What Are We Going to Do Now?

I have to admit that we are very blessed to have such caring friends and family that have inquired about our status since the Pfizer announcement.

We are still in limbo. We have come up with 5 different pathways to our future. One is to relocate with Pfizer to Groton, CT - hopefully. One is for me to find a job and Bob stay home with the girls. One is for Bob to go back to school, me back to work, and find child care for the girls. One is for Bob to work for another pharma company. One is for Bob to try to find a job in BioTech or Research at the U. All of these scenarios have their +'s and -'s. We have not made up our mind either way.

However, Bob and I thought that it would be a good idea to go to Groton, CT to check it out. I have been doing some research online and with the help of some friends been able to find some good information. We are going on our own dime and time, but we feel that it is the only way for us to know if relocation is even a possibility. I have lived in New England, but Bob has never lived outside of OH or MI, so it really is for him to see what it is all about. If we hate the area and such, then one path will be taken off the list. But we won't know unless we go and check it out. I think it is a small investment for our future. The girls will stay at home with Aunt Sarah and Grandma O tag teaming the effort. So, it will be a chance for Bob and I to be alone for the first time since Celie has been born. What a mini vacation!! CT in the winter. Yeah!!! Ah, that is being typed with sarcasm. I wouldn't mind the idea so much if we weren't having single digit highs around here.

Our spirits are positive and every day Bob learns more things. We are taking this one day at a time and remaining to keep a positive outlook for our future.

We will keep everyone posted with our ideas and such. And thank you to everyone you has emailed or called with your concern. You do not know how much it means to us to have support right now. Thank you!

Celie's Surgery Update

Celie's surgery took about 1 hour for them to complete. When we met her in the post-op area, she was still a little droggy, but seemed happy to see us. We asked the Dr if it was o.k. for her to crawl, roll around, etc. He said yes. He said that they just didn't walking for a month. Yeah, we laughed again.

Once we got Celie home, we decided to try to help her pain with just regular over the counter medication instead of getting the prescriptions filled that had made her ill in the past. We got home in time for some lunch, medicine and a nap. She slept for 4 hours.

That evening we decided to move everything in her room. We set up a TV with a portable DVD player and cable. We gave into the requests of Elmo. We set up all of her different activities on the dining room table so that we could easily switch activities, yet wouldn't clog up her room or her bed.

We have done pretty well keeping her off of her legs. We go for our 2 week follow up tomorrow. Originally, the Dr. had said to keep her off of it for 1 month, but wink, wink, parents have had their children walking by the 2 week visit. Well, she just started walking on it today. I don't think that there is any holding her back now. However, we will be taking the TV back and putting it back downstairs.

Hopefully, her 6 month follow up will be very favorable and we will not have to go through this procedure again.

Anna Update

Anna had her 4 month check up recently. She passed with flying colors and is definitely making up ground. I thought that she was going to be my "normal" sized child, but she is proving me wrong. She is in the 95% for height and 50% for weight. I think she may be the tall scrawny one in the family.

She is smiling, gurgling, and laughing. She is a delightfully happy little girl 98% of the time. Celie likes to talk to her at the dinner table. It is quite comical.

New Format

The Ostroski Observer has long been written in the tradition of a "newspaper." Stories being told in the third person and such. Well, it has been decided to mix things up a bit and change to the first person. Hopefully, those that are faithful to the Ostroski Observer will not mind the slight change. If you don't like the new format, please let us know and the editorial staff will take it under review.

Thanks,
Kelly

Bad news travels in 3

There is truth to the saying that bad things come in waves of 3. The Ostroski household has definitely experienced that as of late.

Bad #1
During the pre-op appointment for Cecilia, the Dr informed us that if Celie's angle got any worse, we would have to do the whole surgery over again when she is 3. However, the surgery to have her hardware taken out went very well and she is re-cooping just fine. Thank goodness.

Bad #2
Kelly's dad has had some tests done regarding blockage to his heart. There is blockage to his RCA and some blockage to his main heart artery. The percentages are not known at this time, but Kelly plans on going to the Drs. appt with her dad and step mom to discuss all of the options ahead of them and what the treatment and next steps will be.

