An Unexpected Turn

The day after Colin's fracture, the pediatrician called to say she was concerned about the ease at which Colin's bones fractured.  She asked me to take him in for a full body X-ray so she could see if there are any signs of previous fractures.  She also told me to google "Osteogenesis Imperfecta" because that is what came to mind as a possible diagnosis for him.  I agreed and went straight to the computer to research OI.  I noticed that one of the symptoms of people with OI is "frequent nosebleeds" - this was what stood out to me since Colin had 3 random, unexplained nosebleeds in the last 6 weeks or so.  

Thursday came.  Colin's leg was not causing as much pain, so it seemed like a good day to go in for the X-rays.  He cooperated well.  I didn't think much about it, but later that evening the pediatrician called.  She started by asking if Kyle was home, then apologized for being unable to come to our house to talk with us in person.  She told us that Colin had other "healing fractures" - one on his clavicle, and 2 compression lumbar fractures.  She said we needed to head immediately to the Scott & White McLane Children's Hospital in Temple.  We had a room waiting for us, and Colin needed to stay there overnight and get a full workup the next day.

So we took Julia to a friend's house for a sleepover and headed to Temple.  The night was uneventful, but on Friday they wanted to do an MRI so he couldn't have anything to eat/drink that morning.  We also saw specialists from Endocrinology, Opthamology, and Genetics.  Blood samples were taken for testing, but the geneticist was certain Colin had Osteogenesis Imperfecta (or Brittle Bone Disease).  We didn't understand the full implications of the diagnosis, but it was devastating to come to the realization that our sweet Colin would not experience life as we expected that he would.

Through all of this, we still believe God is good and He is sovereign.  He created Colin, loves him, and will take care of him.  He has a plan for Colin and we pray He will use him for His glory.  

Sweet boy

Getting the IV for his blood draw and MRI.

Post-MRI 

Colin: 19 Months

Some notes about Colin at this age:

He loves Twinkle Twinkle Star and often requests it by saying, "Star...up ababa..."
He is very attached to his monkey and puppy that he sleeps with.
He consistently naps 3 hrs in the afternoon.
He loves to play in the pool.
He repeats every word and sound he hears.
He knows his right and left
He always says, "'GAIN!" when he enjoys something and wants a repeat.
He is so easy going and cooperative.

Tough Day

Monday June 25, 2012 is a day we will never forget.  It started as an ordinary day...

Colin had his weekly physical therapy appointment with Teresa at the house.  They worked on standing and transferring objects from the seat of one dining chair to another.  The next thing we knew Colin was on the floor screaming.  He had fallen and for some reason was almost inconsolable, although it wasn't as if he had taken a bad fall.  Little did we know he had a bad spiral fracture in his left tibia and fibula.

I tried to go about our day, but he was in agony and wouldn't let me touch any part of that leg or foot.  I had no idea what was hurting him.  Thankfully, I am friends with his pediatrician.  I sent her a text message and she squeezed him in that afternoon in clinic.  After X-rays we were sent to Ortho for a cast.  It was a long, traumatic day and such an unfortunate accident, but at least (so we thought) it wasn't anything to worry about.

Colin spent most of the day in this spot on the sofa.  As long as he was in this position and I didn't mess with him, he was fairly happy.

Waiting at the doctor.  Knowing his leg is broken, can you believe the smile on this sweet child's face?

After it was all said and done.  Julia was sweet and supportive throughout the process.

Whew!  Glad this day is over.

Recent Pictures

So happy to see Colin finally using his push walker!

A beautiful watercolor by Julia

Shopping at Walmart with Mommy

Deer behind our house

Julia's specialty is sand pies.  We get our choice of shape and she makes the rest.  Rocks, twigs, leaves, seed pods, etc.  Yum!

Julia with her friend, Rae

Port Aransas

We spent 5 days in a beach house in Port Aransas with my side of the family for a reunion/celebration for my mom's 65th birthday.  Being at the beach was a treat in itself, and having aunts, uncles, cousins together made it even more memorable.  Thanks, Mom and Dad for making it possible!  

(I took tons of pics, but these are the highlights)

  Happy birthday, Mom!  You're the best.

Round Rock Express Game

 Fun with extended family at the Round Rock Express Game.  

Celia, Mike, Dave, Marta, John, Camille, and Tracy came to Austin the day before we would all drive to Port Aransas to meet Rich, Susie and James for our family reunion.  Charlie Culpepper arranged for us to all go to the RR Express game that evening.  As a big surprise, Katy flew in from Chile to spend the week with us but didn't tell her parents.  She made her presence known at the game, which was lots of fun!