him in Bishop-without the kids! Thanks Grammy.
Our next family trip is in late April to South Lake Tahoe. Scott has a class there so we'll go up to hang out while Dad is working. No camping trips scheduled yet-but they are being discussed.
I'm sorry I don't have anything more exciting to report. Exciting things have/are happening in other people's lives, but ours....not so much...which is really a good thing because sometimes the "exciting" is not necessarily always good things.
Be thankful for your health, your wealth (or what you have of it), the love of your family & friends and all the Lord has provided you. God Bless.
Wish that was the real excuse, the real excuse is just life I guess. We have been a bit busier with school-related stuff since I signed the kids up for a weekly co-op at our church. You can find out more about that on my homeschool blog. Otherwise, just plugging along with "normal" day-to-day stuff that occurs in a homeschooling, self-employed family.
I have not been too good at taking pictures in 2012. (Except for my homeschool co-op yearbook) I was looking for photos to add to the blog & it was dismal. I've posted photos of the kids since 2010, an idea I borrowed from a friend's blog. (Thanks Molly) These photos were taken in March of the preceding years. I'm in desperate need of a new photo shoot before these children change too much more.
I will recap a few of the highlights that have happened since we rang in the New Year:
In mid- January, I was able to travel & visit my sister in Chicago & meet my new nephew Grant. It was a short but delightful visit. I was able to hang out with my nieces & nephew and hopefully help my sister a tiny bit. Although, she was into her routine with 3 kids by now pretty well, so my visit was more for my need to meet Grant before Grammy got to see him the following week :) Sorry Mom-the truth comes out...tee hee!
While I was gone, the family all came down with a nasty cold/sinus infection. So of course, when I got home, my loving family shared it with me. I was pretty much down for the count for the next two weeks and had just started to feel normal again when we started our new, weekly homeschool co-op.
February was pretty low-key. I turned 39...whoo hoo...less than a year until I am the BIG 4-0! And that's been pretty much it for the new year. No exciting trips for us yet. Scott has travelled for work a few times, but we've stayed home. Oh wait....I did squeeze in an overnight with him in Bishop-without the kids! Thanks Grammy.
Our next family trip is in late April to South Lake Tahoe. Scott has a class there so we'll go up to hang out while Dad is working. No camping trips scheduled yet-but they are being discussed.
I'm sorry I don't have anything more exciting to report. Exciting things have/are happening in other people's lives, but ours....not so much...which is really a good thing because sometimes the "exciting" is not necessarily always good things.
Be thankful for your health, your wealth (or what you have of it), the love of your family & friends and all the Lord has provided you. God Bless.
Merry Christmas!
As the end of 2011 draws to a close and we get closer to celebrating the birth of our Savior, I just wanted to make sure I sent out an"updated" blog to friends and family.
Not too much new since my last blog in...gulp...September! Scott is still busy with work and the addition of some new clients-to my relief-since our trainings have slowed down a bit. We continue to be blessed by the fruits of his labor.
The kids and I are plugging right along with school and I hope to update my homeschool blog very soon as well with our activities/accomplishments. You can always check that out at www.schooldazeofoakvalleyacademy.
In early November, Leah, Mema & I went to see the musical, "Beauty & the Beast" at our new theater in Folsom. The El Dorado Musical Theater Co. puts on a great performance and I'm so excited to have the new theater in Folsom! Now I won't have to go to Sacramento anymore for any performance (unless Josh Groban performs again and I can afford the tickets-then I'll have to travel to Sacramento). But the Three Stages Theater in Folsom offers performances of ballet, musicals, plays, and concerts for an afforable price and free or $1.00 parking! Can you tell I'm exicted!
In November we also went to visit my aunt for the day. In addition to going to one of the kid's favorite parks, we visited the fairly new library near her house in Sacramento. Her daughter helped an artist this summer paint a mural in the children's section of the libary. The mural is incredible and even more incredible is the work my cousin did on the mural. The kids are posed next to her "Dorothy" in the photo to the right labeled, "Visit with Dorothy". Leah looks up to Michelle and hopes to one day "paint as good as Michelle." That is one tall order-since I don't think too many people could even hope to aspire to her level of expertise-and what's even more incredible is that she's only 17!
For Halloween, both kids dressed as Spider-Kids. Leah went as Spider-Girl & Nolan as Spider-Man. And it has been Spidey-Mania in our house ever since. Their Christmas Wish lists were almost identical with their Spider-man wants. I never thought having a boy & a girl, that I'd have to deal with jealousies over toys received. Plus, they both still dress up and play Spider-man at least 4x a week. The picture to the right shows them with their masks on watching-you guessed it-Spider-man cartoons on Saturday morning.
Leah celebrated her 7th birthday in early December. She had a few celebrations, as we took her roller skating with some friends after we'd gone to cut down our Christmas Tree. Mema had even made a Spider-man decorated brownie cake to help us celebrate. Then on her actual birthday, Scott & I took her to the movies without little brother tagging along-which apparantly was a bigger treat for her than we thought. We then had a celebration with her favorite food-Ribs and another Spider-Man themed cake from Mema to help us celebrate with the Grandparent's and Uncle Russ.
