Always listen to your GUT!

No pun intended.
Finally, an answer! Is it a good answer? No, but at least things are finally starting to make sense.

Rewind back to January-- we took Carson to a GI (stomach specialist) and had an endoscopy (a camera that looks in your esophagus, stomach and intestines) to see if there were any issues. The doctor said that everything looked normal and HE DID NOT HAVE CELIAC disease.

I've emailed my family since and told them that I think the doctor is wrong. I just felt in my gut that he has the disease. He has the low IgG immune cells, he reacts terribly to wheat, and I heard the story about the little girl that was falsely diagnosed with Type I Diabetes (she really had Celiac). So, it was a long shot, but I felt that getting the genetic Celiac blood test would be worth my peace of mind.

I just got a call. He tested positive!
Thank you, God, for giving us the persistence not to just take the first diagnosis. Thank you to Dr. Gonino's team that suggested this testing. Finally, an answer!

What does it mean?
Celiac disease is an inherited, autoimmune disease in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged from eating gluten and other proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats. The symptoms of Celiac disease can vary significantly from person to person. This is part of the reason the diagnosis is frequently delayed.

It unfortunately means that Carson is allergic to wheat and will never be able to eat it. You do not outgrow Celiac. Of course, that is devastating to hear.
It also is highly genetic. So, Nathan, Alex and I will all get the blood test done to see who in the family has Celiac. Dr. Gonino suggested that Nathan's diabetes could be because of a hidden gluten allergy. Alex's "hand tremors", etc. It's a long shot, but it's certainly worth a blood test to find out!

So, here we go again. More diets and a lot of big changes coming our way.
In this moment, I am feeling victorious for not giving up and getting an answer.
Crazy, huh?

Here is a link to learn more:
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Celiac+disease+-+sprue

Face Dunking

It's a good thing he has a big belly...otherwise, I'd have to censor this video :)

Our little reader

If you can't view the video, click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Zy2xPPC4s

Please do NOT!

PLEASE DO NOT!! (Inside joke from college)....but look at our precious, obedient daughter!

Seriously good progress, April 26

Carson is AWAKE people!
Wow, they said things would eventually click and when they did to watch out...and I believe that has happened. I feel like we are hitting the fast forward button now, rather than pause. It's incredible!!

In the past two weeks, Carson has:
-been singing his ABC's
-singing "Twinkle, twinkle little star" and "Old MacDonald"
-playing peek-a-boo
This weekend, he learned, "Ready, set, GO!" When he says "go" he lifts both hands and hits his belly and yells "GO."

Finally, just today...
HE CLAPPED! That has been a huge delay and red flag for the therapists. I can't tell you how hard we've worked with him on clapping. He also just said "Carson" and is pointing to himself when he says it.

Goose bumps, tears of joy, praise the Lord! Carson is here. Watch out :)

PS- We just completed the Celiac blood panel testing and environmental allergy testing. Results in 8 days. No mas blood work!

Is it odd or is it God?

I am posting this so I have it on record.

Today when we were in church, I had a vision of being on a mission trip in Haiti. RANDOM?!!!
They weren't discussing this, and there has not been a mention of a church mission trip to Haiti, so I just think this is crazy. One of my odd Mel moments, indeed.

When we got home, I immediately looked up our church website to see if there are any mission opportunities, and sure enough there is a mission trip to Haiti this summer. Really?!?
http://www.fellowshipchurch.com/hope4haiti?FCW=r7halcpu67dbm2l44pkmo1h8u2

Who knows if anything will come of this or not, but I am moving forward to see what happens. Our church is sponsoring 50 orphanges. Needless to say, I was moved, touched and excited to see this already in place. The lost children on on my heart the most. I want to go hug those babies and share the good news. Let's see what God is up to next....

"I will remain, confident in this, I will see the goodness of the Lord."

Pre-K Easter Party, April 1

I got to host Alex's Pre-K Easter party this year! Alex's class is truly a special group of amazingly gifted kids. They are all very respectful and kind and play well together. I was so excited to host the party! I was the photographer too, so not many pictures-- we were too busy crafting and playing. I felt honored to be a part of the Easter experience. 5 year olds are really able to grasp the sacrifice and miracle of the resurrection. As Alex would say, "He is noooot here. He is not here. He is risen indeed!"

Alex with her boyfriend, Mau

Jackson and Jia
Ben and Alex (so cute!)

My girl is working away on her crafts

Olivia hiding behind her accomplishments

Jackson is so proud!

Alex loved the cross project

The craft

Alex made 6 crosses! She loved it.

We had such a great day. Alex loved having mommy at class without Carson...and I had fun being there!