Friday, December 21, 2007

Weekly Update -- 17 - 23 December 2007

Yea, I'm 50 weeks old!

Masinja had his PT followup this week. He's doing really well. He got to see his physical therapist as well as the speech therapist. Both were very impressed with his progress. The speech therapist said that although he is 7 months corrected, he is doing some things at the 8th and 9th month level. She gave him a car to play with and then she tried to hide it from him behind a piece of wood. There was no fooling him though! He just leaned over and pushed the piece of wood out of the way to get to the car. :o)

Masinja will have his acting debut in a few days. He is going to be a lamb in the Christmas pageant at church.

He is also going to celebrate his first Christmas, so he'll get to unwrap his presents and we'll have to take a picture of him under the tree. :o)

That's all for this week.

Peace,
T.M.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Weekly Update -- 10 - 16 December 2007

Yea, I'm 49 weeks old!

This week Masinja was supposed to go to the neurologist, however, his appointment had to be cancelled. We're rescheduling it soon, so more to follow on that.

On the food front, Masinja had been eating veggies and fruit for a few weeks, and doing well. He got to try chicken this week, and he didn't care for it very much. TMM had to mask it with applesauce and peas, so that was a treat in and of itself.

That's all for this week.

Peace,
T.M.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Weekly Update -- 3 - 9 December 2007

Yea, I'm 48 weeks old!

First, I've updated the following posts:

Weekly Update -- 15 - 21 October 2007

Weekly Update -- 22 - 28 October 2007

Weekly Update -- 19 - 25 November 2007

I know I've been slacking on the blog, but it's not on purpose. We're getting ready to move soon, and the house needed to be finished, so unfortunately I've spent way too much time working on the house and not enough time blogging.

Anyway....This week Masinja had Christmas pictures taken! He was a very good ninja, and smiled on command. Doesn't take much more than a squeaky rubber duck, and a cute photographer and he's happy.

That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Weekly Update -- 26 November - 2 December 2007

Yea, I'm 47 weeks old!

Masinja was released from physical therapy this week. His therapist said that he was doing great and had reached all of his goals. He will need to go back in a few weeks for a follow up just to make sure that he is still on track.

He finally got his RSV shot this week, too. He actually got two shots because they had to give him more of the medication since he had gained so much weight! He now weighs 17 lb 10 oz and he is 25.75 in long.

That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Weekly Update -- 19 - 25 November 2007

Yea, I'm 46 weeks old!

Masinja got to play with one of his new toys for the first time this week. It's a Bumper Jumper that T.M.M.'s cousin got him and he loves it! It's basically a bouncer that hooks to the door frame above the molding. Masinja has always loved to bounce and now he gets to practice his ninja bouncing skills all the time.

Masinja also had his first Turkey day this week. T.M.M. and I made dinner and we spent the day as a family. We are still waiting for Masinja to get his RSV shot. That's how things work in our world though, hurry up and wait!

Here are some pics:

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That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Weekly Update -- 12 - 18 November 2007

Yea, I'm 45 weeks old!

Masinja is getting 5cc of phenobarb and is doing well with it. We are still waiting on the RSV shot but hopefully he will be getting that sooner rather than later.

Masinja started talking this week. His first word was 'dada'.

That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Weekly Update -- 5 - 11 November 2007

Yea, I'm 43 weeks old!

This week Masinja got his bloodwork for his phenobarb levels. His levels were low, so the doc upped his dose to 5ccs from 3ccs a day.

His physical therapy is also going really well. He's getting really close to graduating from the program. We'll know more in a couple of weeks.

That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Weekly Update -- 29 October - 4 November 2007

Yea, I'm 42 weeks old!

This week we made the long drive back home. Masinja got pretty cranky near the end, but so did we. We were a cranky trio.

We celebrated Halloween this week. We went to trunk or trick at church, and Masinja got dressed up in his angry penguin costume again.

He had an appointment with the neurologist this week, but it got cancelled because she couldn't make it there. We'll be taking him in for bloodwork to make sure his phenobarb levels are ok. More to follow.

We also to Masinja in to get weighed for his RSV shot. He's 17lbs! What a porker. We should be getting the shot in the next couple of weeks. He'll get it monthly through March 2008.

That's all for this week.

Peace,
T.M.

Weekly Update -- 22 - 28 October 2007

Yea, I'm 41 weeks old!

