You always hear about one having a mid life crisis. Say you live until you are 80. Um that makes your crisis at age 40. Maybe it's me but does someone really only go through a "mid life crisis" once in their lifetime? Seriously? Kudos to that individual.
As a PROUD "Mormon Mommy" I find myself having one of those crisis moments today. I'm only 24 years old ( almost 25) ugh writing that makes me realize how young I really am... and I have 3 beautiful babies. Oh and I've been married for 3 1/2 years. Putting it down on paper makes me realize how I prob shouldn't complain because really for 1. I'm still young. and 2. I still have a lot going for me. Reading my old posts about looking for a house sent me into a mode. Quarter life. crisis. mommy. mode.
Finding myself worrying about loans and money and the future and making a life for myself and while wining the race would be great, right now I'd just like to be a contender! I know what youre thinking- "what is she talking about?? making a life for herself?? I know I'm stirring up someone. Ok. Let me explain. I'm a stay at home mom 24/7. While I ABSOLUTELY love my "job" and my kids I couldn't really ask for more. doting husband who works hard to make sure I can stay as well. However don't you every find yourself wondering what else??
Living an Auto pilot. I wanna spice up my life a little. Is it too much to ask? I would love to be known as someone else besides "mommy" i love being called mommy most days with their sweet little voices however...One of my biggest dreams since as long as I can remember was to be a photographer. I finally have a decent camera and I am getting better. Now while I could never make it a living given as there are so many more talented ladies out there and let's face it where I love you have photographers everywhere you look.All those mommy's who realized their dream a long time ago. Now it's a dog eat dog carreer.
I would also LOVE a house. My own home. Where I can paint and decorate. Until then I will settle for this basement apartment house hole that we love in. It does us good. Family members live upstairs so there is always someone there for ya. Bittersweet topic it is for me since we were on that mortgage path once a blue moon ago but ended suddenly when no name got cold feet and decided to change careers. So now we start over. And the wait begins again. It's not keeping up with the Jones's by any means.
MORE RANT TO COME.... tune in again.
Bring on the criticism.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
New Life
Last Monday I got to experience another incredible blessing Heavenly Father decided to give. Not my personal blessing but my brother's.
On Monday morning I got a text from my brother to come up and help them. I text them and he asked if I could help time contractions. Um you dont have to ask me twice! Sure enough it didn't take me a few contractions to advise them to go to the hospital. Not going to lie, I was a little disappointed that the baby chose this day to come. The first day Alan has school and Monday s at work for him are always a drag. Jake and Stef headed to the hospital while I tried to figure out what the heck to do with my kids. A while later i got a text from Jake saying she went from up 2 cent in 2 hours. By that time I'm panicking because I was going to be in the waiting him waiting for the baby. So what to do with those babies???....Mother in law was at work so I got the help of my dear friend to watch my kids for a few hours. Bless her 7 month pregnant heart. (My MIL was to pick them up on her way home)
Thinking we had limited time I headed to the hospital as fast as I could. Stef's parents and sister were supposed to be in town but because baby decided to come a week early no one was prepared. They were also on their way here from California. When the time came and Stef's mom wasn't there she asked if I could be in the delivery room with them. Um of course! Baby Joesph ended up not making his debut until almost 8 that evening. I prob wouldn't have bailed to the hospital so early but hindsight is 20/20. And babies pretty much have their own schedule.
By the time he got here poor stef was exhausted. Pushing for an hour and a half. Lots of waiting. Lots of blood pressure scares. In the end it was an emotional amazing experience. We all shed tears. Tears of joys and will forever remember this.
Being there makes me so grateful for all of our blessings. It also made me quite baby hungry. Having them live upstairs has helped me suppress those feelings by being able to hold him whenever I feel the need to have baby Joesph time.
