Blook Work Results

Yay, I heard from Dr. Lee today and received Layla's blood work results.  It took me a bit to process the information and actually figure everything out but the short of it is this:  She doesn't appear to have an immune system deficiency.  She does have a Vitamin D deficiency which is mild and can be treated with a multivitamin with extra Vitamin D.  Easy fix and this is quite common for children with asthma and food allergies.  An easier fix would be to move to Florida and play in the sunshine every day... although the likelihood of that happening is slim to none.  While she tested positive to tree nuts and walnuts back in 2010, the blood work did not show this allergy this time.  However, I think we will be avoiding them just in case.  We could do further testing into this, but at this rate I firmly believe that avoiding them would be our best bet.  She is also still highly allergic to peanuts.  (darn) So it looks like we will still be on high alert in that department.  Dr. Lee also feels that she needs the 23-valent Pneumovax Immunization... which when I researched what on earth this meant, I think it simply means the Pnuemonia Vaccine.  (Still looking into this to make sure I'm right)After receiving this vaccine, he then will do follow up blood work to retest her immune system.   

Where do we go from here?  Well we have a follow up with Dr. Lee in 3 weeks.  From there we will see how her current cocktail of meds are working out for her.  She is currently in the middle of yet another asthma bout, however, upon checking her Pulsox yesterday, we seem so be keeping a big attack at bay.  She's on the neb every 4 hours and we have been extremely strict with making sure she is getting her inhalers twice a day along with her Singulair.  If she should continue to have these bouts then we may have to add in an Advair or something of those sorts.

We also have a follow up with Dr. Verhave in 3 weeks for the EE recheck to see where we stand with that and if it is contributing to her asthma and allergies.  I am curious to see where we stand with this but I have a lot of anxiety about putting her through yet another endoscopy now that she is two years older and can process more of it.  That is not going to be a fun day.  So back to Boston we go and it sounds like we'll be spending some time up there over the course of the next several months.  I'll say again how fortunate we are to have this hospital at our finger tips and only an hour away. 
 
I truly hope that I am not missing anything here.  I lay awake at night thinking about this poor kid and what I can do to help her stay well.  I rack my brain to see if there is something we are missing or something more we could be doing.  I just want this Ravioli well. Period.

Other than that I am just continuing to plug along with work, planning the Father Daughter Dance for Hannah's school, planning Han's 1st Communion, and realizing that the Cannelloni is about to be TWO in only a few short months.  My oh my!

Here are the Blood Work results.  I like to post them here so when it comes a time to compare, I'll have them in a safe spot!  ;)

Layla's lab results are below. Her blood counts show no changes concerning for an underlying immune deficiency. Antibody titers were adequate to 1 of 14 pneumococcal serotypes as well as to tetanus and Hib (PRP). Immunoglobulin levels were normal. Overall, there was the immune evaluation revealed no significant issues.

She has a mild Vitamin D insufficiecy and postive test to peanuts. Tree nut testing was negative.

Recommendation: I would like to further evaluate her immune system to see how well she responds to the 23-valent Pneumovax. This immunization can be given in your pediatrician's office. If not available, then it can be given at our clinic in Children's Hospital. Once this is done, she will need to have repeat measurement of antibody titers one month afterwards.
I also recommend that she start a multi-vitamin containing Vitamin D. Regarding tree nuts – she had a positive walnut skin test in 2010. If you are interested in giving her tree nuts, then she should come back to our clinic for tree nut testing. If negative then I would want to do a challenge to walnuts. If she passes that, then she will only need to avoid peanuts.




