Allergist Update

We are thrilled that we got some definite answers to Kaitlyn's hives issue yesterday! She went to see a new allergist and have some testing done. She is NOT allergic to anything anymore!! Not peanuts, wheat, dust, mold, trees, dogs, grass, etc like we had thought over the last 2 years! The bummer was she got stuck 25 separate times on her back which she obviously didn't like! Going to the OR was a much easier experience surprisingly:) He said that she definitely has Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria. Basically that means long term, unexplained hives. He wants to keep her on the Zyrtec to avoid flare ups. He said she was being under treated and needs a full tsp not just a 1/2 tsp. He said we could do it on an as needed basis but then it will be like a cat trying to catch its tail...its better to be preventative. We go back and see him right after Christmas. He does want to test her for a penicillin allergy. They are coming up with a test for it after Jan 1st. I questioned the milk allergy because she did test neg for a dairy allergy and he said she could 100% be lactose intolerant and still not be allergic to milk. Its an intolerance not an allergy. The GI Specialist will take care of that issue he said. I really liked this allergist and am so happy to know we can cross the allergist off her list of doctors:) He said her hives are just going to be a nuisance and when they flare up they will look pretty bad but they are harmless. Thats about it. Now we move back to the GI dr and work on scheduling her Endoscopy. Back to the OR:( At least we know the hives and stomach pains are not related to any type of food allergy. Hate to have her go back to the OR but we are finally getting somewhere with figuring out whats going on!

Sleepover!!

Saturday night Cam and I went to a friends house for a fun night out!!! The kids slept at my parents house. Before we left Colin was driving his new blue corvette around the driveway. The weather was so nice this weekend we spent as much time as we could outside!!Here they are getting ready to go to my parents house in their new booster seats! They graduated to high back boosters and we absolutely love how much easier it is to get them in and out!!

When we got to Grandma's house she was working on putting up her new tree! Kaitlyn and Colin were in awe of how tall it was:)

Grandma loves to decorate for Christmas and has so many trees to put up she decided to get a head start this year!

After Cam and I left Grandma took a few pics of them decorating the tree with the final touches!

Kisses from Papa!!

The kids had so much fun going out to Portillos with Grandma and Papa!! Then they came back, got cozy and watched the movie UP! The kids had a blast and so did Cam and I on our night out:)

Kaitlyn's Surgery Update

The day after the kids birthday Kaitlyn had surgery. Kaitlyn is one of the most bravest little girls I know!!! Cam and I are so proud of her! Kaitlyn did great going into the OR!! There were no tears despite the fact that she looked very nervous:( Here she is on her way and as happy as can be for so early in the morning!
The child life specialists came in to talk with Kaitlyn while we were waiting for the surgery to begin. They are just WONDERFUL!!! They took Kaitlyn back to see a mask( I wanted to say that we have been to the OR 6 times already and unfortunately we are almost pro's by now but I let the lady do her thing) Kaitlyn was able to smell the scents they put in the masks to make you go to sleep. She went into this insisting she wanted orange(last time she choose banana) but as soon as she smelled strawberry she was set on it! They gave her stickers to decorate her mask. Her and I worked on it together:)

Ever see a kid so happy the day of surgery:) Kaitlyn was up and down that morning...at one point she seemed very nervous and didnt want to talk to anyone that called to wish her good luck. She didn't even want the tv on. But then she perked up! She was so good and didn't ask for food or drinks once. The surgery was delayed a little too which made the wait longer for our starving girl! Good thing she ate alot at Olive Garden the night before!

Daddy and Kaitlyn coloring to help pass the time.

Kaitlyn is quite the colorer! She does an excellent job of staying in the lines! Daddy colored the scuba diver but Kaitlyn colored the whale all by herself...way to go Kaitlyn!!

Right after surgery:( She was resting on me while she was coming out of the anesthesia.

We had to ice her lip to help with the swelling. They gave her an injection in the OR to help with the pain too. Also with every laser zap the machine administers numbing pain into the site so she was very comfortable when she woke up and never complained of pain.

Happy to be on her way home!! The marks started to darken as the hours passed after the surgery.

When Kaitlyn got home she received a card that her preschool class made for her. Each child colored a turkey page for her. It was very sweet and it definitely cheered her up!!!

We go back the first week in January to discuss how she is doing and when we will do another laser surgery. Cross your fingers for her that we will be done soon!!!

Our Soccer Stud!

Colin is back in soccer and loves it!!! Kaitlyn is doing tap/ballet that lasts from Sept thru April. Colin is doing shorter classes and trying a variety of sports. Basketball just ended and soccer started. He has the same coach...Coach Billy and he really likes him! Thanks Auntie Jill for passing down shin guards to Colin....they still fit from this summers soccer camp:) Here are some pics from soccer class....forgive my awful camera for the dark pics in the gym.

Playing the pirate game where you stop and put your foot on the ball and yell out Aye Aye Captain....looking through his telescope:)

Dribbling to Daddy to give him a high five! Cam loves that he gets to attend every class and even has participated too!!

He's super fast!!

Happy 4th Birthday Kaitlyn & Colin!!

Here we are 4 years later and my little miracles are celebrating another birthday! Cam and I feel so blessed and proud to have 2 healthy, beautiful children:) Here they are with their countdown calendars which they moved to the last day....their 4th birthday was finally here!!! Kaitlyn was so excited about her doll wardrobe!!

Colin loves his foosball table!

That night we took the kids to Olive Garden. You would have thought we were taking them to Disneyland! They have been asking for about 8 months to go to Olive Garden for their birthday. Maybe thats because every time we pass it Cam and I go "Mmmmmmm!" :)

Grandma Young and Uncle Bill joined us for dinner!

Kaitlyn was hugging her big stuffed bear from Uncle Bill...he gave it to her for her surgery which was the next morning.

The kids had a GREAT birthday week of celebrations between their

party, school and going out to eat!!! Happy 4th Birthday K & C!! We love you both so much!

K & C's 4th Birthday Party

Kaitlyn and Colin had an absolute blast at their 4th birthday party! Healthbridge did a great job and everything went smoothly:) There are a ton of pics so I am not going to write much and just let you enjoy them! Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with us!!!The birthday boy!
The birthday girl!

There was a basketball court in their childcare area where part of the party was held. The kids thought this was so much fun!!

Getting ready to go swimming!!

Colin was swinging like a monkey:)

An attempt of a group pic:) We were missing a lot of kids but we took what we could get at this point!

The kids loved the lighted dance floor!!

Colin was dancing away on the lights and showing off his tattoo!

The kids had their faces painted too!

Pin the nose on the clown.....a little more to the right Colin!! :)

After the party we came home and did presents! Everyone was so generous and we decided that they received so much stuff that Santa can scale back this year:)

Their two big gifts were a doll house and rocket ship! They are having so much fun playing with these and all of the other neat presents they received!! Thanks everyone for coming and celebrating with us!!