thessminnow

Some people have asked me why this blog is called The SS Minnow...
Well isn't it obvious that I love Gilligan's Island?

Actually there was a time back in late 2005 when cousins and family members of mine were starting up blogs. They were Salmon's (my former last name) so naturally the witty titles had things to do with fish.

  http://www.asalmontale.blogspot.com/
  http://www.catchoftheday.blogspot.com/
  http://www.sumtinfishy.blogspot.com/
  http://www.cannedsalmon.blogspot.com/

So oddly enough I came up with The SS Minnow.

The SS part was to stand for Sara Salmon, and minnow- a small fish...
(I was 17 at the time, I was just a little fish then).

 When marriage looked like a possiblitiy in my life I knew I had to choose someone with a name that started with S. Luckily Spencer fit the bill. So we are still The SS Minnow.

So there you have it. I hope you enjoyed this "3-hour tour" on the naming of this blog.

Lesson #1

Today I got a charley horse during my 20 minute presentation about the Crandall Historical Printing Museum. That's what you get for standing on your tippy-toes and flexing your calves at the same time.

try it.


lesson learned.

Breakthrough

We had a major breakthrough about two weeks ago...

Drew's bottom teeth popped through without a fuss, just plenty of drool. He has really perfected his rolling and scooting which has turned him into one solid muscle that loves to play and eat.

We are right in the thick of things with school, tests, and homework assignments. My mouth is full of canker sores and my left eye has been twitching for 6 days. From what I've researched both symptoms can be attributed to stress, which is interesting because I don't feel very stressed. Spencer and I are both suffering from severe Senioritis and are anxiously awaiting graduation.

Last week I walked home 1.5 miles, uphill, in the rain.Just as I approached our apartment a $1 dollar bill floated by. I love stuff like that. I haven't decided what to do with the smelly soaked moccasins outside our door. They are most likely headed for the trash. But now I have $1 toward my next pair.

In other news we are thoroughly enjoying all the Jimmermania on campus and love this time of year with plenty of college basketball games to watch. My very talented and thoughtful cousin sent me a little something for my birthday last week which I quickly stuck on the back of our car. It has brought a lot of attention and friendly honks (at least I think they are friendly...)

Hydronephrosis

Last Tuesday Drew had his first BDO. (Big Day Out) Somewhat similar to the ones I use to have.
We have known about Drew's Hydronephrosis since he and I were just this big...

Technically it is known as Antenatal Hydronephrosis, since he was diagnosed during a prenatal ultrasound. Hydronephrosis is a dilation of the kidney(s) that may eventually cause stretching and damage to surrounding organs. Hydronephrosis effects about 2% of babies, most of them being boys. Considering his family history with me having kidney cancer, and my dad having kidney stones I can't say that I was surprised. Drew has had 3 ultrasounds since his big debut in July and has been on an antibiotic to prevent a kidney infection since he was 2 months old. His 6 month ultrasound determined that there was still a slight dilation in the left kidney so we packed our bags and drove up to Primary Children's for further testing.

After checking in the little muffin had sandbags placed on his arms and legs while they inserted a catheter and IV. Spencer and I sat there while he stared at us with an evil glare as if to say, "Why aren't you helping me?!" After the contrast was flushed through the IV Drew had to remain still for 45 minutes, this procedure is known as a Renal Scan. The contrast dye is monitored with a machine that can see the kidneys filtering it through. He did great.

After the Renal Scan was complete we walked to a different part of the hospital for the Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) which would put the catheter to use. The bladder is filled with a solution through the catheter while images are taken with an x-ray-esque machine. Once the bladder is full, images are taken as the bladder is emptied. This part seemed to be the most difficult part of the day. Drew's bladder muscles proved that we won't have problem with potty training.

The tech tried all the tricks he knew- heat lamps, warm water dumped all over Drew, pressure to his bladder, etc. As the doctor walked in the room Drew let loose and sprayed the equipment and the Radiologist. We got the pictures needed and were able to visit with the Pediatric Urologist later in the day. The results showed no need for a surgery or further antibiotics. We will repeat the test in a years time and hope that any dilation of the kidney or ureter has resolved.

Provo, Utah, USA

Yesterday Drew and I went on a 2-hour walk exploring the area we have lived in for over a year and a half.

We made our way up to Rock Canyon and enjoyed the views of Provo.

The weather was absolutley perfect.
On the way home the smells of homemade bread and other baked goods filled the air.
Every few houses we passed had hymns being played on the piano.
Provo, Utah is a little gem of the USA.
I think I will be sad to leave.

V-day

Today Drew and I are competing for the same Valentine...

I think that face has got me beat. His double chin is actually cute.