Mara decided that today is Ick's birthday. She has been busy planning games and wrapping "presents!"
Monday, September 27, 2010
Happy birthday Ick!!!!
Mara decided that today is Ick's birthday. She has been busy planning games and wrapping "presents!"
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Home and doing well
Good morning from home!
All is well. It is nice to be home. We told Mara about Daisy when we were just about home.... She took the news hard but was also accepting. It has been a very sad shock for our family. We are all very lonesome to say the least....
On another note, Mara-Grace is comfortable and able to have soft foods today. She was famished and fully enjoyed her scrambled eggs and fruit smoothie at breakfast. Also, she just informed me that her new pj's with feet are the most comfortable in the whole world!!!! Thank you Carter's for making footy pj's for bigger than baby sizes!!!!! They are gorgeous and were a nice surprise to have waiting when we arrived home ( I ordered them when I saw Mara wishing so hard that she had some like Hannah's footies!!!!)
Xo
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Going home
We got the go ahead and we are heading home!!!! Mara is still quite groggy and her tummy is feeling funny but no pain! Hoping that the next 2 hours of the trip goes well....
Xo
Another update
Mara-Grace did really well in surgery and we were called up shortly after 2 hours to sit with her in recovery. There we found her being rocked by a kind nurse. She told me that she had been looking for us and I gladly took over the rocking position.
She was in and out of sleep but doing really well. We stayed there almost an hour and are now back in her room. She is groggy but doing well. She has complained of a sick tummy and they have just administered something this through her IV. She is resting and quiet and watching tv.
We may still be discharged later today. But it will depend on how she is doing. As her doc said, she will feel better in her own home.
Xo
She was in and out of sleep but doing really well. We stayed there almost an hour and are now back in her room. She is groggy but doing well. She has complained of a sick tummy and they have just administered something this through her IV. She is resting and quiet and watching tv.
We may still be discharged later today. But it will depend on how she is doing. As her doc said, she will feel better in her own home.
Xo
Update
A little update..... Mara-Grace was a trouper! She looked anxious as we left her room, but did well. It was (as we predicted) when she was about to leave us outside the operating room that she started to cry. It took everything in us to keep it totally together, but we did. The anesthesiologist was incredible as was Dr William's and THE doctor from last night. The O.R nurse was sweet too. As they wheeled her in, she was crying and I could see the anesthesiologist stroking her hair. She is in good hands.
Thanks for the prayers.... I will keep the updates coming when possible.
Xo
Morning
Good morning from the Shriners hospital.
Mara-Grace spent a great evening last night mostly playing in what they call "the park" which is the huge play room. They have everything so well organized there. We played with dolls, and she and I got to play with all of the doctor stuff! They even have leg casts, braces, wheelchairs etc for the dolls. This Shriner's mostly deals with orthopedics and you see many little ones learning to walk with prosthesis or strengthening their legs etc. One little boy we have met has had back surgery and has been here for 5 weeks already with 3 more to go! This weekend he is going swimming and to see a movie! Another little girl has come from China with her mom for treatment. They also have cleft specialty but we were told that often their operating room is loaned out as in our case. We have been seeing our doctor for the past few years at another CHILDREN'S hospital. When I see first hand all of the incredible work that the Shriner's hospital does, I will definitely make it a point to support it more.
After much playing, the even have a remote dinosaur WOW!!, we came back to Mara's room and I brought her for a special pre op bath. Into her new pj's (many thanks Nanny and Grampa, they fit perfectly!) and into bed. A young surgeon who works with Dr William's was in to explain the procedure and to take some pics. Funny tidbit of info is that I had just taken a shower, no makeup, hair a wet mess etc and the Doc came in. Kinda embarrassing! But not as embarrassing as the fact that after that KeV headed off to the hotel and I was on the phone with mom and Tori when I am trying to make Tori laugh by saying that I thought of her as the doc was in and I was a sheer mess in my pj's to boot! And as I am telling her that she would have flipped as he was such a great looking doctor, he came back in!!!! Yep, smiling ear to
Ear! I am sure he heard! Lol. At least it made Victoria laugh after such a tragic day... She and Hannah are both doing well.. Tori and my parent's even buried Daisy today... On our property.... I am so proud of Victoria.... I know how difficult this must have been...
