GRATITUDE IN MY HEART!

I have felt once again very overwhelmed by how blessed we have been. We went up to cardiology today and all still looks well. We even get to move appointments to every other week now. Every time I go to the hospital I round the corner, see the big parking garage where my car would sit for a week at a time sometimes. I see the flag blowing and then I see Kaidence's PICU room window. I get so emotional every time and I can't tell you how many times I have made that drive. I remember once when Kaidence was in the hospital (just before the Berlin Heart) my mom took me away and tried to find me some hand stitching or something to do to keep me busy while time passed. I remember how torn I felt as I drove along the freeway and I looked east and could see the hospital sitting up on the hill and knowing that I could see my baby girls room but yet she was so far away from me.

We visited some of our PICU doctors and nurses today. I only expected to see a few nurses but before I knew it we had many others that had gathered around as well to see our little Kaidence. We miss them so much and I hope that they truly understand all that they did for our family and how grateful we are to them. It feels like home everytime we stop by to see them and never feels weird.

We have been so lucky to have so many wonderful friends and family that have supported us in so many ways. Although I could not get "Thank You's" to everyone it did not mean that your kindness did not touch our hearts. I was just so overwhelmed by Kaidence and all of the kindness that we had been shown. And no matter how hard I tried I just could not keep up and the Thank You's. So Thank You to all of you. Our family, friends, ward family, doctors, nurses, our pediatrician's office and all of you that we have never met. We are forever indebted to your kindness. Thank You to all of you that made sure our family had a wonderful Christmas to remember, it was that and so much more. Often as someone would drop something by I would close the door and just sit and sob. Thank You for all of the sacrifice that you made for our family. I have cried so much these last 10 months as people would send cards, prayers said, money would appear on our doorstep or in the mail. Christmas gifts appeared on our porch (ok, I am even crying as I write this). Rides were given to my children, meals brought in, laundry done, our house was roofed, walks were shoveled, kids babysat (sometimes overnight). Kaidence's Pediatrician and staff would come to the home to give shots and do check ups once we brought her home so that we did not have to take her out. We honestly could not have done it without all of you. Most importantly, Thank You for all of the prayers. We love you all and feel so overwhelmed and blessed to have learned the lessons that we have and to have had so many people loving and supporting our family. Please know that we are SO VERY Thankful for all you have done for us. WE LOVE YOU!!!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!! Today was the best Mother's Day ever. For the first time in 10 months we all went to church together, even Kaidence. It felt wonderful to all be at church together. I have dreamed about this day for a long time and thought about every Sunday as I attended Sacrament Meeting up at the hospital, although at times it felt like that day may never come. It is all about the simple things. Kaidence seemed very excited and she was very interested in the big hanging lights in the chapel. The boy also sang for Mothers Day and they were so good and cute. No picking their noses or anything of the sort. It was wonderful to bring Kaidence to see all of the wonderful people that had fasted and prayed for her SO MANY times. We are forever grateful for their faith and love. I know they will never understand what they have done for us. They were a major part of the many miracles that have played out in Kaidence's life. My cardiologist asked how we did it and I told her it was all of the fasting and prayers. We are so grateful to have the gospel in our lives. We are grateful for all of the prayers that were given in Kaidence's behalf, no matter what religion or background. We thank you all.

We have once again had a busy, but good week. The last week was a little crazy with misc. school stuff. I went to school and celebrated McCaden's Half Birthday since his is in the summer. We made him a poster and a little portfolio. Camden decided to tattoo himself with brown marker as well as the basement wall. So NO we do not beat our children. It is just that the "washable" marker isn't all that washable and it makes his arm look worse now. We went dress hunting for the American Heart Association Black Tie Gala Dinner. Worked in the yard, got Kaidence's immunizations current and went to cardiology of course. Her appointment went well and her white count is still doing great. Kaidence has really blossomed the past 2 weeks. She has grown so much and seems so happy. She loves to play with her brothers. She also got her first haircut (Thanks Tina). It looks adorable. Kaidence's hair is VERY thick in the back and so Tina did a little razor cutting to thin it out a little so we could flip it out and style it. She also seems to be taking her milk a little better (somedays). Also, she signed "milk" the other day. Can you believe it? It worked and I have to give a Big Hug Thank You to Rachel Coleman and Family. They are the ones that do the "Signing Time" DVD's and television show. They saw that we were in need of some DVD's to teach Kaidence and so they had the first series delivered to our home. Thank You so much for your kindness. My Kaidence loves to watch them with her brother Camden. Camden has really picked up on his signs and this helps reinforce signs with Kaidence. He picks the "Signing Time" movies over anything else right now. Thank You for thinking of our family. We have been surrounded by so many kind and gracious people. We are grateful for every baby step in the right direction and for everyday that we can feel "normal," whatever that means.
I hope you all have a wonderful week and thank you again for all you have done to help bring us through our trials.