04/05/2012 16:29
WBC 7.50 K cells/uL 5.98 - 10.80
Hemoglobin 12.1 g/dL 11.1 - 12.9
Hematocrit 36.0 % 31.8 - 37.0
Platelet 349 K cells/uL 208 - 410
MPV 7.8 fL 7.3 - 8.0
RBC 4.26 M cells/uL 3.89 - 4.67
MCV 84.6 fL H 77.7 - 84.1
MCH 28.4 pg 27.0 - 29.6
MCHC 33.5 g/dL L 34.0 - 35.6
RDW 13.8 % 13.0 - 14.2
HDW 2.51 g/dL L 2.69 - 3.17
Absolute Neutrophil Count 1.64 K cells/uL L 2.29 - 6.36
Absolute Lymphocyte Count 4.91 K cells/uL H 1.46 - 3.78
Absolute Eosinophil Count 0.32 K cells/uL H 0.02 - 0.20
RBC Morphology Yes NA
Neutrophil/Band 22 % L 34 - 78
Left Shift Absent NA
Lymphocyte 66 % H 11 - 59
Monocyte 4 % 4 - 8
Eosinophil 4 % 1 - 4
Basophil 2 % H 0 - 1
Atypical Lymphocyte 2 % 0 - 4
Anisocytosis, RBC 1+ NA
Microcytosis, RBC 1+ NA
Pneumococcal IgG Panel Interpretation See Note NA
Pneumococcus Type 1, IgG 0.46 mcg/mL NA
Pneumococcus Type 12F, IgG 0.28 mcg/mL NA
Pneumococcus Type 14, IgG 0.30 mcg/mL NA
Pneumococcus Type 18C, IgG 0.86 mcg/mL NA
Pneumococcus Type 19F, IgG 0.67 mcg/mL NA
Pneumococcus Type 23F, IgG 0.16 mcg/mL NA
Pneumococcus Type 6B, IgG 0.56 mcg/mL NA
Pneumococcus Type 3, IgG 0.49 mcg/mL NA
Pneumococcus Type 4, IgG 0.08 mcg/mL NA
Pneumococcus Type 5, IgG 6.48 mcg/mL NA
Pneumococcus Type 7F, IgG 0.28 mcg/mL NA
Pneumococcus Type 8, IgG 0.18 mcg/mL NA
Pneumococcus Type 9N, IgG 0.08 mcg/mL NA
Pneumococcus Type 9V, IgG 0.28 mcg/mL NA
PRP (Polysaccharide Ribose Phosphate) 5508 ng/mL NA
Tetanus IgG 1.73 IU/mL 0.15 - 7.00
IgG 667 mg/dL 600 - 1500
IgG1 427 mg/dL NA 290-1065 -
IgG2 85 mg/dL NA 28-315 -
IgG3 29 mg/dL NA 4-71 -
IgG4 31 mg/dL NA 0-90 -
IgA 59 mg/dL 50 - 150
IgM 102 mg/dL H 22 - 100
IgE 159 units/mL 0 - 200
Allergen, Almond <0.35 kU/L NA
Allergen, Brazilnut <0.35 kU/L NA
Allergen, Cashew <0.35 kU/L NA
Allergen, Hazelnut <0.35 kU/L NA
Allergen, Pecan <0.35 kU/L NA
Allergen, Pistachio <0.35 kU/L NA
Allergen, Pine Nut <0.35 kU/L NA
Allergen, Walnut <0.35 kU/L NA
Allergen, Peanut 13.90 kU/L NA
25-Hydroxy Vitamin D 22.9 ng/mL L 30.0 - 80.0

Last but not least... HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILLY!  Wishing you many more years of happiness and health!  XO

Easter 2012

Tub time! 

Word Parade Day 

My little Bunny 

The biggest welt on her back is from the horse allergy...  still boggles my mind 

TY Easter Bunny! 

My latest creation

Surprise Robbie Dobbs!  Mom and Dad flew home for your 40th!!! 

My Cherubs! 

Quick Update

Just a super quick update as to what transpired in Boston with Layla.  She was retested for allergies and we concluded that in unison with the peanut, tree nut, soy & cat, she is also allergic to dust mites, tree pollen, dog and severely allergic to horse.... yes horse.  As if she has ever been within 10 feet of a horse.  Go figure.  Horse was definitely the worst as the welt on her back was at least 3 x 3 inches.  I am waiting on blood work to come back in regards to some other issues as well concerning a vitamin D deficiency and an immune system deficiency.  I am also in the process of making a follow-up appointment with Dr. Verhave.  If you remember a few years back Layla was diagnosed with EE (Eosinophilic Esophagitis).  I had thought that had resolved itself since she is finally eating better and has started to turn the corner with weight gain.  However, Dr. Lee strongly felt that we do a follow up endoscopy to see where we stand with the EE since it can also be known to have little or no symptoms and he feels as though the asthma is connected to it.  So we will be heading up for that follow up as well as to see Dr. Lee in 3 weeks.  Layla was a trooper throughout the testing and blood work even though I felt as though we tortured her a bit.  The kid has good lungs!  LOL  My friend Shannon rode co-pilot with us and was a huge help with the visit.  It was so nice to have someone along for the ride!  Layla was easy peasey during the ride and very cooperative.  I'm so lucky with her!

She currently started with a cold and has had a low grade fever the past several days, although she seems to be functioning fine.  She has had the dry cough but we seemed to have kept the asthma at bay by doing the Neb treatments.  Hopefully we can continue to keep it controlled and get her through it quickly! 

I'll update more once we have the blood work results in!

Ciao!  Hope everyone had a lovely Easter!

Tomorrow

Layla has her Boston Childrens Hospital appointment tomorrow.  I am anxious to get to it.  I have spent the week trying to keep her healthy.  Fingers crossed we will prevail in that department.  I did hear her coughing a bit last night, but she seemed fine this morning and actually quite happy to be participating in her school's Hop A Thon to support Muscular Dystrophy today.  Although her favorite hopping sneakers somehow alluded us this morning and were no where to be found.  They adorned her feet just yesterday and today... Poof... vanished.  I was able to dry her tears and find a smile on her sparkly face by the time we dropped her off at school.  I hold a lot of hope for this appointment mainly because I want to do everything in my power to keep this child out of the ICU.  I'm not up for that visit again and neither is she.  I want every option explored and I want to figure this thing out.  I'm tired of her constantly being sick just as she tired of constantly being sick.

