TMT: Physiological Anisocoria

We went to the Pediatric Ophthalmologist today...


Maylee has Physiological Anisocoria.


So what is that diagnosis? Physiological anisocoria is a benign condition (meaning not serious or life threatening) when one’s pupils dilation are unequal. This condition occurs spontaneously and is typically noticed more in younger patients with light colored irises (May is a perfect example of that). It often occurs at the end of the day or if someone is extremely fatigued or tired (No wonder it happens in the morning and evening mostly!). Once diagnosed, there is no treatment. 



Doctor Landon said this will probably be something she'll have until adulthood. She said her appointment with her was completely normal and that her uneven dilation was not a problem for her vision. She isn't ordering any MRI's or CATscans because she isn't showing any signs for any other problems. 


So what I gathered from the appointment is if Maylee's eyes are going crazy she probably needs a nap that is if she didn't just wake up. :) At least that is what the Doctor said. Also, she is more sensitive to light meaning really bright places irritate her eyes. So maybe she'll be rocking shades sooner then later if her Anisocoria hasn't gone away in a year or two. It may go away the older she gets but that is due to the fact that she knows when she is tired and doesn't need as much sleep. It will probably still come around while she is grown when she is really tired. 


Hallelujah, nothing really serious or life threatening, No extra tests needed just a weird random nerve misfire so to speak that is just one more way for me to know when she needs a nap :) 


Thanks for all the prayers we really felt them. I all ready said one thanking our Father in Heaven for her health and I am so glad nothing else is wrong. 

Breaking News

The little man learned how to swim this weekend! Well sort of, he can kick around with just floaties on now.

Ty was in the pool the longest out of all of us, probably 2 and a half hours straight. He LOVED it! Matt loves that he'll jump to him now too. 

Plus, Ty picked out some big boy underwear at the store. The potty training will commence next week, this week we are too busy with Maylee's Dr. appointments and Labor Day weekend FOOTBALL games. So the first full week of Sept. we'll give it a go for the little man.

Oh and kick off is next Saturday vs. Ole Miss, GO COUGARS!!!! :)

Maylee at 5 months

HEY ALL GUESS WHAT? This little lady is five months old today!

Stinking cute too I would say :)

SINCE you all are wondering she had a Doctors appointment today.

She is 12 lbs 8.5 oz, 9th percentile

She is 23.5 inches the 6th percentile

Her head circumference is 15.24 inches not even on the charts it's too small.

SO she is still a little peanut. It is good to know how much she weighs however so I can give her the proper doses for medicine.

Our new pediatrician, Dr. Sara Bell was wonderful. She was able to check out Maylee while fending off a FIERCELY protective older brother. I explained to Ty this is someone nice and she is okay to hold Maylee. I hope that attitude of Ty's stays the same their whole lives though.

She gave me the okay to start feeding Maylee solids! So in the next week or so i'll try some rice cereal with her.

Maylee is getting caught up on her immunizations too so she had 4 shots and one oral vaccination. Poor girl, all though I think Ty was more upset about it then Maylee was. She was crying pretty hard but I think if I would have let him Ty would have mauled the nurse giving her the shots he was NONE too happy with that nurse messing with his baby sis. I think he gets his protectiveness from his father. :)

Now on to what you all are really wondering about... we have no answers yet. We are scheduling an appointment with a Pediatric Ophthalmologist who will order either an MRI or a CAT scan on her and we'll go from there. So about what we all ready knew. The biggest fear as a parent is you bring your child in for something and the Dr. can't tell anything is wrong. I am glad that Dr. Bell took the time to really try to find out what was going on with her eyes and acknowledge the problem and refer us on to a specialist.

We'll keep you all posted on her up coming appointments how everything goes...

 P.S. Here is a bonus behind the scenes video from Maylees 5 month photo shoot.

I had some little helpers, Ty and his buddy Sam trying to get some smiles from her... didn't work so well so I had to shoo them out of the room :)

TMT: Temple

One of my friends and visiting teacher offered to watch our kids while Matt and I went to the Temple. Of course I took her up on it! Matt and I haven't been to the temple together since Maylee was born so it was about time.

I actually surprised Matt at work and asked him on a date. :) He of course said yes and we headed down to Portland. Have i ever mentioned that traffic in Portland is the WORST I have ever seen? I have been to quite a few big cities and it's nothing compared to this. It took us just over and hour to drive 23 miles, and that was going the "fast" way. I can't stand driving here! Anyway, we had to pretty much SPRINT into the temple to make it into the 6 o'clock session. I had made dinner for us to eat once we arrived but since it took so long to drive there we had to for go that and just run.

