Kylee-Loo and Bells Palsy

On Monday morning (3/25), I woke Kylee up to get her ready for school....just like any other morning. We had breakfast together, she got dressed, and as I was doing her hair in the mirror she noticed that half of her face wasn't working. She said to me..."Mom, this side of my face won't smile!" I immediately went back to facebook where a friend of mine had posted a picture of herself 2 years ago when she had Bells Palsy. I mentally saw that picture in my mind as I saw Kylee's face and knew instantly that this could be Bells Palsy. I couldn't remember what it was called at the time so I called my sister in law Becky and she confirmed what I feared. I wasn't too worried though because I knew my friend had bounced back 100% and I did some research and found that the recovery rate is extremely good. So I still wasn't panicked and called my doctor's office for a visit to see where we go from here.

(I just couldn't help myself...I had to go through and post some of my most favorite smiling pictures of my girl! I miss her smile so much already and it's only been 2 days since it's been missing)

After her pediatrician confirmed Bells Palsy but then proceeded to say that it's concerning because he had never seen a patient this young with Bells Palsy, the panic started to set in. If you know me, you know that I am the biggest worry wort ALIVE when it comes to my kids getting sick. So after he said that and then sent us to the imaging place to have a CT scan to make sure nothing more was going on with her brain, I was in full panic mode. But thankfully I have a worthy husband and he pulled the car over at the imaging place and gave Kylee a priesthood blessing. The blessing was so sweet and calmed my nerves almost instantly. I immediately felt my Saviors love for me and for my sweet daughter. He loves her more than I will ever know!

After the CT scan, we just waited and waited. 6 hours later we got the amazing news that her scan came back negative and completely normal. I could finally breathe again! But not for long. That night came and it was the worst night of our lives. We had Kylee sleep with us in our bed so we could keep a close eye on her. All she did was toss and turn and cry and complain of headache pain, back pain, and neck pain. A symptom of Bells Palsy is neck pain on the paralyzed side. So she had incredible neck pain on the right side of her neck below her ear. Thankfully to an amazing friend who rushed to Walgreens to get her some tylonel, we were abe to give her a couple doses of that throughout the night. However, it didn't seem to do much. She maybe got an hour of comfortable sleep all night.

So the next day we kept her home from school so we could let her catch up on her rest. As the day went on, I noticed that the left side of her face started to look a little dull. I made her smile and try to wink at me and her face was gradually getting more and more stiff on her "good" side. By 8pm her entire face was completely paralyzed and she couldn't make any facial expressions whatsoever. She got something in her eye so she went to the mirror to try and see what it was. It hurt so she started to cry. As she cried, she realized her face wasn't moving and didn't look like it was crying. I immediately made her move away from the mirror so she wouldn't continue to panick. I however did panick and googled how common it was for Bells Palsy to affect both sides of the face. After reading that it only affects less than 1% of Bells Palsy patients, the panic was in full force yet again. I called the on-call doctor and he immediately called back and told me to take her to the ER. So we packed up, took Carter to our amazing friends who so willingly wanted to take him for us, and off we went to the hospital.

There the doctor's drew blood, took a urine sample, and ran a few tests. Her blood pressure was a little high and we found out that she has a UTI. So they started her on antibiodics through her IV, gave her some fluids to keep her hydated, and then we were sent home because the blood results came back pretty normal. The doctor at the ER said he didn't want to do a spinal tap or MRI until we met with our pediatric neurologist the next day. He said it wasn't an urgent matter and that we could wait to see what the neurologist said. So we went home about 3am and had another rough rest of the night with a restless little girl who couldn't sleep comfortably.

We went to the neurologist today and I'm so glad we did. She is the most intelligent human being I have ever met! However, with intelligence comes HUGE words that are way over my head. Luckily she spoke somewhat clearly for me and David was there too so hopefully we will have this all figured out soon. She examined Kylee and came to the conclusion that she has more than just a bi-lateral case of Bells Palsy. She ordered an MRI to take a better look at her brain, spine, and lumbar region. Kylee has a very stiff back and can't even bend over to touch her toes. For someone who is considered one of the most flexible dancers in her class, this is concerning. Her legs have been bothering her too and causing a lot of discomfort. So because of those two main factors, the MRI is necessary to take a better look into what else is going on. Either way, the neurologist seemed optimistic!

