December Fun

I can't believe 2008 is almost over. This means we have successfully survived FOUR MONTHS of Pittsburgh life.

This past month has been a blur of relaxation, freezing weather, holiday scurry and family reunion. But I'll start with the latest funny Gavin behavior. It's become evident over the past month that he is very sensitive to correction/direction/discipline, and obsesses over the lines we've used to correct him. "Do you need time out?" was shouted (by Gavin) any time he made a mistake or behaved inappropriately. Within the past few days, he's dropped that phrase and started "Do you need to go outside talk about whining?". Now imagine his usage: Gavin drops a toy; Mike notices and tells him to pick it up, Gavin shouts, "DO YOU NEED TIME OUT?". Gavin is at the front of the church during the "children's church" lesson, loses focus, stands and needs guidance from Bob, Gavin shouts, "DO YOU NEED TIME OUT?". We are very relieved that he's dropped that less socially acceptable phrase for the new one, which is equally as funny. We're sitting in a restaurant, Gavin is using the knife to put carrots in his mouth and needs redirection from me, "DO YOU NEED TO GO OUTSIDE TALK ABOUT WHINING?".

Mike and I started December with a little vacation. We took our first cruise, appreciating the warm weather break. We went with Mike's cousin and his wife and really enjoyed getting to know them better. We explored Key West for two days, an extended stay while our boat was under repair! We found the Russell grave plot though, and toured the house where my Grandfather was raised.

Gavin has enjoyed the holiday season. He loves Christmas movies, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Mickey's Christmas, Rudolph and Frosty were the most watched. The season (and movie-watching) has encouraged him to sing. It has been so cute to hear him sing lines of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Jingle Bells". The most endearing line he's picked up is "helloooo georgeous!" (from Chipmunks), which he says to me, smiling proudly! He knows this will always garner a delighted response from Mommy! Gavin's Christmas ('Winter", for the PC) party at school was fun. Both Mike and I were in attendance, there to see his singing performance. (Of course, he didn't sing, as he was so distracted by seeing us across the room.) The teachers had prepared the best gift for the parents, a personalized cookbook, featuring each student's favorite recipe, such as Butter Noodles, Rice Krispy Treats and Pizza Dip - very handy for any mother of a pre-schooler! We also ventured into the snow to see Santa at Bayer (my new workplace). Gavin's uncharacteristic shyness with Santa was sweet.

We are ending the month with the much-anticipated visit from my parents for Christmas. They brought the sunny South with them! They were a bit disappointed to have no snow - the first snowless week in recent months - but I have assured my mother that the sun here is as rare as snow in Alabama. Yesterday it was a balmy 68 degrees. My body warmed and my smile broadened, as I absorbed the sun and felt alive again.

We anticipate good things in the new year, knowing God will continue to bless us. 2008 has been an eventful year! God has broadened my capacity for change. He has provided me the opportunity to truly know that He is the reliable source of strength. He's reminded me that He is the foundation on which life is built. And, although His paths are rarely the one's I choose, I find peace knowing that His ways are best.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the Herman friends!

Gavin, Mommy & Daddy at the Winter Party


Mandy and Rebekah in Key West

Mike and Kerry in Key West

Gavin & Santa

Gavin's School CookBook

Ahhh, let's see... what's happened lately? Oh, I know - snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and the reality of winter in Pittsburgh. How's it different from home? My car is covered in dirty salt from the roads. I can't walk out the door without a scarf and gloves. Driving thru the city, you can tell who pays higher taxes by which townships' roads are drivable. Table salt works as well as road salt, when you're desperate to get your car up the driveway.
Our week of snow has been fun, providing a little excitement to take the edge off the biting temperatures. Of course, I'm trying to think long-term and accept that this weather is not a passing amusement, but rather a way of life for the next 5 months.

I am fully into the swing of working full-time again. I do miss several things: my free time with Gavin; hanging out with other moms during "business hours"; updating this blog! But I find that we are getting into a routine. Each evening when I get home, Gavin and I sit together on the couch for at least an hour, snuggling and watching TV.