On Monday morning I got a text from my brother to come up and help them. I text them and he asked if I could help time contractions. Um you dont have to ask me twice! Sure enough it didn't take me a few contractions to advise them to go to the hospital. Not going to lie, I was a little disappointed that the baby chose this day to come. The first day Alan has school and Monday s at work for him are always a drag. Jake and Stef headed to the hospital while I tried to figure out what the heck to do with my kids. A while later i got a text from Jake saying she went from up 2 cent in 2 hours. By that time I'm panicking because I was going to be in the waiting him waiting for the baby. So what to do with those babies???....Mother in law was at work so I got the help of my dear friend to watch my kids for a few hours. Bless her 7 month pregnant heart. (My MIL was to pick them up on her way home)
Thinking we had limited time I headed to the hospital as fast as I could. Stef's parents and sister were supposed to be in town but because baby decided to come a week early no one was prepared. They were also on their way here from California. When the time came and Stef's mom wasn't there she asked if I could be in the delivery room with them. Um of course! Baby Joesph ended up not making his debut until almost 8 that evening. I prob wouldn't have bailed to the hospital so early but hindsight is 20/20. And babies pretty much have their own schedule.
By the time he got here poor stef was exhausted. Pushing for an hour and a half. Lots of waiting. Lots of blood pressure scares. In the end it was an emotional amazing experience. We all shed tears. Tears of joys and will forever remember this.
Joseph Alejandro Rosenbaum 7 lb. 2 oz. 19 in. 7:47 p.m.
Being there makes me so grateful for all of our blessings. It also made me quite baby hungry. Having them live upstairs has helped me suppress those feelings by being able to hold him whenever I feel the need to have baby Joesph time.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Much needed update on our family and picture overload!
Up until the other day I was completely oblivious that I had pretty much abandoned my little family blog. That was until my cute friend said that she hadn't blogged for a while 2 months! um...my last post was January 2011 and it was lacking....
Reader's Digest version of the past...oh what? 8 months? geez....One child at a time.
Baby Zachariah turned a year old this July. Really? Cannot believe my baby is already old! He's been more advanced than Xander was (I blame it on Xander's tubes). Zac crawled at about 4 1/2 months and walked at eleven. He's still getting the hang of it, but is getting better. He's our little sweetheart baby. Only cries when he's hungry...which by the looks of him you'd think he'd had enough to eat. 30 lbs at 9 months old, the Doctor told me i need to cut back on the bottles for the poor guy. Apparently he was off the charts. How could you say No to that sweet face when he wants his food? Luckily he lost a pound at his 1 year appointment and things are looking up! Gotta love those chunky babies!!
Xander turned 2 in May and has finally started talking. I was beginning to think his ear infections had done permanent damage, but alas he has! He's still talking gibberish too but for the most part he can communicate finally! Xander is one tough little guy. Surprisingly he hasn't tried to escape his crib so he still remains in his crib jail and will until we trust him enough to have a big boy bed. guessing some of you moms are shaking your head thinking I'm crazy lol, eh, to each his own...
My Drama Queen Kymber. She's almost 5 and let me tell you, it has not been a walk in the park. Combine her age with her going back and forth from her real dad's house and ours and you get a nightmare. Learning two different sets of rules would be hard and coming back to our house with two other kids when you just got used to being the center of attention would be hard to swallow I'm sure. We are slowly dealing with it one day at a time and hope that it'll calm down. Other than that she's a sweet heart. Kymber starts official pre school in September and she is beyond excited for it. Mom may be too. It's bittersweet. Zachariah and Kymber now share a bedroom which was iffy at first but now we are in the swing of things and it's nice not to have him cry in the mornings because he has kymber to entertain him until I get up. (the entertainment doesn't last long, but just long enough that I can take my time most mornings...)
I know you are mostly interested in my chit lens, but here is an update on me and the Mister.
I have not really done much at all other than doing my mommy and wifey things and keeping up with the \housework and meals. raising kids, you know, piece of cake. I have been working on my dream since high school with is photography. Now, while I'm not great at it, everyone has to start somewhere! Slowly, but surely, I'll be amazing.
Alan. Alan is going back to school for nursing at the end of this month. He's doing great and is pumped for it! After having some medical scares he has recently lost about 32 lbs so far by dieting hardcore. I have had to change my whole way of cooking. Mostly I have had to just cook two meals or have him cook his own meal. Im soo proud of him!
Reader's Digest version of the past...oh what? 8 months? geez....One child at a time.
