Upcoming Surgery

After meeting with Dr. Kirsch and doing the VCUG test, we found out Kayla's treatment did work again. We weren't shocked or even that disappointed, maybe we just weren't getting our hopes up about it. Regardless, she is scheduled for surgery on 3/18/09 at Egleston in Atlanta.

Most children go home the next day and we will have a few days of recovery at home. From what I've read the surgery takes 2-3 hours and Kayla should wake up without pain (although I'm sure very upset and confused like she was after her other treatment). She will have an epidural block at first and a catheter. Once those are removed we should be able to treat any pain with Tylenol and her stitches in the incision on her belly should dissolve in a few days. Then 6 weeks later another VCUG to see if the surgery was successful. This particular surgery will try to reimplant her ureters but it is done without having to cut into the bladder. If it doesn't work this time they can try it again by cutting into the bladder. So this may not be the end of the road for us as far as surgeries go.

I just hope Kayla can be somewhat comfortable at the hospital and that she heals quickly.

Obviously we hope the surgery will be successful! We are confident that God will do what is best.

We love our little girl!

Results

We will find whether or not Kayla's second treatment worked on either 2/16 or 2/17. I say either because the VCUG test is on the 16th but the Dr. visit follow up is not until the following day. We'll have a good idea on the 16th. If we see the backflow of urine on the screen then we'll know it is not fixed.

We're prepared for the outcome either way - God is in control of our precious baby and He loves her more than we do.

We'll keep you posted!

Almost 15 months

Kayla is growing and growing - not so much physically right now but developmentally.

She has little habits and quirks and things she likes to do around the house.

She loves to bring things from one place to another and open any and all doors and cabinets. Thanks to the geniuses who made child safety locks! She can also be a little daredevil, standing on things and trying to pick up very heavy items.

She has been healthy the past few weeks and I'm thankful for that. Seems like many are sick with colds!

We will be taking her for a dental "Happy Visit" in the next few weeks to have her teeth looked at and make sure they are healthy.

Kayla's Mimi will be coming down for a visit next week and we are excited to show her all of Kayla's new tricks!

This is Kayla playing with the bubble machine.

And this is Kayla trying an orange juice "popsicle".

Surgery # 2

We had the second endoscopic treatment for Kayla on 1/5. It went well and we were much better prepared for her reaction after the anesthesia. This time Cary walked her back to be put to sleep and after about 15 minutes the surgeon came and told us that everything looked good. We won't know for a couple of weeks whether or not it worked but we are hoping and praying! This is Daddy and Kayla ready to go back!


Kayla returned to her normal, sweet self a few hours after we got home. She slept most of the morning.

Kayla will point to her nose, mouth, ear, teeth, hair, finger, toes, foot, and belly - she is so smart!

Kayla loved this basketball hoop at the surgery center waiting area!

We wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

We had a wonderful Christmas and hope the same for you all. The Sunday before Christmas Kayla had a little stomach bug (we think) because she got sick a few times. That is a hard thing to watch because babies do not understand throwing up, they just know it doesn't feel good! Fortunately she was feeling better the next day.

Christmas Eve we went to our church's candlelight service. It's always nice to gather and sing and reflect on the true meaning and joy of Christmas. We then went to my Dad's house for fondue and Kayla promptly went to sleep!

Christmas morning we opened gifts and had breakfast. Kayla didn't know what to make of all her toys. She's still a little young to open the gifts and understand what's going on. Later that day we headed over to Cary's family's house and opened gifts and ate (again). It was great being with everyone. Kayla got a rocking horse, a dance on TV toy, 2 baby dolls, a magnet play set, a pretend camcorder, a playhouse, and much more! Do you think she hurts for anything?

This is Kayla by the Christmas tree!

Daddy helping Kayla open a gift - a beautiful Minnie mouse gown.

Her new playset! Nana and Poppy Darden gave her this and put it together!

Mimi sent her some bows and we had to try them all on.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US! WE LOVE YOU.

Sorry this update is so late!

I guess I let time get away from me...

We had Kayla's follow up visit at the Dr. from her little surgery. Unfortunately it did not work this time and we are going to have to try it again in a couple months. If it doesn't work then, we will have to have an open surgery. I'm not worrying though - I'm thankful this is treatable! I do hate having to go through all of this for her sake but we must.

Here are a few recent photos. Kayla is growing and learning everyday and is becoming quite the little independent girl - with a very strong will when she wants to have one!

Eating is her favorite thing!

Thanksgiving 2008

We had a great day! We first went to my Dad's house and prepared a meal with Donna, Adam, Cary, Kay and Sue (Donna's mom and aunt). It was all very tasty. Kayla enjoyed her first real Thanksgiving meal.

Then we headed over to the Hesters for dessert and Kayla had a great time playing over there.

Here are a few pictures:

Kayla still tries to get in the infant swing.

Enjoying her first Thanksgiving dinner - green beans, mac and cheese, turkey, and a lot of mashed potatoes with banana pudding for dessert!

Her adorable overalls that used to belong to her cousin.