So it has been over a month since I have blogged. During the reno process my ancient computer got unhooked so I was unable to get my thoughts onto the blog.I got up first this morning so the laptop is all mine to share with you my Christmas this year!
This month we have been enjoying the new and improved Kourtney. Kourtney's hemoglobin continues to rise with the assistance of the EPO. The last set of blood work along with a iron infusion took 4 iv pokes. Kourtney was done and took the vow that she wasn't coming in anymore for iron until the results of her blood work came back. As much as I tried to encourage her that she was feeling better and this was helping her, she wasn't so convinced. It was not until the jubilant nurse walked into our room and announced that her hemoglobin was 112 - Kourtney was convinced. It made the 4 IV attempts worth it!! - well sort of.
In October, during our weekly trip to Costco, Kourtney and I saw Christmas lights. The anxiety in me grew as I knew I had to "face" another Christmas season. Kourtney knew what I was thinking and said, "We have to make this Christmas the best one yet mom. " After these words of wisdom from my 12 year old I decided that my approach to Christmas was going to be similar to the way Kourtney felt about her hemoglobin. I did not want just to feel Christmas; I wanted to know Christmas this year. I have heard so often from my own mouth, " It doesn't feel like Christmas," although the house is decorated, gifts are wrapped, and the 10 pounds are gained.
I started by keeping the Christmas decorations to a minimum, basically our Christmas tree and a nativity set. I was probably the last person in the lower mainland to have my tree up, except for Mona - I think she was waiting for me to cave first. This was by no means part of my intention. We were still renovating our house and there was no place to put the tree until the carpet was laid. Otherwise I would have put it up sooner as I do love having a tree in my house. As much as I would love to try a No Christmas present year- the gifts we bought for the girls were practical, wrapped with recycled paper and held together with duct tape.
Knowing Christmas also involved helping a friend through a crisis and being there every step of the way for her. Knowing Christmas also involved really understanding the first Christmas and the lowly circumstances that were involved, with the birth of Jesus - God sending his only son. The Gospel was clearly outlined at church - Thank you Pastor Jeff. Knowing Christmas helped me forgive the wrongs and helped me move on through my circumstances. Knowing Christmas encouraged my colleague struggling with confidence in her career. Knowing Christmas allowed me to be a better mom, wife and friend. Knowing Christmas allowed me not to apologize for my "unfinished home" but made me proud of my husband for the work he has done and all the work he still has to do.
3 days after Christmas . . . I feel I just celebrated the best Christmas ever. To all of our readers and supporters thank-you for your valuable contribution to helping us celebrate the best Kujawa Christmas ever.If the Christmas feeling bogs you down every year, get to know "Christmas" and when you do you will know the Christmas I finally got to know.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Cartwheels - today!!
I feel like dancing today. If I could I would do cartwheels instead of walking; would that not be a sight? My heart is leaping with joy, I can't sit still. Today we have gotten a break from the BC rain and have been blessed with a mild, clear, and dry day. The day started at 6 AM, and amazing things began to happen.
Kourtney had a dressing change in the morning instead of last evening at her request. She promised me there would be no morning grumpiness, or tears. True to her word it was the best dressing change ever. Not even a whimper out of her. Mona and I were almost in shock when she went in to the tub and there wasn't a sound out of her. Wow!! How amazingly refreshing to start the day out like that then with the usual dread.
As we were wrapping Kourtney, Lexi began whining. I realized that she was asking to go outside. Although she has done this before, she hasn't done it in a while. She did her business and then sat patiently by the door waiting for us to let her in. I felt satisfaction in our dog training skills. We have also learned that "leash" is a word we don't say around our house unless you are willing to take the dog for a walk. She still rings the bell or "Easy Button" when she wants something.
After that we got the confirmation that our cabinets will go in tomorrow. It just seemed too smooth. They will be here at 0730 tomorrow morning. The floor looks great and appliances are here just waiting to be used!!