Baby Zachariah turned a year old this July. Really? Cannot believe my baby is already old! He's been more advanced than Xander was (I blame it on Xander's tubes). Zac crawled at about 4 1/2 months and walked at eleven. He's still getting the hang of it, but is getting better. He's our little sweetheart baby. Only cries when he's hungry...which by the looks of him you'd think he'd had enough to eat. 30 lbs at 9 months old, the Doctor told me i need to cut back on the bottles for the poor guy. Apparently he was off the charts. How could you say No to that sweet face when he wants his food? Luckily he lost a pound at his 1 year appointment and things are looking up! Gotta love those chunky babies!!
Xander turned 2 in May and has finally started talking. I was beginning to think his ear infections had done permanent damage, but alas he has! He's still talking gibberish too but for the most part he can communicate finally! Xander is one tough little guy. Surprisingly he hasn't tried to escape his crib so he still remains in his crib jail and will until we trust him enough to have a big boy bed. guessing some of you moms are shaking your head thinking I'm crazy lol, eh, to each his own...
My Drama Queen Kymber. She's almost 5 and let me tell you, it has not been a walk in the park. Combine her age with her going back and forth from her real dad's house and ours and you get a nightmare. Learning two different sets of rules would be hard and coming back to our house with two other kids when you just got used to being the center of attention would be hard to swallow I'm sure. We are slowly dealing with it one day at a time and hope that it'll calm down. Other than that she's a sweet heart. Kymber starts official pre school in September and she is beyond excited for it. Mom may be too. It's bittersweet. Zachariah and Kymber now share a bedroom which was iffy at first but now we are in the swing of things and it's nice not to have him cry in the mornings because he has kymber to entertain him until I get up. (the entertainment doesn't last long, but just long enough that I can take my time most mornings...)
I have not really done much at all other than doing my mommy and wifey things and keeping up with the \housework and meals. raising kids, you know, piece of cake. I have been working on my dream since high school with is photography. Now, while I'm not great at it, everyone has to start somewhere! Slowly, but surely, I'll be amazing.
Alan. Alan is going back to school for nursing at the end of this month. He's doing great and is pumped for it! After having some medical scares he has recently lost about 32 lbs so far by dieting hardcore. I have had to change my whole way of cooking. Mostly I have had to just cook two meals or have him cook his own meal. Im soo proud of him!
Picture is before majority of the weight loss....he's looking great!
As of now I vow to keep up with our blog...
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Nesting
For some reason I'm feeling like I'm nesting, you know, except for whole being pregnant and all part. I'm constantly organizing and cleaning and I CANNOT STOP! My husband thinks Im crazy, I find it therapeutic. Yes, I'm STILL painting our place. You know, my "UPLIFT" post way back in October? Sad right? Well Im at it again only this time it's Kymber's bedroom. Im obsessed. Come Springtime it will become both the kids rooms and I have been driving myself crazy trying to figure how to make it both gender friendly. Picture to come. I found the perfect theme. Stay tuned...if you're even interested. Im no Genevieve Gorder (my favorite HGTV star), however I do what I can and do what I love.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Mi Twentyforf
Even though I woke up to this...
This year's birthday was by far the best I have had in a long time.
Alan's parents are usually the ones who watch our kids when we go out, but this year we decided to just take the kids. Have a FAMILY birthday dinner. Not be selfish parents like we had originally planned. I chose Texas Roadhouse. Now if you haven't been there, you must go! AMAZING! I won't go into the boring details on what we ate but here are a few pics....
And then we looked outside...BLIZZARD!!!
And no...That's not it.
The next day. Yes, I did celebrate my birthday 2 days in a row.But this day was reserved for my friends who wanted to go to dinner and shopping with me. So I said Adios to Alan and said "I don't know when I'll be home." 7 wonderful words.To me. Not him.We decided on Chili and had a blast!Madlyn and Niki has to leave early so they missed the picture. Left to right is Vanessa, Tesha, yours truely, and Harmony ( She's having a cute baby in about 10 weeks!!!) She thinks she's huge, we think she's not and just gorgeous!
