Celiac Disease

I put off blogging for a long time, and I think it's because I didn't want to have to write this post.

Back in January Emma started to have a really bloated tummy. I thought it was because of all the juice she was drinking. One weekend my parents came to visit and my Dad was concerned because her veins were beginning to poke out in her stomach. The day they left I took Emma to see the pediatrician. I thought he would say I was overly concerned, but I was shocked when he told me to take Emma immediately to Mercy Hospital. He was worried that she could has something like liver disease, a blood disorder, etc.

I dropped Jackson off at a friend's house and headed to the hospital for the longest 4 hours of my entire life. I remember sitting in the hospital and praying over and over again that my sweet little girl would be healthy. Fortunately for us, Emma's blood work and catscan came back normal. The next two months were followed by several visits to our pediatrician and Arkansas Children's Hospital.

I will always remember the day that Emma was diagnosed will Celiac Disease. She had been running a fever the Friday before and we went back to the doctor. They said she had a bacterial infection and sent us home. The next Monday her fever was worse and she was becoming lethargic, so we went back to the doctor again and after more testing learned she had pneumonia. That afternoon the gi specialist at Children's Hospital called and said that Emma's blood work came back and she had tested positive for Celiac Disease. It was a hard day.

Six weeks later Emma had her biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and we started her new diet. For a while we called it "silly-yuck" so she could understand it better. It was a really hard adjustment, but now things are going great. Emma has gained 3 pounds in the last two months (before she hadn't gained even an ounce in over a year). She is eating so much better and overall is a happier little girl.

I would never have chosen this experience for Emma, but I am so grateful that she was diagnosed so young, and that it wasn't something worse.

Fourth of July

When the fireworks started, we were driving home from Little Rock. So we pulled over in Fayetteville and did our own little fireworks and then watched the rest of the fireworks as we drove home.

Jackson was so excited to play tennis with the big boys.

Summer Trip to Boise

In June we flew to Boise for Ryan's (Chris's youngest brother) wedding. The kids really enjoyed playing with their cousins. We had them come swim at the hotel pool a few times and I think everyone had a good time. It was nice to be in cooler weather and we loved driving only 10 minutes to do a temple session. It was a beautiful wedding and we were happy to be there.

In front of the Boise, Idaho Temple

Grandma Marge and Grandpa Joe

The wedding barbeque

Eliza was so sweet to play with all the little kids

Memorial Day BBQ

This year for Memorial Day we had a few friends over for a little barbeque. We had a great time!

Emma's friend Tanner

Jackson and Kayden

Emma really enjoyed the food!

Hawaii 2011

Our entire family was able to go to Hawaii in May for a wonderful family vacation. It was so much fun having a whole week to relax, swim, and eat! :)

The Beheshti Family

The Litster Family

Exhausted from swimming

Refreshed after a nap

At the Luau

On the beach

Jackson's sand castle

Flexing for the camera

Relaxing with Papa

Happy Mother's Day

Dance Recital and Preschool Graduation

Emma's First Dance Recital

Emma and Momma

Emma and Daddy

Jackson's Preschool Graduation

Walking into Graduation

Jackson was so nervous about his graduation that he almost passed out. He had his hands in his pockets and stood completely still for the entire (one hour) graduation. Towards the end I could tell he was nervous and a few seconds later he was sitting next to his teacher because he was dizzy. :) When they asked Jackson what he wanted to be when he grows up he said he wants to be a doctor for kids. He is such a sweet boy.

Baby #3

16 Weeks Along

We are so excited that we will be having another little baby. It's a boy and he's due October 15th.

This pregnancy was a little bit rough in the beginning. I found out I was pregnant the day after I took Emma to the hospital. For the next five months, I was so sick with morning sickness. I have been dehydrated twice during the pregnancy, but luckily I feel much better now.

I am so excited to have another little boy in our home.

First Friend Birthday Party

Playing hide and seek

Princess Party

Duck Duck Goose

The Birthday Table

Happy Birthday Emma!

We celebrated Emma's birthday while we were in Little Rock. This was the first time that she has ever had interest in opening presents! She was really excited about her Minnie Mouse birthday cake, and even said Happy Birthday to everyone that had a piece of cake.

Funny Moments: Emma's favorite movie is The Swan Princess. She thinks Prince Derek is her daddy, and she is Princess Oddette. She always says the princess is sad because she wants her daddy. :)

Happy Birthday Emma!

Happy Birthday Jackson!

When we told Jackson his birthday was coming up he had two requests. First, he wanted to go to Little Rock. Second, he wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese in Little Rock. It worked out perfect because Chris had meetings in Little Rock the week of Jackson's birthday. As you can tell, Jackson had a great birthday!

Funny Moments: When Jackson realized that he was turning five he told everyone that he was going to be "a whole hand". When he was watching tv at my parents house he asked, "How come I still have my 4 year old baby voice?" Apparently he thought he was going to turn into a man overnight! :)

Happy Birthday Jackson!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

This year we had to celebrate Valentine's Day a day early. I LOVE Valentine's Day! I decorated the house with Valentine's decorations, and I did my annual "Heart Attack" in the kids rooms. They loved having hearts on their wall.

Emma actually liked her baby doll!

Jackson was excited to have some new legos!

Jackson and Emma were so excited to receive this package from Grandma Marge and Grandpa Joe. It made their day! :-)

Snow Storm 2011

We had a huge snow storm a few weeks ago. The meteorologist only predicted 4-6 inches, so we were shocked when we woke up to 20 inches of snow. Here are a few pictures!