April 14, 2010

Happy Birthday Kyra - Wow 2 Years Old!

Well it is official Kyra is 2! This past week she crawled twice on her own, quickly recovering into a sit once she realized we were watching her. I guess she wants to keep this a big secret. Kyra also pulled herself up to her feet at the ballet bar yesterday. AND the true test that she is 2 - Kyra drew a masterpiece on the wall - so proud saying "Did this - BLUE"


It hardly seems possible that it has been two years already. This tough little girl has blossomed in so many ways. She has become "Miss Manners" using her "pease" and "t-ank you" All day today she was saying "t-ank" you to everyone for all her gifts. And early this morning she tossed Nurse Becky a toy and told Becky "welcome." Kyra got a surpise this morning with a BIG, BIG birthday cake from Becky's husband, Jason. He made this amazing Mickey Mouse Club House 3-D Cake. Thank you Jason and Becky. We managed to get some icing on her lips and she announced "Mickey!" She loves her Mickey Mouse.

This week has been a bit emotional for me. My heart has been filled with happiness and excitement reaching this milestone. Early this week I had an opportunity to visit with Dr. Marita D'Netto and speak with a few nurses from the NICU. I have also become more aware of the friendships (actually family relationships) created with our home health nurses, Becky, Barb, Kris and Diane. All of these individuals have forever changed our lives. So today marks a birthday for Kyra but it also marks a "win" for all those who have been a part of her progress. I can only hope that each one of you understand that they are so much apart of our family smiles, not just today but everyday. Everything you have done, everything you have given, and everything your dedicate yourself to MATTERS!

Our friends and family have been remarkable and a great source of strength. Someone once asked me "How do you do it?" My answer was "anyone can do this just as long as they have OUR family and OUR friends behind them." We have an amazing support system.

Today I recieved a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my sister with a card that read: "Miracles happen for those who have the strength to believe." So true, Thanks Cher!

Check out these Miracle Moments:

Calling "Tweet-Tweets"



Excited to see Mikahla & Kaden roll the ball to her





Birthday Girl blowing out her candles
She DID IT!!!

April 4, 2010

Happy Easter - check out my bunny face

Sorry for the delay in updating the blog. Kyra is doing great. It has just been very busy in our house lately. Mikahla has been involved with basketball, Kaden with Boy Scouts, and Kyra is busy pulling out all her toys, leaving them thru the house. Yeah a regular family!!!!

Kyra is still going to The Cleveland Clinic every two weeks for IVIG and checkups. She is remarkable. Her replacement fluids now run at 80cc/hr for nine hours and her IV supply company has divided the fluids into two bags to allow Kyra to wear her backpack during the day. This helps free her up and allows her to explore. She is now rocking back and forth with one knee in a crawl position but still apprehensive and will not get up on the other knee. She is recieving physical therapy one day per week. The therapist is surprised at how quickly she is responding and improving. We also put up a ballet bar and mirror to encourage her to pull herself up. Although it takes ALOT of encouragement she will stand for a good 8 minutes and is no longer locking her knees.

Kyra's vocabulary is ever expanding. She repeats nearly everything she hears. Kory and I put on music for her entertainment when we change her broviac dressing. She enjoys the Jersey Boys and now sings along (with actually words matching) to "Sherry Baby" and "Big Girls Don't Cry." Afterwards she dances to the rest of the CD. So fun to watch. She is definetly a Conrad - LOVES, LOVES her music!


Kyra enjoys ALL her toys!


Hanging out with Sis-Sis



HAPPY EASTER - LOOK AT MY BUNNY FACE