Adrienne is in the hospital with Pneumonia and Influenza A. Poor baby is so worn out from all of the viruses she has only been able to cuddle with Dan or me all week. It all started out with runny noses last week and then both girls had eye infections which cleared up quickly. As Ashton kept on with a cough and runny nose but otherwise feeling well; Adrienne, on the other hand, was lethargic and whiny and had a fever. Finally on Friday (yesterday) her little heart was beating so fast and she was breathing really hard we took her to InstaCare. Once the nurses saw her they immediately started doing tests, the doctor came in the room rapidly and ordered an x-ray. As soon as that came back the Dr. told us that we would have to take her to the hospital immediately.
Adrienne's oxygen levels were really low and her heart rate was too high and they put an IV in her. It was so sad to see her little body laid up on the big bed with all of these wires attached to her. The only word she said for the last few days has been, "no". When normally she talks and imitates up a storm. The Dr. said this morning that she might be in the hospital until Monday or Tuesday. Ugh.
Yet, on the bright side, tonight around 7pm Dan and Ashton came back from running errands and Adrienne perked right up. She started eating and talking and joking and being feisty. She even ate a little Popsicle and was moving around on her bed! Also, her oxygen levels have been much better and she is even letting me sit on another chair rather than holding her. So all of these things are making me feel a lot more optimistic.
We are doing okay and have everything we need, we appreciate phone calls, but I don't want visitors because I don't want anyone to get sick!
I have realized that I am so grateful for Heavenly Father that he hears our prayers and blesses me and can give me peace and the ability to deal with these kinds of things.
The other thing I have realized is that I need to be a lot more careful about my kids getting germs. Dan and I were trying to think of where and how her infection got so bad. Germs are everywhere, everyone of our friends we have had playdates with have had colds within the last few weeks, plus preschool germs, plus the nursery, plus the grocery store, the grocery cart, the bank, the hot springs we went to last week (even though we showered there right after), and another multitude of places where bacteria is just teeming! Yuck, when I add all of this up it makes me want to quarantine my kids in early spring when RSV and Influenza A are at a peak. I know thats not realistic, but now I am just going to be a lot more selective with our activities to limit my childrens exposure to all of this stuff. I almost would rather be a freak now than have to end up in the hospital again!
I pray that Adrienne will get better soon so that we can go home soon.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy 4th Birthday Ashton!!!!!!!
Ash,
You were born on St. Patricks Day with fiery red hair. You are independent and strong; very Irish qualities. There is an Irish saying that fits you perfectly:
There are no strangers, only friends who haven't met.
Heavenly Father knew what he was doing when he sent you down to Earth four years ago on this day. I went to parent teachers conference yesterday, your teacher said that you are so smart and strong and that you are very social. She said that you are friends with everyone in the class and that everyone wants you to play with them. I agree wholeheartedly with what she said. Ever since you were a baby you would cuddle with anyone who would hold you. You would smile at strangers in the airport while traveling for Papa's work. Even rough men would soften and smile and say hi to you. One of your first words was Hi. While at any store and every store you would sit in the little cart and say hi to everyone we passed. You are so sweet, everyone would say hello in return.
I am amazed by your ability to form fast friendships any where we go. Everyone is "my friends!!!" Even at the playplace the other day you made some friends, held their hands, and made sure everyone was included. When we had to go, your new friends were genuinely sad that you had to go. Everyday you ask what friends are coming over or who's house you are going to today. I love your desire to be around people and to uplift them and have fun!
You are blessed with a special gift to be open, loving, sensitive to others feelings, fearless, social, and friendly. This gift will lead you to great places as long as you use it for good.
Love you more than life. Make this the best birthday and the best year!