As for now, we are taking one day at a time. Her face seems to keep stiffening up more and more as time goes on. Her lips are now very stiff and she is having problems saying words that have f's and m's in them. She has trouble drinking and can only drink out of straws (but even that is difficult). Her blinking reflex is gone so she doesn't blink enough throughout the day, which means we have to continually put drops in her eyes to keep them moisturized. Sleeping at night is a nightmare! She can never seem to get comfortable and she is getting up 10 times or more to pee, due to her UTI. I find it easier to not look at her as she is talking to me because it breaks my heart to see her face staying still. I miss her expressions, her animated features as she tells me a story, and most of all I miss her beautiful smile. I can't imagine not being able to see it for 3 or more weeks to come.

Although this is difficult and very sad to endure, I am thankful that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that this is a very curable disease. I'm thankful for my faith in a loving Heavenly Father. I know He loves Kylee more than I can possibly comprehend. We feel His love and the love of our dear brother and Savior Jesus Christ. We KNOW, that even though there are cases where Bells Palsy patients never completely heal, that Kylee will bounce back fast and be smiling up a storm everyday! We are thankful for this trial and that it is teaching us spiritual lessons as a family. But most importantly, we are thankful that it is a teaching tool for Kylee. She now prayers differently and more sincerely. In David's blessing he said that this will help bring Kylee closer to her Savior, and I can already see that happening.

I cannot thank everyone enough for all your amazing support, prayers, love, and positive thoughts. We feel them on a daily basis and it is helping us get through the tough times. We know this battle has just begun and that it can possibly be a long journey ahead, but we know we can get through it by holding strong to our faith and by the love and support of all our loved ones. Thank you all so much!

Beginning 2013 with a bang!

We dove right into 2013 by going on our first cruise! It was purchased a year ago so we could go closer to our 10 year anniversary, but Carter came along and we didn't want to leave him when he was so young. But it worked out for the best because then we were able to go with 9 other couples from our church. It was the best vacation we have ever been on!

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Here we are driving to California!

We left the kids with Grandma Deede and Grandpa Jiggs. While we were there, Kylee must have snuck this little note into our suitcase because when I opened it, this is what I found. 6 days away from our babies was a long time and we sure did miss them!! 

The boat was HUGE!! And yet this was one of the smaller ships the cruise line has. I was mesmorized by it all.

On the top deck there was a little 9 hole mini golf course. The boys got right to it while us ladies cheered them on!

The first day we docked at Catalina Island and the second day was at Ensenada Mexico. Here we are docked in Mexico.

Taking a mirror pic in our room before we went to formal night at dinner.

On Catalina Island with some of the girls! We drove golf carts to the top!

This is a little out of order but this is a picture of me reuniting with our babies!!! Carter literally wouldn't let me out of his sight for the first hour we were back.

Oh man...While walking around Ensenada, we found this little gem! Of course all the guys had to pose for a picture with him. Yikes!

Catalina Island with our ship in the background! This trip was truly a dream and we can't wait to go on another cruise!

The 4th and last day of the cruise was....well....hilarious! I can say that now but at the time, it was MISERABLE! It was incredibly windy so the top deck was closed off. It was our "day at sea" so we were just floating out in the middle of nowhere. And that wind caused the ocean to be incredibly wild! The waves were unbelievable and the boat was rocking non-stop. And not just a slight rock...an extreme rock to the point where you couldn't walk without falling over. Needless to say, everyone was sick! The only relief was to be outside in the fresh air on one of the lower decks. But it was freezing cold so we all wrapped up in towels and laid on the chairs. We all felt a little better but it was hilarious non-the-less! Classic memories for life!

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After the cruise we stayed in California a few extra days. During one of those days, we finally got the chance to meet Carter's birth father. These pictures are something that I know Carter will treasure when he gets older. We are happy we got this opportunity and that they were able to meet each other.

 

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Now onto our Carter baby! This was just a fun little picture we took while in California. Poor baby almost always has some kind of scratch or bruise right in the middle of his forehead. 