This week was pretty fun. Masinja had a baby shower with the NY'ers, and there was a very good turnout. He was very happy to see his relatives, and was all smiles most of this week. He got to visit with Uncle Seaninja and Aunt Picklinja, great grandma, and other assorted cool people.

Heres a pic.

That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Weekly Update -- 15 - 21 October 2007

Yea, I'm 40 weeks old!

This week Masinja went on vacation. It was a pretty long ride, but we stopped in Ohio to visit his uncle Garinja, and cousins Taylinja and Jordinja. They spent some quality time together, and then we drove onto NY.

Here's a couple of pics from this week:

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That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Weekly Update -- 7 - 14 October 2007

Yea, I'm 39 weeks old!

Masinja went to the neurosurgeon this week. The doc said he looked fine, but wanted to get another CAT scan in December to make sure everything still looks ok.

We had another first this week: Squash! He had the look of fun on that first bite, but he settled in after he realized it tasted better than the formula he's been eating.

Finally, Masinja attempted more disguise training. He fell asleep with the burp cloth in his hands and woke up with it on his head. Don't ask me how he did it, because I was so in awe that I had to take pictures. At least he improved on his camoflauge fiasco from last week.

Here's a couple of pics:

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That's all for this week.

Peace,
T.M.

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Weekly Update -- 30 September - 6 October 2007

Yea, I'm 38 weeks old!

This week Masinja had some good training. First, he practiced camoflauging himself against different plaid formations. He was too happy for his training, so he failed miserably. Bad ninja. (see fig 1a.)

Next, Masinja practiced the art of disguise when he jumped into the role of an evil penguin. At first it took him some time to get into character. (see fig 2a.) But, just when we least expected it, he morphed into a happy penguin, ready to strike at a moment's notice. (see fig 2b.)

fig 1a.
fig 2a.
fig 2b.

That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Friday, September 28, 2007

Weekly Update -- 23 - 29 September 2007

Yea, I'm 37 weeks old!


Masinja had his follow-up appointment for his hydrocele/hernia surgery, and the doc said he looks fine. He also said we don't have to bring Masinja back for anymore followups unless they're needed.


Also, Masinja was weighed and measured this week: 25 inches and 14lb, 14.5oz. He's getting so big, that it's getting hard to believe he was only 12.5 inches and 1lb 9oz when he was born.


Finally, here are some pics:


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That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Weekly Update -- 16 - 22 September 2007

Yea, I'm 36 weeks old!

Masinja had redness in his eyes this week, so we took him to the pediatrician. She said he most likely has some allergies, but couldn't prescribe an anti-histamine, because it would react badly with his phenobarbital. We've been keeping a close eye on him, and the redness seems to have cleared up, but we'll continue to monitor his progress.

PT went well this week. The doc was impressed with his progress and said we can cut back on his prescribed exercises.

Finally, here are some pics:

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That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Weekly Update -- 9 - 15 September 2007

Yea, I'm 35 weeks old!

Masinja had his 6-month vaccinations this week. The tech was very good and he didn't really scream that much. Hooray for talented immunizations techs!

Masinja's physical therapy has been going really well. The PT was very happy with his progress, and he's holding his head up a lot more on his own. He'll actually have a new PT next week as the old one is moving away.

Masinja also had his first official babysitting session this week. His surrogate mama from the NICU came over while T.M.M. and I attended an event. He was very excited to see her, and didn't even blink when we left.

Here's a couple of pics:

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That's all for this week.

Peace,
T.M.

Weekly Update -- 2 - 8 September 2007

Yea, I'm 34 weeks old!

Masinja's hydrocele/hernia surgery went well on Tuesday. He stayed in the PICU overnight, and was released the following morning. He seemed like his old self shortly after the surgery, so we didn't have to give him a whole lot of meds to keep him happy.

Masinja also had a cool discovery this week: His FEET! I think he loves them more than his own parents at this point. :o)

Here's some pics from this week:

Hospital Gown
My FEET!
Smiles

That's all for this week.

Peace,
T.M.

Monday, September 3, 2007

Weekly Update -- 26 August - 1 September 2007

I'm 33 weeks old today!

