Dates

I was lying in bed and for some reason SO many different dates where running through my head. I cant believe the amount of hard and amazing things we have experienced in the last few years. July 29th 2013- we toured our first home with our realtor. Thursday August 1st 2013- I found out we were finally pregnant with our first child. February 8th 2014- Baby shower for Baby Whigham #1, I was in the trenches of figuring out I had Cholestasis and felt terrible and couldn't figure it out March 21st 2014- Jackson Matthew Whigham was born and was the most perfect thing we had ever laid eyes on March 28th 2014- We found out Jackson's newborn screener came back "abnormal" for Glutaric Acidemia type 1 April 9th 2014- We took our 2 week old to Cook Children's Metabolic geneticist to learn more about GA1 April 11th 2014- His official due date and the first time we took him to a Ranger game. We were trying to escape and act like everything was going to be ok, we just didn't believe it. June 2014- DNA sequenced on Jackson and Liver biopsy performed on me July 7th 2014-DNA came back as only a carrier, still no one would clear him August 18th 2014- Brain MRI done, still no one would clear him September 13 2014- First ER visit for vomiting, in San Antonio on a trip without Matt September 17 2014- Found out I was pregnant with Baby Whigham #2 and Jackson's 2nd ER visit. This time it was at BSA in Amarillo and was the most trying/frustrating/Mama Bear moment of my life. September 22nd 2014- Drove to Ft. Worth so that we could perform a skin biopsy on Jackson. September 26th 2014- Blood clot found in Matt's leg NOTHING happened for months, we just prayed and waited. The clot in Matt's leg cleared, my pregnancy with Baby #2 was going well. December 25th 2014- Found out Baby #2 was Miss Leah Grace January 12th 2015- Finallly, like FINALLY Jackson was cleared. It was the 2nd best day in my life up to this point, the other being the day he was born. The skin biopsy that was performed in September finally had the results that Jackson was only a carrier for GA1 March 2015- Things got harried with Leah Grace's pregnancy, I ended up on a steroid and had some scary side effects. March 21st 2015- We celebrated what a blessing Jackson was and is to us. His 1st birthday was phenomenal. April 18th 2015- Leah Grace was born and was perfect in every single way. All of that is just a glimpse into what runs through my head at any given moment on any given day. Most of these things have caused tears of grief, sorrow, relief and joy. I cannot believe that we serve an almighty God who loves us at our worst. He has never left my side, he holds me up when there is no way I could stand without him. I struggle with the alone feeling of Canyon. I am not alone. He is with me.

New thoughts on old problems

Until you have lived in the fear of a disorder you can't relate. Your mind and heart are protected from the worst case scenario. My husband and I lived in fear of every germ, every hug and sneeze in my son's first 10 months of life. We were in the ER twice and admitted to the hospital twice for MINOR stomach bugs. All of that to say, I don't know how to not want to punch you in the face when you CHOOSE to let your child get sick. When you CHOOSE to not keep your child home from church or daycare when you KNOW they are not well. My baby has hand, foot and mouth, an ear infection and some sort of respiratory distress right now, and has been exposed to chicken pox. Yes, I know he will be ok, yes, I know I don't have to go to the hospital, but I don't know how to not die on the inside and be completely freaked out and anxious.

It is OVER

It's over. The nightmare of GA1 with Jackson is OVER. His skin biopsy showed with definite proof that Jackson is only a carrier for GA1. For the first time in months I smiled, and the smiled stayed. I cried the happiest tears I have ever cried. I hugged Matt and it wasn't because I needed him to hold me up. I still cannot believe it. I look at Jackson and am in awe of the miracle of God all over again. It is exactly how I felt at the hospital. I cannot believe he is mine. I made him and he is perfect.