The other two boogers are doing well.  Hannah spent the weekend on Long Island with Daddy, Auntie Jill and Uncle Dave.  She got to see her first Bruins game at the Coliseum and had quite the time being the center of attention.  I'm glad she got to have this time although I did miss her quite a bit.  It is Reading Week at her school this week and she is having a grand time involving herself in all the activities.  Mr Cam...well is Mr Cam.  Crazy, loud, into everything.... yet I wouldn't have it any other way.  I really do think it is just a phase and although he can certainly give me a run for my money, he is so lovable and so darn cute.  He reminds me so much of Hannah at this age with his intelligence and humor.  He is so verbal now and Lord if the child sees a truck and you don't acknowledge it!

Billy and I celebrated our 8th anniversary yesterday.  If you call American Chop Suey a celebration!  Tuesdays are the worst schedule wise.  Hopefully we can find some quiet time next week for the two of us to head to dinner and actually acknowledge the fact that we have been together EIGHT years! 

Other than that I am sitting here trying to calm my anxiousness about the next several crazy days.  We have a bit of a hectic schedule and I am trying to figure out how I am about to get everything done.  I am certain it will get done I just need to talk myself through it.   Take a deep breath and be grateful for the day.  This too shall pass...

Layla baby

Miss bit seems to be doing better today.  Although sluggish and sleepy, her breathing seems to be good.  I took her on Friday to the Pediatrician and she was still very tight and wheezy.  We upped her treatments again and I continued them throughout the night waking her every 2-3 hours for them,  It was a bit of a long evening.  I took her back to the Pedi on Saturday and they were happy with how she sounded.  Yesterday, I officially gave both her and Cam their last doses of Prednisone so I am hoping that in a few days once it is out of their systems, all will restore to normal at the Murphy household.  Maybe Mama can get her some sleep? 

I have a call into Boston to see if we are better off at their Allergy Center or their Pulmonary Center.  Again why I love BCH... they have specialist in each aspect of every disease possible.  Hopefully we can get an appointment in the near future and see what else we can be doing for her.  In the meantime, I seem to be a bit of a stress ball about the situation.  Borderline neurotic.  I can't help it.  I don't care what people say or think about me.  I am going to do whatever is humanly possible to keep her as far away from her triggers as possible.  At least until we can figure this thing out and find out exactly what her triggers are.

...and I just got the callback.  She's meeting with John Lee of the allergy clinic on April 6th.
That's all I have for today.  Happy Monday!

This is how we spent most of our weekend

My little Leprechaun

What happens when you live in a house full of girls!!! LOL

Layla

Soooooooooooo  it seems as though we have had a few traumatizing days in the Murphy household.  Tuesday night, Billy and I were up all night taking care of both Layla and Cameron.  Cameron woke up out of the blue barking like a seal.  Now I know both of my girls have had croup in the past, but I don't think I have ever heard the cough like this.  Billy was totally freaked out.  Layla was having yet another asthma flare up and just kept coughing so I knew we'd be calling the pediatrician in the morning.  To be quite honest, Layla has had these flare ups quite often the past several months and for the most part, I usually feel as though I have them under control with meds, nebs, etc..  I really just made an appointment for her just to make sure her oxygen level was ok and I was mostly concerned about getting Cameron treated.  In we go at 11:30 and by the love of God we were seeing Dr. Sowa.  We hardly ever get to see her anymore as she is in several different offices.  Fairly quickly it is determined that Cam indeed has the croup and we'll just give him some prednisone.  In the meantime, the nurse does the Pulsox test on Layla and the level is reading 80.  I could see the nurse getting a little nervous although she was trying to hide it.  She runs to get another machine and again it reads 80.  We start her on a neb right away and and the O2 reading goes up to 84-85 and then drops down again.  They put her on another neb back to back and Dr. Sowa says, "Hey is there anyone that can watch Cam for you because I am thinking you're going to make a visit."  Of course she says this so calmly,.  Again, why I love her.  She knows just how to handle me and exactly what to say.  Especially going through everything I did with Hannah.  So I start making phone calls to see who can watch Cam because I know this means we are heading to Hasbro.  Thankfully Auntie Paula was not working and we made plans to meet in Smithfield so I could head to Hasbro with Layla.  I tell Dr. Sowa the plan and she looks at me wide eyed and says, "Um, can you have her come here to get him because you're about to leave."  In walk the EMT's.  I quickly make the phone call as the nurses grabbed Cameron who was screaming his head off.  I muster up an excited voice and manage to tell Layla that we are going on an adventure.  I think my voice only cracked once.  She got excited which was all I needed to keep going.  "Yep, baby an adventure like Dora and Boots!  Wait til we tell Hannah!!!!"  I gave Cam a kiss and only had about a second to panic about the fact that I was leaving him at the Dr.'s office alone.  Granted he was in the best of hands, but if I had more time to think about it I would have been a mess.  His screams were breaking my heart.  Layla was being strapped into a car seat on a stretcher with a smile on her face.  God bless her and her brave soul.  I jumped in and off we went.  She was on her third neb at this point and she was so good about it.  I just kept talking to her and telling her how cool it was that the sirens were on and how I couldn't wait for her to tell Daddy all about our adventure.  I quickly texted Billy and told him what was going on.  I asked him to please call Auntie Paula to make sure Cam was alright and that I would fill him in as soon as possible. 