The day after our family celebration, I anxiously awaited news of my nephew's arrival after my sister's phone call that he was on his way. I called my mom several times that day expressing my angst about not being able to be there for this birth and that I didn't like waiting for news. But little Grant arrived healthy and without giving my sister too much trouble I'm assuming, as she performed her third (and she says final) birth once again drug-free!
And as we approach the climax of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I'm taking it all in-one day, one hour, one breath at a time. This year Leah is 7 and Nolan is 4; and I know all too soon-in the blink of an eye-that next Christmas she'll be 18 & he'll be 15 and the magic and enchantment of Christmas will be replaced with? Who knows?
So this year, if the homemade gifts don't get done-don't despair. There's always next year.
This year, this day, this moment, I'm stringing popcorn for the tree with Leah. I'm reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to Nolan for the 12th time today. I'm pointing out which ornaments on the tree belong to Leah and which one's belong to Nolan. I'm telling stories about the Christmas decorations my Grandma made. I'm helping decorate gingerbread houses. I'm making hot cocoa with candy canes. We're squinting our eyes at the Christmas lights and tilting our head back and forth to make them sparkle and dance. We're oohhing and aahhhing over the Christmas lights in the neighborhoods we drive through-just for the sole purpose of looking at them. We're counting down the days until Christmas on the Advent Calendar. And most importantly, we're remembering why we even celebrate Christmas in the first place!
We want to wish every oneof you a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! May God Bless you and your families!
Love,
Jill, Scott, Leah & Nolan
Not too much new since my last blog in...gulp...September! Scott is still busy with work and the addition of some new clients-to my relief-since our trainings have slowed down a bit. We continue to be blessed by the fruits of his labor.
The kids and I are plugging right along with school and I hope to update my homeschool blog very soon as well with our activities/accomplishments. You can always check that out at www.schooldazeofoakvalleyacademy.
In early November, Leah, Mema & I went to see the musical, "Beauty & the Beast" at our new theater in Folsom. The El Dorado Musical Theater Co. puts on a great performance and I'm so excited to have the new theater in Folsom! Now I won't have to go to Sacramento anymore for any performance (unless Josh Groban performs again and I can afford the tickets-then I'll have to travel to Sacramento). But the Three Stages Theater in Folsom offers performances of ballet, musicals, plays, and concerts for an afforable price and free or $1.00 parking! Can you tell I'm exicted!
In November we also went to visit my aunt for the day. In addition to going to one of the kid's favorite parks, we visited the fairly new library near her house in Sacramento. Her daughter helped an artist this summer paint a mural in the children's section of the libary. The mural is incredible and even more incredible is the work my cousin did on the mural. The kids are posed next to her "Dorothy" in the photo to the right labeled, "Visit with Dorothy". Leah looks up to Michelle and hopes to one day "paint as good as Michelle." That is one tall order-since I don't think too many people could even hope to aspire to her level of expertise-and what's even more incredible is that she's only 17!
For Halloween, both kids dressed as Spider-Kids. Leah went as Spider-Girl & Nolan as Spider-Man. And it has been Spidey-Mania in our house ever since. Their Christmas Wish lists were almost identical with their Spider-man wants. I never thought having a boy & a girl, that I'd have to deal with jealousies over toys received. Plus, they both still dress up and play Spider-man at least 4x a week. The picture to the right shows them with their masks on watching-you guessed it-Spider-man cartoons on Saturday morning.
Leah celebrated her 7th birthday in early December. She had a few celebrations, as we took her roller skating with some friends after we'd gone to cut down our Christmas Tree. Mema had even made a Spider-man decorated brownie cake to help us celebrate. Then on her actual birthday, Scott & I took her to the movies without little brother tagging along-which apparantly was a bigger treat for her than we thought. We then had a celebration with her favorite food-Ribs and another Spider-Man themed cake from Mema to help us celebrate with the Grandparent's and Uncle Russ.
The day after our family celebration, I anxiously awaited news of my nephew's arrival after my sister's phone call that he was on his way. I called my mom several times that day expressing my angst about not being able to be there for this birth and that I didn't like waiting for news. But little Grant arrived healthy and without giving my sister too much trouble I'm assuming, as she performed her third (and she says final) birth once again drug-free!
And as we approach the climax of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I'm taking it all in-one day, one hour, one breath at a time. This year Leah is 7 and Nolan is 4; and I know all too soon-in the blink of an eye-that next Christmas she'll be 18 & he'll be 15 and the magic and enchantment of Christmas will be replaced with? Who knows?
So this year, if the homemade gifts don't get done-don't despair. There's always next year.
This year, this day, this moment, I'm stringing popcorn for the tree with Leah. I'm reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to Nolan for the 12th time today. I'm pointing out which ornaments on the tree belong to Leah and which one's belong to Nolan. I'm telling stories about the Christmas decorations my Grandma made. I'm helping decorate gingerbread houses. I'm making hot cocoa with candy canes. We're squinting our eyes at the Christmas lights and tilting our head back and forth to make them sparkle and dance. We're oohhing and aahhhing over the Christmas lights in the neighborhoods we drive through-just for the sole purpose of looking at them. We're counting down the days until Christmas on the Advent Calendar. And most importantly, we're remembering why we even celebrate Christmas in the first place!
We want to wish every oneof you a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! May God Bless you and your families!
Love,
Jill, Scott, Leah & Nolan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)