ITP

Emersyn was diagnosed with Idiopathic (immune) Thrombocytopenia Purpura, or ITP, at the beginning of August. She had been having bloody noses for a few days, but I wasn't that concerned about them until I saw the broken blood vessels on her chest. We went to our Dr's and they sent us to Primary Children's to get tested. When the Dr told me what she had I panicked, I had never heard of it before (most people haven't) and I was having a hard time wrapping my mind about what it meant.

Basically what it means is Emersyn is really low on platelets. Really, really, low. Normal is 150,000-400,000, she had 6,000. They don't know what causes it or if this is just a one time problem. She has been on steroids for the past 3 weeks, but so far her level went up one week and then it was down to 3,000 the next week. Poor kid has had her blood drawn 5 times already this month with more draws to come, but she is so brave, never cries or makes a sound.

Platelets cause your blood to clot when you get injured so without them Emersyn has had to be very restricted in what she can do. That means no running, jumping, bike riding, swimming, playing on the playground, or basically anything else that kids want to do when it is the middle of summer. She has handled it like a champ, she always has been my angel baby, and Marti is a big help reminding her to calm down if she starts to get a little too rambunctious.

I know we still have awhile before I can say that Emersyn is 100% again, but this week I have been feeling much more positive about it and I just wanted to say thank you to all of our family and friends for their love and support. It is so wonderful that Emersyn knows that she has so many people who love her.

A special thanks to Dr. Kemp for talking me through everything, (it's great to have a Dr in the family).

The reason grandchildren and grandparents get along so well is that they have a common enemy.

It's pretty rare for all the Cobbley grand kids to be together at Grandma and Grandpa's house at the same time so we took the chance when Jamie and Aaron came to town to take some pictures of them. We are up to 10 and counting. It was great to see everyone.

Kids dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music.

Can you believe this face?!? Emersyn got to get all gussied up for her dance recital, she hated putting the makeup and outfit on, then she liked looking at herself for a few minutes, then she wanted to take everything off. Marti was so jealous that Emy got to wear mascara and lipstick she may start dance classes just so she can wear makeup once in a while. Emy did a great job at her recital.

Emersyn also finished her preschool this month and had her end of year program. She has learned so much I am excited for her to go back for another year of preschool before she starts Kindergarten.

Soccer is all very well as a game for rough girls, but is hardly suitable for delicate boys.

This is the perfect picture to convey the feeling of Marti playing soccer this year. It was her first year playing and for the first few practices and games I didn't think she would ever figure it out. She had a weird habit of kicking the ball like she had a peg leg that wouldn't bend, it looked quite awkward and I am not sure how she did it without falling over. By about the 5th game she had started to figure out the concept and the rest of the season she made great improvement. She was dying to score a goal and she got close a few times, but she will have to wait until next season for that.

She really liked being part of a team so I think we will keep going with team sports. She wants to try basketball next which I am sure will make Kory happy, not quite as happy as if she asked to play golf, but happy.

Run over by progress.

It's been a while since my last post...not because I haven't had anything to write but I just got behind. The girls have been super busy with school, end of year programs and parties, swimming lessons, dance, recitals, gymnastics, and of course Marti's soccer practice and games (I am going to do a post about that when I have downloaded pics from my camera, let's just say pretty funny). I really don't know how parents who have more than 2 kids get everything done, you guys are pretty amazing (I'm talking to you Stephanie, Michelle, and Trystal).

As Marti and Emersyn get older I long for the days when they were toddlers and the calendar wasn't packed with activities, there was no homework to do, and they weren't constantly running from friends house to friends house. I am glad that they are getting older and growing into wonderful little ladies, but really I can't imagine any Mommy not feeling at least a little sense of loss at their "babies" burgeoning independence.

Potato Bugs

Marti used to be such a girly girl and now she is turning into such a tomboy. I am not prepared for this. I guess it is our fault for moving into a neighborhood filled with boys. Seriously, there is not a single girl her age on our entire street. It is not unusual to see 4 or 5 little boys in the backyard playing with Marti.

The other day Marti and 4 of her friends were outside collecting and selling potato bugs. They had a little wagon with a sign on it that they pulled up and down the street. Marti brought 4 home in a detergent scoop, she called them her pets. She would pick them up and let them walk on her, she would gently pet them, and if they flipped on their backs she would help them turn over. It was so sweet. She may be a tomboy, but she still has girl in her.

You can be what you choose to be. But you can never be an elephant.

Yeah, I'm a slacker. I am going to finish this....right now.

Day 24-A letter to your parents
Done. Pettet Family History Thanksgiving 2010

Day 25-What I would find in your bag
Who is this "I" and why are they going through my bag? Sounds fishy.

Day 26-What do you think about your friends
Friends are like bras; close to your heart and there for support.

Day 27-Why you are doing this 30 day challenge
I have no idea, I can't remember.

Day 28-A picture of you from last year and now-how have you changed?


Ummmm, my hair is longer now.

Day 29-In this past month, what have you learned?
A month is a long time and I am not very interesting.

Day 30-Your favorite song
Landslide, the original Fleetwood Mac version.

And now to get back to what I really like to write about....my kids.