Afterwards, Mara settled well. I found it rather hard to fall asleep despite my pleasant sleep chair! My mind couldn't help relive the day that passed and my sadness for Daisy. It gave
Us comfort to hear that her death would have been peaceful. She died almost looking like she was washing her paw. All stretched out where she loved to lie, with a look of peace. Even a little sweet sleeping smile, I can just picture her as she often looked that way. We will all miss her very deeply. I almost told Mara last night but I am afraid she will cry and be heartbroken and all stuffed up for her surgery. Already, she has sneezed a bit today and her nose has started to run. No fever but they will assess her this morning to see if they will proceed with surgery. Anyway, as Mara was saying her prayers she thanked God for looking after Daisy. I added that if Daisy cannot get better to please take good care of her in heaven. Mara replied that she is only a kitten so she is too young to not get better. I told her gently that sometimes even kittens can be so sick they go to heaven. And then I talked a bit about how we wouldn't want Daisy to be suffering if she couldn't get well etc. She agreed and I felt I prepared her a little...
After that Mara settled well. And has slept peacefully all night. She has been giggling a little in her sleep as morning slowly approaches...
The Doctor told us that Mara would have to stay at least another night. He also said that she will be in quite some
Pain but will be treated appropriately with meds depending on the level etc. She will be on a liquid diet for about 10 days. Thankfully one of her favorites is soup!!!! Poor little pumpkin....
I am going to take on the day now. I will update as I can....
Please think of Mara. She is scheduled at 8:45 am and the procedure is 2 hours...
Much love.
Mara-Grace spent a great evening last night mostly playing in what they call "the park" which is the huge play room. They have everything so well organized there. We played with dolls, and she and I got to play with all of the doctor stuff! They even have leg casts, braces, wheelchairs etc for the dolls. This Shriner's mostly deals with orthopedics and you see many little ones learning to walk with prosthesis or strengthening their legs etc. One little boy we have met has had back surgery and has been here for 5 weeks already with 3 more to go! This weekend he is going swimming and to see a movie! Another little girl has come from China with her mom for treatment. They also have cleft specialty but we were told that often their operating room is loaned out as in our case. We have been seeing our doctor for the past few years at another CHILDREN'S hospital. When I see first hand all of the incredible work that the Shriner's hospital does, I will definitely make it a point to support it more.
After much playing, the even have a remote dinosaur WOW!!, we came back to Mara's room and I brought her for a special pre op bath. Into her new pj's (many thanks Nanny and Grampa, they fit perfectly!) and into bed. A young surgeon who works with Dr William's was in to explain the procedure and to take some pics. Funny tidbit of info is that I had just taken a shower, no makeup, hair a wet mess etc and the Doc came in. Kinda embarrassing! But not as embarrassing as the fact that after that KeV headed off to the hotel and I was on the phone with mom and Tori when I am trying to make Tori laugh by saying that I thought of her as the doc was in and I was a sheer mess in my pj's to boot! And as I am telling her that she would have flipped as he was such a great looking doctor, he came back in!!!! Yep, smiling ear to
Ear! I am sure he heard! Lol. At least it made Victoria laugh after such a tragic day... She and Hannah are both doing well.. Tori and my parent's even buried Daisy today... On our property.... I am so proud of Victoria.... I know how difficult this must have been...
Afterwards, Mara settled well. I found it rather hard to fall asleep despite my pleasant sleep chair! My mind couldn't help relive the day that passed and my sadness for Daisy. It gave
Us comfort to hear that her death would have been peaceful. She died almost looking like she was washing her paw. All stretched out where she loved to lie, with a look of peace. Even a little sweet sleeping smile, I can just picture her as she often looked that way. We will all miss her very deeply. I almost told Mara last night but I am afraid she will cry and be heartbroken and all stuffed up for her surgery. Already, she has sneezed a bit today and her nose has started to run. No fever but they will assess her this morning to see if they will proceed with surgery. Anyway, as Mara was saying her prayers she thanked God for looking after Daisy. I added that if Daisy cannot get better to please take good care of her in heaven. Mara replied that she is only a kitten so she is too young to not get better. I told her gently that sometimes even kittens can be so sick they go to heaven. And then I talked a bit about how we wouldn't want Daisy to be suffering if she couldn't get well etc. She agreed and I felt I prepared her a little...
After that Mara settled well. And has slept peacefully all night. She has been giggling a little in her sleep as morning slowly approaches...
The Doctor told us that Mara would have to stay at least another night. He also said that she will be in quite some
Pain but will be treated appropriately with meds depending on the level etc. She will be on a liquid diet for about 10 days. Thankfully one of her favorites is soup!!!! Poor little pumpkin....
I am going to take on the day now. I will update as I can....
Please think of Mara. She is scheduled at 8:45 am and the procedure is 2 hours...
Much love.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Rest in peace our beautiful Daisy Mae
It is with extreme sadness that I am writing to say that our darling Daisy passed away peacefully in her bed today while we were away.... Her vet appointment was this afternoon but the vet assured my mom that it was peaceful and most likely juvenile heart disease. My mom broke the news to me when I phoned and I am so heartbroken. What adds to this is that we are far from home, and a very heartbroken Victoria.... Also, Hannah won't fully understand but I know she will miss our darling Daisy greatly. The other great task is to go on as if all is well with Mara. She will take this news very hard and with her surgery in the morning we feel it best to wait to tell her....