We had a lovely time in the temple, so calm and peaceful inside. It was amazing and I can't help but smile every time I see my husband in the temple... just like the day we were married.

Once we got out Matt was starving so I could hardly peel him away from the food I made to take a picture with him, but he obliged after some coaxing.

The temple is hard to get a good picture of due to tall the trees but I thought this was a pretty good shot. It is a gorgeous temple and I wish we had more time to walk to grounds but we had to hurry back to our kids. It only took 30 minutes to get HOME.

Our kids loved playing with Rachel's family in fact Ty threw a FIT that he had to go home. I think I need to schedule another play date with them :) It was so kind of her to watch our kids so we could go on a date. We loved it. Next time however I think we'll go on a Saturday morning or something in hopes to avoid that crazy traffic.

Slip'n'slide

Yesterday, after an afternoon of  walking a few trails and playing on the playground for a while we came home and it was so hot! OVER 90 DEGREES!!! Our thermometer said it was 99 even! Wow!!! So we stopped off at Walgreen's on the way home and bought an inexpensive little slip'n'slide.

We set it up and Ty started running. Then we put Maylee down next to it so she could cool off too. I thought she would hate it but she LOVED it! She started laughing really hard when Ty would run by her. You can't hear it real well in the video though. 

Matt and Ty hanging out and cooling off in the water. 

Maylee stayed right there for probably 45 minutes. She loved it! 

Matt decided it was time for her to run through the slip'n'slide too. 

I sat with her for a while, we splashed and played. 

Matt ran with Ty a ton as well. Matt stepped on a bee however right before this video. Terrible of me to laugh but it wasn't until about 4 years ago that Matt found out he was allergic to bee stings and swells up like crazy. He was stung on his foot so instantly in my head I pictured Matt with a big club foot in 1 hours time. Instead I gave him two Benedryl and sprayed his foot down with Dermaplast, no more playing for him. 

It was time for dinner anyway. Then after dinner Matt crashed on the couch and was super groggy the rest of the night. Good news though, no club foot since we caught it so soon :) 

Eyes and Howls

Michaela called and asked about the blessing dress for the Spence girls, she was worried that Capri might be too big by the time she got to use it... I laughed and told her I would send a picture to her. 

HAHA now, I am not sure how big Maylee is, but I am 99% sure that she is bigger than Capri, so I think it will be big enough for Capri when she gets to use it in a month or two, i bet she'll fit it better then Ashlyn or Maylee did however. AND of course she'll be stinkin' cute in it too!  

So in other news, we finally got BACK on insurance and Maylee has a doctors appointment scheduled thanks to a friend of mine who recommended a good Pediatrician. If you haven't seen Maylee in person or in the evening or morning you probably never noticed this, but another reason I posted this picture is to point out Maylee's pupils. Go ahead, zoom in take a look. 

Yeah that's not even as bad as it usually is. She has had this happen since birth. Our pediatrician in Utah said if it doesn't clear up by 2 months then to call him, which I did and he said to take her in and the first thing they'll probably do is get an MRI on her (or is it a CATscan?) to check her brain function... yeah don't Google uneven dilation of the eyes, it will tell you that it is caused by brain damage, poisoning, seizures... yikes. He also asked about her development and said if she seems very regressed then to take her in right away too. Lucky for us she is par for the course when it comes to development and she even does some things sooner than Ty even did. 

We talked to an Optometrist friend of ours (Thanks again Dr. Dave England:) and he didn't express a ton of concern about it but said that we should definitely talk to a Doctor about it as soon as we could.  SOOOOO (why do my kids have to have weird things happen with their health!) needless to say she is long overdue for an appointment and hopefully we can find out that her dilation is nothing terrible or life threatening. It has gotten a TEENY bit better since birth but not as much as we'd hoped. Her appointment is next week, we'll let you all know how it goes. Say a little prayer for her too if you want :) 

On a happier note, Ty and Maylee got a bath this morning and while I was getting Maylee dressed Ty bolted outside... he heard a dog barking... this was his response. He does it ALL the time but I haven't been able to get it on camera until now.

It gets the whole neighborhood of Dogs going usually and it cracks me up. He loves to HOWL!

Pure Syrup

Whoops I realized just now I didn't put anything up about Miss Maylee! 

So here she is, in all her cuteness. She too has been happy to have more Mom time... 

Of course she loves some Ty time too :) 

Kisses are always welcome and Ty gives us all PLENTY. 

TMT: Success!

