Events of the day!!!!

Little Bug did not want to go to bed last night...He was up until after 11pm. What a stinker!!!

Connor in his bed...but not wanting to sleep!!

Randy got creative with the way we set up Connor's sleeping quarters. We hung a blanket up with wall tacks to create a barrier so he sleeps in front of the bathroom area and he can't see any light from our area. We played his nighttime sleepy CD from home to make him feel comfortable...let's hope he konks out before 11pm tonight!!!

Just before heading out to the skyway to our appt.

In the hallway outside our appointment area. Mayo Bldg. floor #9

Mama's filling out the book of information on me....WOW...there's a lot she has to talk aobut with the doctor.

Daddy and Connor found an old antique scale....I think Randy's surprised how much Connor has grown...Mama wouldn't even go near the scale...She says posting all these pictures has renewed her energy to drop the baby weight!!! Hee Hee

Daddy and Connor playing in the waiting room before the big appointment.

Here we are waiting for the doctor to arrive in my examination room.

Here we are in the new pediatric floor waiting for the x-ray technician to come and get us.

Mama does a good job of undressing me quick for all these things...

Don't I look cute in my paper outfit!!! Hee Hee...I'm so silly!!

Happy family waiting in the X-ray waiting area.

I'm done with my X-ray and I get to get back in my own clothes...Let's go back to our hotel and play now.

Well, that was my day today. Daddy and Mama are still frustrated with the process here, but we're gonna do our best. Tonight I am fasting after 8pm so I won't get my tube feeding through the night. I will go into the hospital Tuesday at 9am for what's called a gastric emptying study. It will take about 7 hours of x-raying every hour and a half. We'll let you all know how it goes.

We've met lots of people that we need to be praying for. Peter and Wanda need our prayers as do our new little friends Hannah and Addison. We also met a little girl named Anabell that stole our heart. She's a cancer patient and she's so cute. Everyone here has a story and they all need our love and prayers too.

Lovebug Hugs,
Lori

Frustrations are setting in!!!!!!!!

I am sitting here in the waiting room of the Mayo clinic after Connor's 1st evaluation with the doctor. We are frustrated because they don't seem to have any openings for his procedures until Thursday or Friday which will potentially extend our stay. We said from the beginning that we would do anything for Connor, but it will be frustrating to sit in a hotel for 3 days doing nothing.....waiting!!!!!!! We're here, let's get things done!!!!!!! Ugh!!

The appt. was uneventful in the fact that Connor was a little ham and delight. He didn't have any of his episodes to "show" the doctor, so everything was simply a report of information. We have been hoping that someone would be able to see what Connor goes through to sympathize with his plight and to understand the seriousness of his problems.....but no, not today....he's in rare form which is nice, but frustrating to say the least.

Medically speaking they are looking into doing upper GI and lower GI tests as well as blood work, liver function, thyroid function, gallbladder function, pancreas function, gastric emptying studies and the like. We'll keep you posted on our progress...right now it looks like things aren't going as smooth as we would have liked. But.....we will remain positive and prayerful that we're going to get somewhere here.

Lovebug Hugs,
Lori

We're Here!!!

Our great adventure has begun and we are safe and sound in Minnesota. The trip went well and Connor did quite well on the plane and shuttle ride today. We are going to get some sleep and prepare for a big day tomorrow. Here's the pictures of the 1st day of our journey.



Just getting dropped off at SeaTac at 5:45am!!! Wow that's early for a Little Bug!!



Daddy's giving Little Bug the drill on checking bags and gives Mommy a hard time that she's overpacked....In Mommy's defense, she just had to have outfit options for me, you never know how we might need to dress. Options are always good in Mommy's eyes!!! Hee Hee




Ridding the tram at SeaTac to gate N11...Whee...........This is fun Dad!!!



Getting ready to go through security...I can't believe they make you take a 3 year olds shoes off!!!


On the plane making our reservations for the Go Rochester Direct Shuttle.


Waiting for the shuttle in Minneapolis....I'm so tired!!!


Playing on the floor in our hotel room. Hey guys, can we go to the pool soon!!!

We'll post more tomorrow. Keep praying for us!!!

Lovebug Hugs,
Randy, Lori & Little Bug

We're Off To Mayo....

The bags are packed and stacked by the front door. Kids are tucked into bed and we are scuttering around doing last minute things to prepare for our trip. This will be short so that we can go to bed soon.

