Kate is doing great! She had labs last week and all of her counts look perfect! We are so happy to see that things are back to normal. Before we went to the hospital I explained to her that since her hickman is gone the nurse's have to poke her finger for some tests. She was so excited to see the nurses that she didn't even worry about the poke. She cried during the poke but just after she told me and Auntie Ashley that she was "Brave". She is such an extraordinary little girl. We are so incredibly proud of her!
We had a busy week last week. We saw the nurses on Tuesday, went to Julian and saw the Grandma's on Wednesday, went to Wildomar & saw Auntie Nutters & Malakai on Thursday, the Zoo and Mac House on Friday, 2 birthday parties & a housewarming party on Saturday, 1 birthday party and a family dinner on Sunday, and the Zoo again today! Needless to say, we are all over-exerted. Todd finally has a day off tomorrow, so we're going to hit the fair for half a day. After tomorrow, I am going to attempt to lay low until the weekend. We have been so busy!
Todd is back to work, which has been good. We have really needed the money. Thankfully we will be moving up to Mesa Grande the end of July. My Uncle has graciously opened his home to our family for as long as we need it. We are so thankful. This will give us the opportunity for Todd to spend some time studying and go back to school. We are so thankful. We will be far from civilization but are looking forward to some quiet time and fresh air.
Kiera is incredible! She really is the happiest little girl I've ever known. She is all smiles! She can't help but to smile all the time! She is already rolling over! At 3.5 months she is rolling from both back to belly and belly to back. It is insane! Kate didn't start rolling over until 5 - 5.5 months! I wonder what comes next... I hope she takes her time with crawling and walking. I'm not sure I'm ready for two little ones running a muck! I am so thankful for both of my children. Kate is so strong and inspiring and Kiera is incredible, she just brings so much joy to our little family!
Kate has been more than a handful at bedtime. We had a good six weeks of cooperation. She would lay down and go to sleep all by herself. We could have people over or be by ourselves, it never made a difference. This last week has been awful. She won't stay in her bed to save a life. It is so incredibly dramatic. I'm thinking the constant stimulation this last week is just a bit much for her. I guess I need to have a more regimented schedule. We are really good at getting her down during her normal nap time, but that hasn't seemed to matter at bedtime. It is rough. We will figure it all out.
Kate's birthday is in a week! I can't believe my Angel is turning two! Her birthday is the 8th and her birthday party is the 11th. Just 7 months ago doctors told us that it was possible for Kate not to make it to her second birthday. That was the most devastating day of my life. We are so thankful that God has greater plans for her. Not only has she made it to her second birthday, but she has excelled! She is in remission and off treatment. God is Good. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. Through you our baby has life! Each and every one of you are invited to celebrate Kate and all that she has accomplished in her short two years of life! I hope to see you all at the celebration!
July 11, 2009
1pm - 5pm
Ramona Oaks Park
25386 Pappas Rd, Ramona, Ca 92065
Light lunch & cake will be served.
I can't wait to celebrate and see everyone there!
Some people have inquired about Kate's likes and sizes. She is in a 2T and size 6 shoe. She loves to read, dress up, and play instruments. She likes princess' and Sesame Street. That's about all I can think of. The best gift is your presence, so don't worry about a present. Just come celebrate!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Bathtime
Bathtime is amazing! Katelyn was so excited to take a bath, but when we put her little feet in the water she got very anxious, she said it was hot and "i don't like it Mommy". We put a few toys in there and eventually she sat down in the water. She got very upset when I rinsed her hair with a cup of water "I don't like it Mommy!". She played in the water, splashing and making a bubble beard for about a half hour. Last night she was so excited to take a bath! She kept going in the bathroom after dinner saying "Not ready yet". It was adorable. This time she just got right in and after awhile she was dumping the cup of water over her own head! It was great! We set Kiera in the tub for a bit too... This is her first experience being submerged in water as well. We always did spongebaths for both of them out of convenience. Kiera got a little upset at first but quickly calmed down. She is such a joy! My Mom gave me a couple photos from when I was a baby and Kiera looks just like me! It was cool to see the insane similarity. They are such incredible children! Todd and I are so blessed!
Please continue to pray for Katelyn, Cassidy & all the Hem/Onc kids. Your prayers are healing and I have proof. Katelyn wouldn't be the healthy miracle here today if it weren't for your prayers. Please pass that blessing on to all the other children that need your prayers.
