Nick Update
After reading
the stories about the medical problems of Jere Lehtinen and Jamie
Langenbrunner's newborns, we can honestly say we know what they
are going through.
Andrew and his younger brother Nick were both
born premature. Andrew had a heart problem and Mary Katherine has
a serious medical condition and has been a regular at the
emergency room.
Here's a break down of our kids' medical
history. It's not quite as serious as the Lehtinen and
Langenbrunner newborns, but it's been trying at times.
Andrew
Born five weeks early. Lungs weren't fully
developed and had a small hole in his heart. Heart ailment was
treated with medicine. Spent two weeks in Neo-natal intensive
care unit before coming home. Mommy was not allowed to hold the
first couple days after his birth.
Surgeries: Minor surgery at age two.
Emergency room visits: One. Broke bone in his
foot while playing at school. Discarded crutches and cast after
one day saying they were too much of a hassle. It was also
playoff time in the National Hockey League. You can't worry about
injuries at playoff time, right?
Mary Katherine
Born right on schedule. Came home within a few
days. Diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age three. Takes
insulin shots three times a day.
Surgeries: None
Emergency room visits: Five, including three via
ambulance. Choking incident at nine months. Two visits after
diabetic seizures. Once for a massive infection on Christmas Eve.
One visit after coming down with shingles.
Nick
Born five weeks early, but
perfectly healthy. Mommy got steroid shots to help Nick's lungs
develop in case he was born premature. It worked. Proved his
lungs were fine by letting out a resonating scream shortly after
entering the world. Came home within a few days.
Surgeries: One. Had ear tubes
implanted to combat numerous ear infections.
Emergency room visits: None
Overall, Nick has been the
healthiest of the bunch so far. Andrew was the toughest at birth.
Mary Katherine has had the most medical problems.
As for Nick, he had a pretty good week, picking
up two goals, an assist and only four minutes in penalties.
He got his fifth goal of the season when he
changed his pull-ups on his own. Nick has basically graduated
from diapers to what we like to call "big boy pants."
Goal number six came when he sang the entire
ABC's song. This was a first for the Nickster.
Nick got his assist when he expressed an
interest in someone else's feelings. When Mommy picks him up at
daycare he will ask "Did you have fun at work today?"
Nick picked up two minor penalties for
unsportsmanlike conduct. Nick is going through a phase where he
feels it is necessary to throw things he no longer wants.
He also had fun on Halloween. He went as Batman
but refused to wear the head gear. He was apparently inspired by
Craig MacTavish. He mastered saying "Trick or Treat"
and "Thank you." He got a lot of candy. He liked it.
Mary Katherine dressed up as a witch. Andrew went as a space
alien for the second straight year.
Nick's season stats
| GP |
G |
A |
PTS |
PIM |
| 5 |
6 |
2 |
8 |
39 |
