I surprised Kaylee and took her to Jumbo's Pumpkin Patch in Middletown on Sunday. Larry had to work, so I took both the girls out into the country to enjoy a nice evening together. The drive there was peaceful and so beautiful.
Once we got to the farm, Kaylee was completely shocked that I took her there. We have been talking about going as a family, but Larry has been working a lot of overtime and has been either working or sleeping when we had the opportunity to go. We wanted to go on Saturday, but ended up getting rained out. I really wanted to take Kaylee to a pumpkin patch and have those memories for her to hold on to. The only other time we have ever gone to a pumpkin patch was for her kindergarten field trip. That is a sad thing to admit to, and I didn't want her to miss out on the experience any longer.
I took a bunch of pictures and they both had a blast. Kennedy got cranky on the ride back to the farm from the pumpkin patch, but calmed down once she got her bottle. Over all, it was a fun-filled evening and I am so glad I made the decision to take them. Kaylee begged me to go in the corn maze, but they told me that it was not stroller friendly...and I was not going to attempt to carry Kennedy through a maze that I could get lost in. Maybe Larry and I can get a sitter one night for Kennedy and find a local corn maze to go to.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
MRI at Children's Hospital in DC
Larry and I made the early drive to Children's National Medical Center on Wednesday morning for Kennedy's MRI. Neither of us could sleep the night before, and we both had horrible headaches when we woke up. Our nerves were getting the best of us, and we were just praying for the best outcome possible.
I was more concerned about the anesthesia than I was of the results. Looking back on it now, I think that was something I didn't really need to worry about. Kennedy was a trooper the whole morning. She was smiling at everyone and kicking her little legs with excitement. Her cheerful mood helped us keep our spirits high and kept us laughing while we were waiting on the anesthesiologist.
They gave her a little orange medical gown that was so cute on her. The doctor made her as comfortable as possible and we were able to hold her hands and talk to her until the laughing gas kicked in. They had us leave before they put the IV in her foot and told us that she would be done in about an hour.
We were able to go back into the recovery room and hold her while she woke up. She had to fast before the test, so she was crying for some food as soon as she woke up. Our friends from Concierge came in to check on her and it was so great being able to share that moment with them. Once Kennedy ate a little, she did her best to give everyone a groggy smile. You could tell she was still very loopy, and it made her smiles even more special.
Children's hospital told us that we would not know anything for about a week and someone would call us with the results. They gave us a CD of the pictures they took, so we popped it in our computer as soon as we got home to see if we could find a tumor. Needless to say, we didn't have a clue what we were doing...and we weren't sure what was scar tissue and what was a tumor. They used contrast during the MRI, which is a dye that helps the test be read, so the colors were different as well.
Yesterday, Paula from Concierge called me and she said she spoke to the doctor that read Kennedy's MRI. The doctor told her that there is definitely something there, but there is still more analysis that needs to be done. They want us to go back to DC so the doctors can explain things in more detail. I'm not going to lie, my heart dropped when Paula told me that she still has a tumor; however, we are thankful that she is going to set us up with the best doctors there. Kennedy also needs to see a cardiologist about her heart issues and lower body circulation problems, so Paula is going to cancel our appointment that we already have set up and move all the appointments to one day so Larry doesn't have to miss a whole lot of work.
Larry is worrying himself to death, and I reminded him to stay calm and to keep his trust in God. We have come so far in this adventure, and this is just a little bump in the road. She is a warrior and I know she will continue to win these battles.
Psalm 119:50 says "Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles"
I was more concerned about the anesthesia than I was of the results. Looking back on it now, I think that was something I didn't really need to worry about. Kennedy was a trooper the whole morning. She was smiling at everyone and kicking her little legs with excitement. Her cheerful mood helped us keep our spirits high and kept us laughing while we were waiting on the anesthesiologist.
They gave her a little orange medical gown that was so cute on her. The doctor made her as comfortable as possible and we were able to hold her hands and talk to her until the laughing gas kicked in. They had us leave before they put the IV in her foot and told us that she would be done in about an hour.
We were able to go back into the recovery room and hold her while she woke up. She had to fast before the test, so she was crying for some food as soon as she woke up. Our friends from Concierge came in to check on her and it was so great being able to share that moment with them. Once Kennedy ate a little, she did her best to give everyone a groggy smile. You could tell she was still very loopy, and it made her smiles even more special.