Gavin is doing well in school. He gets to ride the bus now, which he enjoys a lot. He and his nurse are the only riders, on the 2-mile trip to school. He's doing well in school. He brings home his art work and notes from the teacher, all indicating that he is making progress. Last week he was so excited to arrive at school, he led the students and teachers, practically running up the staircase to the classroom. This week, he went with Mrs. Michelle (his nurse) to the book fair. He's also been acquiring all the school germs, as this whole week he's been sick. Yesterday, we finally called the doctor and we've started an antibiotic that seems to be working.

Gavin riding the school bus.

Gavin waving bye to his bus driver.

Gavin's Thanksgiving artwork.

Burrrrrrr!

Celebrate Fall

We have had a good week. Gavin had his "Fall" Party on Thursday. We've had three playdates. I packed in as much as possible in this last week before I start work.

Gavin's teachers really put together a nice party, more than what I was expecting when I was told about the Fall party. But, this is my first school party, so I didn't know what to expect. There were lots of goodies to eat, provided by the parents. (I took a veggie tray and strawberries.) The kids were paraded in by the teachers to perform the Fall song they practiced. Much to my amusement, the "role-model" kids gravitated together, and the performance was so cute. The role models were singing and motioning appropriately to the tune, and Gavin & Company were in their own little world, jumping around, staring absently, spinning heads, etc., completely oblivious to the activity at hand. (Pardon my amusement, but these kids are quite endearing.) The party was great, complete with games and pictures with the teacher. Gavin is really enjoying his class, and I'm so pleased with the staff and quality of education he's receiving.

This week starts a new era for our family - or perhaps just a reversion to the old era. I go back to work full time, so a few things will change. Aside from increased dirty laundry and fewer home-cooked meals, Gavin will be riding the bus to school and we won't be able to visit with our new friends during the weekdays. I am looking forward to the routine, however. Gavin will be staying at home and going to school with the nurses who have been with him for the past few weeks. His Grandpap will be visiting with him each Wednesday afternoon to watch him. And I'll be sure to enjoy every second I'm with him in the evenings and on weekends.

Gavin and Teacher, Ms. Loretta

Gavin & Friends, performing the Fall song

Oh, did I mention he was grouchy that day?

Gavin & good buddy, Claire - Grams & Grandpap's neighbor

Happy Halloween

Gavin and I traveled to my friend Karen's (Fairfax, VA), to spend Halloween evening with her and her two beautiful children, Jackson and Jenna.

This Halloween was definitely the most fun I've had with Gavin.
He "got it"! He said "Trick or Treat"!
Dressed as a Dalmation, he was quite a determined Trick-or-Treater, insisting on pushing his pumpkin in a baby stroller (courtesy of Jenna). The stroller kept him on track, as he moved from house to house, never crossing the grass, insisting on the sidewalk. He was very focused on getting the pumpkin stroller up the steps to the door and then back down, requiring that the treat-giver be quick, or risk seeing only his puppy rear. A couple of times, when the people were especially nice, Gavin would just walk into the house. As you may imagine, I spent a lot of time running up to the door, prompting him with "trick or treat" and "thank you" or redirecting him from their home with profuse apologies. Next year we'll work on teaching him to eat his treats, as I've compensated for his food aversions by personally cleaning out is pumkin bucket.

Halloween 2008

Halloween 2008


Little Mermaid (Jenna, 4), Dalmation (Gavin), & IronMan (Jackson, 8)

Mommy & Gavin, Halloween 2008

For The Curious: Our PA Home

Pics of our new house, including Gavin's playroom. Note: I've omitted all the messy rooms, excessively wallpapered rooms and unpacked boxes. Enjoy!

Gavin's 1/2 of the Basement; his "play area".

Living room

Dining Room

89 Marwood Dr. Pittsburgh

Gavin, October 2008

Gavin is doing great. We've almost forgotten that he had surgery so recently.

This week has been uneventful. He was a bit sluggish earlier in the week, but by Wednesday, we were out about town, as usual.

