sumertime

Just some fun pictures to remember the summer so far.  Below are the boys eating homemade watermelon popsicles.  I just blended watermelon, key lime juice and a little bit of sugar.  It was super yummy!

One of Sepa's favorite things to do is find "rolly pollies." It is so funny because he always looses them because he forgets he's holding it.  Don't you love the real-ness of this shot with all the dirt and markers over his arms?  Boys : )

As soon as the weather warmed up, Kekoa was determined to learn how to ride his bike with no training wheels.  It has been fun to see his determination.  Today he officially can ride his bike  :  )  I didn't get a picture, but here he is in his biking gear.

Another fun part of summer is that the boys started Hoop Dance lessons.  They had their first lesson on Tuesday.  It made me so happy to see them learning.  I'll post about that more later : )
Summertime = happy times : )

sunday paper

A couple weeks ago, we were interviewed to be in the paper of the Daily Herald.  We visited with the woman writing the article for an interview.  Then she sent us the article to make sure she had names and other things written correctly.  We made our changes and sent it back.   For whatever reason, not all the changes we made ended up on the final print of the paper.  They were not anything too serious, but enough to bug me to the point that I am going to correct it here on our blog :  )

First, just for the record: Delthine should be Delphine and Kekeo, of course, Kekoa.  And I graduated in Marriage, Family and Human Development.

Now the numbered ones:
 
1. This was a line I was hoping would either be changed or left out.  I feel like it doesn't connect with us - neither Kyle or I are immigrants (myself as native as it gets).  I also felt like it made it sound like ours is a rags to riches story. We were neither in extreme poverty and now are no where near being "rich." I also felt like just because we are ethnic the assumtion is made that we come from a low SES.  Anyway - it just didn't sit well with me - oh well.

2. My mother has 7, not 8 children.

3. I served my mission in the middle of school and not after I graduated.

4.  Though it made me seem less crazy, the truth is I have 4 under the age of 6.

5. Again, a phrase that didn't sit right with me. I don't care for the word "daunting."  It is a challenge, but there is no dreading or lack of hope in my situation.

6. We do not visit Hawaii every year - we make it for family reunions when we can, but that is only every few years. 

These might seem like silly changes, but  figure if the newspaper is a form of family history, the record might as well be set straight :)

But overall, lesson learned?  You can't believe everything you read, especially in the paper.  :  )

Here is the color version of the picture we submitted.  They were suppose to have one of their photographers come, but it never worked out.  We did it as Kyle was out the door to fly to Alaska - 8am (!).  His traveling companion took it.  After swapping two heads and Kyle's eyes, this is what we got : )

kissing machine

Today, while dishing out seconds of dinner for the boys I walked into our step stool - I didn't realize it was right in my path.  It hurt so bad and I got a nice bruise from it.  I complained about it for a bit.  We got back to dinner when Kekoa said, " Mom, I am going to invent a kissing machine."  "What?! What do you mean? What's a kissing machine?" I wondered where he could have gotten such an idea from.  "It's for kissing ow-ies," Kekoa replied in all his innocence.  Cute.

Bowling

Today, we took the boys bowling after Kyle was done with work.  It was so fun.  We only did one game, but it was perfect.  The boys were content and amazingly we didn't have anyone complain or cry - not even Ka'imi (believe it or not Celeste!).  It was so cute to watch the boys roll their bowling balls.  Kyle and I laughed when Ikaika's rolling speed measured 3 mph and under and yet he still managed a strike.  Sepa was a great cheerleader and happy to roll just a couple times.  I love time together as a family.

All Better

Yesterday, we finished Ka'imi's last dose of antibiotics.  It is so happy to know we are fully past her eye infection.  I didn't get a chance to post pics earlier.  I didn't really take pictures of her - just a couple with my camera phone.  On the day before her surgery, I finally did one with my regular camera - she just looked so cute in her mini-sized hospital gown.  So here is what I took.

This first picture was one I took before we took her in to see the doctor on Monday.

I took this one, thinking she was still so cute laying there in her hospital gown, even with her poor eye.

This picture was the night before her surgery.  With a couple days of antibiotics, the swelling went down a bit.  Here you see her "hat" (we told the boys that was what it was).  An IV out your head? Yeah.  The nurse had fun taking it out of her hair.  Thankfully, with some anti-adhesive wipes, I don't think she lost one strand.

My sweet mother came to the rescue to watch the boys so I could stay with Ka'imi in the hosptial and Kyle could get some things done for work (and come help me).  And the boys were delighted with the kid-friendliness of Primary Childrens.

Looking at her now, you can hardly tell she had any trouble with her eye.  We went to church the Sunday after we came home from the hospital and almost everyone had no clue the terrible week we had.  She looks beautiful as ever :  )  We count our blessing that we caught it early enough and had such great care that she's recovered with no lasting effects.

