"No other place I'd rather be..."
"Ohhh Kadyn......I'm gonna get-cha..."
"Im gonna get-cha..."Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Well, we're still here in PICU! Just when we thought we were on the home stretch, we hit a small bump in the road. Last Thursday Kadyn developed a fever which meant they had to stop her feeds while tests were run to see if she had an infection brewing somewhere in her tiny body. Thankfully, our prayers were answered when no infection was found and her temperature returned to normal. Though she's still on precautionary antibiotics the doctor assumes it was just a virus or bug of some kind.
Saturday they started over with her feedings which they are giving her slowly and continuously through her NG tube, increasing the amount in very small increments each day. Though she had a couple of rough days getting back on track, for the most part she is doing well now! She is also taking enzymes to help her digestion and they are given to her periodically in a small amount of applesauce which she seems to like! No doubt she's telling her brother "na-na-na-na-boo-boo" because she's getting solid food before him!
Katie and Ryan are doing remarkably well despite the periodical setbacks. Katie is spending every day at the hospital rocking, soothing and loving her sweet baby Kadyn and her "perfect" Koy as well, who spends most days with them at the hospital. There is no place she would rather be and feels blessed to be able to have so much one-on-one time with her brand new bundles. Ryan keeps the home fires burning and is working each day to "bring home the bacon" for his new family. We continue to be amazed by their strength, energy, and positive attitude while they wait as patiently as possible for the day they can bring their baby home.
Please be reassured that The Carroll family is in wonderful hands. God sure did know what he was doing when He blessed them with the gift of twins. Katie and Ryan’s love has multiplied, as have their patience, endurance and faith. When you are in their presence you will see their uplifted spirit, overpowering positivity and the overwhelming joy that exudes from them as a result of the amazing blessing God placed in their lives April 17th. So please save the pouty lips or the tears of sadness you may feel, because that is not where they are nor do they want to be.
Doctor Ford and the ICU nurses have been incredible, and while there is no date set yet for Kadyn's homecoming, we're taking it day by day and are content that she's getting the best possible care. We know that God's hand continues to hold our family and that it has been your prayers and support that have been lifting us up through this time. We are so grateful to all of you!
“Trials are not enemies of faith, but are opportunities to prove God’s faithfulness.”
Saturday they started over with her feedings which they are giving her slowly and continuously through her NG tube, increasing the amount in very small increments each day. Though she had a couple of rough days getting back on track, for the most part she is doing well now! She is also taking enzymes to help her digestion and they are given to her periodically in a small amount of applesauce which she seems to like! No doubt she's telling her brother "na-na-na-na-boo-boo" because she's getting solid food before him!
Katie and Ryan are doing remarkably well despite the periodical setbacks. Katie is spending every day at the hospital rocking, soothing and loving her sweet baby Kadyn and her "perfect" Koy as well, who spends most days with them at the hospital. There is no place she would rather be and feels blessed to be able to have so much one-on-one time with her brand new bundles. Ryan keeps the home fires burning and is working each day to "bring home the bacon" for his new family. We continue to be amazed by their strength, energy, and positive attitude while they wait as patiently as possible for the day they can bring their baby home.
Please be reassured that The Carroll family is in wonderful hands. God sure did know what he was doing when He blessed them with the gift of twins. Katie and Ryan’s love has multiplied, as have their patience, endurance and faith. When you are in their presence you will see their uplifted spirit, overpowering positivity and the overwhelming joy that exudes from them as a result of the amazing blessing God placed in their lives April 17th. So please save the pouty lips or the tears of sadness you may feel, because that is not where they are nor do they want to be.
Doctor Ford and the ICU nurses have been incredible, and while there is no date set yet for Kadyn's homecoming, we're taking it day by day and are content that she's getting the best possible care. We know that God's hand continues to hold our family and that it has been your prayers and support that have been lifting us up through this time. We are so grateful to all of you!
“Trials are not enemies of faith, but are opportunities to prove God’s faithfulness.”