I's not sure what a couple of 24-25 year (Ok Im the only 24 year old in the group and I'm the baby) old mom's are doing at the mall taking picture with mannequins, but we got yelled at by some girl that worked there that told us we couldn't take pictures int he store. What a buzz kill!
BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Merry Christmas 2010!
Every year I tell myself, "Leah, you're going to start early this year." You know, throughout the year getting presents that way come December we're not bombarded with shopping and the chaotic people that are in the same boat as me. Guess what I did? Yup, waited until December. Ill never learn.
This Christmas was going to be great. We ended up having Kymber for Chirstmas Eve and Christmas morning. Our very first Christmas with all 3 munchkins. Perfect right? At first it was...
Alan's family every Christmas Eve has a big party. For the last few they have rented out jumping Jacks in S. Ville for the whole family for 2 hours so the kids can get worn out. They had so much fun. We had to take Xander home early because it was during nap time and it wasn't enjoyable to him. Nor for us whith all the whining and crying...Alan's mo kept Kymber there for the rest of the time so she could still have fun. Later on Christmas Eve Kymber kindly reminded me that I forgot to make Santa cookies. I tried to convince her that Santa would be happy with marshmallows. You think she bought it? Nope. So off to Fresh Market (the only store open at that time) and we got "Santa" some soft chocolate chip cookies (Per request from "Santa" himself) She also drew him a picture and poured him a glass of milk.
Then off to bed she went. Alan ate the cookies and drank the milk while I wrote the kids a letter back from Santa. By the way, who knew Santa has such amazing handwriting! And then it continues...
The first thing Kymber said to me that morning as soon as she saw the presents under the tree was "Why didn't Santa bring me more presents?" Seriously? Little stinker. Good thing you're cute! Looks like we're going to have to have the "Meaning of Christmas" talk. So it began...Xander wasn't into opening presents. All he wanted to do is play with Kymber's toys. Maybe next year? I wont go into to detail on the gifts every one got , but our kids lucked out. Even baby Zac. Alan was quite surprised on his gifts and got what he'd been talking about forever.
Christmas this year was interesting ,but by far one of the most memorable and fun ones. The Christmas tree has already been taken down and my living is now empty and lonely. I. love. it. Kymber's already asking about next Christmas and I kindly remind her that it's a year away. One. Long .year. away. (Little bit of a smirk when I write this...can't help it)
This Christmas was going to be great. We ended up having Kymber for Chirstmas Eve and Christmas morning. Our very first Christmas with all 3 munchkins. Perfect right? At first it was...
Alan's family every Christmas Eve has a big party. For the last few they have rented out jumping Jacks in S. Ville for the whole family for 2 hours so the kids can get worn out. They had so much fun. We had to take Xander home early because it was during nap time and it wasn't enjoyable to him. Nor for us whith all the whining and crying...Alan's mo kept Kymber there for the rest of the time so she could still have fun. Later on Christmas Eve Kymber kindly reminded me that I forgot to make Santa cookies. I tried to convince her that Santa would be happy with marshmallows. You think she bought it? Nope. So off to Fresh Market (the only store open at that time) and we got "Santa" some soft chocolate chip cookies (Per request from "Santa" himself) She also drew him a picture and poured him a glass of milk.
Xander's favorite gift. His "Buzzing Toothbrush"
Friday, December 17, 2010
Family Update
Where has the time gone? I'm a complete slacker! Another family update is needed and then I promise I will TRY do this once a week like a good blogger mom should!
Zachariah-Almost 5 months old and at 4 months he was almost 20 lbs!
Zac,aka Chumly, has been such a blessing in our lives. I couldn't have asked for a better little baby. Never cries for one. That is unless he's hungry. Don't mess with his food! Can't you tell I stave him? He's the happiest baby and is all smiles and laughs.
Zac got his first two teeth at 4 months old. Can you say ouch?! Never nursed a baby with teeth and let me just say, I'm in pain! he rolls over and has even got on his elbows and knees. I think my baby is growing up way too fast.
