Sherburne County Fair

On Friday afternoon, the girls and I went to the fair in Elk River. It was very cold so we didn't stay long. If it would have been nicer, Reggie would have come after work and the girls could have rode on some rides. Maddie did have fun feeding some animals. Emma wasn't too crazy for them, especially when they came close to her. There was a parade at 6:30 at night but we didn't stay for that either. It was too bad that the weather was so bad. It would have been nice to have a relaxing and fun night at the fair. Here are some pictures from the night.

Maddie feeding the camel

Emma trying to get as far away as she could from the mini horses.

Maddie feeding the goats

Maddie feeding the goats...they were fainting goats. We didn't see any faint!!

Surgery

I talked to the specialist yesterday and he is suggesting Maddie sees a surgeon. We have an appointment at Children's again on Wednesday afternoon. I will let you know what he says then. Thanks for the prayers and support.

Maddie's results

So Madalynn went today to Children's Hospital to have an xray of her abdomen and a Upper GI. The Upper GI is pretty much like an xray but she had to drink a dye so the radiologist could see it follow through. The radiologist said that she has malrotation. I copied from a website what it is. He said that we will probably see a surgeon and he will decide if surgery is necessary or not. I am waiting to hear from the GI doctor first before we do anything. I will keep everyone updated.

What is intestinal malrotation?
Intestinal malrotation is a birth defect involving a malformation of the intestinal tract. Intestinal malrotation is an abnormality that occurs while a fetus is forming in its mother's uterus.

As a fetus is growing in its mother's uterus before birth, different organ systems are developing and maturing. The digestive tract starts off as a straight tube from the stomach to the rectum. Initially, it is located in the fetus' abdomen, but, for a while, part of the intestine moves into the umbilical cord. At about the 10th week of pregnancy, the intestine leaves the umbilical cord and goes back into the abdomen. After returning to the abdomen, the intestine makes two turns, and is no longer a straight tube. Malrotation occurs when the intestine does not make these turns as it should.

In addition, intestinal malrotation causes the cecum (the end of the small intestine) to develop abnormally. The cecum is normally located in the lower right side of the abdomen. With malrotation, the cecum and the appendix (which is attached to the cecum) stay in the upper right side of the abdomen. Bands of tissue called Ladd's bands form between the cecum and the intestinal wall and can create a blockage in the duodenum (the beginning of the small intestine).

A volvulus is a problem that can occur after birth as a result of intestinal malrotation. The intestine becomes twisted, causing an intestinal blockage. This twisting can also cut off the blood flow to the intestine, and the intestine can be damaged.

Maddie's Dr Appointment

So Maddie has been throwing up and having diarrhea since June 11th. I brought her in to the pediatrician and she said that it was a virus. I waited another week and when she wasn't any better I called back to the doctor. To make a long story short, I was on the phone 4 times and finally she referred us to a specialist.

We had our appointment on Monday and I went there expecting the specialist to blow me off and not do anything. I was pleasantly surprised! The specialist thinks that she has reflux and a is REALLY constipated!! We have been dealing with the constipation for about 10 months. We have been giving her a laxative to help, but he doesn't think that it has helped completely. He did say that there is a possibility that the vomiting and diarrhea could also be from celiac disease.

So the plan is...we did a BUNCH of blood work. I felt so bad for Maddie. She was such a trooper though. On Friday we are going to have an upper GI and an abdominal xray. He also started her on some medication for the reflux. We are going to see what all of this shows and see how the medicine is working.

I will keep everyone posted when I know more information.

Maddie sleeping on the floor in her bedroom. I think she fell out of the bed but I am not too sure.

Daddy and Maddie playing

Gage's 4th Birthday

On June 28th we went to Hancock for Gage's 4th Birthday. We had so much fun and the girls loved playing with their cousins. I wish we could find more time to spend with them. Eating lunch...Parker, Sami, Bryce and Maddie
The "Mickey Mouse" cake. Gage wanted a Mickey Mouse cake but it doesn't really look like him at all!!!

Gage getting ready to blow out the candles.

Gage opening his present from us.

Baby Shower

On Saturday the 27th of June, Jenny and I had a shower for Jason, Marissa and Simon in Plymouth. My grandma and 2 aunts came, along with my mom and dad. It was nice to see everyone but it was too bad that more people couldn't come. Here are some pictures of the shower... Maddie and Emma watching Uncle Jason change Simon's diaper.
4 Generations...My grandma, Mom and Me with the girls

Maddie and Emma with their grandma

Aunt Jenny with Simon

Simon

Simon Douglas Aldeen was born on June 11th. He weighed 7lbs 3oz and was just under 20 inches. I went up to Fargo on Friday evening so I could go and see him in person on Saturday morning. I am so excited for Jason and Marissa. I can't wait until he is running around and playing with my girls.

Simon giving me a baby fix!!

The Aldeen Family!!