Kynadi has always said such funny things to me. She's a sharp little kid and nothing gets past her. Well just yesterday she cracked me up. After our dinner prayer Kynadi says to me, as serious as ever, "Mom, I can't hear with my eyes closed". LOL Oh yeah, is that why they are always open during the prayer? Everything makes sense now. SO funny to me.
Then today I realized again how much I have to watch what I say around my little bean. I guess at preschool the teachers were asking what elementary school the kids would all go to. They told me that Kynadi informed them that we weren't sure which school she would go to because we are trying to buy a house on Knotty Pine St., but we're not sure if we will get it or not because it is a short sale. What, she really knows all that?? That little Kynadi picks up on everything. If anyone ever wants to know my deepest darkest secrets they'd just have to ask her.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
No More Helmet!!!
So I've been wanting to catch up with my blog in the right order, but my next blog is our trip to TX and I don't know if I have the patience right now to wait for all the pictures to upload, so I'm going to skip that for now and move on to our exciting news.
Most people know, but I need to get it down in writing. Linken is FINALLY helmet free!!! On March 11th we (just me and three kids as always) headed to Utah for Linken's one year post-op appointment with the surgeon. As always, we met with Mike, at Shield's Prosthetics, first where he takes pictures of Links head then scans Link on a fancy machine to get a three-D graphic enabling him to measure Links' head growth. It is still incredible to me all the math/smarts that goes into developing the helmet, and Kynadi's brace as well. But anyway, that's besides the point, Mike said he looked good, the helmet looked good, but it was up to Dr. Siddiqui, the surgeon to determine if it got to come off. So off we went with the scans and ratio's up to Dr. Siddiqui's office, this time at The University of Utah Hospital. I'm going to digress for a min...
Dr. Siddiqui is actually a plastic surgeon so I always amuse myself going into his Uof U office rather than his one at Primay Children's. Obviously at Primary Children's you aren't seeing a plastic surgeon for the same reasons an adult would see him at Uof U. So I'm always judging (I know unrighteously) the people that come in, wondering what kind of plastic sugery they will be getting, or have gotten. It makes me chuckle a bit. I'm sure most people are not there for "optional" plastic surgery, but I still let my mind make up stories.
Also, we always have to wait forever at U of U, but this time I was intrigued by the police officers bringing two convicts in shackles up the hall and into a little holding spot right outside the open waiting room doors. I kept wondering what they were doing there. And the police just had them wait there the whole time we were there. I still wish I could ask what was going on. I'm so nosy! But I'll move on since I'm not sure why any of that matters.
So we met with Dr. Siddiqui and he felt the top of Links head and says all the bone, except one little spot, has grown in and that he looks great. He continues to tell us we don't need the helmet anymore!!!! YIPPEE! I wanted to say, "good, because I've been pretty lienent with him wearing it anyway", but decided against that and just thanked him instead. Now we only have to go back once a year for five years, which beats every other month like it was for awhile.
Well, while we were walking back out to the car I was caught up in the excitement of knowing we didn't have to deal with the helmet anymore and told the girls excitedly that Linken was finished with it. Surprsingly to me Kynadi burst out, "that's not fair". This is when I realized what a hard moment it was for her. She still has to wear her brace. Poor thing. She asked when she will get to stop wearing it, but we really don't know. My poor little four year old has been in a brace before Linken was even born (Brooklyn too in fact) and now she's seen Linken from the beginning to the end of his helmet and there is no end in sight for her. I felt guilty for being so happy for Link and can't wait for the day when Kynadi can see an end to hers as well.
As we drove away the whole thing was strangely a bit bitter sweet for me. I don't know if it was because of the conversation and realization I had with Kynadi or just knowing we had come to the "end" of that stage of Link's short life. I'm not sure how to explain what I felt or if I completely understand it. Of course I was happy we are done with the helmet and my little Linken is healthy and doing well. But part of me was sad. I think it may be that as I have seen so many different children in the halls and rooms at Primay Children's I have realized how special they really are. Everytime I go there I realize how precious life is and how unimportant all the worldly things are. I hope others feel that when they are there. Something about children suffering (whether a little or a lot) puts life in a whole different perspective. Linken is past that stage now, and although the helmet is gone, he was one of those special children I had seen in the halls and in my heart he still is. I guess in some ways I feel since he doesn't have the helmet to mark him as one of those special children I fear others won't see him that way. I don't know. I am sooo happy and grateful to have a healthy boy, but it was definitly an emotional day.
