Another Day...

We are all at home again today. Results of the boys' dr. visits are as follows:
Ryan was tested for strep. They have not called to say the test was positive, so I'm holding my breath...he is on antibiotic anyway. Evan has some sort of infection on his skin, which we are now treating with antibiotic cream. Kaitlynn had a bad evening again yesterday. She is better this morning, so I'm trying to push intake as much as possible. She gets rather aggravated at my forcefulness, but doesn't quite understand the need for it. I explain it this way, "Do you want the water in your mouth or through the tube in your hand?" That usually gets her to cooperate for a few minutes!
I needed to run to the church this afternoon to do a counseling session as part of my practicum for class. I had everything loaded into the van, and when I turned the key, a sound resembling a machine gun erupted from under the hood. Greg said the battery needs charged...I'm holding my breath...
Now that I've done MUCH complaining, there are many things for which I can be thankful:
1. We are all alive!
2. None of this happened while mom and dad were in Cayman.
3. Grandma Yount is between jobs and was able to help us for a couple of days.
4. All of the meds have had generic substitues, two of them being $4 WalMart drugs!
There is more, but I need to finish tidying my house while the kids are quiet. HA!

Update

I'm sorry I didn't keep everyone informed about Kaitlynn's progress. Things became rather busy, and it just didn't get done! She was discharged from the hospital around 5:30 Monday evening. Her heart rate was in the 80's, temp was down, and she was taking fluids orally. At home now her heart rate is back up around 120 at rest, and her temp spikes every few hours. I am taking the boys to the dr in about 20 minutes, so we will see what goes there. They don't seem really sick, but I'm nervous. I'm going to ask about Kaitlynn's current condition while I'm there. Knock on wood, Allison seems healthy as can be. My Grandma Yount came from Cincinnati on Monday to help me. She was with Allison, Kaitlynn and I at the hospital, then watched both of them while I ran errands Tuesday afternoon. Kaitlynn spent the night with her last night, as I am at school today (for a few minutes).
Please continue to pray. We're definitely not out of the woods yet!

Still Waiting...

For those who are concerned, here is an update on Kaitlynn. Her heart rate is now staying below 100, which is a great relief to me. Mom and I both have a heart condition that lends itself to a rapid heartbeat at times. It is hereditary, according to my doctor, and I was worried that she may have it. Looks like now that it was just due to dehydration. She is still not taking enough nourishment. They cut back on her IV fluids to see if that would encourage more oral intake. Greg pushed about 8oz. of Gatorade down her when he was here. Daddy and Kaitlynn are equally stubborn, so she didn't get off too easy when he was around! :) She has developed a pretty nasty cough throughout the day today. Might be the antibiotic loosening up come congestion.
Thanks for all of your prayers and the MANY, MANY phone calls and visits. We have a terrific support system!
Love to all!

A Break-Your-Heart Statement...

"Mommy, can you tell the boys and girls (doctors and nurses), 'Please don't hurt my daughter.'?"

Life at St. Rita's

It's 8:45 p.m., and I'm getting ready to go home and freshen up for a bit. Doc says we have to stay on until Kaitlynn's heart rate is at an acceptable level. Her temp is up a little, but they haven't given her any fever reducer in the last 20 hours. Hopefully we'll be able to go home tomorrow. I've already told Kaitlynn that she is sleeping in the crib, and I get the bed tonight! She has not slept more than two hours total since Friday morning. Neither have I, and it's beginning to show! We had some visitors tonight, and many phone calls. Thanks to all of our friends and family for your concern!

My pretty girl...

Watching the helicopter right outside our window...

After mama buttered her bread she said, "Oh, that's so beautiful!" The effects of a liquid diet, I guess! :)


My momma told be there'd be days like this!!!



I made this beautiful piece of candy art...should I consider jewelry design as a career?

Climbing around...

Oh my...

Happy now...

Cousin Beth trying to cheer Kaitlynn...

A visit from Santa (aka Mama)...

Kaitlynn gets a visit from her "Parson"...