Xander-
Honestly Xander is pretty much the same. Barely speaks. Every now and again he says a new word and we make a big deal out of it. For example, the other day after blessing our dinner he copied us and said "Amen". Said it again too! Has he said it since? Nope. Cause thats how he rolls. He's getting to be quite mischievous. Kymber never had an interest in the toilet, however we caught Xander the other day with a whole loaf of French bread and dipping it into the toilet. Gross. That's only on example. He's also been doing wonders since he had his tubes put in. Went sooo smoothly and we actually went and left a doctors appointment a while back with no ear infections! Wahoo!
Kymber-
My little girl. I love her. Although she's at this stage where she asks about a million questions. She catches me off guard sometimes and drives me crazy, but it's worth it. As she would say, "We're still buddies!" even when she's in time out. It's nice to know I'm still loved even when I'm being a meany mom! I sy all the time she's like a 13 year old trapped in a 4 year old's body. Very pre-Modonna and is into all things girls. this includes jewelry, clothes, makeup and shoes.
Alan-
Has finally become a Veteran. NO MORE NATIONAL GUARD! No more shaving, No more weekends without him. I'm soo proud!
Me-
I know you're more interested in the kids but I'll update you on me. Not pregnant this Christmas for once! Can I get an Amen?! I'm enjoying m y 3 kids and have decided since we're going to be in this basement for a while I'm finally going to decorate it. My passion is crafts and I thoroughly enjoy sitting at the table doing nothing else. I'm a work aholic at my house. Drives Alan up the wall with how much I am constantly cleaning and worrying about how messy the house is. Slightly OCD, but what would he do without me?! Everything I do, I do it for my kids and husband and wouldn't trade it for anything else int he world.
Zachariah-Almost 5 months old and at 4 months he was almost 20 lbs!
Zac,aka Chumly, has been such a blessing in our lives. I couldn't have asked for a better little baby. Never cries for one. That is unless he's hungry. Don't mess with his food! Can't you tell I stave him? He's the happiest baby and is all smiles and laughs.
Zac got his first two teeth at 4 months old. Can you say ouch?! Never nursed a baby with teeth and let me just say, I'm in pain! he rolls over and has even got on his elbows and knees. I think my baby is growing up way too fast.
Xander-
Honestly Xander is pretty much the same. Barely speaks. Every now and again he says a new word and we make a big deal out of it. For example, the other day after blessing our dinner he copied us and said "Amen". Said it again too! Has he said it since? Nope. Cause thats how he rolls. He's getting to be quite mischievous. Kymber never had an interest in the toilet, however we caught Xander the other day with a whole loaf of French bread and dipping it into the toilet. Gross. That's only on example. He's also been doing wonders since he had his tubes put in. Went sooo smoothly and we actually went and left a doctors appointment a while back with no ear infections! Wahoo!
Kymber-
My little girl. I love her. Although she's at this stage where she asks about a million questions. She catches me off guard sometimes and drives me crazy, but it's worth it. As she would say, "We're still buddies!" even when she's in time out. It's nice to know I'm still loved even when I'm being a meany mom! I sy all the time she's like a 13 year old trapped in a 4 year old's body. Very pre-Modonna and is into all things girls. this includes jewelry, clothes, makeup and shoes.
Alan-
Has finally become a Veteran. NO MORE NATIONAL GUARD! No more shaving, No more weekends without him. I'm soo proud!
Me-
I know you're more interested in the kids but I'll update you on me. Not pregnant this Christmas for once! Can I get an Amen?! I'm enjoying m y 3 kids and have decided since we're going to be in this basement for a while I'm finally going to decorate it. My passion is crafts and I thoroughly enjoy sitting at the table doing nothing else. I'm a work aholic at my house. Drives Alan up the wall with how much I am constantly cleaning and worrying about how messy the house is. Slightly OCD, but what would he do without me?! Everything I do, I do it for my kids and husband and wouldn't trade it for anything else int he world.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Mini face lift and fall cleaning
Just call me Superwoman. Wannabe Superwoman.
I tend to believe I'm Obsessive Compulsive. Alan jokingly, I hope, keeps telling me that I'm just controlling. Well, yes, I'm that too. I proudly admit it. Alan is the laid back one which makes us even out for that most part. I guess that's how it supposed to work.