Masinja had a much more eventful week than he would have preferred. He had problems with his bowel movements, or rather a major lack there of for a whole week. T.M.M. tried giving him a suppository based on the doc's advice. After that didn't bring him any relief, we were concerned that he might have an obstruction so we took him to see the pediatric surgeon. The doc ordered an x-ray to see what was going on, but it came back inconclusive. He then ordered a contrast enema. Masinja was not very excited about that, but I can't imagine too many people would be. The doc said that not only would it give us a better understanding of what was going on, but it would act like "slickum" and help to give Masinja some relief. They didn't find an obstruction, he was just constipated because he was lacking fiber in his diet. The "slickum" effect certainly took place and Masinja has been feeling much better since.

Masinja is still scheduled for his hernia surgery next Tuesday. We'll update y'all next week.

That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Weekly Update -- 19 - 25 August 2007

I'm 32 weeks old!

Masinja had a pretty calm week this week. He went to physical therapy on Tuesday. T.M.M. had to tell his therapist that while he was no longer leaning to the right, his neck had started to lean to the left. The therapist said that that sometimes happens but despite his little setback he is making progress.

Masinja also had to go and see the doc because he had a pretty nasty diaper rash. T.M.M. bought just about every diaper rash cream on the market but nothing seemed to touch it. The doc prescribed a better diaper rash cream and it did the trick. Now Masinja has a "shiny hiney"!

That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Weekly Update -- 12 - 18 August 2007

Yea, I'm 31 weeks old!

Masinja had a much calmer week this week. He went back for a physical therapy check-up on Tuesday, because the physical therapist wasn’t there when he went on Friday. The occupational therapist wanted him to be seen by the physical therapist to make sure nothing was overlooked.

The physical therapist said that his neck muscles weren’t as tight as she had thought they would be based on what she was told. T.M.M. had been doing his stretching exercises as prescribed and it was already paying off. He has to go back on a weekly basis for progress monitoring but the physical therapist said that all should be well within a few weeks.

The highlight of the week was when Masinja held his bottle all by himself for the first time.

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That's all for this week.

Peace,
T.M.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Weekly Update -- 5 - 11 August 2007

Yea, I'm 30 weeks old!

Masinja had a pretty eventful week this week. He went to see the pediatric surgeon on Wednesday for a checkup. The doc confirmed that he has a hernia on the right side of his groin instead of the hydrocele that he was originally diagnosed with. The doc decided that it needs to be repaired sooner rather than later. He said that with a full term baby there is a 20 – 30% chance of a hernia on the opposite side as well, but with Masinja the chance is around 50 – 60%. So, he is scheduled for surgery on 5 September.

The doc also said that Masinja can start eating some rice cereal because he is always hungry and seldom satisfied. He ate cereal for the first time on Thursday. T.M.M. ended up wiping more of it off his face than he actually ate, but it was a start.

Masinja went for a physical therapy follow-up on Friday. The speech therapist said that he is right on target for his adjusted age – 2.5 months. Basically, they credit him with 4 months since he was 4 months early, so they are evaluating him as if he were 2.5 to 3 months old.

His neck muscles on the right side are a bit tight because he always leans his head to the right so that will need some work. The occupational therapist showed T.M.M. some exercises to do with Masinja to stretch and strengthen those muscles.

Here's a shot of the little ninja eating his curds and whey:

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That’s all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Weekly Update -- 29 July - 4 August 2007

Yea, I'm 29 weeks old!


Masinja had his MRI/EEG on 1 Aug. He did well for a little boy who's been through as much as he has. He only cried when they took the tape off his head after the EEG, and when he came back from the MRI. He hadn't eaten in 15 hours, so he was pretty darn hungry!


We're not sure how soon we'll get the results, but the neurologist is supposed to call us. We'll let you know if something significant comes up.


Here are a couple of pics from the EEG:


spaghetti hair
Jihad!


That's all for this week.


Peace,
T.M.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Weekly Update -- 22 - 28 July 2007

Yea, I'm 28 weeks old!

This week was fairly boring. Orginally his MRI/EEG was supposed to be in a couple months, but we actually got a call that it was scheduled for 1 Aug. We're supposed to go first thing in the morning and they'll do the tests as the equipment is available. There's no telling how long that day will last, as he's not allowed to eat anything after midnight the day before the tests.

There's not much else to report. He's sleeping well, eating well, and you know what well.

Here's a couple of pics from this week:

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That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Weekly Update -- 15 - 21 July 2007

Yea, I'm 27 weeks old!