The day just got better when we found out that Shaelyn will be joining the Skipping Sensations team in January. She has been skipping once a week for a 1 1/2 years and feels that she wants to be part of the team. It is an amazing program and it is so amazing what these girls can do with a skipping rope. Way to go Shae!! So exciting.
I am even excited about the supper we are having tonight - stuffed chicken breasts. Can life get any better? I don't think so. I realize I keep comparing life to last year, but that is because our minds remember anniversaries. The comparison between last year and today, well there is no comparison.
On a side note: Kourtney is doing her exercises and has been challenged to take charge of her body. She is going on the treadmill and staying positive.
*** Our day ended with a parent teacher interview for Shae - raving reviews. I am so proud of her!! ***
Kourtney had a dressing change in the morning instead of last evening at her request. She promised me there would be no morning grumpiness, or tears. True to her word it was the best dressing change ever. Not even a whimper out of her. Mona and I were almost in shock when she went in to the tub and there wasn't a sound out of her. Wow!! How amazingly refreshing to start the day out like that then with the usual dread.
As we were wrapping Kourtney, Lexi began whining. I realized that she was asking to go outside. Although she has done this before, she hasn't done it in a while. She did her business and then sat patiently by the door waiting for us to let her in. I felt satisfaction in our dog training skills. We have also learned that "leash" is a word we don't say around our house unless you are willing to take the dog for a walk. She still rings the bell or "Easy Button" when she wants something.
After that we got the confirmation that our cabinets will go in tomorrow. It just seemed too smooth. They will be here at 0730 tomorrow morning. The floor looks great and appliances are here just waiting to be used!!
The day just got better when we found out that Shaelyn will be joining the Skipping Sensations team in January. She has been skipping once a week for a 1 1/2 years and feels that she wants to be part of the team. It is an amazing program and it is so amazing what these girls can do with a skipping rope. Way to go Shae!! So exciting.
I am even excited about the supper we are having tonight - stuffed chicken breasts. Can life get any better? I don't think so. I realize I keep comparing life to last year, but that is because our minds remember anniversaries. The comparison between last year and today, well there is no comparison.
On a side note: Kourtney is doing her exercises and has been challenged to take charge of her body. She is going on the treadmill and staying positive.
*** Our day ended with a parent teacher interview for Shae - raving reviews. I am so proud of her!! ***
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Tough News, and Tough Love
Yesterday we had a meeting with the Chronic Pain Team at BCCH. I really felt we needed to stay in touch with this team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and physios that manage Kourtney's pain. We have managed to conquer many issues this year but for those who have seen Kourtney walk it is evident there have been lingering problems from such a traumatic year.
Kourtney is not using her wheel chair at school which has been a huge milestone, but over the last year we have taken Kourtney to physio many times and she has been given exercises to do. Kourtney will find every excuse not to do them and when she does do her exercises she usually is so worked up her body won't relax. It has been a frustrating endeavour and once again another concern I have had to take a step back on.
Kourtney walked into the meeting with the team and I knew that they were assessing her as she walked in. First of all I think Kourtney should have been celebrated that she was walking because last year all of our meetings Kourtney was in wheelchair. The first thing out of the Dr's mouth was, "I am not happy with her posture." Neither am I, but I want to tell you about the success we have had with her. For those who work Maternity with me, you can appreciate that this Dr. is an anaesthetist - they seem to be a very peculiar breed of doctors. They went on to tell us that they want Kourtney to do intense physio until March and after that if there are not better results, surgery should be considered. That isn't what we both wanted to hear and it came as a shocker for the two of us.
Kourtney held her composure through the very painful meeting, but as soon she got off the elevator she started crying. We had another appointment booked with Dr. Prendiville (dermatologist) but she ran past the office and went outside. We sat in the fresh air and talked about the meeting - there were a few choice words for the doctor and I didn't reprimand her because I had the same words in my head. I went and chatted with our wonderful dermatology nurse and the two of us decided we should cancel the appointment (6 people ahead of us and no pressing issues meant we weren't staying).