For those who have never stepped foot in our place-I envy you. I hate it. It's old. The obsessive me decided to do something about it. I'm tired of apologizing for the state of our humble abode. It's dark and gloomy. Yes, a mini face lift. Call me crazy because it's a rental, but our landlords are awesome and charge us next to nothing for it. Not that it's worth any more that what we pay. We decided we'll prob be here for a while, maybe a few more years, while we save for a house or a job comes up.
Yes, I've decided to paint. Call me crazy. I have 3 kids under 4 so what in the world am I thinking. Alan hates painting. I will be attempting this alone. Hence Superwoman. I already have the entry way done and some of the hallway and the kitchen done. I'm committed. Now it's only white of course "Rental friendly colors" I don't mind. Maybe it'll brighten up the place and not look so...basementy?
With luck I'll convince my mom to come over for conference weekend so my little brother can watch the kids while my mom and I tackle the house.Poor Alan will be at Guard for drill weekend (did ya catch the hint of sarcasm?? Again. He hates painting.) Nothing like painting, listening to conference and feeling the spirit, and spending time with family.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
An apple a day...
So the saying goes...any apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apparently not in this family.
Zachariah and Kymber had their well child check ups today.
Weight: 16 whoppin pounds! Percentile you ask? 99%
Height: 23.5 inches 64% (Ok, so apparently he's got his dad's genes for sure. Short and stalky!)
Head circ: 16 in and 60%
Now the only concern I had was that Zac all the sudden randomly stops breathing for 20 seconds or so. Scares us to death. Mentioned it the our wonderful doctor and he said it may be because of acid reflux. Yup, he spits up like crazy. Another wonderful (Not) trait Alan has passed down to our children. Boo. Xander had the same thing. So off to WalMart again for meds. Prevacid. Worked for Xander. Worked for me when I was pregnant. It had better work for him!
He also got 3 shots in his poor leg and one taken by mouth. Poor baby didn't like it but soon forgot after his dinner was shoved in his mouth. That and 1/2 tsp of Tylenol should do the trick!
Zac is one cute boy! He's smiling like crazy and wakes up about once a night on average and even sometimes sleeps from 10:30-6 or 6:30 AM. Knock on wood (knock knock!)
Kymber Age: 4 years ( almost!)
Weight:35.6 lb and 58% (Pretty average)
Height: 40.1 in and 71% (Always been a little tall)
She is one healthy 4 year old! Did great even when she got a shot in the leg. Doctor listened to her heart and said she has a little heart murmur. So once again we're going to meet with a specialist to make sure that it's benign and not something to worry about too much. Better to be safe than sorry!
Zachariah and Kymber had their well child check ups today.
Zac Age: 2 months
Weight: 16 whoppin pounds! Percentile you ask? 99%
Height: 23.5 inches 64% (Ok, so apparently he's got his dad's genes for sure. Short and stalky!)
Head circ: 16 in and 60%
Now the only concern I had was that Zac all the sudden randomly stops breathing for 20 seconds or so. Scares us to death. Mentioned it the our wonderful doctor and he said it may be because of acid reflux. Yup, he spits up like crazy. Another wonderful (Not) trait Alan has passed down to our children. Boo. Xander had the same thing. So off to WalMart again for meds. Prevacid. Worked for Xander. Worked for me when I was pregnant. It had better work for him!
He also got 3 shots in his poor leg and one taken by mouth. Poor baby didn't like it but soon forgot after his dinner was shoved in his mouth. That and 1/2 tsp of Tylenol should do the trick!
Zac is one cute boy! He's smiling like crazy and wakes up about once a night on average and even sometimes sleeps from 10:30-6 or 6:30 AM. Knock on wood (knock knock!)
Kymber Age: 4 years ( almost!)
Weight:35.6 lb and 58% (Pretty average)
Height: 40.1 in and 71% (Always been a little tall)
She is one healthy 4 year old! Did great even when she got a shot in the leg. Doctor listened to her heart and said she has a little heart murmur. So once again we're going to meet with a specialist to make sure that it's benign and not something to worry about too much. Better to be safe than sorry!