We were admitted to the ER around 12:15 and they started another neb.  I think she had 6 in total before they decided they needed to do something else.  Her chest was caving in when she was breathing and her breathing was extremely rapid.  This was probably the only time I started to really panic.  Watching her little body working so hard to breathe was an awful sight.  The doctors for the most part were being so calm although they were concerned about how much her chest would suck in when she was trying to breathe.  I seriously wanted to scream and tell them all to get in the room and fix her.  I guess when you're in these situations you tend to lose your cool while the professionals are taught to remain calm.  Her O2 was still lingering at 88-89 and so they put her on oxygen.  I did like her ER doc and she finally decided to try something else.  They decided to give her a muscle relaxing med intravenously.  Its the same med that they use to stop preterm labor.  They put the IV in and began the Magnesium Sulfate.  (Again such a trooper with the IV.  It helped to have Princess stickers to cover it with!)  Only then did I begin to see a difference in her breathing.  It relaxed her muscles enough so that she wasn't struggling and working so hard to breathe, allowing the meds to get to her lungs much easier.  Finally, she broke a 90 on the Pulsox.  It was around this time that Billy arrived and I was thankful to be able to walk outside, get a breath of fresh air and make some phone calls.  Thankfully Cameron was doing well, although it did take Auntie Paula and three nurses to get him in the car seat.  Yep, I pretty much traumatized him.  Grammy was able to pick up Hannah from school and she was all set, so back in I went after updating the rest of the family.

She was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit around 4:30 and we got settled up there with some great nurses.  She was breathing much easier and by now I was much calmer. She was put on a 3 hour continuous neb.  Let me tell you, this kid is a Rock Star.  Holding that tube in her mouth for three hours.  A four year old.  Imagine.  This child is so special.  Breaks my heart that of all the things I could have passed down to her, it was my asthma.  She's so little and frail and yet so full of love.  I can't imagine my life without her.  She is one of a kind.  I jumped in the hospital bed and just held her.  We were able to watch movies and that was perfect for my princess who was still wearing a tutu at this point!  While her breathing was much better, the steroids began to take over.  Anyone who has ever had a child on Prednisone, knows how mood altering this drug can be.  A miracle for healing, a devil with it's side affects.  Around 2am she woke up screaming, crying and kicking.  (I had flashbacks of Hannah)  For three hours nothing would calm her down.  It wasn't until about 5:30 am did she finally fall back to sleep.  She woke up at 7am bright eyed and bushy tailed, "Good Morning Mommy!"  Mommy was a bit slower to rise.. LOL  Her Pulsox had gone up to 97!  Yay!  We played with toys and colored before we were given the news that we would be able to break free.  Dr. Sowa came to visit and helped to come up with a plan of action.  #1.  Keep her in a bubble  #2.  Head up to Boston Childrens and get her a damn good asthma specialist and #3.  Give Mommy a large glass of wine! 

Daddy and Cam came to get us and we quickly got settled at home.  She had a decent night and was able to sleep however she did wake up very wheezy and tight.  We are heading back to the Pedi this afternoon for a follow up so I am hoping we will be at a good Pulsox rate and that it's just going to take a few more days for her to turn the corner.  We also need to get her on some antibiotics for her double ear infection.  I forgot to mention she had that as well. 

So now emotionally I am all over the board.  I'm pissed that she got this trait.  All of her meds have been upped obviously and I know that this is what she needs.  However, the side affects are going to be brutal.  My non sleeper to begin with, I fear her sleeplessness will only get worse.  These meds make you very jittery and speed up your heart rate.  No sleep equals a cranky kid.  They also make you snap out of the blue.  She's just so sweet and loving, I don't want to see that change.  I'm also a flipping mess now thinking about whats in store for us.  We are heading into what is supposedly going to be the worst allergy season to date.  What does this mean for her?  How will I know when it's time to head into the ER?  Seriously, I am getting my own Pulsox Machine.  I don't give a damn if I make myself crazy with it.  I'd rather be crazy checking her all the time then wondering, should I take her or not.  I seriously want to keep her in a bubble and I'm going to have to make some better decisions for her and keep her away from things that trigger her attacks.  I am hoping that people will be understanding of this. 

