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Thanks for visiting! From Home and Back, our Ukraine adoption journey.Finding the missing part of our hearts and family, our Ukraine adoption journey.
August 22 School has started now
and our days are mostly spent with just Kole and I. I am enjoying it
and so is he. However we are so very happy when Kelsey gets off the bus as
well as the other kids.
Kelsey has started with basketball practice as well. Kole has started
pre-school for the 2nd year, last week.
He loves it, however I still have to stay for a few minutes before I can
leave. He is ok with it, but he doesn't want me to be in a rush to leave
either. I think its because he likes me to see how big he is. He is
in a small group again this year only 6, which is great.
I'll try to post some recent pictures of the kids.
I also found a blog of a family in Kirovograd adopting a sibling set of
3. I hope to email them, the little girl and boy look very familiar.
I'll have to go look through my pictures to see if I can find them. I have
been lucky enough to have a picture of another little boy that was adopted about
6 months after we left. The family loved having the pictures of him
as well.
I hope all is well.
K
This MSN Photo E-mail slideshow will be available for 30
days. To share high quality pictures with your friends and family using MSN Photo E-mail, join MSN. August 09 Where do I start?Well, as you can tell by reading the last post, we were just a day away
from Kole's surgery. Kole's surgery was performed and well done. He
did great. He ended up having a double inguinal hernia and he was
pleasantly surprised that he would have two scars like Daddy.
He was funny after having given the happy juice before they took him
back...
After the doctor examined him, he was still quite loopy. The doctor
laughed at him and said buddy, if you were in a bar we would have to cut you
off. To which Kole replied, after being examined, You gonna cut it
off????? He was very worried. Much to the doctors dismay he quickly
scooped him up and gave him a hug and assured Kole that he was not going to cut
any thing off.
The night before he snuck into the kitchen and got a drink about 1:30
am. I explained to him that the doctor said nothing to eat or drink after
midnight. He very matter of factly said to me, 'Well Jesus says I can have
a drink of water.' Kind of hard to argue with him about that one isn't
it?
The surgery was on an outpatient basis and it was done on Thursday.
By Monday morning he was telling me that he was hurting much more than he had
been before, so I began giving him his pain medicine again. He threw up,
much to his dismay and he didn't know what all that was about. He wouldn't
eat anything all day. He went to sleep about 7:30 Monday night and woke up
at 11:00 pm screaming in pain and doubled over. After a call to the doctor
and some ibuprofen we decided to take him to the ER. He would not walk, he
kept screaming and could not have any clothes on anywhere near his surgery
sites.
When we got to the ER, we told them that the doctor told us to come in, we
waited a bit and they called us back. After the triage nurse took a quick
look at him, she made sure to stress to us not to let him have anything to eat
or drink, absoultely nothing and assured us that Kole was now their priority
case above anyone else in the waiting room. Kind of scary. By this
time he was much calmer and not screaming as long as I carried him.
When we got back to the examining room, we were told by 2 nurses and
2 doctors not to let him eat or drink anything at all. They gave him some
pain meds and then sent us to ultrasound to make sure he didn't have a torsion
going on. It took 4 adults to hold him down with him screaming bloody
murder and I must admit that I was crying as well. All looked well by
ultrasound and he did not have a torsion, but it was suspect that the hernia had
reoccured. Back to our exam room we went where they inserted and IV and
started giving him pain meds and morphine for his pain and admitted us. We
were there for two days. It was decided that he had been a bit overly
active and it had caused some internal bleeding, which pooled south and caused
EXTREME pain for our little man. So, all we could do was wait and his body
would reabsorb the blood. In the mean time they kept him on IV pain meds
and morphine to keep him comfortable.
He is still a bit on the cranky side, but getting better. The
swelling has continued to go down and his bruising is fading a lot.
Hopefull his crankiness will subside too.
Talk to you soon
K
July 30 Kole has his surgery tomorrow.I'm starting to get a bit nervous about it. I know it has to be done,
but I worry. I worry because I am his Mommy. All he knows at this
point is we are going to the hospital in the morning and the doctor will give
him one scar like his Daddy's. Anything that he can have like his Daddy is
cool with him.