So we finish our week of unplugging today, I am happy to report it was a huge success for both Ty and me.

A few of the changes that happened with Ty are:

~He slept better during naps and at night due to increased play time rather than veg. time in front of the T.V.

~He had a better diet. Less snacking through out the day while watching T.V. and actually eating breakfast, lunch and dinner.

~Eating IN THE KITCHEN instead of the living room, (Hallelujah to that! I was so sick of crumbs everywhere)

~Less melt downs

~Better listener to instructions

~He LOVES books now! Before he would barely sit through one, last week we had hour long reading sessions, every book we own. Mostly the same ones over and over though.

~His vocabulary seems to have exploded. Strawberry is my new favorite that he says, it comes out schwaaz-burr-zees. So cute. 

~He only asked for a show a half dozen times and didn't cry when I said no, he just found a book or played with something else.

~Mostly he is just all around happier and healthier, this is obviously due to less T.V. AND way more attention from ME.

Which brings me to the changes I noticed in myself when I unplugged from the computer:

~I am more calm. I can concentrate and focus better with out feeling overwhelmed with so much to do.

~I too ate better and had way better work outs at night.

~I am a terrible cook with out the computer (the only con to the situation) I have recipe books but most of my recipes come from Mel's Kitchen Cafe and with out access to her site dinners were a little boring.

~I missed my friends and family so instead of constant e-mails calls were made... it's always great to hear a friendly voice.

~I made more friends here, had a few play dates and explored our neighborhood a bit more on walks.

~I got out of the house sooner, meaning I was dressed and the kids were dressed first thing in the morning and we were out the door. That led to getting the shopping and errands done in record time.
~ Our house was so nice and clean!

image

~Lastly, (all though I am sure there are many more Pro's then I have mentioned) I was in way better tune to the Spirit, my children and husband. With out all the distractions I was able to really focus and listen. It really was amazing the way the Spirit whispered and I was able to listen. Romans 15:13 "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. " I truly felt more peace, joy and hope by tuning out so I could tune in. 

What are we going to permanently change here in the Spence house now? Matt and I discussed it a bit last night, we think an hour a day of T.V. for Ty is a fair amount of time, with the occasional movie as well. 

For me I am not quite sure what I should do as far as limiting my computer time. I thought of only when kids are asleep, but I don't think it will work since I get a ton of chores done while they sleep instead. So maybe just limit myself to an hour a day as well. Not sure about it, any suggestions?

Now here are a few videos from this morning, this is what we usually did in the mornings instead of watching a bunch of shows. 

Sorry my camera was wacking out with the focusing, not sure how to fix that. You can bet we listened to a ton of music and danced forever. It was great.

Ty showing me his favorite Thomas the Tank Engine book. 

I love cleaning this up every day, it makes me happy that Ty can sit over here and read for a while. He loves to find pictures of things he knows. 

I tried not to do a whole bunch of over the top different things that I knew we couldn't do every week. I tried to make the days as normal as possible while still keeping the T.V. and computer off. It seemed to work great. All though I will say that Saturday we found out where the dollar theater was and we went and saw Kung Fu Panda 2. We all liked it.

I hope these changes can stick, I am going to work hard at them. I think that it makes myself and my family much happier when we all unplug a bit and really focus on the important things, each other. 

TMT: UNPLUGGING!

It has come to my attention that my family, namely my two year old and myself are addicted to the screens! I am addicted to the computer and Ty is addicted to the T.V. First thing he says in the morning is "Where's the mote?" and first thing I do in the morning is log on.

I feel that because of this our family is suffering. I don't pay as good attention to my children as I should and Ty feels the need to be constantly stimulated by a movie or "show" like he says.

I need to unplug myself and my son. SO in an effort to do that I will not be on the computer at all for a week and Ty wont watch a movie or a show either. I'll be back next Tuesday and hopefully can report good things from this.

If you need me call me at home, on the cell or text. Other wise all e-mails, facebook messages and comments will go un-answered until then.

I think it's time for me to get into the trenches of motherhood and really straighten things out around here at home. I know a ton of tears will be shed on my part and on my sons part. In fact they all ready are falling for him since I told Ty NO to Little Einsteins.

Wish us all luck!

Spence Cinema

The videos...

What Matt and Ty do while I go for a run...

The new and improved jumping form, as taught by the movie Tangled.

Maylee doing her, HEY I want ATTENTION moves. She does that every time you walk by and she wants you to pick her up. You know the kicking, talking, smiling, breathing thing... it usually works on me :) 

Uhh P.S. 95% of the time my children have on complete outfits... funny that in these videos my children look like scrubs. Ehh it was right before bed and/or diaper change times that these were taken... Promise, both my children are fully dressed at this moment. 