The whole time we were in the PICU I just kept thinking Thank God her stay is only temporary.  I cant imagine the families that spend months on end with children in there.  The families who have to watch their child suffer with cancer day in and day out.  I was very grateful to have the Lord looking over us and protecting us.  My heart truly goes out to those families who have to endure watching their child so sick.  I'm thinking that when the dust settles, we are going to need to be a little bit more involved with Hasbro and do some feel good fundraisers.

For now, I'm just going to curl up with my girl and watch some Scooby Doo...

All my love..


                                                                        Being Brave

Neb after Neb 

Finally a popsicle! 

Good morning Mommy!

Maybe she'll be a doctor someday???? 

YAY!  Breaking out!  Riding home with my new doggie "Adeline" 

Home Sweet Home! 

Happy to be with her sister again! 



Whirlwind

The past several weeks have been so crazy busy!  Yikes!  LOL  I only have a few moments to update so here goes!  We have been running to and fro between dance, hockey, CCD and the 8 gazillion other things our family is involved in.  Thankfully, we did get to escape the hectiness and we headed on down to sunny Naples to visit Mom and Dad!  We survived the travelling with Mr. Cam and arrived in the gorgeous 80 degree weather unscathed.  We spent the week taking it easy and enjoying each moment.  From the pool to dinner to walks and excursions, it was exactly what we needed.  The kids were excellent and so well behaved.  We even headed out on an air boat ride in the Everglades.  This was something that was so thrilling for me as I had never imagined ever doing anything like this.  I don't get to travel and see the world much so these things amuse me.  To see the wildlife and the gator infested waters was pretty awesome in my book!  The kids loved it, Billy loved it and I had a blast.  Mama even held herself a 30 pound "baby" alligator.  Can't say I have ever done that before.  Needless to say the week went by so very quickly.  Hannah and I left in tears.  I hated saying goodbye and I hated coming back to the craziness and routine even more!  Thankfully, Spring is right around the corner and things always seem so much better then. 

So now I am playing catch up.  Work has been insanely busy for me.  I cant keep up!  I'm also diving into planning Hannah's Father Daughter dance full throttle.   I have a great committee and some great ideas that I cant wait to see come to fruition!  It should be a blast.  The kids are all back in their routines and sports schedules and we are very much looking forward to the weekend.  Hoping the weather stays as beautiful as it is today!!!  Love to you all! xo


PS:  24 pounds and counting!  I'm one happy Mama!!!

Goodbye Football Season... see you in August!

'Sheesh!  What a week!  It's been one of those weeks and quite frankly I am excited for the weekend to just de-stress and rejuvenate!  Yes, the Pat's loss was the first wrench in the week.  UGH!  What a devastating one that was.  Even more so that I had a house full of family and friends all sulking, depressed, swearing and so on.  I threw myself into cleaning up the house until 2AM and then went to bed.  By Thursday I was over it.  Hey, it is what it is and at the end of the day, we are all human and it was just a game.  I will still stay loyal and proud to the core because this girl will always be a die hard Pats Fan!  Congrats boys on a great season!!!  I'll be looking forward to August when I can get back in my football groove. 

Other than that it was just a week of crazy schedules and crazy demands.  High stress and no relax time.  Cam is still under the weather with a cold and I think we have some molars coming in.  The other two have stayed healthy thank the Lord.  I don't think I have gotten a good night's sleep all week because I keep waking up to these two little bunnies who have somehow found their way under my covers and snuggled up into me and on top of me!  Throwing them back in their bed takes too much effort so I roll over, hold them in my arms and try to get a little shut eye knowing that this time is too precious to waste and I can sleep when I'm dead.

On a positive note, Mama is down 18lbs in just under a month.  Just two pounds shy of my 20 pound goal before our Florida vacation.  It looks like I'm going to reach that goal and then some.  THANK YOU JESUS!  My hard work is truly paying off and I couldn't be happier.  How I miss my night time wine but I have managed to do without.  I have somehow mustered up an enormous amount of will power and I have stuck to my guns.  I am doing it... I am changing my life one day at a time.  It can be done!

Came across this page on Facebook via a friend.  It struck a chord with me as you know Hannah had a similar diagnosis as an infant.  An AVM is part of the Vascular Birthmark community as is a Hemangioma.  Hannah was within mere days of having her hemangiomas burst, having a stroke, seizing and losing her life.   This little sweetheart did not get so lucky but she is beating the odds..  This one hit home and I sent a donation right away.  Please check out this little dolly's site and if anything, send some prayers their way.   http://www.theloveforlindsaybenefit.org/lindsays_story0.aspx

Here's to the freakin weekend!  Enjoy!

