A new post because we need one

I have no pictures to show or much news for that matter, but I needed to post something! We have all been coping with sickness here in the Olson home and are now finally feeling normal again. The stomach flu made its way through the house and blessed each one of us with a visit. How lovely! Riley and I were also lucky enough to get bad colds. I feel as though my house needs to be disinfected and aired out.
Riley visited the GI doctor and we have 5 days to gain 5 ounces or she is headed for the hospital and a feeding tube. We are stuffing her face and so far we have been successful. She has been eating well and drinking her nasty pediasure so I am hopeful. She only threw up once on Thursday and did not throw up at all yesterday! Pray for 3 more good days.
Avery is as sweet as ever and loves on her sissy so well. She is just so protective of Riley. I signed her up for Preschool in the fall and she is excited about that. She will also get to take swim lessons at Harker in the summer and I think I am going to sign her up for ballet lessons in the spring. Lots of fun is coming her way!
Once I am 100%, I am going to try and get back to my spin classes. My dear friend, Sarah is getting married in May and so that is my new goal date for getting to where I need to be. :)

Riley

More doctor visits for Riley this week. Tuesday she saw her pediatrician again, who started her on some inhaled medication and a cough suppressant to try prevent some of her coughing fits (these often trigger vomiting). It seems like it may be helping a tiny bit, it's only been a couple days. Today she saw another GI specialist. He seemed to think Kaiser had not ruled out food allergy/celiac disease completely...so more stool and blood tests. He also helped us with some feeding strategies and supplement/medication advice.
Last week her pediatrician brought up a pretty serious condition as a possible diagnosis, that was pretty heavy and has caused some stress. After consulting the endocrinologist further, that now seems like a less likely diagnosis based on where she is developmentally.
Combined with her breath holding spells, all of this has been pretty nerve-wracking...but we are hanging in there.

Birthday Princess

On Monday the 12th, we celebrated Avery's birthday Tinkerbell style. We had everything Tinkerbell and Avery loved it! We had our playgroup friends over along with a few other friends and we had a blast. It was so fun to see Avery having so much fun. I cannot believe this little girl is 4 years old aready. It has gone by so fast.

Avery still loves everything girly and when asked her favorite color it remains to be pink and purple. Anything glittery and sparkly is sure to make her smile. She still remains a bit shy at first, but as soon as she is comfortable is a complete goof. She loves to tease her daddy and says the most hilarious things, most of which he has taught her to say. Example:

Avery: "Guess What?"

Me: "What?"

Avery: "Chicken butt!"

This is then followed by much laughter.

She loves imaginary play and can keep herself occupied for a long time making up stories. She is in love with her sissy, and though she still can be a bit jealous and selfish, especially when it comes to time with Grandpa, she is very protective of her. She just told me today that she loves her just the way she is. How precious and sweet! Oh how we love our beautiful Avery Lynn!

On Tuesday, her actual birthday, we started the day off with presents, and pancakes with frosting and m&ms made by daddy. We then went and spent the day in Gilroy with my parents as Jaron had a night of basketball games to cover. When she went to bed that evening, she asked, "How old am I going to be next?" I said, "5." She then giggled loudly squealing, "Oooh...I'm going to be 5!!" How's that for living in the moment?

Catching Up

For New Years, our good friends Matt and Rachel and their son Joey came to visit. We had a great time catching up, playing some games, and ringing in the New Year with good ol' Dick Clark.

Just FYI...I was only drinking apple cider :)

We were also able to spend some lovely time with my college roommate and her hubby Rex and daughter Ruby. It was so good to see her and laugh with her. I miss you, friend!

Ruby and Riley


Jaron getting in some tractor time at my grandparents house. :)

Beautiful Avery

Update on Riley

I am just doing a quick post since today has been an especially rough day.
Jaron took Riley to see her new pediatrician yesterday, Dr. Vereschagen. She weighed in at 17 pounds 10 ounces. She had a chest xray and some bloodwork done. Jaron said she did such a good job. The doctor called us that evening and told us her chest xray was clear...no signs of inflammation or asthma. Her calcium levels came back high so we are being referred to an endocrinologist at Stanford to have some further testing done. We are also being referred to a pediatric GI.
For now, she will continue her prevacid tablets (for the reflux) and we have to try and get 400 extra calories in her per day. This, of course, is easier said than done. We are pushing the pediasure, but with the throwing up, I am still having a rough time.
Pray specifically for gaining weight and a decrease in her throwing up.
Pray also for my sanity.

Bowling

The Olson fam decided to go bowling this year so that we could spend some fun quality time together. We were not very good, but sure had a ton of fun trying!

Christmas with the Olsons

Cousins: Trevor, Riley, Avery, and Kaylin

Avery and Kaylin