Updates and Rantings

Yesterday Westin celebrated his 13th birthday.  It has been an interesting year for Westin.  As a quick recap, about a year ago he started having stomach pain, like a burning.  We eventually saw a new gastro and he helped us weave our way through testing to determine the cause.  What we ended up finding was that by helping Westin evacuate, with the use of regular Miralax, his burning was much less.  He still has a constant burning feeling, but not too noticeable.  When he goes without eating, longer than usual, he ends up with worse burning, so he tries to remember to eat.  ;)  We had a visit with our gastro this week and we decided that we would just keep on the same path unless we see things get worse.  Since everything in all the testing looked good, there isn't much else we can do at this time.  We "could" try an antidepressant (I wish I could remember the possible diagnosis) that might help, but since it doesn't bother Westin we are going to just stick with what we are doing.  We will repeat his blood work yearly and probably not see the doctor again for a year.  I wish all our specialist were that infrequent!  ;)  The good news:  since the worst part of this stomach journey, Westin has gained all of his weight back plus a good 5-10 pounds.  He is growing like a weed and seems to be thriving.  One road block we did cross once he started feeling better was a lack of appetite.  It seems his anti seizure med (Zonegran) causes anorexia.  With the addition of Periactin his appetite is healthy and we have been able to stay on the Zonegran.  He has been sucessful in being seizure free on the current dose which makes for one less anxiety for his parents.
His diabetes has been fairly painless lately (on his parents) as we have learned to adjust more quickly to changing insulin needs (probably due to all his growth).  Westin seems to live on temp basals as his needs vary often enough that I feel little I don't need to do a permanent basal change at this time.  Although, to make things easier at our endo appointment at the end of the month, I will do a permanent change when the time gets closer.
Now for the rantings!  :D
I have these things that I just have to rant about that Facebook doesn't feel appropriate for.  This morning, one thing is really bothering me.  Choices!  Parents make choices.  Every choice they make affects their family.  Some choices are barely noticed, others have the potential to make major impacts.  13 years ago we made a choice for me to be a stay at home parent.  Our business was such that we could make it on it's income.  When Westin was diagnosed at 2, it was a blessing to be home with him.  When he started school and eventually we ran into problems with administration and his diabetes, it was a blessing to be able to homeschool him.  But let me say, it came with a monetary sacrifice.  There were times when it would have made sense (in a monetary way) for me to go to work.  But it wouldn't have made sense for my family.
Now, I am not saying that it is critical that all families have a stay at home parent, but what I am saying is that all families CAN have a stay at home parent, it is just a choice.  Our family lives a much more modest lifestyle as a result, but it is a choice.  I can't imagine being gone all day and coming home to still fulfill my domestic duties.  I can't imagine having a job that requires travel.  I surely can't imagine being a parent in the military with the fear of deployment or the reality of deployment.  But imagine what all that would be like to my children, especially if it was thrust upon them after years of having me available.  I definitely can't imagine making a choice to work so that I can afford a bigger house, drive a nicer car, take a better vacation!
Rant over!
What I have been doing lately, that I really enjoy, is working on a new blog.  Earth Sheltered is a blog about current earth sheltered home projects across the internet, that I just happen to love watching and getting ideas and learning from.  We have an earth bermed (think walkout basement with a roof) home in our future, in case you wonder what my fascination is.  I was also fortunate to come across an interesting man on the internet that is building a huge earth shelter home north of us and he has really ramped up my energy and interest.  You can learn more by checking out the blog mentioned above.

Sorry for the long absence.  Can't promise when I will be back.  But if I make this my place to rant, it might not be long!  lol