Friday in Patriot's Nation

It's Friday in Patriot's Nation.  I've been here before yet I can tell you that the feeling never gets old.  The sheer excitement that builds up on this day knowing that the big game is only two days away is immense!  We've been here before, but each time is still special.  Will anything ever beat the feeling that the Pats 2002 Super Bowl win gave us?  Probably not.  It was the first time I witnessed grown men cry over a football game.  (And grown women!)  I remember the screaming, yelling, crying like it was yesterday.  I was 4 months pregnant with Hannah during the 2004 win at the time and I was sure I was scaring the crap out of her in my belly.  (While thinking how great it was to raise her a Pats fan while she was still a fetus!)  I remember how it felt to be Super Bowl Champions.  I remember the days that followed listening to Sports radio at work with Dad.  Nothing could wipe the smiles off our faces!  And then there was the trip to Gillette to welcome our boys home and get a glimpse of that trophy.  Rob, Derek, Julie & I.  That split second that I swore I made eye contact with my all time favorite Bruschi!  (I LOVE YOU TEDY).  The parade that followed and the thousands of loyal fans celebrating all over New England.   I'm pretty sure nothing will ever beat that feeling in 2002.  At the same time, I can assure you that a win would put us pretty close to those same feelings we had then.  

I was raised a Pats fan during the time Grogan and Eason were quarterbacks.  I was just a tot but I can still remember our black leather couches and how we weren't allowed to speak when a Patriot's game was on.  How my Mom would pop bowls of popcorn (the old Jiffy Pop on the stove) and we would sit there and stare at the television for three hours while they played.   I remember my Dad teaching me all of the football terms and when the opposite team would be up for a field goal he's make us chant, "Suun, Suun, Suun," in hopes of a miss.  (I still to this day don't know what Suun means.  I'm going to have to ask Dad that.)  Many times it worked.... And the kick is WIDE LEFT... NO GOOD!  Yipeeeeee!  It stuck.  I still do it to this day and I make my kids join in.

I think the best part about living in Patriot's Nation is the fact that it brings our family together.  That feeling of all being their, routing, cheering, laughing, swearing, crying, beating the floor, throwing fits, throwing food, throwing anything that is not tied down at the TV...  It just wouldn't be the same if it weren't done together as a family.  Mothers, fathers, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.  Most of us who at one point must have been an NFL coach... "Why the frig did he pass that?"  .... "Come on Bill... you should have run the ball!!!"  ....  "What the BLEEP!  He's wide OPEN!"  There is always one point in the game where we all feel as though we could do a better coaching job.  It's quite comical when you think about it.  There are also the serious superstitions!  Jerseys don't get washed.  Beards are grown.  The same underwear are worn each game.  Yes.. there are always the superstitions.  I remember during that 2002 game that I had an Aunt who would hang out with my Mandy dog in the mudroom because she loved dogs.  Whenever she moved her chair back into the family room, the Pats would play bad.  Needless to say that by the second half my poor Aunt stayed the entire rest of the game in the mudroom with Mandy and she would occasionally call out, "What's the score?"  (RIP Mandy girl)

And there you have it.  Why I love to be a part of Patriots Nation.  It's a pride like no other for me.  It's all about loyalty.  True Pat's fans are loyal to the core.  I am proud to be a fan of a team that has always played with their heart.  That has always remembered how special their fans are and how much we love them.  There are never any hero's on this team.  The game is played together.  The win together and they lose together.  It's a team effort and they never forget that.  Thanks Dad, for raising me a Pat's fan!  The Murphys are all in their Pats gear today routing on their team! 

All that's left to say is......

 GO PATS! 

BRING HOME THAT TROPHY! 

GAME ON!

A perfect celebration

Saturday was Mom's 60th Surprise Bash.  I have been working on this party since October.  Planning, devising guest lists, creating unique invitations, aquiring responses, composing a memory book and on and on.  Julie and I have spent many daunting hours making sure that this celebration was absolutely perfect.  Julie and Mikey worked their tails off on a slideshow that was the perfect tribute of Mom and her 60 years on this earth.  It was eloquent and beautiful.  Rob and Amanda worked on ordering a cake that was the perfect token of all the things Mom has always loved.  I spent countless hours creating a memory book complete of the attendee's favorite memories.  There were centerpieces consisting of chocolate covered delights my mother in law and I dipped along with just the right pictures of Mom displayed on each table.  There were no "i's" not dotted and no "t" not crossed.  I could barely breath on Saturday I was such a bundle of anixiety and nerves but when Mom walked through that door with a smile as bright as the sun, I finally realized that all of our hard work had paid off.  We did it!  The evening went off without a hitch and it was such an honor to have so many wonderful family members and close friends there to share in it all.  It was the perfect, perfect evening and I will always remember the way my mother looked that night.  Full of delight and smiles.  I love you all for helping to create this memory for my family.  You have no idea how much this night meant to us!  Shannon, my darling friend.  You being their to capture the night in photographs is a gift that we could never repay.  To have these memories, smiles and laughter instilled in your pictures is a gift beyond words.  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  Mom, I love you more than you will ever know.  Happy 60 Years!  May you always remember how much you are loved.  Here is the page I wrote for the Memory Book:

Mom,

How is it possible for me to choose just one memory of you to write about? There are sooooo many memories that I can’t even begin to choose! From as early as I can remember you have always been the one woman who could do it all. As a child, there was nothing that you did not do for us. We always had the best meals on the dinner table. We were always adorned in the most beautiful clothes usually sewn and created by you. We were raised with respect, dignity and love. ALL of our holidays were undeniably the best ever and there were so many traditions that you and Dad kept in place, year after year. When I look back upon my childhood, I can honestly say that I could not have wished for a better one. I am so blessed to have had the childhood that I had and I owe it all to you and Dad. You made sure to make each moment count. Each moment mean something. They truly did.