Love,
Mommy and Papa and Adrienne
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Stop and Stare
Ashtons favorite phrase for the last three months has been: "My birthday's coming up, Mar sempteeth!" (March 17th). She tells everyone. Even the guy walking next to us into the grocery store today. The whole primary knows, because she reminds them every week when they sing the songs; in fact, the whole ward knows, she has become a little mini celebrity since word has been spread about her birthday! The sunday school teacher even mentioned it in her lesson two weeks ago. Everytime I walk down the hall, someone will say something about her birthday and how excited they are for her, because she is so excited. And this past Sunday, they sang to Ashton in Primary and all the primary kids were literally cheering for her. And I'm sure the leaders all breathed a sigh of relief .
Ashton is so outgoing and a litte party animal. She is always asking who's birthday is today and when we can go to another party, and all of her pretend play revolves around parties in the office, parties in the bedroom, parties in the kitchen, her princess party at Grandmas, for Ashton there is always a reason for a party!
So my little St. Patricks Day baby, I hope that 4 treats you well and that everyday can be a party for you. I can't wait until next week!
Party on :)
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Marcus and Chelsea Wedding Photos
Hello to all friends and family of Marcus and Chelsea Stevens, Go to this website to check out their amazing wedding pictures:
http://casciophoto.blogspot.com/2009/02/worth-trip-hundred-times-over.html
My friend Brittany Cascio of Cascio Photography flew out to DC the weekend before they got married and took these of the happy couple!
http://casciophoto.blogspot.com/2009/02/worth-trip-hundred-times-over.html
My friend Brittany Cascio of Cascio Photography flew out to DC the weekend before they got married and took these of the happy couple!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
My Other Babies
Did anyone know that I had a bunch of babies before actually bearing my two biological babies?
Well its true. And before you go thinking I was a hussy before I met Dan ;) I want to share something that is very close to my heart.
Six months before Dan and I were married, I moved to Cuenca, Ecuador to work in orphanages. When I first heard about the OSSO program, from my hairdresser nonetheless, I knew immediately that I had to go. It was calling my name. The councilor in the bishopric of my singles ward's daughter had been one of the first volunteers to go and live there. It was just further confirmation that this is what I was meant to do.
I spent three months in Cuenca working at one orphanage run by catholic nuns and the childrens ages ranging from 1 day old to 5 years old. Another orphanage for school aged girls, an orphanage for handicapped children, and daycares for very poor children who's parents worked all the time. Each day was so special. Spending all the waking hours with little children who were so innocent and precious. I have never felt so close to Heavenly Father. Looking into little eyes of children who do not have family to love them and raise them. I knew and still know with all of my heart that there were literal heavenly angels in the orphanage watching over them. I could feel them. I know without a doubt that God knows each and every child, each name, and each situation, each little personality. I know that these children are loved on a Heavenly basis. I also know that these little children are loved on earth because of the volunteers who have come consistently every three months from the United States.
Right now, partly due to the economy, the amount of volunteers has dropped from 30 to 11; every three months. We were very busy throughout the day and with even less volunteers, there would have been no way to staff as many orphanages as we did.
Also, the amount of donations has decreased drastically. OSSO provides about $300,000 to the orphanages annually. They are very very conservative and responsible with the resources that are donated. I have witnessed this first hand.
Rex Head, is a doctor from Driggs, Idaho and started the OSSO organization which funded orphanages in Ecuador and supplied volunteers to them as well. Since I served in 2004, he has raised enough funds to build a new orphanage and supplement many others.
Right now, my mission is to get the word out to as many people as possible about the dire situation the orphanages are in right now. There are two ways to help:
1) Donate a few dollars here and there to OSSO. You can find all of their info at www.orphanagesupport.org Just think 10 dollars for us is a the cost of a shirt or a movie or some snacks, but $10 for them is a whole lot more.
2) Tell everyone you know about volunteer positions available in Ecuador. The most common type of person to go is single and college aged. There were girls and guys down there when I went. There was also a family that took their four children and they all worked in the orphanages!