Love,
Krystal
Please continue to pray for Katelyn, Cassidy & all the Hem/Onc kids. Your prayers are healing and I have proof. Katelyn wouldn't be the healthy miracle here today if it weren't for your prayers. Please pass that blessing on to all the other children that need your prayers.
Love,
Krystal
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Big Weekend
We had a wonderful weekend! Katelyn is recovering remarkably. She has had a rash for about a month now, that seems to be spreading so we will take her to the doctor this week, hopefully we will see the Dermatology Specialists. I don't think it is anything to be concerned about.
Yesterday we drove up to Orange County to support my cousin Cassidy at the Cystic Fibrosis Walk. Cassidy is 5 years old and has CF. She has done really well for the last 3 years, and we know it is because of the prayers. Say a prayer for Cassidy whenever you can, she and her family will appreciate it! The walk was wonderful! It was a 5K around the park and pond and through a neighborhood. The kids ride their bikes and skateboards, a lot of people have dogs, and of course there are a ton of strollers. Kate & Kiera took turns in the stroller as we haven't been able to pick up a double stroller yet. It was a nice day. I love to see my family! All the kids are amazing, and my cousins, Aunt & Uncle are such wonderful people. After the walk was a birthday party for both Cassidy & Trenton (Cassidy's little brother). Ashley, Jeanette, Brooke & Kai went but the girls, Todd & I headed up to Julian for a wedding. We went to the Noble wedding at Menghini Winery and it was beautiful. The weather was perfect, the company was amazing and it was an all around good time! Jeremy & Jessica are such a wonderful couple! They are both such nice, kind people. We couldn't be happier for them. Jessica had the most fabulous dress! I couldn't help but gawk at her every time I saw here, she was the most beautiful bride! We had a wonderful time! My Mom watched Kate & Kiera while we were at the wedding. Kate keeps telling me she had fun with Namma (Grandma)! My Mom had a good time too! I think I made her a little nervous but she handled the girls like a champ, and I know Kate will love to stay with her again!
This morning we all made our way to church at Calvary Chapel Julian. My Mom organized a little lunch & dessert afterward to celebrate Kate & thank all of the people who so diligently prayed for Katelyn. We are so very thankful for all the prayers and thoughts through the last seven months. We know in our hearts how important those prayers were, Katelyn is here and healthy because of the prayers. Thank you to everyone who prayed for her! We had a good time at the service, we got to see a lot of old Julian friends & teachers, it was nice to play catch up with everyone. I hope we can find a church near us that we really like. I would really like to get Katelyn involved & re-aquaint myself.
Today Katelyn will have her first bath in seven months! Yay! I can't wait to get home and put her in the tub. She will absolultely LOVE it! Bubbles, toys, water... those are her three favorite things! I'll let you all know about our tub adventures!
Thank You & Love,
Krystal
Yesterday we drove up to Orange County to support my cousin Cassidy at the Cystic Fibrosis Walk. Cassidy is 5 years old and has CF. She has done really well for the last 3 years, and we know it is because of the prayers. Say a prayer for Cassidy whenever you can, she and her family will appreciate it! The walk was wonderful! It was a 5K around the park and pond and through a neighborhood. The kids ride their bikes and skateboards, a lot of people have dogs, and of course there are a ton of strollers. Kate & Kiera took turns in the stroller as we haven't been able to pick up a double stroller yet. It was a nice day. I love to see my family! All the kids are amazing, and my cousins, Aunt & Uncle are such wonderful people. After the walk was a birthday party for both Cassidy & Trenton (Cassidy's little brother). Ashley, Jeanette, Brooke & Kai went but the girls, Todd & I headed up to Julian for a wedding. We went to the Noble wedding at Menghini Winery and it was beautiful. The weather was perfect, the company was amazing and it was an all around good time! Jeremy & Jessica are such a wonderful couple! They are both such nice, kind people. We couldn't be happier for them. Jessica had the most fabulous dress! I couldn't help but gawk at her every time I saw here, she was the most beautiful bride! We had a wonderful time! My Mom watched Kate & Kiera while we were at the wedding. Kate keeps telling me she had fun with Namma (Grandma)! My Mom had a good time too! I think I made her a little nervous but she handled the girls like a champ, and I know Kate will love to stay with her again!