Bad #3
This is probably the most mind boggling one, at least to Kelly & Bob. Bob found out today that he has lost his job. Pfizer cut the entire Ann Arbor/Michigan work force. Bob will not know specifics until tomorrow, but he does know that there will be a small severance package offered after his final day. He will find out tomorrow what the plan is for his projects, etc.

Kelly & Bob are working on several game plans right now. Both of them would like to stay in the area. So, if anyone out there knows of any jobs for either Kelly or Bob, please contact them. Kelly is actively searching to return to the work force and Bob is contemplating going back to school to become a nurse or a pharmacist.

Bob and Kelly know that there are others that are going through difficult times as well. There are about 4,000 people in and around Ann Arbor that are very upset right now, plus there are friends of Kelly and Bob's that are going through difficult surgeries as well. Kelly and Bob are thinking of everyone at this time and hope that anyone that reads this will keep them and all of the others in their thoughts.

Everything happens for a reason. Hopefully, the reason will show itself to Kelly and Bob soon.

Cecilia Surgery Update

Yesterday, Bob, Kelly, Celie & Anna went for the pre-op appointment for Celie getting her hardware out. Since, they have waited for 4 hours in the past to be seen by the surgeon, Kelly & Bob decided that they would drive 2 cars and if Celie got unbearable, he would leave with the girls and Kelly would stay to meet with the surgeon.

They arrived early to get x-rays prior to their appointment and then headed to the Ortho department for their appointment. They were actually shown back on time and a nurse came in to give Celie a physical. After that, the surgeon came in and gave us her diagnosis of the x-rays. She said that the angle of the hip is now at 30 degrees. They really want it at 30 or BELOW. So, she said once the hardware comes out and if it starts to go up, then they will have to repeat the entire surgery over again. Of course, this news devastated Kelly & Bob. They were told that it was a possibility from the beginning, however, there were a million things that began swirling around in their heads. But, of course, they didn't think about all of the things until the doctor was long gone. So, Kelly & Bob have written their questions down and are posing them to friends and family members to see if they can some other guidance. Kelly has done a lot of research on the web but a lot of the information is generic and the other information is very technical. It does take a while to sort through it all.

So, next week, Celie will have her hardware taken out and we were told not to let her walk for 4 weeks. Yeah right, when Kelly & Bob asked how they were supposed to keep her from walking, the doctor said to strap her in a wheel chair. Kelly & Bob didn't think it was funny. Bob asked why not a cast? The Doctor said that she really didn't want to do that and Kelly & Bob really don't want that either. So, I guess it will be another time of trial and error and a lot of posting to Kelly's other blog.

Because of this whole experience, Kelly has started another blog - www.dealingwithddh.blogspot.com She will be posting more personal feelings, ideas, etc. about the whole experience. She has actually had some comments from others in similar situations. "I am surprised that other people are actually reading it. I just started it as a theraputic outlet for my frustration, but hopefully, it can help others," states Kelly.

Celie's procedure should only be an outpatient procedure, but that they did say that she may have to stay the night - that was a new thing for Bob and Kelly as well.

Kelly & Bob are trying to find someone to watch Anna for the day. They have a few leads. Anna is very easy and would be o.k. to take, but if they don't have to, they would rather not.

Please keep your fingers crossed for Celie.

Happy 2007!!

The Ostroski Family would like to extend their Holiday Season Greetings to all of you Online Observer readers. Kelly & Bob have been busy, like all of you, and spent the holiday season celebrating X-mas 4 different times. Celie finally got the hang of opening presents by the last gathering and really enjoys doing it now. Anna was just going with the flow. She wasn't really into the whole X-mas thing, but maybe next year will be a little more exciting for her.

Hopefully, 2007 will be a good year for all of you as well as some closures for the Ostroski's. Jan. 4th 2007 marked Kelly & Bob's 4 year anniversary. Cecilia will be getting rid of her hardware next week and the Ostroski's are planning many great vacations, gatherings, and parties with family and friends.

Happy 2007 from the Ostroski's to you!!