We got a treadmill, which makes for Carter's new favorite toy to play with/on!

Playing with a friend and learning that it can be hard to share sometimes (bottom left). Haha!

A game we play everytime I'm unloading groceries.....peek-a-boo between each load. He loves it and it helps me to leave him in the car while I unload the bags!

He recently discovered his "button" and loves to play with it.

Put him in front of a mirror and this boy is set! I have so many classic pictures of him making faces at himself!

I heard Carter messing around in the pantry and when he came around the corner, he had a bag of potato chips in hand! Junk food junkie at heart I guess! :) He knows what's good!

And yep...this happened! First time he's done this and hopefully his last!

Our sweet miracle babe turned 15 months on February 7th. I can't believe how amazing he is and that everyday he continually makes my heart skip a beat everytime I lay eyes on him. He is our everything and we can't get enough of our little firecracker!

I am the Sunbeams teacher now and because of David's calling, I get to have my boy with me during class time with 8 3 year olds. It sure does make for an interesting hour!

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Onto our princess! Kylee is doing amazing things. She is progressing in her dance company, starting her second season of softball in a couple weeks, continuing to excel in school, and just amazing all around. We love our sweet girl!

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I attempted my first sock bun for church. I think it turned out pretty good!

Flu season has been relentless this year! It's making third and fourth rounds all around us. Luckily no one in our household has caught the actual flu bug, but Kylee did get strep (for the first time) and a mild case of bronchitis. Carter luckily only got a runny nose and a cough. But for about 3 weeks, Kylee was running fevers and coughing like crazy. So glad a new Urgent Care opened up 5 minutes down the road from us last month. Perfect timing for those late night emergency runs!

At the doctor's office. Our 7 year old thinks she is turning 16 this year. She has always acted older than her age and loves to be "older". I wish she wasn't in such a hurry to grow up.

Kylee is doing so well in her new dance company! She started this new "competition" group back in November and has her first competition tomorrow (February 9th). She is loving it and we have seen her improve so fast in her dancing techniques. Her group performed at a local High School (Combs) basketball game recently. It was so fun to watch her little group perform like superstars!

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Siblings and best friends for life!!! I love capturing moments with them together. They love each other so much and it melts my heart everytime I hear their laughter together.

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Onto other "random" pictures from the month of January. I signed up for another half marathon with some friends. I am now regretting it as I am slacking big time on my training. The race is March 5th and I'm no where where I need to be. But I love my new yoga/running pants I got from Groupon! $15 only! I wear them all the time!

I got to run in the rain the other day. It was the most amazing run I've ever had. I wish it would rain everyday so I could run in it. I felt on top of the world! Ran 5.5 miles that day but felt like I could keep going forever!

The Walkers and us had a gun safety class recently. I want to learn how to work a gun and protect my family if necessary. So we had a little instruction in the classroom and then went to the range to shoot. This was an AR (I think) that the instructor brought. Scariest thing ever to hold that in my hands and shoot it. But it was fun too!

Hanging out with my crazies at the doctor's office for one of our many visits this past month. This one was for Kylee.

And of course January brings my birthday. I am now 31! There's no stopping it...I'm diving into my 30's whether I want to or not. David was so good to me this year and bought me a sewing machine! I've been wanting one for a while now because I'm anxious to start learning how to sew clothes and other household things. I can't wait!

He also took me to my favorite place...Red Lobster! I could eat crab legs everyday!

My sisters also took me to lunch for my birthday. I love that we always make time to meet up somewhere for our birthday lunches...even though we live on opposite sides of the valley. This North place was yummy!

Another random picture of me just hanging out and being silly with my girl. I love her so much!

And lastly...I decided to be a big girl and stop biting my nails! And the only way I felt I could do that was to have my friend put gels on them. They are so short and frail. They look so sad! But hopefully after a month of gels and lots of TLC, they will look like a lady's hands and not a 10 year old girls!