Kourtney and I did shopping therapy at IKEA, and we talked over a cinnamon bun. She perked up after that and the sparkle continued to be there. Although the "delivery" of the news was harsh I believe that it will make Kourtney more determined to keep exercising. If we can avoid surgery . . . that would be so wonderful. We have come sooooo far, yet it seems like we are at the bottom of the mountain again and gearing up for the big climb . . . the plan is for weekly trips into BCCH for intense physio.
Kourtney is not using her wheel chair at school which has been a huge milestone, but over the last year we have taken Kourtney to physio many times and she has been given exercises to do. Kourtney will find every excuse not to do them and when she does do her exercises she usually is so worked up her body won't relax. It has been a frustrating endeavour and once again another concern I have had to take a step back on.
Kourtney walked into the meeting with the team and I knew that they were assessing her as she walked in. First of all I think Kourtney should have been celebrated that she was walking because last year all of our meetings Kourtney was in wheelchair. The first thing out of the Dr's mouth was, "I am not happy with her posture." Neither am I, but I want to tell you about the success we have had with her. For those who work Maternity with me, you can appreciate that this Dr. is an anaesthetist - they seem to be a very peculiar breed of doctors. They went on to tell us that they want Kourtney to do intense physio until March and after that if there are not better results, surgery should be considered. That isn't what we both wanted to hear and it came as a shocker for the two of us.
Kourtney held her composure through the very painful meeting, but as soon she got off the elevator she started crying. We had another appointment booked with Dr. Prendiville (dermatologist) but she ran past the office and went outside. We sat in the fresh air and talked about the meeting - there were a few choice words for the doctor and I didn't reprimand her because I had the same words in my head. I went and chatted with our wonderful dermatology nurse and the two of us decided we should cancel the appointment (6 people ahead of us and no pressing issues meant we weren't staying).
Kourtney and I did shopping therapy at IKEA, and we talked over a cinnamon bun. She perked up after that and the sparkle continued to be there. Although the "delivery" of the news was harsh I believe that it will make Kourtney more determined to keep exercising. If we can avoid surgery . . . that would be so wonderful. We have come sooooo far, yet it seems like we are at the bottom of the mountain again and gearing up for the big climb . . . the plan is for weekly trips into BCCH for intense physio.
Friday, November 6, 2009
NO WAY! WAY! YAY!!
NO WAY
For the month of October our family seemed to dodge the swine flu. Shaelyn had symptoms but she got over it rather quickly. In my own little "righteous indignation" I was hoping our family wasn't going to be hit with this unpredictable virus. We seemed to have our share last year . . . really there was "no way" that we should have this affliction upon on us. I felt that it would be best if everyone else could suffer from it this year . . . not the Kujawa's. But as everyone knows . . . (I am such a slow learner). Virusses are virusses and they generally don't chose who they will host upon.
WAY
But then on November 2st, Shaelyn had a headache. I thought there is no way she could be sick again so I sent her to school. I also had a massage booked and really wanted to go. By noon my cell phone and home phone were full of messages from the school informing me that my child needed to be picked up from school (I turned off my cell phone when I was getting the massage - how selfish). High fevers, headache, cough, sleepless night . . . here we go again. Sure glad I got that massage though.
The same day I took one look at Kourtney when she got home from school andI knew the affliction was upon her. Her classmates had been hit hard by it, so I knew she would be home for the rest of the week. Todd came home that day with a cough . . . number 3 hit. I have 3 patients now at home with me. Todd has been hit the worse but yet he keeps plunking away at kitchen stuff. Shaelyn had 4 days at home but has kicked the virus. Kourtney has been the best patient in the whole world - she does sick well - because she knows how, and despite feeling so awful has not complained at all. The other two are a bit more whiny and can't sit still. I remain healthy and strong, despite being coughed on and puked on . . . yuck.