This week was actually interesting. Masinja had a seizure Thursday morning. We took him to the pedicatrician on Thursday, and then a pediatric neurologist on Friday.

The neurologist put him on phenobarbital to help control the seizures. She also ordered an MRI and an EEG. He'll probably have the tests in a couple of months, as she'd like him to actually be a little bigger. She said he was doing pretty well, and that she didn't feel a real urgency to put him through a lot of tests right now. If the meds don't work, she'll reattack and go from there. We'll keep you posted on his progress.

That's all for this week.

Peace,
T.M.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Weekly Update -- 8 - 14 July 2007

Yea, I'm 26 weeks old!


This week was pretty boring for Masinja. He mostly hung around and ate and slept. He did get his 4-month vaccinations, which was a treat. It wasn't fun getting stuck in both his chubby legs with needles, but he was fine a few hours later.

Here's a picture of him actually smiling... he smiles a lot, however, it's very difficult to actually get it on camera.

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That's all for this week.

Peace,
T.M.

Weekly Update -- 1 - 7 July 2007

Yea, I'm 25 weeks old!

Masinja had a pretty busy week. It started out with his baptism on 1 Jul. It was eventful for us, but not him, as he slept through most of it. He woke up long enough to tell the priest that he didn't enjoy having water poured on his head, and then passed back out. It was pretty funny.

He had another checkup on Thursday, and weighed in at 9lb, 13.5oz! He's definitely porking up and getting chubby little arms and legs. He goes to get his 4-month shots next week, and then has another follow-up appointment in a month.

Finally, Saturday was a "Welcome Home" party for him, as folks got to really see him for the first time since he's been home. Some people didn't even know he was home yet. Doesn't anyone read the blog?

That's Masinja's exciting week in a nutshell. Here are some pics from his baptism:

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That's all for now.

Peace,
T.M.

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Weekly Update -- 24 - 30 June 2007

Yea, I'm 24 weeks old!

Masinja had a good week. He's still eating like a little piggy, which is good. He's also doing well on his iron supplement and zantac for his tummy. He seems like he's getting bigger every day.

He didn't have any doctor appointments this week, which was good. He has an appointment on the 5th to see the pediatrician again. She wants to get to know him, so she's checking in with him every couple of weeks.


Last, but not least, his baptism is scheduled for 1 Jul, and should be a good time.

Not too much else to report.


Here are a couple of pics from this week.


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Peace,
T.M.


P.S. Sorry about last week's pics. They are fixed now if you want to check them out.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Weekly Update -- 17 - 23 June 2007

Yea, I'm 23 weeks old!

This was a pretty good week for Masinja. He's been home for 2 weeks and has gained 1lb 2oz! He's been eating like a piggy, and I'm very proud of him.

He saw his pediatrician again this week. She liked his progress, and is being very thorough when it comes to his care. She wants to see him again in 2 weeks, so we'll see how much more progress he's made.

He did have a little trouble this week with his incision site from his ostomy. A piece of the sutures was actually poking out through his skin, so we had to take him to the surgeon. The surgeon pulled it out and then cut it, and that made Masinja cry pretty good. I can imagine it hurt like a you know what. The surgeon also said Masinja might have a hernia, and we need to watch and see if it develops or not. If it develops, we'll be looking at another surgery to repair it.

The week finished off well as we took Masinja by the NICU for a visit with some of his favorite nurses. He was very happy to see them, as they were happy to see him. We'll visit again in the near future.

Finally, here are a couple of pics:

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That's all for this week.

Peace,
T.M.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Weekly Update -- 10 - 16 June 2007

Yea, I'm 22 weeks old!

Well, Masinja is home and started his job as mail clerk in the International Kung Fu Corporation. His orientation has gone fairly well, although, he does take a lot of lunch, bathroom and sleep breaks... We'll have to work on that. The dogs and cats still don't know what to think about him, but they'll get used to him as time goes on.

It's been fun, yet interesting having him home. The first task is really to get him on a schedule, so that will be our goal for the near future.

He had his first pediatrician visit this week. It was a positive visit, and he is doing well for his "adjusted" age, which is what the doc is going to work off of for his milestones. The doc prescribed an iron supplement for feeding, and over-the-counter vitamins for him. He has a follow-up visit this Thursday, so we'll let you know how that goes. Probably won't be anything earth shattering...

Here are some pics from his first week at home:

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That's all for this week.

Peace,
T.M.