We love you beyond words our darling Daisy who was by far the sweetest cat I have ever known......
Xo
Incredible
What an incredible hospital!
Mara-Grace has been given a private room and she had her tray of lunch waiting for her while they prepared her room. The atmosphere is incredible here. Everything is geared for children to a degree that astounds me. They even have a school room and play rooms galore!
Mara was invited to come and play and to make a doll. She made her doll and named her Dora. Then Mara got
To dress as a surgeon and do an operation on Dora. It was on her lip, just like Mara will have. The lady helping her was so wonderful. Through play, they talked about why the surgeons will be dressed up, IV's, the mask to fall asleep etc. And she reminded Mara that she will see Mommy & Daddy when she wakes up etc (like Dora ). Now our littlest surgeon is busy playing!!!! Daddy and I also got to play sand bags!!!!
Incredible..... Xo
Off we go!
I have so wanted to find a few minutes to write an update but I just haven't!
We are off to the Shriner's hospital for pre-op today, a sleepover (just mommy and Mara....poor daddy is sleeping at a hotel as only one parent gets to stay!) and then surgery tomorrow for touch up on Mara-Grace's cleft lip repair. Mara is generally in good spirits and doesn't seem too nervous. She is excited as we are making a special stop on the way to see her favorite owls at one of her favorite old places to visit. She is such a special soul,full of wonder, sensitivity, excitement and energy! She has been so touched by all of the calls, surprises etc she has received leading up to this surgery. I remind her that they are reminders of just how special she is and how we all love her dearly! I am so proud of her ....
On a side note.....last night when I let the tub drain after bedtime baths, there was a n issue and the water drained/flooded into our basement and laundry room..... We'll deal with that when we come home.
Hannah is having her first sleep away from us. Thankfully she is very comfortable with her grandparent's and it will help to have Victoria with her too.
Very sadly, Daisy is ill.... Long story short, she has been extra sleepy this past week but she does sleep a lot normally. Yesterday she seemed to be awake much longer but unfortunately she stopped eating.... She used her litter in the night -pee but nothing else. She drank three times yesterday but has no interest in drinking or eating today. She is so sweet and despite feeling poorly she continues to follow us everywhere. Her back end is especially weak and she is walking crooked. This morning she is urinating in different spots.... Could she have a bladder infection, or kidney stone or diabetes? My parent's will take her to the vet this afternoon (I feel terrible leaving them with all of this). I pray for our little darling Daisy who is loved and treasured beyond words.
I will update when I can.... For now, your thoughts and prayers for our Mara-Grace's surgery and a smooth hospital experience and also for our Daisy would be most appreciated.
Xo
P.s. Happy Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon festival !!!!! We celebrated last night with moon cakes and moon gazing. We thought of everyone in China and made some special wishes.
We are off to the Shriner's hospital for pre-op today, a sleepover (just mommy and Mara....poor daddy is sleeping at a hotel as only one parent gets to stay!) and then surgery tomorrow for touch up on Mara-Grace's cleft lip repair. Mara is generally in good spirits and doesn't seem too nervous. She is excited as we are making a special stop on the way to see her favorite owls at one of her favorite old places to visit. She is such a special soul,full of wonder, sensitivity, excitement and energy! She has been so touched by all of the calls, surprises etc she has received leading up to this surgery. I remind her that they are reminders of just how special she is and how we all love her dearly! I am so proud of her ....
On a side note.....last night when I let the tub drain after bedtime baths, there was a n issue and the water drained/flooded into our basement and laundry room..... We'll deal with that when we come home.
Hannah is having her first sleep away from us. Thankfully she is very comfortable with her grandparent's and it will help to have Victoria with her too.
Very sadly, Daisy is ill.... Long story short, she has been extra sleepy this past week but she does sleep a lot normally. Yesterday she seemed to be awake much longer but unfortunately she stopped eating.... She used her litter in the night -pee but nothing else. She drank three times yesterday but has no interest in drinking or eating today. She is so sweet and despite feeling poorly she continues to follow us everywhere. Her back end is especially weak and she is walking crooked. This morning she is urinating in different spots.... Could she have a bladder infection, or kidney stone or diabetes? My parent's will take her to the vet this afternoon (I feel terrible leaving them with all of this). I pray for our little darling Daisy who is loved and treasured beyond words.
I will update when I can.... For now, your thoughts and prayers for our Mara-Grace's surgery and a smooth hospital experience and also for our Daisy would be most appreciated.
Xo
P.s. Happy Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon festival !!!!! We celebrated last night with moon cakes and moon gazing. We thought of everyone in China and made some special wishes.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
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