Now that’s not to say that EVERY second was all rainbows and lollipops and there were certainly plenty of times when you wanted to kill me. Like when I use to have the habit of yanking my closet door off the track or when Robbie and I would fight like cats and dogs. Do you remember the time in the camper that you got so sick of us fighting that you banged our heads together? Yes, that one is imbedded in my memory. How many times we would fight in the mornings about what I was wearing or how my hair was done. (Yes… Hannah has taken care of getting me back for this one) How about the time Robbie and I walked down to Debbie Aceto’s (who was sick in bed) and thought we were doing something nice by washing her car with Jennifer and Alyson, but instead, we used Fantastic all over her car widows? Yup, you were pretty ticked off at that one. Or how about the time I jumped off the swing at school and lied about it? Yep, you and Dad marched me right in to apologize to Mrs. Kenyon. My brain is a little foggy but I also remember Julie being an itch one time while we were at KFC. You were behind the counter taking orders and I was washing the front doors with Windex and you happened to catch me spraying it right in her eyes. You proceeded to hop over the front counter to smack me upside the head. I won’t even get into all the health issues I had and all the ambulance rides and scares I gave you and Dad. Time after time, you were there to take care of me. (As you know, God got me back tenfold on that one too!) Yes, there were certainly some time when I got on your nerves but there were also some really special times between us as well. Remember the time you and I went to see Beaches together? We were sharing a pack of M&M’s and when Whitney died, the two of us began blubbering so hard that before we realized it, all the M&M’s had spilled on the floor! One by one we heard them spilling and rolling down the movie theater floor. There were also the countless mornings when I would be getting ready in the bathroom and you would serve me my morning coffee. (Sure do miss that!) Remember when you, Joanie, Melissa and I headed up to Boston and had a grand ol’ time stomping around? Where there was a guy doing a gravestone rubbing and another man was so mad… “Blayton Disrespect!” How about the time you messed up your hair dye and ended up with orange roots? I had to soak your head in Tide with Bleach! There were also countless Thelma & Louise moments and times where we would secretly hide our shenanigans from Dad! (We’ll keep those memories to ourselves!) These are just a few of my many, MANY memories of you.

As I have grown older and wiser (I think), there is one thing that has unquestionably come to the surface of my mind and that is my respect for you as a mother. All those years you made it seem so effortless. All of it! The working, the raising us, the putting on these fabulous holidays, the taking care of us while we were sick, I have no idea how you did it and how you did it so darn well! You made it look so easy! You were hardly ever frazzled by it. (Except for the time Julie ripped your contacts up and hid them behind the toilet) You were definitely frazzled then! However, now as a mother of three young children myself, I have an undeniable respect for you. You are the woman, wife and mother I aspire to be. You are the truest model of the Super Woman. You are the woman who can do it all. You have done it all Mom and I have not a single clue how you did it! HA!

However, this assignment was supposed to be to pick ONE memory. So I am going to narrow it down to one of my favorite memories that just so happens to be from my adult life. It was just you and I at my Maplecrest home and one teeny bitty little baby who was only 4lbs 12 ounces, named Hannah. She was a mere three days old and we found ourselves on a hot July morning staring at her in awe. I knew I had to bath her for the first time and I was scared to death. I had barely gotten use to holding her without thinking I was going to break her. How the heck was I going to give her a bath without getting her umbilical cord wet? You came right to my rescue. Upstairs we went into her bedroom. You had me fill up the rectangular puke bowl that they sent me home from the hospital with. We placed it on the rug in her beach themed bedroom and step by step you showed me what to do. You showed me how to keep parts of her covered while we washed her so she wouldn’t get cold. I can still hear your voice telling me that “This is what Memere had taught me to do with you kids.” For a moment, I could have sworn I felt Memere’s presence with us that day. It was such a beautiful moment for me. The three generations of daughters together. Actually 4 generations if you count Memere’s presence. It’s a moment that I will always keep close in my heart. A hot summer’s day, having my Mother show me how to bath my daughter for the first time. That right there, is what this life is all about.

Together, as a family, we have been through it all. We have celebrated many happy times and we have also picked each other up from many trying times as well. It’s during those trying times when we have all banded together as only a family like ours can do, that I have realized that I am the luckiest girl on the planet to have been placed in such a beautiful family with you as the Matriarch. We are a one of a kind family and we owe it all to you and Dad for making it that way.