Glutaric Acidemia/Aciduria Type 1

Let me begin by telling you, it truly is in your best interests to NOT google this disorder. I have spent the last 4 months researching as much as possible, and I will tell you the first 3 weeks of research I read some scary and mentally/emotionally draining stories and research. Glutaric acidemia type 1 (GA1) is a rare metabolic disorder that is inherited when both parents are carriers for the disorder and pass on mutated genes to their offspring. In a relationship where each parent is a carrier, each child has a 25% chance of inheriting the disorder. GA1 patients are unable to properly break down Lysine and Tryptophan (found in protein) properly. GA1 patients are on a low lysine diet, L-Carnitine and Riboflavin supplements. Because of the inability to properly breakdown these amino acids, GA1 patients have a build up of them in their blood and urine that can cause bleeding of the brain. Following the diet is only part of the battle with this disorder. Any fever, cold, stomach bug or infection can cause catastrophic events. If sickness occurs and is not quickly caught and the patient not quickly given IV fluids and tube feedings, bleeding of the brain, stroke and seizure can and will happen. Prevention and early diagnosis of sickness is the BEST way to prevent irreversible neurological and muscular damage. Most patients that experience a "metabolic crisis" lose their ability to eat independently and develop muscular spasms and rigidity. Before 2007 in the State of Texas GA1 was not a part of the newborn screener test. Before this disorder was caught early parents were not given the chance to protect their child from becoming affected. Although we firmly believe at this time that Jackson is a carrier for this disease, I felt the need to educate others. This disorder is scary and is why we chose to keep Jackson away from the general public for his first few months. The risk of him catching even the simplest cold could have devastating affects on our family.

Parenting Hell.... and back again

Matt and I have cherished being parents. Jackson truly is a joy to watch grow and change everyday. However, there has been a dark cloud hanging over us since he was 1 week old. I am choosing to share our story today... Jackson Matthew Whigham was born via c-section at 2:29 pm on March 21, 2014. He weighed 6 pounds 12.9 ounces and was 17 3/4 inches long. He was perfect, even though he was 3 weeks early. Both sets of grandparents were able to share in our excitement as Matt went out to the waiting room and FINALLY announced, IT'S A BOY!! At 3 days old we took Jackson home, healthy and thriving. On March 28, 2014 when J was 1 week old I was called by the pediatrician, something had come back on his newborn screener. We had an appointment to talk with the doctor at 1:30. Dr. Maaytah told us she had never had a newborn screener come back abnormal for this disorder, she really thought it was only a false positive. We needed to collect a urine sample from J and after that was complete we would go to the lab to get a blood sample. After 3 1/2 hours we FINALLY catheterized Jackson to get the needed urine (who knew how hard it would be to get a newborn to pee on demand!) and headed to the hospital lab to get his blood collected. We were then told to wait for results. On Tuesday April 8th I was given the phone call that shook our little world. The urine and blood had come back as "abnormal" we would be contacted by a specialist out of Ft. Worth by the end of the day to make J an appointment with them. Matt was at work at the time, I sobbed, and waited for him to come home. When he got here I explained what I knew and we began discussing how we wished that they would just let us go tomorrow to see this doctor, we wanted/needed answers...NOW! That afternoon Cook Children's Metabolic office called, they had just had a cancellation for tomorrow and wanted to see if we would be able to drive the 6 hours to make it. We quickly said yes. That night I prepared, as best I could, to take our 2 week old half way across the state. We woke up at 5:00 am fed Jackson and were on our way to Ft. Worth. We were extremely blessed to have my parents and best friend meet us at the doctors office for moral support. We checked in for our 2:30 appointment. Before seeing the doctor, Matt and I were led into a conference room for some genetic counseling and family history. The first question they asked, "Had Jackson had a seizure?" I quickly replied no. We were then taken, with my parents, back to meet Dr. Crawford, Jackson's Metabolic Geneticist. She began with "This is a rough diagnosis." Not what we wanted to hear. She proceed to educate us on the disorder, Glutaric Acidemia/Aciduria Type 1. We were told that Jackson was literally .01 away from numerous markers being in the "normal" range. We were instructed to continue our lives as normal until told otherwise. Jackson would only need to begin taking a L-Carnitine supplement 2x a day. We repeated the blood and urine labs and left with some questions answered and so many more to ask. We were told to expect results in 10 days. We were educated at the doctor's appointment that there is not just a black and white way to diagnosis this disorder. Only 7 patients had been treated at this metabolic office by either doctor in the practice. It is extremely rare and until 2007 was not caught by the newborn screener in Texas. Parents before 2007 were not given the chance to prevent their child from being affected, they were not aware there was anything wrong until it was too late. I waited, and I waited. 10 days, 10 business days, finally 14 business days had passed and NO ONE had called with our results. I called them. They had his blood results but his urine was going to take an additional 10 business days....so frustrating. A few days later we were told that Jackson's blood, urine and repeat newborn screener were ALL in the "normal" range!! What great news. Yet Dr. Crawford did not feel like we could clear him just yet. She wanted us to submit Jackson's DNA and sequence it to see if he was 1. not affected by GA1 2. a carrier for GA1 or 3. affected by GA1. We had submitted to our insurance approval for the DNA test at our appointment, it took them 4 weeks to deny our claim. Dr. Crawford had an idea to re-submit our claim using a different lab. We did this and continued to wait. We FINALLY received approval on Tuesday June 3rd, when J was 10 weeks old. I took him to the hospital lab the next day and submitted a blood sample for DNA analysis. Again the waiting game. Monday July 14th, his DNA results were back in. He appeared to only be a carrier for GA1, however LIKE BEFORE, Dr. Crawford did not feel comfortable releasing him from her practice. She wanted to have Jackson have an MRI done to look at his brain and verify that it did not show any of the classic signs and symptoms of GA1. So that is where we are. Once again awaiting approval from insurance to have the MRI done. We will travel to Cook Children's hospital and Jackson will be admitted overnight to have IV fluids given before the MRI.