So please say a prayer for a save and great outcome to Kole's surgery
tomorrow. Also tha Tad's blood work comes back clean of cancer on August
6.
Thanks
July 20 Sorry for the interruption.Its amazing at how fast the time does seem to fly and how quickly you
become busy, especially in the summertime.
We are all doing well here. Kelsey and Kole are now finished with
their ball, and they both did very well. Kelsey did better than
well. She was oustanding. I just love watching that girl play
ball.
The summer seems to have flown by and it will only be a few short weeks
before school starts.
Tad is doing well and will have more blood tests at the end of this
month. Kelsey is doing well and growing. Kole will have to have
surgery for a hernia on the 31st of this month, nothing serious, but it does
need to be taken care of.
I am staying busy with my babysitting duties. We have been having fun
this summer. We spend our days playing in the creek or going to the pool
to try and keep cool. All the kids seem to love it and I love watching
them as they explore.
Next week we plan on 'exploring' the river, as my kids call it. I
love to watch them as they find someting new. Any new fossil,
intresting rock, a turtle, a frog, and even crawdads, which I must say are very
hard to catch. Its great to watch the expression and wonder on all of
their faces.
Kole continues to show no fear when it comes to the water. He is now
doing front flips off the diving board, much to everyones delight at the pool
and gets lots of cheers and clapping when he does so. Which he does
love.
More next time. May 21 What are you thankful for?This will be the first in a series.
What are you thankful for is a question that is running around rampant in
the blog sphere, and it truly got me thinking. There are so many things
that I am thankful for and no, I won't list them all. Instead I'm going to
be telling you about the people I'm thankful for, what they have meant to me and
why.
Today I am going to star with my husband, Tad. My Aunt recently said
to me how she never in a million years that I would be with someone like
Tad. I was a bit taken aback by her statement. It was not said with
any malicousness at all. But it did make me stop and think. I
personally could not see my life without him. He makes me laugh so much
and we have a lot of fun and some great discussions. I love hearing his
insight and his opinions lately, especially when it comes to politiics. I
really enjoyed telling her why I loved him.
Our house is always full of laughter! He is a constant source of
amusement for lots of my family members and has been 'affectionaly' termed as
'Cousin Eddie", for his uncanny ability to come off as the goofy character in
Chevy Chases's Vacation Movies. You can always count on him to give a good
laugh, cause a good laugh, or to get a good laugh out of anything. He
never hesitates to lend a hand, in fact one of his earlier concerns after
finding out that he had cancer was to make sure our neighbor had enough wood
before he had surgery, and to get things done and have supplies on hand, to make
it easier for me and Kelsey,to do the chores that he usually does.
When we started dating, he knew that there was no way anyone would come
between me and my daughter, Kelsey. In the beginning of my 'dating, after
separating days' I dated a few people other than Tad, none of which I would
consider having them be a part of my daughters life. In fact the first
time he met my daughter, and we werent dating, she had a runny nose and he
simply took out his hankie and had her blow her nose. I know
that doesn't seem significant to anyone else, but for some reason it was to
me.
My Papa, who I'll tell you about more later, because I am so thankful for
him too, was a quiet man. It wasn't until I was a high schooler that I
understood that he was not of 'my blood'. In fact a family member had a
question, when a cousin was expecting, about how he would feel to have his first
grandchild. I sat back shocked that a question like that was even posed to
him, for he never treated any of us as 'less' than his family. From my Dad
and my Uncle having him as their father, to all of us as his children, there was
never a question of his love for any of us...
The point is, that Tad is the same way. There was no doubt that he
had love for Kelsey, as any father would. He took us as his family,
without question, without hesitation and smiling the whole time as well.
He always encourages me and I have never ever heard him put me down.
When I ask him a question and ask him to answer it honestly, he does. He
gives me his opinion on things, but he ultimately lets me make my decision and
stands beside me after its made. He makes breakfast, which I don't like to
do, on the weekends. Even though he works hard there are still times that
he comes home and fixes dinner and more often than not he is the one that cleans
up afterwards, if I have to give Kole a bath, or just spend some 'girl' time
with Kelsey.