So today, on your 60th Birthday, I wish you nothing short of rainbows and lollipops, many more days of beautiful sunshine and a lifetime of warm, loving hugs from the family that loves you most! Happy Birthday Mom!

I LOVE YOU!

Love Kerri

These are only a few of the pictures from the evening! 

Redemption Baby!

Could I be any more excited?  Ok.. well the only way I could be any more excited would be if Tedy Bruschi were playing in this Super Bowl!  LOL  BUT HOT DAMN MY BOYS ARE GOING TO INDY!  Game on Giants!  I can smell some sweet redemption baby!  I'm not sure if I can wait two weeks! 

Excitement was surely what our weekend was all about.  FINALLY, after all three of the kiddos ended up sick with fevers and on antibiotics, we ended up having a healthy weekend that began with sledding Friday after work.  UM Hysterical!  Quite reminiscent as well.  Watching the girls sled down the same hill in the front yard that I once did.  LOVED IT!  After sledding we went in for dinner and Brenna came on by for a play date.  The girls finished out the evening with a soak in the jacuzzi complete with bubbles galore!

Saturday was filled with MORE SLEDDING as the snow continued to fall. We set up path on the other side of the driveway and I am not sure who had more fun, the kids, or Billy and I.  Once I got my groove back (it's been years since I have been on a sled!)  I hit the old time death slide and took off down the driveway.  Yup, I still got it!  Right across the street I flew and it had just as much thrill as it did when I was a kid!  Billy even flew on down on Cam's tricycle which was even more hilarious.  I think I can still hear the kids laughing at us.. except for Cameron.  He just pretty much ed screamed the whole time.  Not such a fan of the snow! LOL  After hours of playing, sledding, shoveling, snow blowing and making snow angels, we went inside for some hot cocoa.  I ended up calling my hairdresser to see if she had any cancellations with the snow and thankfully she did.  I was in desperate need for some "me time" and my hair was in desperate need for some color.  It was an awesome afternoon and an all around awesome day.  I seriously felt like a kid again.

Yesterday was Hannah's hockey day at the P Bruins.  What a kick we get out of these events.  She gets so excited and we LOVE to watch her.  Tough to keep the two little ones entertained, but worth it to see Hannah's face while we cheered for her.  I love watching these kids skate and shoot.  I also love our hockey family.  We have some truly nice parents and families involved with NRI and I love that we have become this fun group.  Hopefully we can find some sitters in the near future and all go out and have a good time.  I forget the last time Billy and I had a social night with friends.  It's been ions.  After the games, I headed home to put Cam down for a nap and wait for my Jersey girls to stop by.  My college roommate Aimee, her twins, Skylar and Sydnee and her boyfriend Thomas were in town.  LOVE seeing them.  Seeing Aimee always brings me back to a really fun time in my life.  Our college days were so sweet and special and just seeing her face brightens my day.  I love our time even though with our hectic schedules it is usually only a short while.  Hoping to plan something with her and the girls soon! 

Then it was game time and I spent it on the couch hooting and hollering, screaming and cussing... (I can't help it!)  When the Ravens missed the field goal.. that was it.. I was up in a crazy victory dance that literally shocked the schnikies out of Hannah.  Her face was priceless!  She stood there for several minutes before she realized it was safe to join in.  Layla just laughed her pants off at me.  Just like that... The Patriots are in the Super Bowl!

Onto how my "FINDING ME" saga is going. Well it is going pretty great. At the root of it all is my issues with hating being in my own skin. The weight had to come off. Cameron is 18 months. There are no excuses anymore. SO I began, 9 days ago. This grueling, depriving, but healthy diet. It's only so grueling and depriving because of how awful my eating habits were prior to starting. It's been tough. Each day, hour and even minute has been a mind game and struggle. There is candy, chocolate, brownies, pizza.. you name it, constantly in front of my face. Yet my willpower has prevailed. Nine days later, I can honestly say that I have stuck to it and have not cheated once. I have talked myself out of these crazy cravings. (What I wouldn't do for cheesecake!) I have stayed strong, keeping my eye on the prize. A new me, who is happy and proud to be in her skin. I weigh in tonight and I am hoping for some big results. However, I feel as though after only 9 days, I already have seen some big results. Aside from things fitting better, I have a renewed sense of energy and zest for life. I can't believe how much more energy I have! The "old me" would have watched Billy out in the snow with the kids while I cooked and cleaned. The "new me" was right there with them having a blast. It's a great feeling. That I can assure you. It trickles down to everything in my life. The kids have a blast with me, Billy enjoys the fun... it's making me a better wife and a better mother and that is all I ever wanted (Aside from being happy in my skin). So there. I am actually doing it. One day at a time. I am changing my life. I think I'll leave on that positive note! Happy Monday.. how great it is to be a part of Patriots Nation!