Please be praying specifically for Connor tomorrow that he will be peaceful on the flight and shuttle ride to Rochester.

Tonight as I reflect upon the week ahead and I anticipate what is about to happen for Connor and for us, I am quiet in my heart and I am hopeful and trusting that God is in the process of working a miracle for Connor. I am reminded of a song that I used to sing as a teenager in our youthgroup. I want to include the lyrics here because I would hope this is how all of our blogger friends and family can be praying for us.
The song is entitled, "I promise to pray for you"
I promise to pray for you, to lift you up before the Lord. I promise to always speak your name before His throne. That new life in Him you'd find, that He'd give you peace of mind. I promise to pray for you, God's love to embrace you."

When I was running last minute errands today the above song came to mind and I was singing it over and over in the car. The part that says, "that new life in Him you'd find, that He'd give you peace of mind" made me think of Connor finding a whole new life ahead, free of pain and aggitation and a new sense of peace and calm within his little body.

Please pray for us. We will keep posting daily so everyone knows how we're doing and what is going on.

Lovebug Hugs,
Lori

Big News!!!!!!!!! Mayo Clinic here we come!!

As so many of you know we have been praying for a long time that we would be able to take Connor out to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to see if they could help him. Well, as of Friday at 9am I received the phone call from Mayo that Connor was accepted as a patient and they want us out there for his first appt. on the 19th at 9am. WOW.............So here we go, off to Minnesota on Sunday and then anywhere from 5 to 10 days at the clinic. They've told us to be prepared for 5 days in the clinic with a possibility for more, but there's no way to tell that until they evaluate him on the 19th. Yet another grand adventure for Little Bug.

Connor turned 3 years old on Sunday the 11th. I can't believe our baby is 3 years old already. The timing of this trip just couldn't be more appropriate. The best gift we could ever give Connor would be a life of good health and happiness. We feel that this is our time to get to the bottom of things that have been a mystery for Connor for so long. Please join with us in prayer that he would be a great little traveler on Sunday and that the week would be helpful and miraculous. We've seen God do an awful lot of things for Connor and we trust that this endeavor will be no different. As you pray, would you ask that God would give clarity to the doctors that will see Connor. The first doctor that we will see is Dr. Jeanie Tung. She will do all of the initial evaluation and decide upon the treatment plan. We are trusting that she has understanding, compassion and unconventional wisdom that it will take to get Connor moving in the right direction. As you will remember from the very beginning with Connor he has had unexplained bouts of pain and agitation with all things regarding the GI tract. He has been a mystery to every doctor that has seen him and although they verify that there is a problem, they cannot identify what that problem is. We are desperate for Connor at this point. It is getting worse and he has got to find some relief so he can get on with his little life and be free of pain in his body.

The plan is in motion for the trip, but it isn't without hiccups along the way. Randy is gone in LA on reserve for AA until Saturday night, then he flys home for us to leave Sunday morning. I got struck with some kind of physical illness yesterday that left me flat out. I'm trying to ween the baby for now until we get back, get things set up for travel, lodging and transportation while in Minnesota and determine the best comfort for traveling on a plane with Connor. This is a HUGE endeavor for us. My mom will be staying with the two little ones until we return home.

There is so much more to report at this time but the details will have to remain sketchy at best. Connor will be starting preschool when we return from Minnesota. He was supposed to start this past Monday but we decided to preserve Connor's health before taking him on an airplane and spending our time in Minnesota. We are excited about his class and his teacher and all the people that will be working with him. He will get to work with a Physical Therapist, Speech Therapist and Occupational Therapist. He will also continue with swimming therapy which has been a great asset to him in strength building. He will be in school for 2 1/2 hours Monday - Thursday.

Tuesday of this week we had a great appt. with a child neurologist that was able to give us some vital and informative information regarding Connor. We've been waiting for this appt. for over a year so it had been much anticipated on our part. He was able to assure us that no brain damage occurred during Connor's first year of life in the hospital. This has been of significant concern to us because of all of the drugs and narcotics that were administered to Connor over those dreadful days in the ICU. The significant delays that we experience with Connor are most likely the culprit of Connor's level of daily pain and the amount of time and effort he puts into not only managing pain, but anticipating it. The doctor was hopeful that when we get his GI issues figured out, treated and under control, we will see a whole new little boy emerge with new skills, greater understanding and greater cognitive development. This was all good news to us.