He is one of Kelsey's biggest cheerleaders at her softball and basketball
games. He helps Kelsey with her math homework. He seems to
sense when Kelsey and I need our girl time. So he and Kole go do something
while we go do our thing as well.
He is the one who makes sure we go to church, because quite frankly I would
be sorely tempted to just sleep in. Which, by the way on a lot of
Saturday's he makes sure that Kole stays quiet and shuts the door so that I can
do so.
Our motto, after finding out that he had cancer, is 'you and me'. Its
the first thing I said to him after the doctor closed the door and left us alone
in the room.
I have no doubt that when we are old and wrinkled that we will be sitting
in rocking chairs on our front porch, laughing and talking about old times, good
times and how blessed we have been in our lives.
My husband, is one person among many of who I am thankful for. But
the thing that I love the most, is that just about every day, every
day.....
He still asks me to marry him.
May 10 What a beutiful Saturday...We have been enjoying watching the Big East Conference for the past three days. UofL Ladies Softball is awesome. As well as the other teams. We have been able to watch Kelsey and her friends enjoying the game and meeting all those great softball players. However watching it in person is GREAT!!! TV does not do this justice. Those girls can play now.
She was also able to meet the Uof L head coach and talked about the summer camp that they have going on as well.
The weather has been very rainy here and has canceled a few games this week, which was actually nice. I am getting caught up on laundry today and doing other things that have needed to be done as well.
Tad has gone back to work and I must say that Kole has certainly missed him and so have I. I had a mini vacation while he was home, but it sure is nice that he is back to work, financially that is.
We are currently planning our summer vacations and we can't wait.
We hope your all doing well and I'll try and do better about updating soon.
K April 20 I'm sorry that it has been so long since I'ave updated...Things are going well here. Tad has done very well with his surgery and returns to the doctor this week and hopefully he will return to work soon
Ball season is in full swing now. Not only is Kelsey playing, but this is Kole's first year of playing as well. Of course, he keeps saying he is going to do it all just like Kelsey. He is going to hit the ball far far away, just like Kelsey. He is going to slide just like Kelsey and he has. But the best part is when he got to come out in the catchers gear just like Kelsey.
Not only did Kole love it, but Kelsey got to see for herself how much her brother thinks of her, first hand. Kelsey is Kole's hero. So, we are busy at lease 3-4 days a week with ball games and practice now and I'm not sure how I'll keep up with other things once Tad goes back to work. I must admit it has been nice having him here and he has gotten to see how my days are full with all the kids.
Kelsey is doing great in school and softball. This year in ball its a whole new set of rules and we are all getting used to them, especially Kelsey.
I must tell you all what Kole is singing as I'm typing this, it goes like this....
Twinkle Twinkle Lilttle Star how I like to ride in your car.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, pick your toys up where you are.
He is always good for a gigle. Until next time.
Kristi
March 18 Oncologyoncology
Definition: (on-KOL-o-gee) Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with tumors, including study of their development, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This includes most cancers. An oncologist (on-KOL-o-jist) is a doctor who specializes in oncology.
I know it sounds silly saying this now, after the fact, but I've had this post mulling around in my brain for a few days.
Tad did well during his surgery and they removed the whole prostate. The doctor said he didn't think that it had gone outside of his prostate, but we would still need to wait for the pathologists results on Thursday at his appointment. I can't tell you the sense of relief that I had after speaking to the doctor after his surgery. However that relief was short lived after I found out that I would not be able to see Tad until he was in his room for nearly over 3 hours. I simply needed to see him, to be able to touch him and kiss him to know that he was alright. So I waited and made phone calls and then recover called and said that they were moving him to his room and we decided to meet him there.
As I came off the elevator on the floor that he would be saying the above is what I saw, Oncology Floor. Somehow it kind of shocked me, to see that he was on the oncology floor. Yes, I know that he was diagnosed with cancer, but actually seeing that he was admitted to the onocology ward was like a kick to the gut. I took a few moments for this to digest and yes I know it sounds wierd.