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2013 has already been amazing for our family. David is incredibly busy with his detective work and will get even busier soon with Spring Training starting up soon. He tries to work as many games as he can on his off days. He loves it! I'm officiating club season right now and work almost every Saturday. It's great to have that outlet for me. I get to get out of the house and do what I love, all while making extra money for our family. In August, I have decided to go back to coaching. So I will be coaching again at Queen Creek High School. I'm so excited! It's been 2 years since I've coached. Life is busy and moving fast and we are just trying to savor everyday with our family. Life is good!

Christmas and December...

Of course these are way out of order because blogger is lame!!! But our Christmas was wonderful and the whole month of December was just amazing! We did a lot of fun stuff and made lots of new memories as a family of four!

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Here is Dylan, Kyrstin, Carter and Kylee making their gingerbread houses. Carter was mainly a "spectator" but he had fun posing for the picture!

At our ward Christmas "Breakfast With Santa". Carter wasn't too impressed with Santa. Haha

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Kylee was so lucky and got to go sledding in Flagstaff with the Millers! She had a BLAST!

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Christmas morning!!! I was so bummed that David left his nice work camera at work! So we had to make due with the low quality phone pictures during present opening time. Carter was all about his new toys!!

The aftermath of the all the present opening!

And the best present of all.....a TRAMPOLINE left by Santa! Woo hoo!

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Christmas dinner/evening with Grandpa and Grandma Montez!!

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Here are some of other random things that happened during the month of December...

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Sushi with my girls Jodi and Shauna! It's so fun to meet up with my friends and our babies. Good times!

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Had to go get new glasses. My eyes have been bugging me lately, mainly at night, and I wanted to get them checked to make sure everything was ok. Looks like I have two stigmatisms, one in each eye, and with my glasses, I now see 15/20. Although I don't wear them very often! They make me dizzy. I only need them at night usually. It's just nice to know I have them whenever I need them.

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I love this canvas! Blew up our family picture into a 3 split canvas print. Can't wait to finish this wall!!

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I got to go help at Kylee's Christmas party at school. I love being in the classroom with my girl.

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We have had this "visitor" come to our back door for two months now. It sure does entertain Carter! But I refuse to feed it or take it in. I hate cats!

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Jaime took Kylee and I to Last Chance on Christmas Eve. I thought it was going to be a mad house that morning but it really wasn't that bad. Still busy of course, but not a mad house. We SCORED big time!

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We had our traditional Christmas Eve dinner at the Higginson's, along with our Christmas Carol wars with the Brown family! They came back at us strong this year with flower bombs and smoke bombs. It was a full out WAR!

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Kystin came and stayed with us for a few days during Christmas break. One of the days we picked up Cole, went to Subway, and had a picnic at Desert Mountain Park. I love that Kylee has cousins her age!

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Taking Kyrstin home....one last movie for the trek home!

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Spending New Years with my hot date! We went to my parent's house and spent New Year's with my Grandma and Aunt Queenie. I love that they come down every year during the holidays. Sad that David had to work.

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My dear friend and past coach gave me her treadmill! I'm training for a half marathon coming up in March and with the cold weather outside, it's nice to have this so I don't have to take Carter out in the cold! The kids love their new "toy"!

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I've been sick lately so running with a runny nose and a cough has been challenging.

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Playing on the trampoline is their new favorite thing to do! I love the safety net. They are out there all the time and I don't have to worry!

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No onto Carter boy.....

Jaime took this super cute picture of our wild babe. He is amazing!

Keeping those pearly whites fresh and clean!

Staying up late watching basketball!

Playing with the empty wrapping paper rolls....greatest toys ever!

He has begun climbing on top of the table. So I have resorted to this!

Something else that's new....he has begun the "stripping" phase! Wonderful!

And sad to say....he got his first haircut. David forced me into it!!! But it ended up looking awesome and it is still long and curly enough for me.

He also started feeding himself! This boy LOVES Mexican food!

Tis the season...poor baby got his first ear infection and head cold. But he is still a happy smiling boy through it all!

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Temple lights!! Carter just wanted to get down and run around, so all our pictures turned out with him not really cooperating. Ha!

This is Carter throwing a tantrum in my arms.....lovely!

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I'm so sad that the holidays are over. They always take forever to get here and then with a blink of an eye, they are gone. I love all the new memories we made as a family during this magical time of year and I can't wait to see what 2013 holds for our family!