Thursday, Gavin got to go to his new friend's house. Our neighbors have three kids, one is a 3-year-old adorable little boy. Gavin had so much fun and didn't want to leave, which pleased me immensely. Yeah, we've got a neighborhood friend to play with!! We also went shopping for costumes, with no luck. So, I think we're going the homemade route, unless it looks too crazy once I finish. He's hopefully going to be a puppy.

Gavin learns to "make a wish", tossing coins into the mall fountain.

Friday, we worked all day on Gavin's play area. Half of the large basement room will be dedicated to all of his toys. We went to Ikea last night. Gavin loves to say "Ikea", as on the ride he kept saying "Go to Ikea" in his amusing monotone voice (think Pat from Spongebob). We got a new rug and little kid chairs, along with more toy storage bins. (I'll post pictures, when the area is complete.) Oh, and another social improvement he's been working on - whenever we're in stores now, he loudly says "HI", again in the funny monotone, to various people. The most fun of the evening was Ikea's $1 ice cream cone that Gavin really enjoys, a huge breach in the food aversion barrier!!!

Today we weathered the rain (and cold) to go the the neighborhood Halloween Parade. I enjoyed the marching band. Gavin liked the fire truck, but really only tolerated this event for about 15 minutes. Fortunately, we didn't miss much when we left, as the remaining parade consisted of numerous preschoolers dressed up in their (wet) costumes.

We're having a relaxing weekend, enjoying Gavin and our time together. Enjoy the pics.

Newsflash: Gavin eats icecream now! Praise the Lord!!

Gavin with Daddy @ the Parade!

Gavin had a great day. Each day starts a little grouchy, but he recovered nicely. In fact, tonight he was absolutely adorable, running around the house smiling and babbling a lot. Today, we've watched Tigger&Pooh DVD 6x, so he's saying all kinds of things from that video.

Mike and I were able to go to church this morning, while Gavin slept in and stayed with the nurse. After church, we took him on his first post-surgery outing. We went to the park, where he opted not to get on any of the equipment, except for the swing. We walked a lot. He enjoyed the leaves. He wasn't as "wild", running everywhere, and he didn't smile as much, both indicators that he was distracted by his back. However, I was very pleased with the activity. I expect that by the end of this week, he'll be ready to climb.

Post Surgery 10/16/08. 9:00pm - trying to be brave.

Gavin's at home! Yeah.

We went back to the hospital this morning and he was doing well. He was very sore and grouchy. He had a good night, somewhat restless, as each time a nurse or doctor nears him, he would get very upset. So, imagine his irritability this morning when doctors made rounds! He rested a bit this morning, but by 12:00pm, his discharge paperwork was complete, so I woke him up to bring him home.

Wow, it's amazing to have this hospital stay seem so easy! Post surgery, we check out, load him in the car and drive 8+/- miles home. There was no baggage to load - we hardly brought anything with us. No concern for his trip home - it took 20 minutes! So, upon arrival home, he stayed on a makeshift bed in the living room to watch TV.

The afternoon was rough, as he was very tearful and sore, not wanting to move or be touched. He had a low-grade temp, and I was a bit concerned that it would escalate as a precursor to something worse. After a 4-5 hours of sleep and several doses of pain medicine, he seems more like himself. He actually walked to the bathroom by himself a few minutes ago. Now, he's sitting in the chair in the den with us, talking a little. He genuinely seems relieved to not be hurting so much, which of course delights me!

At home, finally feeling like interacting with us.

Pray that he continues to feel good, and that his rest tonight will provide recovery so that he can have a good day tomorrow.

We are blessed!

Riding in the car, on the way to the hospital.

Gavin Pre-op, enjoying his words and letters on the drawing board.

Thank you for all the prayers.

Gavin was out of surgery yesterday at approximately 2:30pm. Dr. Deeney spoke with us, indicating that everything went well during the operation. He was able to expand 10mm on each side as planned. Gavin looked good, but was of course feeling a bit groggy. He slept for the majority of the evening, needing pain medication and now wanting to be touched much.