Most people know, but I need to get it down in writing. Linken is FINALLY helmet free!!! On March 11th we (just me and three kids as always) headed to Utah for Linken's one year post-op appointment with the surgeon. As always, we met with Mike, at Shield's Prosthetics, first where he takes pictures of Links head then scans Link on a fancy machine to get a three-D graphic enabling him to measure Links' head growth. It is still incredible to me all the math/smarts that goes into developing the helmet, and Kynadi's brace as well. But anyway, that's besides the point, Mike said he looked good, the helmet looked good, but it was up to Dr. Siddiqui, the surgeon to determine if it got to come off. So off we went with the scans and ratio's up to Dr. Siddiqui's office, this time at The University of Utah Hospital. I'm going to digress for a min...
Dr. Siddiqui is actually a plastic surgeon so I always amuse myself going into his Uof U office rather than his one at Primay Children's. Obviously at Primary Children's you aren't seeing a plastic surgeon for the same reasons an adult would see him at Uof U. So I'm always judging (I know unrighteously) the people that come in, wondering what kind of plastic sugery they will be getting, or have gotten. It makes me chuckle a bit. I'm sure most people are not there for "optional" plastic surgery, but I still let my mind make up stories.
Also, we always have to wait forever at U of U, but this time I was intrigued by the police officers bringing two convicts in shackles up the hall and into a little holding spot right outside the open waiting room doors. I kept wondering what they were doing there. And the police just had them wait there the whole time we were there. I still wish I could ask what was going on. I'm so nosy! But I'll move on since I'm not sure why any of that matters.
So we met with Dr. Siddiqui and he felt the top of Links head and says all the bone, except one little spot, has grown in and that he looks great. He continues to tell us we don't need the helmet anymore!!!! YIPPEE! I wanted to say, "good, because I've been pretty lienent with him wearing it anyway", but decided against that and just thanked him instead. Now we only have to go back once a year for five years, which beats every other month like it was for awhile.
Well, while we were walking back out to the car I was caught up in the excitement of knowing we didn't have to deal with the helmet anymore and told the girls excitedly that Linken was finished with it. Surprsingly to me Kynadi burst out, "that's not fair". This is when I realized what a hard moment it was for her. She still has to wear her brace. Poor thing. She asked when she will get to stop wearing it, but we really don't know. My poor little four year old has been in a brace before Linken was even born (Brooklyn too in fact) and now she's seen Linken from the beginning to the end of his helmet and there is no end in sight for her. I felt guilty for being so happy for Link and can't wait for the day when Kynadi can see an end to hers as well.
As we drove away the whole thing was strangely a bit bitter sweet for me. I don't know if it was because of the conversation and realization I had with Kynadi or just knowing we had come to the "end" of that stage of Link's short life. I'm not sure how to explain what I felt or if I completely understand it. Of course I was happy we are done with the helmet and my little Linken is healthy and doing well. But part of me was sad. I think it may be that as I have seen so many different children in the halls and rooms at Primay Children's I have realized how special they really are. Everytime I go there I realize how precious life is and how unimportant all the worldly things are. I hope others feel that when they are there. Something about children suffering (whether a little or a lot) puts life in a whole different perspective. Linken is past that stage now, and although the helmet is gone, he was one of those special children I had seen in the halls and in my heart he still is. I guess in some ways I feel since he doesn't have the helmet to mark him as one of those special children I fear others won't see him that way. I don't know. I am sooo happy and grateful to have a healthy boy, but it was definitly an emotional day.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Who needs toys, when you have a brother
I turned around one night to find Linken sporting this new antenna. I couldn't help but laugh. After questioning the two most likely culprits, indeed they were guilty. They couldn't help but stick their new tooth brushes (with suctions on the end) to Linken's helmet. Linken was clueless as to why the girls had been following him and pushing on his head. Poor kid, then he didn't like that I was following him with a camera instead of holding him and saving him from the girls.
Yet another cupboard dweller!
Not sure why, but the bathroom cupboard must have some appeal to small children, as this is not the first child I've found like this!
Don't try this at home Kids!
...unless your mom thinks your stinkin cute and you can get away with it!!
I had just taken out a load of laundry and Link was right behind me climbing in. The girls thought they should get in too, so we had to have a little lesson on how dangerous it could be, take a few pictures of Linken, then get him out and ruin three little kids fun. He was sure excited about his new adventure, I hated to ruin it, but didn't want the dryer to become the newest hiding place or anything.