Update: On July 2nd, we took Ka'imi back to Primary Children's for a follow-up visit.  With her eye still pooling tears, she is not 100% clear.  So, we just have to watch her close.  I have been stressing about the coming bills from all this - we have great insurance, but extra expenses are always stressful.  So, to make me feel more grateful I asked the doctor what would have happened if we lived 100 years ago (meaning if we didn't do anything to treat it).  His words? "Invariably death."  Because she was so young, the infection would have spread and taken her life.  Scary! It makes me so grateful for the time we live in. I love my little girl and am so thankful she is ours and healthy again!

Happy Father's Day

I could stare at this picture for hours.  It is so cute.  I love how handsome Kyle is and how cute my babies are.  They all have their Dad in them.  As you can tell, they all adore their Daddy.  It is like a party every time he comes home from work.   We all love spending time with him.  The boys love the stories he tells and the games they play. 

For Father's Day the boys made ties out of foam paper. It was cute to see them create them with him in mind.  I gave him a picture (surprise, surprise) of Ka'imi and I to put in his office.  I wish I could say that I did this amazing dinner for him, but the truth is I was so tired and needing to tend to Ka'imi, that Kyle made dinner himself.  Kyle is a wonderful Father.  I simply adore my husband.

Happy Saturday

I am have several posts to do to get caught up.  Hopefully I'll be caught up tomorrow.  I just wanted to post about our happy Saturday.  Here's what we did:

This morning, we did some service with the boys by cleaning the chapel.  The boys gathered trash while  Kyle cleaned bathrooms.  I vacuumed the chapel with Ka'imi in the Baby Bjorn.  I learned that vacuuming my living room is really a breeze and that I need to be better at picking up the crumbs my boys leave behind during sacrament meeting.  Kyle and I want to teach our boys the value of service and hard work, so it was a great opportunity : )

We then headed over to Farmers Market where I had the best burger I have ever tasted in my life. Kyle was amazed that he was witnessing a "best" in my life.  It was a hand-pressed burger, stuffed with goat cheese, served with a grilled portobello mushroom and a perfectly made piece of frybread.  Yum-my.  If anyone is headed to the Farmers Market in Provo next Saturday, go try it.  The booth is called "Black Sheep Cafe."  

Then, I got to go on a mini shopping spree.  We found out last minute that an interview we were doing with a lady from the Daily Herald also included a family picture with the paper's photographer.  I wasn't about to have the reflection of our family be all grungy (remember we left the house thinking we were headed to clean - so we were not in our best dress), so we headed to do some shopping.  We got new shirts for the boys and I.  In the end I was pleased that we got it all coordinated and under $35.00 for all 4 of us (with less than an hour to do so!) Kyle choose his own shirt and Ka'imi just wore the cute outfit she had on.  The funny thing was that the photographer couldn't make it to the interview and we had to reschedule.  Oh well, were are ready whenever it comes :  )

Then we came home and relaxed . . . well, cleaned and relaxed.  I really enjoyed today.

Funnies

Ikaika  - He was saying a prayer.  Part of his prayer included these words: " . . . and bless that we will have a great day and please bless that Jesus will have a great time in the sky."

Sepa - He is our boy who likes to eat spicy things.  Once he had some hot sauce on his food.  When it when it got too spicy, he looked at me and said, "Mom, toothbrush."

Kekoa - Once while trying to convince me to take them to Chuck E. Cheese's Kekoa said, "But Mom, your so lucky, we play and you rest."

Kekoa - One morning when saying prayer for breakfast I told the boys, "Close your eyes, fold your arms and think about Heavenly Father, because that is who we are talking to."  After the prayer Kekoa said, "Raise your hand if you were thinking about Jesus?"  The other two boys slowly raised their hands.  "You pinky swear? You better.  Because if you were thinking about superheroes - you're out."

Ikaika - Kekoa, kekoa, did you know my butt shoots fires?

Kekoa - We were walking through Farmers Market.  Kekoa saw this fun bow and arrow set made out of PVC pipe and foam arrows.  He tried to convince us to let him get it, but we said no.  His response? "But Mom, we are Indians."

Ikaika - Kyle just got walked in the door.  Ikaika was siting by me.  He said, " Hi, Dad. Mom, your Honey is here."

Kekoa - Here's the conversation:
k: Mom, are there more girls or boys in the world?
m: I'm not sure, Ko.
k: I hope there are more girls.
m: why?
k: (while giggling) Because I like to be girl-trapped.
m: Girl-trapped? What does that mean?
k: You know, like when I go to preschool and there are a lot of girls and I am the only boy.

Ikaika - From time to time Ikaika will come to me and say, "Mom, Kekoa is not following Jesus."  It's his way of saying Koa isn't playing nicely.