I can attest that this was the best experience of my life. Three months was no sacrifice. It went by so fast and I wished I would have stayed for a year or longer. Since going there I cannot stop thinking about it. If you've spent more than 10 minutes with me you've probably heard me say, "one time when I was in Ecuador" and my attachment to the children there is deep and strong, even if it has been five years since I've been there. My experience in Cuenca is profound and meaningful and I know it is not unique, any volunteer you talk to will tell you the same thing. I'm sure I still can spout off a list of "my babies" names and characteristics, that I love so much. I dream vivid dreams of my children all grown up and what they are doing right now. I will go back someday. Since I have my two baby girls to raise right now and can't serve in the traditional program, I feel that I can help by getting the word out.
My plea to you is to tell one person about the opportunity to serve in Ecuador. I know everyone knows at least one girl or guy who is unmarried, maybe going to school, maybe not. I had been dating Dan for almost two years when I decided to go! So you never know someones situation and this opportunity might fit someone who is looking for direction in her life.
I am totally willing to answer questions, show pictures, talk about the experience to anyone who is interested.
Thank you for listening! Contribute if you can.
Love,
Kyla
Well its true. And before you go thinking I was a hussy before I met Dan ;) I want to share something that is very close to my heart.
Six months before Dan and I were married, I moved to Cuenca, Ecuador to work in orphanages. When I first heard about the OSSO program, from my hairdresser nonetheless, I knew immediately that I had to go. It was calling my name. The councilor in the bishopric of my singles ward's daughter had been one of the first volunteers to go and live there. It was just further confirmation that this is what I was meant to do.
I spent three months in Cuenca working at one orphanage run by catholic nuns and the childrens ages ranging from 1 day old to 5 years old. Another orphanage for school aged girls, an orphanage for handicapped children, and daycares for very poor children who's parents worked all the time. Each day was so special. Spending all the waking hours with little children who were so innocent and precious. I have never felt so close to Heavenly Father. Looking into little eyes of children who do not have family to love them and raise them. I knew and still know with all of my heart that there were literal heavenly angels in the orphanage watching over them. I could feel them. I know without a doubt that God knows each and every child, each name, and each situation, each little personality. I know that these children are loved on a Heavenly basis. I also know that these little children are loved on earth because of the volunteers who have come consistently every three months from the United States.
Right now, partly due to the economy, the amount of volunteers has dropped from 30 to 11; every three months. We were very busy throughout the day and with even less volunteers, there would have been no way to staff as many orphanages as we did.
Also, the amount of donations has decreased drastically. OSSO provides about $300,000 to the orphanages annually. They are very very conservative and responsible with the resources that are donated. I have witnessed this first hand.
Rex Head, is a doctor from Driggs, Idaho and started the OSSO organization which funded orphanages in Ecuador and supplied volunteers to them as well. Since I served in 2004, he has raised enough funds to build a new orphanage and supplement many others.
Right now, my mission is to get the word out to as many people as possible about the dire situation the orphanages are in right now. There are two ways to help:
1) Donate a few dollars here and there to OSSO. You can find all of their info at www.orphanagesupport.org Just think 10 dollars for us is a the cost of a shirt or a movie or some snacks, but $10 for them is a whole lot more.
2) Tell everyone you know about volunteer positions available in Ecuador. The most common type of person to go is single and college aged. There were girls and guys down there when I went. There was also a family that took their four children and they all worked in the orphanages!
I can attest that this was the best experience of my life. Three months was no sacrifice. It went by so fast and I wished I would have stayed for a year or longer. Since going there I cannot stop thinking about it. If you've spent more than 10 minutes with me you've probably heard me say, "one time when I was in Ecuador" and my attachment to the children there is deep and strong, even if it has been five years since I've been there. My experience in Cuenca is profound and meaningful and I know it is not unique, any volunteer you talk to will tell you the same thing. I'm sure I still can spout off a list of "my babies" names and characteristics, that I love so much. I dream vivid dreams of my children all grown up and what they are doing right now. I will go back someday. Since I have my two baby girls to raise right now and can't serve in the traditional program, I feel that I can help by getting the word out.