Celie's 1st Haircut

After Bob's attempt at trying to get Celie's hair out of her eyes, Kelly thought it might be best to leave Cecilia's haircut to a professional. Kelly made an appointment for herself and Celie. Bob and Anna went along as well. Cecilia had the pleasure of going first. Sandy, Kelly & Bob's hairdresser, was great with Cecilia. She worked very quickly and occupied her with a lot of things. Cecilia hardly made a fuss and Bob got to see everything up close and personal, since Celie was sitting on his lap during this event. Kelly had brought and envelope to scoop up some of the hair. Kelly got some very gorgeous little locks to put in Celie's scrapbook. She will also be putting in a few of the following pictures of this momentous occasion.

Yeah to Celie's first hair cut!!

Celie's B-day Party

Celie decided to have a small get together to celebrate her 2nd B-day. Some of the immediate family members were stricken with awlful weather and where not able to attend, but the party went on.

Cecilia enjoyed a casual dinner with folks and then went about getting crazy with her cousins. After awhile, Cecilia gathered around the island so that everyone could sing to her while she blew out her 2 candle on the Elmo cake she helped Kelly make. Below are pictures of Celie blowing out her candle and of her helping Kelly make the cake.

After cake and ice cream, Celie opened up her gifts. She still hasn't gotten the hang of ripping open the presents. However, with a little help from Bob, she started to get the hang of it.

Below is a picture with Celie in motion with her new (real) golf clubs. Watch out Michelle Wie - Celie has a swing on her.

Celie had a great birthday and wants to thank all that came and all of those who sent there b-day wishes. It was all greatly appreciated.

Celie's 2 year Check Up

Bob and Kelly took Cecilia to her 2 yr Check up. They both went because they thought it might be a challenge, especially since Celie was up almost all night with her first cold. She woke up to a runny nose and chapped cheeks.

Bob and Kelly were eager to hear how she was doing. She weighed 351/2 pounds and measures 361/2 inches. The Dr. thought that Celie wouild probably end up being anywhere from 5'7/12" to 6' tall (the wide range is due to how short Kelly is). The Dr. asked Kelly if she would be OK with that. "I'm fine with it as long as she still listens to me," said Kelly "besides, everyobdy has always been taller than me."

The Dr. was very pleased with Celie's developments and was very impressed by her verbal skills. Cecilia is actually putting 2-3 words together. She is also saying part of the alphabet and counting to 10.

Celie has the go ahead to have peanutbutter and anything else we might want to give her.

As long as Ceilie is healthy, she doesn't have to be seen again until she is 3. Bob and Kelly are sure that she would like to take a break from the doctors for a while.

Oh Shit!

No matter how much Kelly and Bob have tried to be careful, it happened. Cecilia said her first swear word.

Bob was telling Kelly a story and he said, "Oh, Shit!" Cecilia was sitting right next to Kelly and without missing a beat, Cecilia sputtered out "ah, schit!" It took everything that Kelly and Bob had in them not to start cracking up. They kept their composure and have been trying not to swear anymore.

Bob & his Buckeye Babes

Bob was geared up (in more ways than one) for the Ohio State vs. Michigan game. Cecilia and Anna joined in on the fun as well, dressing up in their Ohio State gear.

Bob was very nervous about the game and really did expect it to be a one point game.

“They won because I was eating 3 buckeye candies per quarter,” says Bob. Kelly made her contribution to game day by making a large batch of buckeye candies. “I think Bob ate more than 3 a quarter,” states Kelly, “ I am just glad they won so Bob won’t be a grump for the next 3 days.”

Bob is looking forward to seeing who OSU will play for the National Championship. He really doesn’t want to see a rematch between OSU and Michigan. “It would make me too nervous,” says Bob. The final factors for the match up probably won’t be decided until next week’s games are played.

What does Kelly think about all of this? “I’m just glad, in a way, that my boys (FSU Seminoles – see earlier post – Are you ready for some football?) aren’t doing very well this year. That way, we don’t have to compete for TV time.” Kelly is hoping that FSU can upset U of F on Saturday to knock the Gators out of any chance of going for the National Title.

Go Bucks!

Go Noles!

Cecilia's Baking

Cecilia has expressed an interest in seeing what Kelly is doing when she is cooking in the kitchen. So, Kelly thought it might be good for Cecilia to help her bake some of the holiday cookies. Kelly decided to test a sugar cookie recipe. Kelly measured all of the ingredients out and placed each item in its own dish. “It looks like a food network cooking show,” said Bob. Kelly set up the mixer and ingredients on the island and pulled up a chair for Celie to stand on.