Here are a few others I found written down.  They are from a while ago.

Ikaika - He saw the Angel Moroni blowing his trumpet on top of the temple. He shouted excitedly, “Look, shooter-gun temples!”

Kekoa - "Mom, I love bread.  I wish we had a bread tree."

Ikaika - When we found out I was having baby #4, the boys desperately wanted a sister.  So, they included it in their prayers.  Ikaika not quite understanding what was going on would pray, "Please bless that Sepa will turn into a baby sister . . . "

Ikaika - Poor Ikaika, when his feelings are hurt he says, “Mom, my heart hurts.”

Kekoa - After watching the Living Scriptures video about Nephi and the Brass Plates, he decided to do his own skit version of it.  Kekoa of course took Nephi’s role.  He beautifully demanded from Laban (played by Daddy), “Give me the Grass Plates!”

Ikaika's 4th Birthday Party

I felt bad for Ikaika - like he got cheated a little this year.  First, we were in the hospital with Ka'imi all week (though I am thrilled to be home rather than in the hospital on his actual birthday).  Then, out of my frustration I told him he couldn't have a big party unless he potty trained.  I had to stick to what I said so we never really planned his party. Thankfully, we came home in time and my mom potty trained him while we were in the hospital (thank goodness for Grandma!).  So, we did have a party after all.  He wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese - we had lunch there and the boys played games.  Then we came home for the dinner party with cake and ice cream.  How we love our Ikaika :  )

Here is the only quick picture we took at Chuck E. Cheese

 

 Above: Ikaika's favorite person in the whole world - Grandma Delphine.  Below: Ikaika with the two people who love him to no end, Mom and Dad.

Ikaika - My Sweet 4 year old

Ikaika turned 4 today.  I remember the day he was born.  He gave me the cutest little crusty look when I first saw him. It was like he was saying, hey, I was happy where I was, why'd you go and move me?  I can't believe it's been 4 years now.  Ikaika is the sweetest of sweethearts.  He loves to cuddle and give hugs and kisses.  His favorite person in the whole world (besides mom and dad) is his Grandma.  He has been known to save pieces of candy and treats just for her.  One day, while walking through JoAnn's he asked if he could buy a flower for grandma.  We did and she treasures his gift.  He is so thoughtful for such a young boy.  Of course he has his moments, but I wouldn't trade this boy for the world.  We love our little Kaika.

Ka'imi - 3 months

• had her induction into mortality with needing surgery for an infected tear duct

• loves polka dots (she went through a phase where she smiled whenever I showed them to her

• loves looking at mommy (I seriously feel like she is peering into my soul when she looks at me so intent)

• is getting better at a more routine nap schedule of 3 times a day

• beginning to enjoy playing with her floor gym toys as she bats at them and grabs them

• has fun being a part of kitchen life now that she can sit in her bumbo seat (I put her in it when I need to get food ready or do some dishes)

• prefers to be with people when she is awake rather than by herself

• despises rides in the car in her car seat

• is a momma's girl hands down

• is not a fan of being lifted in the air or coming down the stairs quicky

• still loves sleeping next to mommy

• regularly has giggle sessions when I play with her (I love nibbling her tummy : )

Healthy Baby = Happy Mommy

Yesterday, we did the spinal tap - though it ended up being unsedated.  In the end, I was glad it worked out that way. We have a great physician that has explained things so well and has helped us feel comfortable along the way.

This morning we prepared her for surgery.  All went well - each doctor we met (the ophthalmologist and the anesthesiologist) left us feeling like we were putting our princess in good hands.  The surgery went very well - we only had to wait a little extra long for her to wake up.

As soon as we saw her, we saw the huge improvement.  And even a few hours later she almost looked completely back to her old self.  It is so wonderful to see her looking better.
The doctor put a new IV on when she was sedated so she will not have to go through any more torture pokes.  That alone makes me feel so relieved and happy.

Both doctors have told me that if the other is okay with it we should be able to go home tomorrow.  I have decided that anywhere my babies are healthy is the happiest place on earth.

My Sweet 'Imi

I've told this intro to so many doctors, nurses and specialist, I've lost count.  Things have settled a bit and I can finally write about it for this blog.  I told Kyle it would be good therapy for me as well as getting support for prayers.

On Thursday, Ka'imi started having goopy eyes (I was not that concerned because she's had a little from the time she was born because of her blocked tear ducts).  On Friday, it turned from goopy to somewhat puffy and red on the skin area of her inner eye socket.  I was concerned enough to take her in to our doctor.  She prescribed eye drops for pink-eye.  I gave her the drops through the weekend, but she did not improve.  Starting Saturday she started fevering, though I did not know how high because I couldn't find our thermometer (the boys love to play with it).   Sunday night was a terrible night of no sleep, crying and higher fevers.  So, Monday, as soon as I could, I took her back in to the doctor.  She recommended we admit her to the hospital overnight to be monitored and get antibiotics through an IV.  We took her right in.
We got a room and it was time for tests to see what was going on.  It took 7 tries, 4 people and an hour and a half of Ka'imi screaming for her life to finally get an IV.  Babies this age are already hard to get an IV going because of the layers of fat they have developed.  It was seriously a living nightmare.  I felt so bad as she stared into my eyes, begging me to rescue her, but I also didn't dare let her go.  I wanted to be there for her.