Mackenzie and Alex are so enjoyable and growing like weeds. Mackenzie is nearing 2 years old in April and she truly is little miss independent. She has a mind of her own and spirit just like her mama!!! Alex is 4 months old now and doing quite well...not sleeping through the night yet, but hopefully that will emerge soon.

Randy and I are truckin' right along with the busyness of family life and the transition of his schedule with AA. He is gone about 23 days a month with his flying schedule which leaves us "winging it" quite a bit!!! Thank the Lord that his grace is sufficient for us and for our needs. I would really love to go on and on about things that are happening at the current time, but my moments are limited to get things done before leaving for Minnesota. Please pray...pray...pray...and ask everyone you know to pray for Connor during this time of exploration into his physical illnesses. We are trusting for great things for Connor and incredible insights from this trip. We will have a computer with us in Minnesota so we will update the blog frequently with progress and prayer requests. Please keep checking back. We will also be able to receive emails so we would love to hear from you with your thoughts, comments and encouragement.

Lovebug Hugs,
Lori

CATHCHING UP ON PICTURES!!!

Hi everybody...thanks for stopping by to say hi and see our family!!
Enjoy the pictures that Mommy posted. It's been a while so some of them are old, but at least you can get caught up on how we're doing. Enjoy!!!

Connor and Daddy on his first day of pool therapy. Get ready Connor, you're gonna have a blast.

Daddy and Connor and our pool therapist, Erica. We're playing the kicking game. Erica is getting my "kickers" warmed up.

Erica says, "Ok Connor....1, 2, 3" and I jump into her arms in the pool. Soooooooooo Fun!!!

Daddy helps Erica with my kickboard exercises. They're fun because I get to splash!!

Splash, Splash, Splash!!!!!

Hey Alex, would you like a drink of my water???

"I do my own stunts" Such a cute gift for Alex from Uncle Gary and Auntie Lynette. Thanks guys!!

Playing in the dirt with Daddy!!! He lets me get a lot dirtier than Mama does. I love dirt!!

Uh-oh....someone's in the dog house!!!

Eating dirt is fun....really it is. Don't worry, I'm just getting a little extra iron in my diet. Mama is mortified, but Daddy loves a dirty girl!!!

Oh what fun. Let's do this again tomorrow Dad!!!

Alexander just 3 days old.....Where did the past 8 weeks go??

Hey, who's that in Kenzie's dolly buggy??? Oh, I guess that's Alex. What a fun toy he is in the family.

Connor standing up in his new big boy room that he shares with his brother. This was taken the first night we were home from the hospital with Alex.

Mackenzie loves putting her pop beads on her cheeks. What a silly girl. She's getting her first cheek hickies....they better be her last! Hee Hee

Saying goodbye to Daddy at the airport when he left for training.

Ok Daddy, we'll see you in a month. Have fun in Dallas and come home quick!!!

3 generations of the Robertson boys!!!

Alex was a little cow for Halloween. Got Milk is so appropriate.

Connor wearing his "Super Suit"! It helps his posture and balance. What a cutie!!!

Pumpkin patch pictures.....Soooooooooo Big!!!!!!!!

Hey Mom, I like this flower best!!!

I don't know what you people think is fun about this pumpkin patch....It's cold and these big orange things are cold and hard....I want my Mommy!!!

I've got the best smile of the bunch!!

Getting my zzzzz's before we leave for the pumpkin patch.

Starting to smile....Ahhhhhhhh

I'm getting bigger everyday.

Hi Daddy.....I miss you. Come home soon, OK!!!!

Our little peanut!!!

Our little fashionista!!!!

Mom, I thought we had the talk that I don't like to wear hats????

All right, I'll be a good girl and wear it....but only for 10 minutes...GOT IT!!!!

See you later....Hope you enjoyed the pictures. Come back and visit us again soon.
Lovebug Hugs,

Connor, Mackenzie and Alex

We found the Great Pumpkin!!!!

....and here we are all dresssed up at the pumpkin patch all ready to find the perfect pumpkin....



.....and Connor found it........



...and as you can see he's pretty happy with his find!

Alexander Scott Robertson....Our Newest Shining (or should I say Shooting) Star!!!!!

Yes, it's true...The tiniest Robertson has arrived...Alexander Scott!!!!