YAY
On Friday, Kourtney and I left the house at 0630 for an iron infusion at Children's. It took 2 hours to get in. Kourtney was vile on the way in because she didn't want to be poked again and besides "it wasn't helping anyways" (last time her hemoglobin was 79). I was also beginning to wonder if this was worthwhile, especially if there was no change in her hemoglobin. But I also knew that although there was not encouraging results on "paper" the clinical picture was encouraging as far as her skin, and overall health goes. I had no preconceived notions this time about her hemoglobin as last time it was a huge disappointment that it was not higher. As it turned out though, Kourtney's IV went very smoothly, the iron infusion only took two hours and her hemoglobin is now at the highest it has been in years . . . 92. The goal is to be over 100. So I haven't been imagining things. There is now clinical evidence that Kourtney has recovered. So the monthly trips in, the IV pokes and the once a week pokes for the EPO shots are paying off. Kourtney really doesn't think so, but it is difficult for her to get past the "pokes". I don't blame her but she also doesn't realize what a blessing it is that her IV's go so smoothly and I know how I can give the EPO shots with the least amount of pain.
Last night (Friday) was a good night. Kourtney slept well and her cough seems to be looser and drier. Todd slept downstairs and feels somewhat better, and Shae is Shae ( for those who know this happy inquisitive little child) on this dreary Saturday morning. I am going to go exercise and leave my family to ward off this virus.
For the month of October our family seemed to dodge the swine flu. Shaelyn had symptoms but she got over it rather quickly. In my own little "righteous indignation" I was hoping our family wasn't going to be hit with this unpredictable virus. We seemed to have our share last year . . . really there was "no way" that we should have this affliction upon on us. I felt that it would be best if everyone else could suffer from it this year . . . not the Kujawa's. But as everyone knows . . . (I am such a slow learner). Virusses are virusses and they generally don't chose who they will host upon.
WAY
But then on November 2st, Shaelyn had a headache. I thought there is no way she could be sick again so I sent her to school. I also had a massage booked and really wanted to go. By noon my cell phone and home phone were full of messages from the school informing me that my child needed to be picked up from school (I turned off my cell phone when I was getting the massage - how selfish). High fevers, headache, cough, sleepless night . . . here we go again. Sure glad I got that massage though.
The same day I took one look at Kourtney when she got home from school andI knew the affliction was upon her. Her classmates had been hit hard by it, so I knew she would be home for the rest of the week. Todd came home that day with a cough . . . number 3 hit. I have 3 patients now at home with me. Todd has been hit the worse but yet he keeps plunking away at kitchen stuff. Shaelyn had 4 days at home but has kicked the virus. Kourtney has been the best patient in the whole world - she does sick well - because she knows how, and despite feeling so awful has not complained at all. The other two are a bit more whiny and can't sit still. I remain healthy and strong, despite being coughed on and puked on . . . yuck.
YAY
On Friday, Kourtney and I left the house at 0630 for an iron infusion at Children's. It took 2 hours to get in. Kourtney was vile on the way in because she didn't want to be poked again and besides "it wasn't helping anyways" (last time her hemoglobin was 79). I was also beginning to wonder if this was worthwhile, especially if there was no change in her hemoglobin. But I also knew that although there was not encouraging results on "paper" the clinical picture was encouraging as far as her skin, and overall health goes. I had no preconceived notions this time about her hemoglobin as last time it was a huge disappointment that it was not higher. As it turned out though, Kourtney's IV went very smoothly, the iron infusion only took two hours and her hemoglobin is now at the highest it has been in years . . . 92. The goal is to be over 100. So I haven't been imagining things. There is now clinical evidence that Kourtney has recovered. So the monthly trips in, the IV pokes and the once a week pokes for the EPO shots are paying off. Kourtney really doesn't think so, but it is difficult for her to get past the "pokes". I don't blame her but she also doesn't realize what a blessing it is that her IV's go so smoothly and I know how I can give the EPO shots with the least amount of pain.
Last night (Friday) was a good night. Kourtney slept well and her cough seems to be looser and drier. Todd slept downstairs and feels somewhat better, and Shae is Shae ( for those who know this happy inquisitive little child) on this dreary Saturday morning. I am going to go exercise and leave my family to ward off this virus.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Photos of the Kitchen Reno
Click on the link below to see the pictures. You can also view our other albums by clicking on the Photo Album on the right side bar.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)