By 9:00pm, he was perking up a bit. Mike and I were able to have some quality time with him. He was very interested in a nature program on TV that just played music and pictures of flowers and trees (a hospital-sponsored soothing channel). He kept saying "pretty music", "pretty flowers", "three flowers", "red flower", etc. He was doing a bit of disjointed babbling last night, and although he made little sense, it was very cute. He was able to self-feed 5+ cherrios and really enjoyed drinking water. He did not want to sit up, as this was still painful for him. I was able to snap one photo (see below), where he was making his best effort to say "cheese".

Overall, he seemed to be recovering well. He did have a "plug" which gave us a little scare, but it was suctioned out quickly and his breathing returned to normal. This may be expected since he was immobile for the majority of the day, and he avoids coughing because of the pain, both of which cause secretions to settle in his chest/trachea and become less moist.

I am planning to see him within the hour and will update this site later today with progress.
Continue to pray that his recovery will go well, that he will be discharged this morning, and that he will feel comfortable enough to resume some play activities.

Recent Pics of Gavin

Gavin on the Fall Festival - Trax Farm - hayride.

Trax Farm: Train ride that he absolutely loved. He had to ride alone!!

Pittsburgh Children's Museum: Water Table. He got soaked despite the rain gear.

Pittsburgh Childrens Museum

With Mom & Dad at (Pittsburgh) Mt. Washington overlook.

We're ready for surgery! ...well, physically, Gavin has been cleared. I must say that I never feel completely ready, however, I know that this will be good for him.

We spent the morning at the hospital doing pre-op: x-rays, bloodwork, meeting with the orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Deeney. This was the best he's ever performed for an x-ray. I have him trained to say "cheese" for "taking his picture". He actually seemed to enjoy that part. For the drawing of blood, however, I've never seen him go so immediately from happy to screaming. Wow, he's getting strong. Fortunately, the nurse was good and the first stick drew the needed blood.

A comparison of his x-ray, relative to changes since April 2007 (his first expansion surgery), indicates a persistant curvature of his spine, at 18%, a change from 6% four surgeries ago. By itself, 18% is not a concern, as this degree would not be treated. Dr. Deeney did note the condition as something to be aware of as we monitor the impact of the rods. The rod placement is still good, as the rings (attached at top and bottom on both sides) have not begun to slip or wear into the ribs. This risk is always closely monitored, as we expect that at some point they will begin to wear through, requiring that the rods be re-attached to another rib. Dr. Deeney expects to expand each rod 1 - 2 "notches", as there are 6 remaining on each side. (Each "notch" is 5mm, as I recall.)

Gavin is having a good day. Following the hospital visit, we went to ChicFilA, or "Siffaway" as Gavin calls it, to allow him play time. Tonight, we are planning to take him to the Mall play area, or "Aaweeuh", so he can have a little more fun. I really don't think he comprehends going into the hospital or having surgery, as I've explained to him. I feel so guilty this time, however, because he has become much more sensitive to dr. office visits, ie. the immediate reaction to a nurse sitting down an searching for a good place to get blood from him! Anyway, maybe the extra play time today will soothe my conscience.

I plan to post during, or at least post, surgery. We expect surgery to begin around 8:30am and last approximately 4 hours. Please pray that the surgery goes well, and that he feels as little pain possible.

October 2008 Surgery

Gavin is scheduled for surgery this week, 9/16/08.

This surgery should include an expansion of the VEPTR "ribs". (See www.gavinherman.com for further explanation of Gavin's medical history.) This expansion will be the 4th received following the two initial surgeries to place the VEPTR device.

The greatest change in this round of surgery is that the procedure will be done in our hometown! No, he's not having the surgery done in Alabama - we've moved - to Pittsburgh.
The geographical shift will certainly be a blessing, in that the travel will be minimal and the proximity to our new home will make the ordeal of surgery much less of a burden.

We go tomorrow to start bloodwork, x-rays, and consult with the surgeon. We are praying that this goes well and that the surgery proceeds as planned on Thursday.

Please check this blog for future updates.
The www.gavinherman.com site has not been updated recently, due to technical difficulties! It is still accessible to view our history with Jeune Syndrome, however, I (Rebekah) will be using this blog to provide Gavin updates until the website is functional again.
Stay tuned for more updates and pictures!