23 days early Alex decided to make his appearance on the morning of a full moon. Who says there isn't something to that whole gravitational pull thing...Hee Hee!!! September 15th @3:52am he was born to two very surprised parents.

Just hours before we had been watching the funny new video release Baby Mama!!! How ironic!!! I went to bed at 10:30 feeling heavy with contractions but figured it was just par for the course for these last 2 weeks before being induced. At 11:05pm my water broke and then it was off to the hospital. Let's just say, that was off to the hospital after we packed our bags because that wasn't even done. We arrived at Auburn Regional Medical Center at about 10 minutes to midnight with contractions coming about every 2 and 1/2 minutes!!! I felt much more in control and focused this time around so the breathing exercises really helped out. After arriving at the 3rd floor birthing center we were checked into our room and I immediately began asking for the epidural. They said it would take a little bit of time because they had to place an IV and make sure I got one bag of saline solution in me before the anesthesiologist would even come in. So the race began for the epidural. I think I was more excited for pain management than I was for the arrival of Alex.

And so the breathing race began and I was doing well managing each contraction knowing that if I could make it through the next hour, I would probably get some relief with the epidural. Whew...the bag of saline solution was complete and the anesthesiologist was on her way....Yippee!!! She walked in the door with all of her tools of the trade and she began the process. I couldn't believe all the things happening at once. Mind you the contractions don't stop so I was trying to breath through those at the same time the blood pressure cuff was going off every minute and the nurse was reading off the numbers to the doctor to make sure I was in a good place for the insertion of the needle. Then, it happened.....that big needle was entering my spine and I could feel the weirdest tickles in my lower back and it started to freak me out. I was calm and collected but freaked out on the inside. My left leg went immediately numb and I thought for sure something had gone terribly wrong because I could feel my right leg but not my left. I thought for sure they were going to have to do it again, but then then the doctor said, no it will eventually get numb....Don't Worry (yeah right......I'm a woman in labor and you're telling me not to worry!!!!!) It was about that time that the doctor said they were going to try a test dose of the medication....all seemed to go well, so they taped me up and laid me back down on the bed. No sooner was I laying down and the epidural drip had started that my blood pressure plummeted to a startling 52 over 40....I was in panic as they scuttered around to get me oxygen and epinephrine to get my blood pressure back up. It was a moment of reckoning as I literally felt my body rise above the bed and I could literally see Randy sitting off in the corner and I was pleading with God...Don't take me now!!! Then, they couldn't find the baby's heartbeat and I was sure they were going to wheel me off and do a C-Section. I was seeing spots, hearing bells and then it all settled down.....I could answer questions and the drama was over. I know it was probably only about 5-8 minutes of panic, but I was not prepared for the epidural to be the most hair-raising moment of the morning. Randy was finally able to come by my side and hold my hand and that brought me the greatest relief of the morning. As we talked, he admitted that he, too, had a moment of panic where he asked the Lord not to take me now. So we were both thinking the same thing at the same moment.


The nurses began monitoring my contractions a bit more closely as they were becoming increasingly intense. And then the moment arrived, I dilated from a 5 to a 10 within ten minutes and it was time to have Alex.....but the doctor wasn't there yet, so the nurses kept saying, "Oh, just breathe through those contractions and we'll have a baby as soon as the doctor gets here." "But, but, but I have to push NOW!!!!!" And thankfully, the doctor walked in and said, "OK Lori, show me that baby...." 1 push then 2 and he was delivered, 3:52 am. Alexander Scott Robertson....6 lbs 7.9 ounces and 18.5 inches long. Just a little peanut!!!! He has dark hair just like his sister did and a little button nose just like his big brother and big sister.

We were discharged on Tuesday morning and were home by noon!!! What a whirlwind for not even expecting to deliver until late next week. I must be honest, I am relieved and so happy that Alex is here safe and sound, but my body is going through a lot. I wasn't expecting to feel so incredibly sore, weak and in pain. Alex is nursing well, but the contractions that come when he does and the cramping that go along with it are, at times, unbearable. Continue to say your prayers for a quicker bounce back than I am currently experiencing and more rest. With the other two, I felt pretty good a few days in, but this is different for sure. The nurses, family and friends all tell me that after #3, recovery is much more difficult. So, we remain in prayer for strength and energy to enjoy our growing family.