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
We could not be more proud of our sweet baby Kadyn. Though she is still a brave yet patient resident of the ICU Unit, she has made leaps and bounds as far as her diet, digestion and diaper dumps are concerned. Not to mention the fact that she has accumulated more fans and friends than we could have ever imagined.
Today the Cystic Fibrosis specialist from Columbia was in town and made special time to visit with Katie. What a blessing it is to be only 3 hours away from one of the best CF treatment centers in the U.S! Though we will not know the severity of Kadyn’s particular case for sometime, it was fortunate for Katie to meet the specialist in person, answer any questions she might have, and know that they are available to them anytime or day, however often they may need them.
As for Koy, he can’t wait for his sis to join him in tummy time and exploring the ocean (play mat) at home. The overwhelming joy that God has placed in our lives through Koy and Kadyn has truly been indescribable and we cannot more appreciative of these endless gifts.
Ohh the amazing plans He has set out for them!!
Your comments, thoughts and prayers continue to strengthen the hearts and minds of our families day in and day out. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Today the Cystic Fibrosis specialist from Columbia was in town and made special time to visit with Katie. What a blessing it is to be only 3 hours away from one of the best CF treatment centers in the U.S! Though we will not know the severity of Kadyn’s particular case for sometime, it was fortunate for Katie to meet the specialist in person, answer any questions she might have, and know that they are available to them anytime or day, however often they may need them.
As for Koy, he can’t wait for his sis to join him in tummy time and exploring the ocean (play mat) at home. The overwhelming joy that God has placed in our lives through Koy and Kadyn has truly been indescribable and we cannot more appreciative of these endless gifts.
Ohh the amazing plans He has set out for them!!
Your comments, thoughts and prayers continue to strengthen the hearts and minds of our families day in and day out. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Today we received the DNA results for our sweet baby Kadyn and it was confirmed that the Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis was correct. Though it does feel like another punch in the gut to us all, we will pick back up and carry on, relying on God’s strength to get us through this time.
Kadyn is still a resident of the ICU unit. I will keep you informed on her progress.
In the meantime, please pray for Ryan, Katie, Koy and Kadyn. Though hearts may be heavy, we can trust that God would never give us anything we could not handle.
Kadyn is still a resident of the ICU unit. I will keep you informed on her progress.
In the meantime, please pray for Ryan, Katie, Koy and Kadyn. Though hearts may be heavy, we can trust that God would never give us anything we could not handle.
Monday, May 4, 2009
We greatly appreciate all your comments, thoughts and prayers. I know Ryan and Katie are especially grateful for the strength you have provided them through your kind words and faithful prayers.
Koy is patiently waiting for his #1 sidekick to join him at home, as is Kadyn. She is still a guest in ICU and will not be released to the pediatrics floor until her system is regulated. We are told everything seems to be looking good and she is progressing slowing, but surely. I'm sure Kadyn's stubborn like her mom and enjoying all the attention and one-on-one time she has been receiving from her loving parents and kind nurses. She is definitely building a name for herself around the unit during this time as the cutest baby, while Koy is holding the title of "The Perfect Child."
Ryan and Katie's patience has been Godsent. I can't imagine it being easy trying to balance their time between the 2 babies, 3 dogs and many trips from home to hospital and back each day. You will never hear them complain of the situation, for they know the best is yet to come for their family when they are all together again at home, under one roof.
Again your thoughts and prayers are appreciated more than you will ever know. We truly cannot thank you enough.
Koy is patiently waiting for his #1 sidekick to join him at home, as is Kadyn. She is still a guest in ICU and will not be released to the pediatrics floor until her system is regulated. We are told everything seems to be looking good and she is progressing slowing, but surely. I'm sure Kadyn's stubborn like her mom and enjoying all the attention and one-on-one time she has been receiving from her loving parents and kind nurses. She is definitely building a name for herself around the unit during this time as the cutest baby, while Koy is holding the title of "The Perfect Child."
