2008 Christmas Tree

On Saturday, we found and cut down the family Christmas tree...It was very cold but no snow this year..

The tree is up at the moment.. but not completely decorated..... we'll post more pictures later this week...

Pictures from the 2007 Expedition..

Pictures from the 2006 Expedition...

Same tree farm....bigger family... turning into a tradition....

Fun w/Playstation

These pictures generate two questions....

1.  Which one is the kid?

2.  Who is winning?

As I'm writing this, I hear Yedda say "You actually beat me, how did that happen..."

Picture backlog....

Been meaning to upload these pictures for a few weeks now....

 

A few pictures from the a pumpkin picking adventure...

 

Lost in the corn maze..

 

Playing in the refrigerator....(Mommy is holding the door open)

  

Poor Misti...Lucas had fun strapping her into his chair.  She likes the attention... strange cat.

Short week

It's Thanksgiving week and we are getting ready to enjoy a welcome break.  We are not traveling and looking forward to some time at home to rest, eat too much turkey, and watch some football (at least I will)...

A few pictures from Aunt Diana's visit last weekend....

Acting silly on the couch..

 

Riding the Merry-go-round @ the mall...

 

Salad dressing anyone??

 

Lucas and Mi-ra in their hanbok's.... does anyone realize how difficult it is to get two children to look at the camera and smile at the same time??

 

Bundled up in the car seat..

Living Room Camping

 

Mi-ra is Home

Mi-ra is home... we're all very tired but happy everyone is home and safe... No more nights in the hospital and sleeping in the van...

COMING HOME

 

Mi-ra is coming home this afternoon!!!

Recovery - Day 5

We're still in the hospital I have to say that Mi-ra is doing amazing. This morning I thought we might actually get to go home but the Plastic Surgeon came in and it's a no, not until there is less drainage from the head. I'm crossing my hands that we might be able to leave tomorrow.
We went for a curise around the ward, several times. She's doing really well now no more wires connecting her to machines and she got a nice wash down today, at least the best that i could give her in her bed... so she's all clean and in her own jammies chilling...

Recovery - Day 4

Quick update… Mi-ra had a very good day today… she was able to get out of the crib and go for a walk in the stroller… the swelling has gone down and she can now see out of both of her eyes… all of the IV’s are out and she is sleeping and eating well.  Both the doctors and nurses are amazed with her progress and she will be going home soon.  One doctor said maybe tomorrow (Sunday) but another said Monday or Tuesday.  My guess is Monday but I’m not a doctor..

Yedda and I are surviving another night in the hospital… we’ve been here 4 nights in a row though I got a break and went home for a few hours this afternoon to spend some time with Lucas.  He is doing well at home with Nana but looking forward to Mi-ra and mommy coming home.  

Mi-ra got some visitors today both the Kohnke’s and “Aunt” Julie came by for a visit.  They were a welcome distraction during the day and cheered both Mi-ra and Yedda up. 

Yedda has retired to the bed we created in the back of the van (in the parking garage) and I’m hoping to get a few hours of sleep next to Mi-ra.  We’ll probably trade places at some point tonight but we’ll see.   It’s amazing how quickly this routine has become normal… it will feel strange to finally sleep in a bed. 

Thanks for all of the notes and calls of encouragement we have been receiving from family and friends… they really help to keep us going.  

Scott

 

Streaming TV....Looney Tunes & Update

It is amazing what you can find on the internet when you are sitting in the hospital with nothing to do.... a see many hours ahead tonight watching bugs bunny.....The Loony Tunes Network.. Bugs Bunny 24/7...... many fond memories growing up watching Bugs on Saturday morning cartoons... the classics... Bugs Bunny, Tom and Jerry... 

A few pictures from today..... sitting up and playing...

Recovery Day 3 - evening

Mi-ra had a good day today… she got to sit up a bit and sit in mommy’s lap for a hour or so.. she also got to play with some toys and had a lot more energy today.  All the doctors and nurses say she is doing very well we are hoping to get home early to the middle of next week. 

 

Right now she is sleeping.. hoping she gets good sleep tonight so we are also able to get some sleep.  Yedda and I are holding up well.. thanks for all the calls and notes of encouragement we have been receiving from everyone…they are appreciated. 

 

 

 

Recovery Day 2

 

Mi-ra was moved out of the intensive care unit this morning… she’s sleeping now and doing well… she’s a bit crankier than yesterday but her swelling is still less than expected.  Everyone says she is doing very well. 

 

I just sent Yedda home for a much deserved rest (and shower).   I’ll probably do the same a bit later.. my neck still hurts from my hour of sleep last night in the back of the mini-van…. Hope to get a bit more tonight but we’re holding up well.  At least we are allowed to sleep in her new room and there is a pull-out chair.  I’m going to write a very lengthily letter to Hopkins about having descent accommodations for parents in the pediatric area.    Guessing the new hospital which is scheduled to open in 2010 will be much better….. hopefully..

 

 

 

Recovery II

So now we're rotating shifts with who stays awake... Scott went to home to check on Lucas and get a quick nap. I'm lucky enough that when he gets here I'll get a short nap as well... that's if I can even think of napping :/ Here are some pics of her, she definitely doesn't like laying on her back or the restraints for that matter.


** Edit
On a good note, right before they kicked me out for shift change I actually got Mi-ra to play and laugh a little! Looks like she's feeling better already! or maybe it's the pain killers :)

** Edit #2
Man is it a late night... Scott got back about 9 and I was relieved for a little, I was fortunate enought that they had a room for moms to get some sleep at. I got about 3.5 hours before returning at 2am and relieving Scott...Too bad they don't have a room for the dads and the waiting room is packed :( .... He wandered off looking for a place to nap I think the Mini-van may have been his final destination. Soo far soo good, not too much swelling and she can still open both her eyes. Mi-ra's been doing amazingly well sleeping for a few hours, waking up and playing a little then going back to sleep. Here's a pic of her briefly awake.

recovery

 

Mi-ra’s surgery ended at approx. 1:00… she’s in the pediatric ICU for the next 24/36 hours before transferring to a more normal room… lots of wires, tubes and such at the moment but she is doing very well… she’s woke up a few times but is sleeping most of the time. 

 

 

 

Surgery

So today is Mi-ra's Surgery. I don't think anyone got any rest last night. Mi-ra was restless and was waking up and crying every few hours, I think she knew something was up. We got up bright and early this morning 4:30 am to get ready and get to the hospital by 6am. Surprisingly she was very cheerful and happy although tired. It was a real great of our pastor to meet us there any pray for us and Mi-ra's surgery. We got to the pediatric surgery floor and Mi-ra got checked out, we met with the neurosurgeon, anesthesiologist, and the plastic surgeon. I was able to go back with her while they put her to sleep, Scott had to wait out front since only one parent was allowed in the operationg room and now we're waiting.