We finally got the IV and another blood test.  It felt like torture after torture as they struggled to get her blood drawn and two failed attempts at getting a urine sample.  Ka'imi screaming the whole time.  The only time I let them take her away from me was to get the CT scan. They wanted to make sure the infection didn't spread into her brain or in her blood.  They explained that babies so young haven't developed their immune system completly and infections could spread easier than an older baby or child.

That first 24 hrs, I didn't really know what was going on.  I was hopeful when the ophthalmologist said she looked fine.  He thought the CT scan looked ok - that a cyst they saw on the CT scan was common.  The infection specialist disagreed and thought we should transfer to Primary Children's Hospital.

Wanting the best for her and not willing to take any chances of long-term damage, we made the transfer.  I was extremely upset, not really understanding what was going on.  I just heard a doctor say she had a cyst that looked like a third eye-ball.  Frightened and worried? yes.

It is funny to me how many people reassured me that we were going to the best hospital ever.  I think one person said, it was the happiest hospital on earth.  Our first 24 hours have been only a continuation of the nightmare.  I guess I should pause, realize and recognize that we really are blessed to have caught it relatively early and that it is as of right now a localized and superficial infection.  It could be so, so much worse.  I need to count our blessings.

But.  But . . . this poor girl has already been through so much and it only continued.  The iv she had went bad sometime during the transfer. That meant she would have to get another one.  We expressed our deep concerns to the staff, making sure they knew how hard it had been the day before to get an IV going.  Everyone said, oh, we have the very best, most experienced, it will only take one try, we promise your experience will be different this time.  Well, 5 tries, 4 people later, she finally had her IV coming out the top of her head.  They blew every vein they could see or feel in her arms, feet and hands. That is 12 times of terrible, terrible torture.  (Sorry, remember this is also me venting).

With the transfer I felt like we were two steps back - all these new nurses, doctors and specialist had to learn about her.  That meant not just me telling them what led up to this point, but more prodding and poking.  Ka'imi cried every time.  It felt like just when we got her settled from her trauma someone else was there for their turn to poke and prod.  I finally broke down and let the doctors and nurses know I was done (they were wanting to do a spinal tap next).

They finally decided that no more was going to be done that day (they were even considering surgery that day so I couldn't feed her).  We were allowed to rest as they decided what to do.

By the end of the day I finally had an understanding of what was going on and needed to happen.  Ka'imi had a cyst blocking the passage that drains her tears.  With standing tears and bacteria (bacteria that is normally present anyway), it caused the infection in her eye.  They thought it was best to just continue the antibiotics to get it past the acute phase of the infection. Then they will go in and clear the cyst and make sure the passage is clear so that it will not happen again.

Today, we will do the spinal tap with her sedated.  They don't usually, but I've made such a fuss about her comfort that they are going to.  They said it was a simple procedure without sedation and that most babies do fine, but I figured with our running luck I didn't want to chance it.

It was a rough night with seemingly endless checks and bothers.  I know they are just doing their jobs and being cautious, but a couple hours of sleep would have been nice.  The blood draw was also difficult.  I was relieved to see they weren't going to draw it with a needle, but would just prick her.  But even that wasn't so simple.  They pricked her finger only to find no blood would drip.  Three pricks to her heal, they finally got what they needed.

I feel like a mother lioness, on-edge, trying to protect my baby.  I know we are all on the same team, but boy has this been something I would not wish on anyone.  I couldn't sleep early this morning, so frustrated and upset.  I even prayed with all my energy that Heavenly Father would perform a miraculous miracle and make it all just disappear.

I feel better now.  She is sleeping and there is an end in sight.  Please keep her in your prayers.  I have already felt the power of friends and family praying in our behalf.
Thank you and please continue.

We love every kind of pink, but this . . .

My poor Ka'imi has gotten her first dose of mortality with getting "pink-eye."  What a stinky thing to have.  I feel so bad for her.  As our princess-and-the-pea child (my brother, Uwe says she gets upset when there is a wrinkle in her pants), she has been completely miserable.  But we have medicine and are praying that no one else in the family gets it, especially me (I am always just right next to her).  We'll have to wait and see.  I am sure no one is dying to see a picture of her right now - poor thing looks like she's been in a boxing match - so here are two darling pictures of her before she got sick that just make me smile.