Baby Whigham

Baby Whigham, We have prayed for you for so long. Just yesterday we found out you are growing in Mommy's tummy. Daddy was very surprised and excited to hear the good news. Mommy told Daddy just yesterday that already her heart is being healed from the hurt of wanting you for so long. Already we see that God's timing was bigger and better than our plans for you. We only hope that we continue to remember that God is in control and we allow him to guide your life. We have big hopes and dreams for you. Too many to list here today. Our hope and prayer is that you will be healthy and happy in Mommy until you are supposed to come on April 12, 2014. Right now April seems FAR away, but we know we have LOTS to do before you get here. We didn't know it at the time but we bought you a house the day before you told us you were coming. We hope you will love it as much as we do. We didn't know you yet, but we bought this house for you and anyone else God puts into our family. My heart could burst from the excitement, fear and relief that you are here already.

Our First Home

On Monday July 29th we went with our good friend and Realtor, Chelsie Kinsey to look at 2 homes for sale in Canyon. The first house was brand new but not what we were looking for. We went on to #20 Turtle Crossing. Within 5 minutes we KNEW we wanted this house. It has everything we could hope for in a first home. We did not want too be to quick so asked Chelsie to let us sleep on it. We went ahead and scheduled another visit to the home for the following day. Matt and I prayed and sought wise counsel that evening. On Tuesday July 30th we went for another visit to the home. We decided to put in an offer. We waited all evening to hear something.... no news. Wednesday July 31st I received a phone call around 3 in the afternoon from Chelsie with a counter offer. I went home from school (I had been working in my classroom,) and told Matt what the counter offer was. They had agreed to help with the closing costs and our closing date. We differed only a small amount on asking price. We ACCEPTED the offer!! We are scheduled to have the inspection on Monday August 5th. We cannot wait to see what God has in store for us in the home and in Canyon.

Time has slipped by

Time continues to fly by for us. I cannot even believe how much life has changed since I last posted. Matt has LOVED his new position at West Texas A&M University. I love teaching children, but struggle daily with the public school system and the politics that it entails. We are anxiously awaiting a possible PhD. defense by August. We know our God is faithful and will provide all avenues needed to make this happen.

The Times They Are A-Changin'

Matt and I prepare today to celebrate our 1 year anniversary, so much has changed in these last few months.... We decided in April for Matt to accept an opportunity to teach at West Texas A&M University and will move July 29th to Canyon, Texas. I have had 2 interviews and have 1 more tomorrow morning with Canyon ISD, so I hopefully will return to teaching in the district I loved this fall. God has blessed us immensely monetarily. In February we were struggling and trying to follow Dave Ramsey principals. We have since graduated from Financial Peace University and have seen some of God's amazing work through our budgeting and hard work! I was also selected to record some videos for a math initiative with Frenship and will be able to complete the 1st semester for part of the stipend. We are getting ready to welcome a new niece on Wednesday, Melinda is having a little girl and is scheduled for a c-section. We will also be traveling to San Antonio to surprise my dad for Father's Day on Sunday June 17th. Lots going on, but a lot to be thankful for!

Wednesday June 22nd

Welcome to San Francisco!


We crossed over the Bay Bridge and started out at Pier 35. Went to check on taking a cruise and tour of Alcatraz, unfortunately they were all sold out until SUNDAY, we were pretty bummed!