Children's hospital told us that we would not know anything for about a week and someone would call us with the results. They gave us a CD of the pictures they took, so we popped it in our computer as soon as we got home to see if we could find a tumor. Needless to say, we didn't have a clue what we were doing...and we weren't sure what was scar tissue and what was a tumor. They used contrast during the MRI, which is a dye that helps the test be read, so the colors were different as well.
Yesterday, Paula from Concierge called me and she said she spoke to the doctor that read Kennedy's MRI. The doctor told her that there is definitely something there, but there is still more analysis that needs to be done. They want us to go back to DC so the doctors can explain things in more detail. I'm not going to lie, my heart dropped when Paula told me that she still has a tumor; however, we are thankful that she is going to set us up with the best doctors there. Kennedy also needs to see a cardiologist about her heart issues and lower body circulation problems, so Paula is going to cancel our appointment that we already have set up and move all the appointments to one day so Larry doesn't have to miss a whole lot of work.
Larry is worrying himself to death, and I reminded him to stay calm and to keep his trust in God. We have come so far in this adventure, and this is just a little bump in the road. She is a warrior and I know she will continue to win these battles.
Psalm 119:50 says "Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles"
Monday, October 6, 2008
Touching Email
Well, I got an email on babyruffner@yahoo.com the other day and it made Larry and I feel so great about our decision to create this blog. The email was from a mom of another SCT survivor, and she thanked us for helping her through her emotions with what she was going through with her newborn. She was able to find our blog on the internet while she was searching for information about SCT's.
I got online this morning to respond back to her email, and I accidentally deleted it!!! What makes it even worse is Yahoo put the email in the SPAM folder for some reason, so when I accidentally hit delete...it erased it forever!!! I searched through all the Yahoo options and everything said that there was no way to retrieve the email. I was so mad at myself, and couldn't believe that I did that!
Larry and I have said from the beginning that Kennedy is on this Earth to bless so many people, and that email just reinforces our beliefs. When people meet Kennedy and hear her story, many are moved to tears. I am easily choked up, so most of time I will cry with them. Those tears for us, are tears of joy because she is so awesome and we are so blessed to have her with us. We really feel that she has changed many people's lives and showed them how special life is, and we are thankful for that.
So for the person's email that I lost, I would love to hear from you again. I promise, I will save your email address as soon as I get it! :-)
I got online this morning to respond back to her email, and I accidentally deleted it!!! What makes it even worse is Yahoo put the email in the SPAM folder for some reason, so when I accidentally hit delete...it erased it forever!!! I searched through all the Yahoo options and everything said that there was no way to retrieve the email. I was so mad at myself, and couldn't believe that I did that!
Larry and I have said from the beginning that Kennedy is on this Earth to bless so many people, and that email just reinforces our beliefs. When people meet Kennedy and hear her story, many are moved to tears. I am easily choked up, so most of time I will cry with them. Those tears for us, are tears of joy because she is so awesome and we are so blessed to have her with us. We really feel that she has changed many people's lives and showed them how special life is, and we are thankful for that.
So for the person's email that I lost, I would love to hear from you again. I promise, I will save your email address as soon as I get it! :-)
Monday, September 22, 2008
Kaylee's 8th Birthday
Kaylee celebrated her birthday this past weekend with a handful of family and friends. She said that it was the most fun she has had in a long time. This year, I wanted to make her birthday extra special by making her cake. I have never decorated a cake like that before, so I was a little nervous about it. I must brag though, it was very beautiful. The cake pan was a lot smaller than I thought it would be, so I made the "Hannah Montana" guitar cake in a French Vanilla flavor, and then I made chocolate cupcakes to accent the cake. I was very proud of myself I must say!!! I ran around and played like a crazy woman at her party and it made me feel like a kid again. I was afraid of how I would feel the next morning, but surprisingly I wasn't sore at all!!! Fun times!!
Kennedy is doing very well and getting so big. She is currently fighting off a little cold, but nothing that is going to be a big deal. If I had to guess, I would say she is around 14 pounds or so now. Stage one baby food has been introduced slowly....and so far she has only broken out in a rash from peaches. We have tried applesauce, bananas, pears, peaches, and this week is sweet potatoes.