Ryan and Katie's patience has been Godsent. I can't imagine it being easy trying to balance their time between the 2 babies, 3 dogs and many trips from home to hospital and back each day. You will never hear them complain of the situation, for they know the best is yet to come for their family when they are all together again at home, under one roof.
Again your thoughts and prayers are appreciated more than you will ever know. We truly cannot thank you enough.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
On April 29th, Kadyn went into surgery to clear her intestinal blockage. Our prayers were answered when the news came that she did amazingly well, and we were assured once again that she is such a strong baby girl!
Dr Ford (the heaven sent pediatrics surgeon at St. Johns) explained that what he found, questions Kadyn's previous diagonsis. Therefore, he has asked that they run additional screens/tests. Though we by no means want to jump to any assumptions, we rely on our strong faith that God has a plan for our sweet baby Kadyn and whatever that may be, she will prosper.
The power of your thoughts and prayers continues to move mountains for our families. We are touched by your love and kindness. Knowing you are thinking of us and praying for Kadyn, strengthens us beyond belief.
Dr Ford (the heaven sent pediatrics surgeon at St. Johns) explained that what he found, questions Kadyn's previous diagonsis. Therefore, he has asked that they run additional screens/tests. Though we by no means want to jump to any assumptions, we rely on our strong faith that God has a plan for our sweet baby Kadyn and whatever that may be, she will prosper.
The power of your thoughts and prayers continues to move mountains for our families. We are touched by your love and kindness. Knowing you are thinking of us and praying for Kadyn, strengthens us beyond belief.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A dear family friend came across the following message and emailed it to Katie
"Welcome to Holland"
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It's just a different place.
It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away...because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss. But...if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.
By Emily Perl Kingsley, 1987
"Welcome to Holland"
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It's just a different place.
It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away...because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss. But...if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.
By Emily Perl Kingsley, 1987
On April 24th, the doctors informed us that Kadyn had been born with Cystic Fibrosis. The day we learned of her diagnosis we were immediately reassured by her amazingly strong parents that God would never give us anything we can not handle and there is a reason she will carry through life with this disease. Though the news of Kadyn’s condition was like a hard punch to the gut to us all, taking our breath away, our faith in God has carried us through and we’ve grown even stronger through him. Katie & Ryan have been mesmerizing. There were no tears of anger, no questions asking why me? In fact, it was the complete opposite. Ryan and Katie knew their strong, special baby girl was about to embark into this world and leave a name that no one would forget. With no doubt she will move mountains for her special disease and join all the other champions already making a difference.
Big brother Koy is definitely showing Kadyn the ropes, so that when she’s all better and out of the hospital, she will know just what to do. They are currently enjoying slumber parties at the hospital until lil sis can catch up with big bro in weight and diaper dumps. She sure is a tough little girl! She has been poked and prodded in every way imaginable and she is amazingly strong for her small size! We don’t know how long she will be in the hospital, but she is in Great Hands…. both human and Divine. The goal is to clear her intestinal blockage (hopefully without surgery) and to regulate her system, so that she can eat and keep it down. We don’t know how long that will take; we take it all day by day.
Below is a text Katie & Ryan sent out less than 12 hours after Kadyn’s diagnosis.
Hey! I just wanted to reassure you that Kadyn is more than ok!
She is such a strong little girl- it is amazing! We all have to be
positive about this! God does not give us more than we can
handle and he knows she is a little one that will not let a little
thing like this stop her! She is bright eyed this morning and
very warm! This is not a punishment, there is definitely a
reason she has it! Maybe she will be a champion for cf.
We will wait and see what spectacular things she is meant to
do in life! In the mean time we are not telling her that
she has it- don’t want to give her an excuse to complain :)
Please don’t worry!! When you see her you will know
immediately that everything will be ok! We love you!
We cannot be more appreciative of your thoughts and prayers at this time.
God is good all the time!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
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