I decided to wait outside the elevators, you know to shorten the wait time for me. I was relieved when those elevators finally opened to reveal my husband and what does he say to me? 'There she is, where are my glasses I can't see a darn thing.' Finally at this point all my nervousness, anxiety, worries or what ever you want to call it simply melted to the floor and I felt so muich better.
He was suppposed to have been sent home on Friday, but we finally made it home on Sunday afternoon and it felt so good to sleep in my bed. Right now he is doing well, just a bit uncomfortable. He has an appoinment later this week for a cystogram and if all is well then they will remove his cathater, which we both look forward to.
So, thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and please keep them coming.
February 20 A Funny from KoleYesterday as we were driving Kole insisted that he needed to call his Daddy on the cell phone. The following is his side of the conversation.
Of course Tad was on the speaker phone. Keep in mind that Tad doesn't really catch on too quickly to Kole speak. Yes, Kole does a great job of speaking, so yes that means that Tad needs to listen a little more intently.
Daddy, you need get new tires for you tuck(truck).
Tad: Yes buddy I'm working on the track.
Kole: No Daddy, you need get new tires for you tuck.
Tad: Yes buddy I'm working on the track.
Kole: No Daddy! You need get new tires for you tuck.
Here is where I interject and translate for Tad, who is a little slow - or hard of hearing
ME: Tad, Kole says you need to get new tires for your truck.
Tad: Oh, yeah buddy probably so.
Kole: Daddy you need get new tires for you tuck so you go faster.
Tad: Yes buddy I'm working on the track
I interject again
ME: No Tad, Kole says you need new tires for your truck, so your truck can go faster.
Kole: Yeah Daddy new tires go faster.
Tad: Oh yeah buddy do you think so?
Kole: Yeah and higher up too.
Tad: What buddy?
My interjecting again.
ME: He says that you need new tires for your truck so you'll go faster and your truck will be higher in the air.
Kole: Yeah Daddy go higher and faster.
Tad: Yeah buddy I'm working on the tracks.
LOL I laugh every time I have to listen to Tad on the speaker phone talking to Kole. It's quite funny.
As I said Kole speaks very well, there are only a few instances where your not quite sure what he says, but he makes sure that you get it. Thank goodness for Tad that I can translate huh?
Cancer update:
Tad has surgery March 13. After that it will be about a week until we get the results to see if the cancer has spread outside of the prostate. Please keep praying that it is contained to the prostate. The doctors say that Tad's chances are great that it will not come back. Which is comforting. Please keep praying. February 05 It seems like more and more people are being affected by cancer.More and more so every day, or at least that's the way it seems to me. I fully believe that it is because that there have been so many advances in medicine that more and more cancers are being detected earlier. Thank Goodness that Tad's has been detected early. It is unheard of that some one Tad's age is even found to have prostate cancer. Most men aren't even checked until they are 50-years-old.
So, I do believe that God had a hand in it. I do believe that early detection is the key. So, as a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT to all!!
Go get your yearly exams, both men and women, including mammograms. Early detection is the key, even though there is not a cure for cancer yet.
On another note, Hopeful Hearts (who helped with our adoption) is having their yearly benefit this weekend. This is the first one that Tad and I will be able to attend. I have helped with the flower arrangements for the past 2 years, and this year will be the same in addition to actually going. For those of you that do not know I do have a link to the Hopeful Hearts web page and I do request that you spend some time perusing their site, please make sure that you watch their videos. They are simply heart breaking and really shows the need in Ukraine and shows how Hopeful Hearts is steping in to fill in the gap to help these wonderful children, who otherwise are lost souls. (Not to mention that we are breifly shown in one of the videos while we were in Kiev with Kole)
I would also like to encourage you to give to help the cause., no matter the amount. A little goes a long way over there. One year we were able to buy a bed for one of those beautiful children at a very small cost. There have been several who have given in Kole's name and our family name, will you please consider giving too? Here is the link to Hopeful Hearts.
Until next time ~~ Kristi
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