Cecilia helped spoon ingredients into the bowl and watched as the mixer did its thing. Celie did spill a little and then would say, “Ah Oh!.” But Kelly reassured her that it was OK. After they finished with the dough, Kelly put it in the refrigerator to let it set up. The next day Kelly and Cecilia tackled the job of rolling out the dough.

Cecilia enjoyed the rolling pin and plopping the cutters into the dough. Sometimes she got a whole image, sometimes she didn’t. Sometimes she made designs in the dough because she didn’t go all the way through to actually cut the image out. Kelly baked all of the cookies, just as Celie cut them out. (See pic below)

Cecilia has helped Kelly make banana bread and cornbread as well. “I think she enjoys helping me,” says Kelly, “I am just surprised by the patience I have with her. Hopefully, she will continue to love to help me in the kitchen. It would be great to have a sous chef or even someone to take over some of the cooking.”

Happy Halloween

Ghouls and Goblins lined the streets of Chelsea as Kelly and Bob drove to a southside neighborhood to meet their friends, The Lehmans, to go trick or treating. This would be Cecilia's first time trying such an event.

Cecilia went as a Bumble Bee. She wasn't quite sure of the costume, but on a nice, chilly day, she welcomed the warmth of the fuzzy costume. Anna went as a pink cowgirl. However, you really couldn't tell she was anything but a huge bundle of cuteness in her covered carseat.

Celie as a Bumble Bee in the double stroller with Anna.

Cecilia had a difficult time trying to grasp the concept of trick or treating. All she really wanted to do was to chase the other little kids, go pet EVERY dog (woof woof) she saw, and run through all of the piles of leaves. Thank goodness that both Bob and Kelly were there. Bob ended up running all around trying to keep Cecilia on task.

After about 45 minutes of running up and down the sidewalks and porches, Celie was ready to call it quits. She was hungry and tired and needed a warm break. Bob, Kelly, Anna, and Cecilia said good-bye to their walking partners, The Lehmans, and loaded up the van to come home.
Maybe next year Cecilia will get more out of it. Kelly will have to think of a good costume for her.

Unhappy Anna, the pink cowgirl. Focus on her feet. She is wearing cowgirl booties!!!

Anna's Hip Exam

Because of Cecilia's dislocated hip, it is advised that any subsequent children should be screened at 2 weeks and watched closely throughout their life.

Bob took Anna to receive her ultrasound on her hips. They took many picutres and Anna did very well. The radiologist said that everything looked good, but it seemed as if her hip pockets may be a little shallow. It was suggested that Anna get an X-ray between 6-8 months once her bones have calcified. Kelly & Bob's pediatrician confirmed everything that the radiologist said. She agreed that Anna would be getting X-rays at 6-8 months to see where her hips stand at that point.

When they are that young, 6 months or so, the treatment for a dislocated hip is to pop the hip into position and then use a brace or sometimes a cast until the bones and cartilidge grow some more.

Watching the hips of both girls will be a life long concern for Kelly, Bob, and the girls. But for now, everything is looking O.K.

Even Elmo has to Eat

Kelly is amazed by the way Cecilia loves to eat. She must take after Bob. Cecilia will eat just about anything, but one of her favorite finger foods in Cheerios. Kelly buys them in the largest box possible and usually has 2 boxes in the pantry at all times.

Kelly was picking up toys one day while Cecilia was napping and started laughing out loud. She was hoping that she wouldn't wake up Cecilia. Kelly grabbed the camera because she wanted to remember this moment. The moment when she realized that Cecilia thought that Elmos was hungry and needed a snack just like her. Because, even Elmo has to eat.

Cecilia - The Big Sister

Bob and Kelly cannot believe how wonderfully Cecilia is being with her little sister. She loves to hold Anna and is a great help whenever Bob or Kelly changes Anna's diaper. The one thing that Cecilia hasn't gotten used to is why Bob and Kelly feed Anna so many bottles. Sometimes she thinks she needs a bottle too. Kelly and Bob are trying to wean Cecilia from the bottle so it is a challenge.