My plea to you is to tell one person about the opportunity to serve in Ecuador. I know everyone knows at least one girl or guy who is unmarried, maybe going to school, maybe not. I had been dating Dan for almost two years when I decided to go! So you never know someones situation and this opportunity might fit someone who is looking for direction in her life.
I am totally willing to answer questions, show pictures, talk about the experience to anyone who is interested.
Thank you for listening! Contribute if you can.
Love,
Kyla
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
One word means success
That word is: consistency. My goal for this year is to be consistent.
I realize it is not the New Year and a little late for New Year's Resolutions, but aren't most goals forgotten by the end of January anyway? That is why I am starting in March. I have a lot of specific goals for myself this year. Most of them are an extension of last years goals. For anyone who has been reading my blog for more than a year, you know that last year I was inspired by Oprah and Bob Greene's The Best Life Diet. I said that I would increase all areas of my life in little ways everyday. I set a goal to train for a half marathon. I completed that in August last year. I said I would get more organized and from that I cleaned out my basement storage room, organized the playroom, and moved Adrienne into her own room downstairs, duly freeing up the office space upstairs. I set a goal to read the Book of Mormon, which is still a work in progress. Also, I started being more serious about my photography hobby and have gained a few clients.
Now, everyday wasn't successful or all about projects.
But because I was intent on achieving these goals, I feel like I accomplished a lot, overall. Which brings me back to my goal this year's goal. Consistency. If I work on one goal a day, by the end of the year, I will be better than I was last year, and this year I am better than I was last year, so I will be two years better since I started this journey! I like to dream a little and think what I will be like in 10 years! Consistent.
My top ten Consistent goals:
1. Consistently read the scriptures everyday. Even if it is only one word a day.
2. Consistently exercise everyday. Even if it is only one pushup. Run a race every 3 months
3. Consistently teach Ashton one new thing each day. Even if it is to tell her I love her.
4. Consistently teach Adrienne one new thing each day.
5. Consistently make dinner every night.
6. Consistently sort and file the mail everyday. We get a ton because of the rentals!
7. Consistently write down what I spend everyday.
8. Consistently watch only one hour of shows or internet each day.
9. Consistently cut out sugar from my diet.
10. Consistently Pray every day.
HERE'S TO 2009!!!!
I realize it is not the New Year and a little late for New Year's Resolutions, but aren't most goals forgotten by the end of January anyway? That is why I am starting in March. I have a lot of specific goals for myself this year. Most of them are an extension of last years goals. For anyone who has been reading my blog for more than a year, you know that last year I was inspired by Oprah and Bob Greene's The Best Life Diet. I said that I would increase all areas of my life in little ways everyday. I set a goal to train for a half marathon. I completed that in August last year. I said I would get more organized and from that I cleaned out my basement storage room, organized the playroom, and moved Adrienne into her own room downstairs, duly freeing up the office space upstairs. I set a goal to read the Book of Mormon, which is still a work in progress. Also, I started being more serious about my photography hobby and have gained a few clients.
Now, everyday wasn't successful or all about projects.
But because I was intent on achieving these goals, I feel like I accomplished a lot, overall. Which brings me back to my goal this year's goal. Consistency. If I work on one goal a day, by the end of the year, I will be better than I was last year, and this year I am better than I was last year, so I will be two years better since I started this journey! I like to dream a little and think what I will be like in 10 years! Consistent.
My top ten Consistent goals:
1. Consistently read the scriptures everyday. Even if it is only one word a day.
2. Consistently exercise everyday. Even if it is only one pushup. Run a race every 3 months
3. Consistently teach Ashton one new thing each day. Even if it is to tell her I love her.
4. Consistently teach Adrienne one new thing each day.
5. Consistently make dinner every night.
6. Consistently sort and file the mail everyday. We get a ton because of the rentals!
7. Consistently write down what I spend everyday.
8. Consistently watch only one hour of shows or internet each day.
9. Consistently cut out sugar from my diet.
10. Consistently Pray every day.
HERE'S TO 2009!!!!
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