Last day of the Readings visit

Monday Preston had his test with the Portland FD. There were about 4500 that tested, and only 200 get called back for the physical exam based on the scores of the test. So we're praying for Preston but it's a slim chance. He finds out later this month. BUT after the test we went disc golf, yet again. 

Ty likes to go disc golfing, running around in the dirt and throwing HIS disc. Yes, that is THE disc. Pink and Yellow swirls, it is a pretty cool disc. 

Suzanne was getting a re-cap on how H.D. is doing on all his tests. He is applying for jobs around here, down in Rexburg and in Medford, except to be a police officer! Wouldn't that be cool if both H.D. AND Preston got jobs out here? We can hope :) 

Ty just threw his disc.

We tried to get a good picture...but that airplane was distracting.

That one was good but I thought the sun was too bright, and I looked a bit like a dork. 

Fine! Last try, wasn't Ty's best but the sun wasn't as bright and Suzanne and I look FABULOUS! Haha

AND of course little Maylee in the stroller enjoying the weather in the outfit Aunt Kelly made for her. Suzanne and I thought it was just the CUTEST! 

Before we left, Preston was eating a sucker. Ty kept running around to all of the grown ups asking for what sounded like a Popsicle, we didn't have any Popsicle's so I couldn't figure it out until we were out the door and he ran over to Preston and pointed at his sucker and asked again for a Popsicle. OHHH a SUCKER! SO Suzanne got him a sucker. Then he learned how to say, "Sucker!" Isn't it cute? He has also figured out to say, COOL! or Oh NICE! When he likes something someone else does. It caught us by surprise while disc golfing, when Matt threw Ty yelled, "Oh NICE!!!" It was awesome, a little disc golfing bro in the making. 

Suzanne and Preston left the next morning sadly, we miss them and hope they return again soon! We're planning a Weekend Utah trip in the fall for a BYU football game so I am sure we will see them then. Anyone ELSE want to come visit now? 

Saturday Shenanagins

We went disc golfing in the morning at a BEAUTIFUL park in Troutdale. I can't remember the name of the park. Matt played well, Ryan and Preston were good competition for one another. 

The were boys following their Dad's and Preston. Ty has a favorite disc that he always likes to hold. Matt is ready to buy another of the exact same disc because Ty puts up such a fuss when Matt tries to use it.

Maylee cakes all bundled up in the cooler morning weather.

Matt, Preston and Ryan. How come Matt and Preston both have weird looks on their faces? Ryan good picture smile you have there, give some lessons to your friends next to you...

After disc golfing we went downtown to the Farmers Market and the big Hawaiian Festival. We heard some music, saw a little Hula, and most importantly partook of the yummy food!

Ty loved the Teriyaki Chicken and Kahlua Pork, so did Matt and I!

They had a little rock splash area for the kids, it was a toasty afternoon, so we stripped down Ty and let him play.

He didn't want to hold still for a picture.

This is the best I got... silly smile I know.

After the Market we came home where most took naps Matt went and Disc Golfed some more and I prepared for dinner.

We went to the Walkers where Ryan smoked us some Brisket and Steph made yummy Potato Salad, I brought over a few things too, it was all SOOO GOOD! Then we watched a few episodes of "Modern Family" pretty funny show, in fact we keep quoting this episode, HILARIOUS!

It was a good full day... just watching that little snippet makes me laugh so hard... Anyway, next post will be the concluding post of the Reading Family visit :)

Weekend Beginnings

Last weekend we had the pleasure of hosting the Readings. We LOVED having them here! 

On Friday evening we drove down to Blue Lake. We didn't swim or anything, we just played at the park. 

Maylee and I sat on the towels and enjoyed the weather

Matt and Preston threw around the football for a while, then they went and threw discs in a wide open field, where incicentally Matt hit a goose with a disc. Poor thing. 

Suzanne and I taking pictures at the same time :)

Ty LOVED having his aunt and uncle around to play with him. 

I don' think they minded either!

What joy the swing brings. 

Getting a drink.

His face was so funny! 

Then to cap off our lovely park trip, 

Poor Ty, Matt said he was trying so hard NOT to hit him that he ended up hitting him.

There was Day one of our weekend with the Readings :) 

TMT: His Grace

 Romans, Chapter 3

23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

 24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Doesn't matter how many times any of us mess up, WE can still fix it, because Christ all ready did for us. Thank goodness for that.