Randy is doing great and enjoying the new little bundle of joy. The kids are both responding quite well to their new little brother. They have been gentle and loving (so far) and it's been a joy to watch them around baby Alexander. They are both still sick with colds, so that presents it's challenges and now Mackenzie is about to sprout 2 or 3 new teeth at the same time.

Grandma-Nanny, Lori's mom, is with us and is helping out with so much. She has been such a trooper with us and the kids, we couldn't be more grateful to her!!!

I am going to try to post a picture here so you can see little Alexander.





We will continue to post as we find strength and energy. Thanks again for all your prayers!!!

Lovebug Hugs,
Randy, Lori, Connor, Mackenzie and Alexander

The Latest!!!!!!!!!

Well, here's the latest...

The past 3 weeks we've been in a bit of upheaval!!! We had a leak in our hot water tank that caused damage to our main floor laundry room, bathroom, Randy's office and hard wood floor. We were removed from the house for 8 days while construction and repairs were done and we finally got to come home this past Monday evening. The repairs and the floor all look fabulous, but let me tell you, this was very poor timing for a home improvement project. We came home to piled up furniture in our kitchen and dining room, a layer of dust over the entire surface of the house and general chaos in the house!!!! Not really the picture of resting and nesting before baby #3 joins the family.

While we were away, we stayed with Lori's parents and they were a huge help with the kids. During that week my blood pressure went sky high and I ended up in the hospital for a good part of a day to do a non stress test on the baby. After a few hours on the monitor, it did come down nicely, but needless to say the doc put me on limited activity and lifting and mild bed rest. I'm now going weekly to the hospital for the non stress tests and blood pressure checks as well as my weekly apts. with my doctor. The blood pressure remains high, but it does mellow out when my activity level is low. So, with all said and done, my Mom decided to come home with us last Monday and she has been staying to help with everything...the kids, apts., cleaning...etc!!! She has been more than a God-send....she's been our lifesaver!!!

Randy is in his final weeks at the squadron before his military retirement ensues at the end of this month. He will then transfer his service to the inactive ready reserves (just in case he is able to find another flying job with another squadron...he's trying hard to leave his military options open!!) He will then be going back to American Airlines at the end of October and will be gone for training for about 5 weeks and then he's hoping to be placed on the 767 out of LA, CA. When he left AA 6 years ago he was flying the MD80 so he is really hoping to upgrade to the 767. We all have mixed emotions about his absence, but we have to at least give this option a try and see if it will work for our growing family. If it doesn't, then the Lord will have to give specific and quick direction as to which road we are to follow. These things are all heavy upon our hearts and minds as we prepare to welcome the new little guy!!!

The kids had been doing great until mid this week.......and then......BAD COLDS INVADED!!!!!!!! Connor came down with it first and is miserable, then Mackenzie woke up with it. They are both stricken with runny noses, cough, grumpiness, hoarse voices and an inability to sleep through the night!!!!! Aaaauuugggghhhhhh, not exactly the picture I was hoping for just days before the baby comes. I took Connor to the doc yesterday and I'm hoping that it is just a bad cold and it will be done within a week or so. Now the pressure is on for none of the adults to come down with it. Say your prayers dear blogger friends....say your prayers!!!!!

Friday was my doctor apt. and ultrasound and the baby looks good. At this point he is 6lbs 12 ounces and is developing right on track. The doc says if my water breaks we will obviously have the baby then, but if it doesn't we will plan to induce around the 23-25th. He couldn't do it on the 24th because he's taking his wife to the Neil Diamond concert.....isn't that hysterical. I'm glad I'm also a Diamond fan or I just might be irritated at this point in the game. The baby's pediatrician is going on vacation the 25th , so he's asking us to induce on the 23rd (which is my brother's birthday...nice present huh, Bryan??) and my doctor wants the 25th so we'll see who wins this battle. I'm certainly ready....with high blood pressure, puffy feet, legs and hands and overall just plain uncomfortable, I can't wait to have the baby. Currently I have dilated to about 2 1/2 for those of you who really like the details!!!

So, there it is in the proverbial nutshell. Say your prayers for us as we all feel like we're running on empty. Just about 10 days to go and then a different type of "busy" sets in. We'll keep you posted on the status of baby and we'll post more pictures of the kids soon. Thanks for all your prayers, encouragement and comments...they are always appreciated and welcomed with open arms.

Lovebug Hugs,
Lori and the whole gang