Soccer Star...Almost! :)
Kynadi-excited for her first game
Well we signed Kynadi up for soccer this year and it was lots of fun. It is definitely not a long season...only about 6 weeks. She was so excited before hand and constantly asked when she got to start. I thought this enthusiasm was cute, considering she really had no idea what soccer was other than a game with a ball. When it came right down to it though, she was a bit hesitant. The first practice revealed what the entire season was like. She loved being on the team, but was nervous about kicking the ball when there was a swarm of other kids around. She much preferred to just run and let the others fight for possession. One practice I could tell she was overcoming her fears and was going after the ball a little bit. But then, this boy who I'll refer to as "the giant" came and kicked the ball right as Kynadi was trying to. He brought Kynadi's feet out from under her and she took a massive face plant to the floor. Poor kid! Needless to say, she didn't go after the ball much after that.
Well we signed Kynadi up for soccer this year and it was lots of fun. It is definitely not a long season...only about 6 weeks. She was so excited before hand and constantly asked when she got to start. I thought this enthusiasm was cute, considering she really had no idea what soccer was other than a game with a ball. When it came right down to it though, she was a bit hesitant. The first practice revealed what the entire season was like. She loved being on the team, but was nervous about kicking the ball when there was a swarm of other kids around. She much preferred to just run and let the others fight for possession. One practice I could tell she was overcoming her fears and was going after the ball a little bit. But then, this boy who I'll refer to as "the giant" came and kicked the ball right as Kynadi was trying to. He brought Kynadi's feet out from under her and she took a massive face plant to the floor. Poor kid! Needless to say, she didn't go after the ball much after that.
During the games she was so funny to watch. Half the time she didn't even watch the ball. She was always playing with her hair (I think this was because she was a bit nervous), and when she was the goalie she'd rather hang on the bar than pay attention to the game.
A little video of her following the pack, but a bit afraid to get too close.
Paying lots of attention to the game, but not making a move! :)
Playing with her hair-AGAIN
Hanging from the goalie
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Here comes the garbage man!
My kids love Thursday when the garbage man makes his route down our street. He seems to come around 8:30 a.m. just as we are eating breakfast. We can always hear his loud roar coming, and the girls excitedly run for the counter where they perch in front of the window to watch the big truck grab our can and dump out its contents. They are mesmerised.
Purple Pals
Kelsey was visiting and the three girls all ended up dressing in purple and of course they thought that constituted a picture. My girls love when Kelsey visits...they can't wait for a few more weeks when she comes to stay with us for a week!!!! Yippee!
When do I get this Job???
I always seem to get the children in their waking hours, so I want to knwo why John always seems to get this job.
What a hat!
I love this picture of Linken. It was a cold night and we were on our way to see Dad at the hospital. The girls were dressing warm and thought Linken needed to as well. They found this hat and it even fit over his helmet. He sports it well if you ask me. :)
Christmas 2009
This is the best pic I could get of the three of them in their new PJs
This year was the first year we had Christmas at our house and not my parents, since no one else was here. It was wierd but still enjoyable. We went on our traditional ride to see Christmas lights Christmas eve and the kids got to open their new PJ's that night too. Kynadi and Brooklyn were soooo excited as expected, but the threat that Santa wouldn't come unless they were in bed worked wonders. We had a good Christmas and here's some pics of our Christmas day.
Brooklyn with her final outcome
Kynadi with her final outcome
Linken loving his new toy from Grandma and Grandpa
Brooklyn in her new attire from Penny and kids--they spoiled our kids
I'm not sure what Kynadi got, but she obviously loved it
"I think I like this Christmas stuff"
Brooklyn asked for a Dora doll everytime she was asked what she wanted for Christmas
Linken's Car "town" - everyone had fun with it
Just relaxin
Penny gave my girls some baby-alive's which turned out to be the biggest hit. They played for hours and hours with them. I got credit for nothin'...they both thought all the other gifts were from Santa.
Stinky-Linky turns 1!
I know I'm soooo behind but I want to catch up on things before I forget everything. And as I've stated before this blog is for MY memory and not for entertaining those online!!! :)
Linken got two cakes, I bought the cupcakes and then Penny and her kids brought the cake over for him...they're GREAT!
Soooo...back on December 20th Linken turned one-year old! I can't believe it! He is such a cute little boy. I just love being his mom. I've never enjoyed having a baby so much. Not that I don't LOVE my girls to death, but with Kynadi as my first, everything was new and it was a bit scary entering the unknown territory of motherhood, then with Brooklyn she was such a fussy baby that it was hard to enjoy life through all the shrill screams and cries. So I've LOVED having my little baby boy around. He is so content and laid back. He smiles all the time and really does light up a room. His dimples are adorable and his giggle is my favorite sound. I love being able to take his helmet off and rub his head and cheeks against mine, something I didn't realize I loved so much until I couldn't.
