More info on the sleep study ...

So I found out that Payton's sleep study was evaluated and written up on 12/3/07. Over a month later I got the results. GRR. Here is the final outcome ...

Moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, with mild sleep fragmentation, but without significant hypoxemia or carbon dioxide retention. Evaluation for upper airway obstruction is recommended. A repeat polysomnogram is recommended 3 months after surgery to determine if further therapy is required.

The sleep study ran for about eight hours and during that time, she woke up 17 times. We have an appointment to see our ENT this coming Wednesday and we will be scheduling surgery for a T&A from there.

Sleep Study Results

I am so angry! Payton had her sleep study done in the end of October 2007. It has been about 10 weeks or so and we still had not received her sleep study results. So I have been calling and calling and calling ... her ENT, her pediatrician, the sleep lab ... and nobody has called me back. Finally today I got her ped on the phone and they tell me it is not their responsibility to call me because they did not order the sleep study. Ok, nobody ordered it. I didn't need a referral ... we did it on our own, but the results were to be sent to our ENT. Regardless, the ped tells me they got their copy from the ENT, who never called me but took the time to send a copy to our ped. GRR. What about the patient?!

Bottom line is Payton has moderate sleep apnea. I know nothing other than that. I have left a message for the ENT to see what we do from here. I found this online ...

Moderate to severe Sleep Apnea is usually treated with a C-PAP (continous positive airway pressure). C-PAP is a machine that blows air into your nose via a nose mask, keeping the airway open and unobstructed. For more severe apnea, there is a Bi-level (Bi-PAP) machine. The Bi-level machine is different in that it blows air at two different pressures. When a person inhales, the pressure is higher and in exhaling, the pressure is lower. Your sleep doctor will "prescribe" your pressure and a home healthcare company will set it up and provide training in its use and maintenance.

Our Support System

Today I posted birthday wishes to my baby girl on an online support group that I frequent along with a picture of her as a baby. I wanted to post some of the comments from some of our friends just to show what an amazing ride we are having and how we have also made a difference, which means so much to me.

From our friend Diane ... Okay, explain to me why I welled up with tears when I saw her little bitty picture. WOW! You know I remember that little bitty girl when she was that little bitty baby! Girl, give her the biggest happy birthday hug from me. Then give her the next biggest one from Maryellen. Of course I am being selfish! I love that girl. Then give your self a hug from Maryellen and me. Cuz I have loved journeying through this journey with you. You bless me, ya know that!!! Love, Di

From our friend Honny ... Oh Happy Day, sweet Girl!!!! I just remembered...my b-day is the 9th and I was having a pity party for myself last year ....my little guy was only 4 months old...fresh out the shock box...and I remember RED ICING and the cutest little girl turning 1 and I was like....wow...she's cute and life seemed so normal for you guys.....and damn...if it wasn't that way for me this year.... so, Payton's b-day is HUGE for me....major turning point....just wanted you to know that ...SO, HAPPY DAY...woo-hooo!

From our friend Ibby ... Sweet Payton, We hope your birthday was just as wonderful as you are!! I remember looking at your sweet face when I first came to Downsyn. You are one of the ones I felt so drawn to and your beautiful face gave me such hope for my baby's future. I'm so glad we had the opportunity to meet you and snuggle a bit! You are too precious for words!! Love, Ibby & AJ

Happy 2nd Birthday Baby Girl

Payton at 8 weeks old

Today is Payton's second birthday. Wow, this day brings a whole lot of emotions back to the surface. Two years ago, we learned that our precious baby girl was born with a little something extra ... Down syndrome. We were blown away ... we wanted to know how this happened to us ... we weren't sure how this was going to change our lives.

Today, I can answer those questions for myself, and others who might be interested. Why did this happen to us? I'm not sure why God chose Kyle and I to be Payton's parents, but we could not be more honored. Many people say, "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." I believe that is true. Sure, I wasn't so sure in the very early days, but we got through it and are now stronger than ever.

How has having Payton in our lives changed us? Only for the better, that is for sure. She has taught us so many things. While the majority of society thinks she is far from perfect, we happen to think that she is perfect. We would not change one chromosome in her little body. Her spirit for life makes you realize that many of those other things that people dwell on just do not matter.

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To my baby girl ... I can't believe you are two already. You have accomplished so much in these two short years and we could not be more proud. You make my heart swell with joy in a way that I never thought was possible. I love your laugh, your smile, your sassy attitude. I love watching you walk across the floor while your big buddha belly gives you a bit of a waddle. I love watching you hold your own when your brother tries to take your toys. I love watching your expression when you see us and how you run to give us a hug. I love how you stop in the midst of your day just to give us kisses. We are just in the beginning of our journey and I can't wait for what is to come. Love you sweetie ... Happy Birthday! Love, Mommy

Meet Henry

Henry is our butler. No, we don't have a "real" butler, but he serves us well. Henry is about Payton's height and holds her snacks well. They have multiple meetings per day. Payton loves Henry.