This morning we all made our way to church at Calvary Chapel Julian. My Mom organized a little lunch & dessert afterward to celebrate Kate & thank all of the people who so diligently prayed for Katelyn. We are so very thankful for all the prayers and thoughts through the last seven months. We know in our hearts how important those prayers were, Katelyn is here and healthy because of the prayers. Thank you to everyone who prayed for her! We had a good time at the service, we got to see a lot of old Julian friends & teachers, it was nice to play catch up with everyone. I hope we can find a church near us that we really like. I would really like to get Katelyn involved & re-aquaint myself.
Today Katelyn will have her first bath in seven months! Yay! I can't wait to get home and put her in the tub. She will absolultely LOVE it! Bubbles, toys, water... those are her three favorite things! I'll let you all know about our tub adventures!
Thank You & Love,
Krystal
Monday, May 25, 2009
The Big Girl Potty
I forgot to tell everyone that Katelyn is working on using the big girl potty! We put her on the potty every once in awhile in hopes that she'll go. She's been going pee on the potty a couple times a day, and we always make a big deal and celebrate in hopes that she'll be excited too. Yesterday she went pee on the potty and was really excited. I told her if she went poop on the potty she would get a suprise! During her snack around 10am she said she had to go poop so we ran to the potty and sat there.... and sat there.... and finally went back to eating (after we flushed and washed our hands, of course). A few minutes after returning to our snack she told me again that she had to poop, so we ran to the potty... this time we only had to sit there for a minute and she pooped! YAY! I was so excited! She kept saying "I hear it Mommy, I hear it!". It was so cute! When she was all done I let her see it, she was very interested in looking at it. She flushed the toilet and then freaked out because the poop was gone! "I see it again Mommy!" with tears running down her face, she did not want it to go bye bye. After she calmed down she looked back in the toilet and waved and said "bye bye poop!". Today we tried to go poop on the potty again, but she didn't get it out. We will try again tomorrow! What a joyous event!!!
All Clear!
Katelyn had her bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, as well as a spinal tap to check for any last signs of abnormal cells. Our primary Doctor called us on Friday morning to let us know that it was ALL CLEAR! YAY! We expected it to be all clear, as it has been for a few months, but it is so amazing to hear it at the end of treatment! We are so excited! Our amazing Angel fought long and hard and beat Cancer! Wow. She is such an amazing child!
We had a fun weekend! We went to Sea World with our friends from the hospital. Katelyn and Zara are little BFF's! Katelyn was so excited to "Pet Shampoo" and watch the Shamu Show. During the show she was mesmerized and watched almost the entire thing. She was lauging and clapping and so excited to see the whales do their tricks. She wasn't even following the crowd's laughter, she had her own little take on things and kept wanting Mommy & Daddy to watch Shamu. She waved and was so excited about the splashing! Days later she is still telling us that Shamu waved with his tail, Shamu got everybody wet.... She has a wonderful little memory. Although Kate & Zara were too small to do the tricks with Shamu & the trainer during the show, we were very blessed at the end. One of the Show managers was able to get some special Shamu time for the girls. After the stadium cleared out, a few of the trainers came out and brought all 5 whales over! Katelyn and Zara got to climb up to the top of the glass and pet the whales! They got to take some exclusive pictures with all the whales! It was such a wonderful experience! We were thrilled and felt very blessed that the trainers took the time to come fulfill our little one's wishes. Kate has been excited to "Pet Shampoo" for months! I am so glad she got to! We got passes to Sea World, so we are looking forward to going all year long! I love Sea World, and Kate will have so much fun!
We have a meeting with Katelyn's primary Oncologist tomorrow morning. We will go over everything we need to know post treatment. We went to a Families Supporting Families meeting last week and it was all about the After Affects of Cancer Treatments. The Doctor who gave the information hit on a lot of things that I had forgotton. When you start all this stuff there are handouts and brief conversations about the possible side effects, but the most important thing is treating the cancer, so you go with it. Now that the cancer is treated and gone, the side effects aren't. There are a lot of things that we have to watch out for and take care of. It is very important for Katelyn to lead a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise will make a huge difference in her overall health, for the rest of her life. Although we want Kate to be a typical kid all over again, and she can be, she is still special in that she is not a typical kid. She is healthy and can be active and have fun, but she'll have to forever take care of herself. I am thankful for that. Todd and I will do our best to lead by example and give her every opportunity to do so. One of the major things that the Doctor hit on was smoking. Smoking is the worst thing Katelyn could ever do to herself. Bringing her around second hand smoke (including the nasty residue that it leaves on peoples skin, hair, etc) is the worst thing that Todd and I could do to her. For as much as I dispise smoking, I now have another excuse to steer clear. Unfortunately, a lot of people smoke, a lot of our friends smoke, so it will limit the things that we can do, and the places that we can bring Katelyn. I hope that people will respect my daughter and not smoke around her.