In his first little year he has endured a lot with his surgery and all, but the doctors say his head looks great now and it won't be long before we get to take the helmet off for good. (I'm hoping in four days when we go to his appointment at Primary Children's) He will probably have the roundest head of any kid around. He has definitely been a trooper and I forget he is wearing his helmet until I see funny looks or hear curious kids ask and point at him. I think it's cute. The best comment I've heard was from a boy at church. It was a family visiting our ward, who knew nothing of Link's situation, and I heard the young boy say, "look mom, there's an astronaut!". I'll probably miss some of the attention he gets once the helmets gone...in some ways it make me think others see him as special as I do!
Anyway for some stats:
At one he still didn't walk, but was walking along the couch and anything he could grab. He also doesn't say any words yet, which concerns me, but the doctor doesn't seem too concerned so I'll try not to be. If he says anything at all it is "Banana", since he has one every morning for breakfast. I wish I could remember his weight and height stats from his "one-year" dr. appointment, but that's what I get for not writing right away. I'll have to post his 15 month stats from his appointment in a couple weeks. He had 8 teeth on his birthday and now he's up to 12.
Well, I hate that his birthday is so close to Christmas. Not only are we busy with Christmas activities, but it's in the midst of craft fair orders. I almost forgot about his birthday, especially since he's not old enough to be excited and remind me. I did remember it though, and as customary in my house, my kids get their first taste of sugar on their 1st birthday. I bought the cupcakes for his cake so he could chow down. And as any kid would, Linken loved the treat. He scarfed it right down. So cute! It was the highlight of his birthday I'm sure. Anyway here's a few pics of his special day.
Playing with one of his new toys.
Drinking from his new sippy cup...he loved it
The messy mug from his cupcake, it really isn't that bad and I'm guessing because he made sure to get most of it in his mouth.
Not the greatest pics of me, but I love Linken's face...I just want to squeeze those cheeks
Linken got two cakes, I bought the cupcakes and then Penny and her kids brought the cake over for him...they're GREAT!
Soooo...back on December 20th Linken turned one-year old! I can't believe it! He is such a cute little boy. I just love being his mom. I've never enjoyed having a baby so much. Not that I don't LOVE my girls to death, but with Kynadi as my first, everything was new and it was a bit scary entering the unknown territory of motherhood, then with Brooklyn she was such a fussy baby that it was hard to enjoy life through all the shrill screams and cries. So I've LOVED having my little baby boy around. He is so content and laid back. He smiles all the time and really does light up a room. His dimples are adorable and his giggle is my favorite sound. I love being able to take his helmet off and rub his head and cheeks against mine, something I didn't realize I loved so much until I couldn't.
In his first little year he has endured a lot with his surgery and all, but the doctors say his head looks great now and it won't be long before we get to take the helmet off for good. (I'm hoping in four days when we go to his appointment at Primary Children's) He will probably have the roundest head of any kid around. He has definitely been a trooper and I forget he is wearing his helmet until I see funny looks or hear curious kids ask and point at him. I think it's cute. The best comment I've heard was from a boy at church. It was a family visiting our ward, who knew nothing of Link's situation, and I heard the young boy say, "look mom, there's an astronaut!". I'll probably miss some of the attention he gets once the helmets gone...in some ways it make me think others see him as special as I do!
Anyway for some stats:
At one he still didn't walk, but was walking along the couch and anything he could grab. He also doesn't say any words yet, which concerns me, but the doctor doesn't seem too concerned so I'll try not to be. If he says anything at all it is "Banana", since he has one every morning for breakfast. I wish I could remember his weight and height stats from his "one-year" dr. appointment, but that's what I get for not writing right away. I'll have to post his 15 month stats from his appointment in a couple weeks. He had 8 teeth on his birthday and now he's up to 12.
Well, I hate that his birthday is so close to Christmas. Not only are we busy with Christmas activities, but it's in the midst of craft fair orders. I almost forgot about his birthday, especially since he's not old enough to be excited and remind me. I did remember it though, and as customary in my house, my kids get their first taste of sugar on their 1st birthday. I bought the cupcakes for his cake so he could chow down. And as any kid would, Linken loved the treat. He scarfed it right down. So cute! It was the highlight of his birthday I'm sure. Anyway here's a few pics of his special day.
Playing with one of his new toys.
Drinking from his new sippy cup...he loved it
The messy mug from his cupcake, it really isn't that bad and I'm guessing because he made sure to get most of it in his mouth.
Not the greatest pics of me, but I love Linken's face...I just want to squeeze those cheeks
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