Below is a picture of Cecilia clapping for joy over her little sister.


Cecilia looking adoringly at her little sis.



Bob's girls.

She's Here!!

Kelly, Bob, and Cecilia are delighted to announce that Anna Grace Ostroski has joined their family on September 22, 2006 at 2:25 pm. She weighed 6 lbs. 3 oz. and was 19 inches long.

How did it all happen? Kelly had been having some irregular blood pressures. She had gone into Triage the Friday prior to be monitored but was sent home. At her appointment on Monday, Dr. Long took a look at her and decided that they could wait a week to see her again unless she were to have some other symptoms.

On Thursday, Kelly was experiencing some other symptoms and called the office. They wanted to monitor her in Triage. While there, Kelly's blood pressures didn't come down and it was decided to induce the labor. Kelly was admitted to the hospital at 8 pm and the induction started.

Kelly's progress continued through the night and was relatively slow going. Finally, around 2 pm, Kelly felt contractions that were harder than the epidural would get rid of. She called in the nurse. The doctor on call - Dr. Archer - followed behind. Dr. Archer checked Kelly and said, "How about we have this baby, now!!" Everyone gowned up, Dr. Archer asked Bob if he wanted to cut the cord (he said yes), and Kelly was able to start pushing. From the time Kelly first pushed and Anna was delivered - 5 minutes. One of the nurses in the room said it was the fastest delivery she has ever seen. Bob was unable to cut the cord because when Anna first came out, her umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck. Dr. Archer swiftly clamped it off, cut the cord and had plopped Anna on Kelly's chest in a matter of seconds.

Anna seemed to take an eternity to breathe, but finally did and wailed. Tears of joy filled Bob and Kelly. A beautiful girl has blessed Kelly & Bob.Kelly, Bob, and Anna Grace just after delivery.
Anna at home waiting for Kelly to stop taking pictures of her.

Spaghetti Face Cecilia

Dinner at the Ostroski Household can be a lot of fun, especially when Bob & Kelly allow Cecilia to have something REALLY good and MESSY!!! Bob thought that spaghetti with sauce would be a great dinner.

Here is proof positive that Cecilia loves to eat, she loves spaghetti sauce - Paul Newman's Sockaroo to be exact, and when she eats it, she gets VERY messy. Kelly thinks she looks like an oompa loompa afterwards.

It was definitely bath time after this dinner.
Celie really pondering the goodness of Sockarooni Sauce.

What? I have what on my face? Oh no!!

Oh Boy!!!! Spaghetti & a funny face!!!

Celie Medical Update

On September 1st, we took Cecilia in for X-rays and a check up visit. Kelly had purposely scheduled the appointment for first thing in the morning so that they would not have to wait as in times past. However, after being at the hospital for 4 hours and Cecilia having a meltdown that no amount of Animal Crackers, cookies, crackers, juice or milk would suffice, we finally got to see the Dr. ( for 6 minutes). She let Bob and Kelly know that she was sorry for the wait and that Cecilia's hips look good and that her hardware can come out anytime. Kelly and Bob were shocked that the hardware could be taken out so early. The Dr. thought it would be a good idea to wait until a few months after the baby would be born because (here is the kicker) Cecilia would have to be immobile - no walking - for a month after the procedure. The shock of that news floored Kelly & Bob. It wasn't until they had settled Cecilia down in the van on the way home that they were coming to the realization of how hard keeping Celie down would be.

Once they were able to calm down from the experience of the day and absorb the diagnosis, Kelly called and made an appointment to have the hardware taken out. Cecilia will be free of all metal inside her body on January 18, 2007. As for keeping her still, Bob and Kelly will try to do their best to keep her contained, but they are pretty sure that for the first couple of days, she won't feel like doing very much anyway from being sore. They are more concerned about her being able to take pain medication. Ever since her surgery, she has had anxiety when she needs to take pain medication. Masking it with Chocolate syrup doesn't even work anymore.

Is this condition hereditary? They really don't know. However, once a child has been diagnosed with a dislocated hip, they will screen subsequent children. Therefore, when Anna is 2 weeks old, they will do an ultrasound to view her hips and will continue to monitor her progress as they did with Celie.