Her line comes out on Wednesday! Yay! She'll have stitches for awhile, but as soon as they are out Kate will finally be able to get wet! Baths, beach, pool.... here we come! I cannot wait!
Sunday, May 31st my Mom organized a little Celebrate Kate luncheon after her church service. Church is at Calvary Chapel Julian, in the Cafeteria at JHS. Service is at 10am, and a light lunch and cake will be served afterwards. We will be there!
Katelyn's Second Birthday Bash will be on July 11th at Ramona Oaks Park! (The same place her first Birthday was). I'll post more info as I have it but everyone who wants to be there is invited!
Thank You for all of your support!
Love,
Krystal
We had a fun weekend! We went to Sea World with our friends from the hospital. Katelyn and Zara are little BFF's! Katelyn was so excited to "Pet Shampoo" and watch the Shamu Show. During the show she was mesmerized and watched almost the entire thing. She was lauging and clapping and so excited to see the whales do their tricks. She wasn't even following the crowd's laughter, she had her own little take on things and kept wanting Mommy & Daddy to watch Shamu. She waved and was so excited about the splashing! Days later she is still telling us that Shamu waved with his tail, Shamu got everybody wet.... She has a wonderful little memory. Although Kate & Zara were too small to do the tricks with Shamu & the trainer during the show, we were very blessed at the end. One of the Show managers was able to get some special Shamu time for the girls. After the stadium cleared out, a few of the trainers came out and brought all 5 whales over! Katelyn and Zara got to climb up to the top of the glass and pet the whales! They got to take some exclusive pictures with all the whales! It was such a wonderful experience! We were thrilled and felt very blessed that the trainers took the time to come fulfill our little one's wishes. Kate has been excited to "Pet Shampoo" for months! I am so glad she got to! We got passes to Sea World, so we are looking forward to going all year long! I love Sea World, and Kate will have so much fun!
We have a meeting with Katelyn's primary Oncologist tomorrow morning. We will go over everything we need to know post treatment. We went to a Families Supporting Families meeting last week and it was all about the After Affects of Cancer Treatments. The Doctor who gave the information hit on a lot of things that I had forgotton. When you start all this stuff there are handouts and brief conversations about the possible side effects, but the most important thing is treating the cancer, so you go with it. Now that the cancer is treated and gone, the side effects aren't. There are a lot of things that we have to watch out for and take care of. It is very important for Katelyn to lead a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise will make a huge difference in her overall health, for the rest of her life. Although we want Kate to be a typical kid all over again, and she can be, she is still special in that she is not a typical kid. She is healthy and can be active and have fun, but she'll have to forever take care of herself. I am thankful for that. Todd and I will do our best to lead by example and give her every opportunity to do so. One of the major things that the Doctor hit on was smoking. Smoking is the worst thing Katelyn could ever do to herself. Bringing her around second hand smoke (including the nasty residue that it leaves on peoples skin, hair, etc) is the worst thing that Todd and I could do to her. For as much as I dispise smoking, I now have another excuse to steer clear. Unfortunately, a lot of people smoke, a lot of our friends smoke, so it will limit the things that we can do, and the places that we can bring Katelyn. I hope that people will respect my daughter and not smoke around her.
Her line comes out on Wednesday! Yay! She'll have stitches for awhile, but as soon as they are out Kate will finally be able to get wet! Baths, beach, pool.... here we come! I cannot wait!
Sunday, May 31st my Mom organized a little Celebrate Kate luncheon after her church service. Church is at Calvary Chapel Julian, in the Cafeteria at JHS. Service is at 10am, and a light lunch and cake will be served afterwards. We will be there!
Katelyn's Second Birthday Bash will be on July 11th at Ramona Oaks Park! (The same place her first Birthday was). I'll post more info as I have it but everyone who wants to be there is invited!
Thank You for all of your support!
Love,
Krystal
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