We have an MRI appointment scheduled for October 15th for Kennedy, but I am still trying to get her cardiology appointment made so we can check her circulation in her legs and feet. I have been pulling teeth out trying to get this appointment...but it is easier said than done! lol. It will happen, it is just not knowing when that frustrates me! :-)
Kennedy is doing very well and getting so big. She is currently fighting off a little cold, but nothing that is going to be a big deal. If I had to guess, I would say she is around 14 pounds or so now. Stage one baby food has been introduced slowly....and so far she has only broken out in a rash from peaches. We have tried applesauce, bananas, pears, peaches, and this week is sweet potatoes.
We have an MRI appointment scheduled for October 15th for Kennedy, but I am still trying to get her cardiology appointment made so we can check her circulation in her legs and feet. I have been pulling teeth out trying to get this appointment...but it is easier said than done! lol. It will happen, it is just not knowing when that frustrates me! :-)
Monday, September 1, 2008
Benefits for Kennedy
I updated the fundraiser blog with all the details for the benefits that are being held for Kennedy in the month of September. We are so thankful that there are people holding these events for Kennedy!
God continues to surprise us with blessings--from people giving us baby formula and gently used baby items....all the way to people holding benefits for us.
Fri, Sept 26th: Basket Bingo @ Moose Lodge in Martinsburg
Thur, Oct 2nd: Chick-Fil-A between 5-8 pm (Say you are there for Baby Ruffner and they will donate 20% of their profit)
God continues to surprise us with blessings--from people giving us baby formula and gently used baby items....all the way to people holding benefits for us.
Fri, Sept 26th: Basket Bingo @ Moose Lodge in Martinsburg
Thur, Oct 2nd: Chick-Fil-A between 5-8 pm (Say you are there for Baby Ruffner and they will donate 20% of their profit)
Friday, August 29, 2008
Sick follow-up appointment
Larry took Kennedy for her check up appointment the other day to make sure her white blood cell count is where it should be. The doctor said that everything looked good and that she no longer needed to take her medication.
We noticed that her skin was starting to get rough, and she screamed when we tried to put lotion on it because of the perfumes in it. We weren't sure if she was having a reaction to her rice cereal because that was the only new thing that has been introduced to her. I have been keeping baby oil gel on her body, which seemed to help it a little...but I wanted Larry to say something to the doctor. He did prescribe a cream for her body rash. He did not think it was an allergic reaction to her rice cereal because it was isolated on certain parts of her body rather than all over. He also gave us an instant rebate coupon for the prescription so we would not have to pay for it. BONUS!
She gave Larry a belly laugh yesterday for the first time. I was picking Kaylee up from gymnastics, so I missed it. I was so jealous, but I know that I will get plenty of belly laughs in time. I am so excited about it!
We noticed that her skin was starting to get rough, and she screamed when we tried to put lotion on it because of the perfumes in it. We weren't sure if she was having a reaction to her rice cereal because that was the only new thing that has been introduced to her. I have been keeping baby oil gel on her body, which seemed to help it a little...but I wanted Larry to say something to the doctor. He did prescribe a cream for her body rash. He did not think it was an allergic reaction to her rice cereal because it was isolated on certain parts of her body rather than all over. He also gave us an instant rebate coupon for the prescription so we would not have to pay for it. BONUS!
She gave Larry a belly laugh yesterday for the first time. I was picking Kaylee up from gymnastics, so I missed it. I was so jealous, but I know that I will get plenty of belly laughs in time. I am so excited about it!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
4 Month Check-Up
Kennedy went for her 4 month "well check-up" appointment on Thursday. She was feeling great and the doctor was very happy with her progress. She was due for 4 shots, and was not happy when the nurse administered them to her. We talked about introducing rice cereal and how much to give her daily. I am excited about the rice cereal so she will not be hungry as often as she is right now.
She weighed 12 lbs 3.4 ounces and was 25 inches long. We just can't believe how big she is getting. It wasn't that long ago when I was holding a 4 1/2 pound baby in my arms! Her cheeks keep getting bigger and her legs are getting rolls on them....it is so cute!
Dr. Weneck did say that he wants to get an MRI done to check the status of the small teratoma that she still "supposedly" has. We also need to see a cardiologist to check the circulation in her legs. Her little feet are always cold and have a purple tint to them. Sometimes they are a dark tint of purple and other times they will be pink. So hopefully everything will be okay, but we need to cover our tracks and make sure that everything is working properly.