Definition
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound made by turbulent blood flow in the heart. Some adults and many children have incidental heart murmurs that are harmless (benign). At least 30% of children may have an innocent heart murmur at some point during childhood. However, some heart murmurs can signal an underlying heart problem.
Heartbeat: Anatomy of the Heart
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Causes
Benign heart murmurs are caused by:
- Turbulent blood flow through a highly dynamic but normal circulatory system
- Slight valvular abnormality with no long-term consequences (such as mitral valve prolapse , a congenital condition)
Abnormal heart murmurs can be due to:
- Structural abnormalities of the heart valve (most common):
- Congenital (present at birth) defects
- Acquired (eg, arteriosclerosis , rheumatic fever )
- Structural abnormality of the heart muscle:
- Congenital defects
- Acquired (eg, myocardial infarction , congestive heart failure , long-standing high blood pressure )
- Abnormal holes in the structure of the heart persisting after birth:
- Septal defects —connection between the heart's chambers
- Patent ductus-arteriosus —connection between the major artery and vein of the heart
- Endocarditis —infection of the inner lining of heart valves and chambers (endocardium)
- Pericarditis —inflammation of the saclike membrane that encloses the heart (pericardium). This may be caused by:
- Severe kidney disease
- Heart attack
- Autoimmune disease
- Cardiac myxoma—a benign soft tumor within the heart (rare)
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors for normal heart murmurs include:
- Age: 3-7 years old
- Pregnancy
Risk factors for abnormal heart murmurs include:
- Rheumatic fever
- Arteriosclerosis
- High blood pressure
- Autoimmune disease
- Congenital heart defects or disease
Symptoms
Benign heart murmurs usually cause no symptoms. Patients with mitral valve prolapse sometimes complain of vague chest discomfort and other symptoms. It remains unclear whether or not the valvular abnormality is causing the symptoms.
Symptoms of abnormal heart murmurs include:
- Shortness of breath
- Light-headedness
- Chest pain
- Palpitations (feeling of rapid or irregular heartbeat)
- Exercise intolerance
Diagnosis
Most benign heart murmurs are diagnosed during the course of a routine physical exam with a stethoscope. Some abnormal heart murmurs are also discovered this way. Other abnormal heart murmurs are discovered initially by their symptoms.
Tests may include:
- Electrocardiogram —a test that records the heart's electrical activity using electrodes attached to the surface of the chest. This does not diagnose the cause of the murmur but can provide other useful information about the condition of the heart.
- Chest x-ray —an x-ray to determine the approximate size and shape of the heart, and the presence of associated lung swelling (pulmonary edema)
- Echocardiogram —a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart
- Cardiac catheterization —a tube inserted into the heart through an artery (usually in the groin) to detect problems with the heart's structure, function, and blood supply
- Blood tests—to check for evidence of a recurrent heart attack or other diseases that may affect the heart (eg, kidney disease, infections, autoimmune conditions)
Treatment
Benign heart murmurs require no treatment. Treatment of other heart murmurs depends on the underlying cause and extent of the problem.
Treatments include:
Medication
Medications can either treat the cause of the heart abnormality associated with the murmur or help compensate for its dysfunction:
- Diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, digitalis—to treat heart failure
- Antibiotics—to prevent or treat endocarditis
- Anti-inflammatory drugs—to treat pericarditis
Surgery
Surgery is often necessary to treat severe heart abnormalities:
- Replacement of defective heart valves with artificial ones
- Correction of congenital heart defects
- Removal of heart tumors
Prevention
Preventing benign heart murmurs are unnecessary. To help reduce your risk of developing an abnormal heart murmur:
- Get prompt testing and treatment for strep throat to prevent rheumatic fever.
- Reduce your risk of atherosclerosis to help prevent valvular heart disease in the distant future. To do this:
- Eat a low fat diet .
- Get regular exercise .
- Monitor blood pressure.
Although not routinely recommended for every type of heart murmur, you may need to take antibiotics before and after some medical or dental procedures that could allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Ask your doctor if you need to take preventive antibiotics (eg, if you have a high risk condition).
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