We walked down to Fisherman's Wharf and had lunch at Chowder House, yummy clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, fish & chips and fish tacos!



Walked around the other piers and ended up taking a locals boat cruise of the bay! We ended up soaking wet and cold but loved getting to go underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island.









When we were back on land we headed to Pier 39 and saw the famous sea lions. We even had a nutella and banana crepe at the Pier!





Walked over to Ghirardelli Square to catch a cable car, the line was awful so we bought our pass and walked up a block and caught one there.




Ended up at Union Square, walked around then went to Chinatown and ate at Empress of China, it was very fancy and of course, super yummy!

Tuesday June 21st

Our last day in Tahoe!! There are not really a lot of pictures from today :(

We packed up, did some laundry, organized the cabin and got ready to head back to Sacramento. But before we left we decided to head into Truckee, Ca bought some souvenirs and have a YUMMY lunch! We were able to check out a place from Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, Burger Me, we had a double meat burger with avocado and onion rings!

Went back to the cabin, loaded up the car and drove down I-80 to Sacramento!



My Uncle Charlie took Matt and I to our first sushi experience!!It was so delicious, and we even had Japanese beer and sake! We had an assortment of rolls, raw fish and even tried OCTOPUS, it was chewy but good!!

After dinner we headed back to Pam and Charlie's house and showed them our pictures from our wonderful trip so far!

Monday June 20th

We were out the door at 9:30 am, the earliest we have done ANYTHING so far! We drove down the east shore of Lake Tahoe to Zephyr Cove, Nv. We took a steam paddle boat tour of Emerald Bay on the M.S. Dixie II at 11:30 am. Words and pictures do not do justice to the wonder that we saw on our boat tour. There were breathtakingly beautiful views of crystal clear water and mountains!








In Emerald Bay we saw great views of Eagle Falls, and even saw 2 bald eagles!





After the cruise we just hung out on the beach in Zephyr Cove. At 4:00 we rented a 2 man kayak and took it out in the cove! The water was so clear, I was in the front of the kayak and was in charge of helping us steer, more than once I was off on my depth perception!



After we returned the kayak we packed up and took off up the east coast. We stopped in Kings Beach and had dinner at Jasons Beachside Grille.

Got to Truckee and got some ice cream for dessert, got back to the cabin, snuggled in on the couch and watched The Notebook.

Sunday June 19th

Started our day in Squaw Valley, where the 1960 Winter Olympics were held!








Ate a lazy late lunch at Jake's on the Lake in Vikingsholm. It was one of the best meals that we had! Started out with a layered seafood cocktail, and then split a piece of Beramundi (white fish from Australia) in a lemon butter and caper sauce with asparagus and a risotto cake!! YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM Here are a few pictures of our view from lunch.




Checked out South Lake Tahoe and then headed down to Zephyr Cove to get information about a cruise tour we wanted to take the next day. Found out that they had a cruise leaving at 11:30 am the following morning, meant we would have an early morning but we were very much looking forward to it!

We headed back to Soda Springs, stopping in Truckee to get Chinese takeout, and enjoyed a nice relaxing evening at the cabin!

Saturday June 18th

We had a lazy morning, I made Matt breakfast in bed and then we got ready for our day in Nevada!

Drove down to Reno, found a place to park and began to explore. We were able to walk under the famous Reno arch, "The Biggest Little City in the World."


We started our casino adventure in Circus Circus, then we headed to the Silver Legacy. We both had so much fun playing video blackjack and roulette. We didn't even lose all of our money!!





We then headed down to Nevada's capitol, Carson City. When we got there we noticed lots of people in the streets, they were having "A Taste of Downtown" street fair. Unfortunately tickets were expensive so we didn't sample the food but we did enjoy some live music and walked around! We checked out all of the casinos on the main street, but they were SHADY and didn't have the games we had enjoyed so much in Reno, so we did not gamble in Carson City.





Settled in for dinner at High Sierra Brewing Company, Matt tried a honey brewed beer that we both loved. I finally tasted my first risotto (lobster) and I loved it, and felt very Top Chef esque!

On our way back to Soda Springs Matt stopped to fill up the gas tank and I enjoyed playing a little more video blackjack.

Here our some BEAUTIFUL pictures from the sunset on Lake Tahoe coming in from the east side of the lake.