Kennedy slept through the night for the first time Thursday night! However, when we woke up Friday morning, I knew that something was wrong with Kennedy. She was extremely congested and had very glassy eyes. During her morning bottle, she ended up vomiting and then choking on her vomit because she could not breathe through her nose. We immediately called the doctor and he said to come in. They took her blood and the results showed an infection. He wrote out a prescription for her to start on, and said to come in Saturday morning for a follow-up.
We started her on the meds and she slept most of Friday evening. We let her sleep as much as she wanted so she could heal her body. I woke her up for her medication and to feed her before we went to bed, and she had no problems going back to sleep in her bassinet for the night. Starting to feel better.....she woke up for her usual 5:00 a.m. bottle! :)
Her blood was tested Saturday morning and it showed that her white blood cell count was going down, and that the medication was helping her. We are supposed to go back in 10 days to make sure the infection is gone. She is smiling again, and back to being her adorable self! Dr. Weneck thinks that she was fighting off the infection prior to the shots on Thursday...but the shots made her vulnerable for the infection to take over.
We will keep you posted on Kennedy! She is feeling a whole lot better and is almost back to normal.
Update on Larry:
He is feeling better since he finished his medication for Cat Scratch Fever. He still suffers from a 101 temperature at night, and wakes up soaked from night sweats. I keep telling him to get it checked out in case it is related to the Cat Scratch Fever...but he keeps blowing it off.
He started having extreme pain in his neck Thursday night and he went to see a Chiropractor on Friday. They took some xrays and found that his neck is straight rather than having a natural curve in it. He was put on a therapy plan for rehabilitation to get his neck back to normal. Already, he has gone from not being able to move his neck at all...to having enough range of motion to drive. He is still having some pain, but nothing near what he felt Thursday and Friday. So the Chiropractor has done wonders for him!
She weighed 12 lbs 3.4 ounces and was 25 inches long. We just can't believe how big she is getting. It wasn't that long ago when I was holding a 4 1/2 pound baby in my arms! Her cheeks keep getting bigger and her legs are getting rolls on them....it is so cute!
Dr. Weneck did say that he wants to get an MRI done to check the status of the small teratoma that she still "supposedly" has. We also need to see a cardiologist to check the circulation in her legs. Her little feet are always cold and have a purple tint to them. Sometimes they are a dark tint of purple and other times they will be pink. So hopefully everything will be okay, but we need to cover our tracks and make sure that everything is working properly.
Kennedy slept through the night for the first time Thursday night! However, when we woke up Friday morning, I knew that something was wrong with Kennedy. She was extremely congested and had very glassy eyes. During her morning bottle, she ended up vomiting and then choking on her vomit because she could not breathe through her nose. We immediately called the doctor and he said to come in. They took her blood and the results showed an infection. He wrote out a prescription for her to start on, and said to come in Saturday morning for a follow-up.
We started her on the meds and she slept most of Friday evening. We let her sleep as much as she wanted so she could heal her body. I woke her up for her medication and to feed her before we went to bed, and she had no problems going back to sleep in her bassinet for the night. Starting to feel better.....she woke up for her usual 5:00 a.m. bottle! :)
Her blood was tested Saturday morning and it showed that her white blood cell count was going down, and that the medication was helping her. We are supposed to go back in 10 days to make sure the infection is gone. She is smiling again, and back to being her adorable self! Dr. Weneck thinks that she was fighting off the infection prior to the shots on Thursday...but the shots made her vulnerable for the infection to take over.
We will keep you posted on Kennedy! She is feeling a whole lot better and is almost back to normal.
Update on Larry:
He is feeling better since he finished his medication for Cat Scratch Fever. He still suffers from a 101 temperature at night, and wakes up soaked from night sweats. I keep telling him to get it checked out in case it is related to the Cat Scratch Fever...but he keeps blowing it off.
He started having extreme pain in his neck Thursday night and he went to see a Chiropractor on Friday. They took some xrays and found that his neck is straight rather than having a natural curve in it. He was put on a therapy plan for rehabilitation to get his neck back to normal. Already, he has gone from not being able to move his neck at all...to having enough range of motion to drive. He is still having some pain, but nothing near what he felt Thursday and Friday. So the Chiropractor has done wonders for him!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
