We did :)
Thank you to all of you who have left supportive comments. For those of you who asked, Kahlei had Bronchiolitis which is a chest infection caused by a virus which, in this case is unknown.
To look at Kahlei today you would think she were a completely different child. She's happy, on the move and other than a runny nose and cough, well. If I hadn't been there through all the drama I might, in fact, be very sceptical if I were to see her as she is now! I am extremely happy that she has recovered so well, it's just been so crazy - it's hard to believe.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
McHappy Day
Tomorrow is McHappy Day here in Australia - be sure to pop out and buy a Big Mac, a Byron Bay Cookie House or a Crazy Straw. Or one of each!!!
You can also Donate online here.
Before needing accommodation in a Ronald McDonald Family Room, I knew very little about Ronald McDonald Charities and what they really did other than the fact that they helped families with sick children. I now have a greater understanding, appreciation and passion to raise awareness about Ronald McDonald Charities. We have always bought a Big Mac on McHappy Day, but from now on we will be donating online, purchasing the other products available and telling all who will listen about the importance of this charity. And we only needed a room for a few nights.
Be a part of this wonderful day tomorrow!!!
You can also Donate online here.
Before needing accommodation in a Ronald McDonald Family Room, I knew very little about Ronald McDonald Charities and what they really did other than the fact that they helped families with sick children. I now have a greater understanding, appreciation and passion to raise awareness about Ronald McDonald Charities. We have always bought a Big Mac on McHappy Day, but from now on we will be donating online, purchasing the other products available and telling all who will listen about the importance of this charity. And we only needed a room for a few nights.
Be a part of this wonderful day tomorrow!!!
Friday, November 13, 2009
It's Been a Long Few Days!
On Saturday Kahlei had a bit of a runny nose. By Sunday morning she had a horrid cough, swollen eyes and was unbalanced - she couldn't sit up without falling over. I spent the day nursing her and trying to keep her fluids up.
Monday morning came around and she was breathing very fast, with the occassional struggle to get a breath in. We took her to the Dr who rang the Emergency Department so that we could get straight in. Once there she was put on a bed and just laid there, out of it while things went on around her. She was put on oxygen and when that didn't slow her breathing they decided to send her to Canberra Hospital (2 and a half hours away). They put a canula in her arm, with me holding her body, James holding her head and Kahlei screaming. He tried one arm, but no one was holding her hand so she was able to get it out, so we had to switch sides. I was literally sobbing by the end of it.
We spent 7.5 hrs there before James and Kahlei were flown to Canberra and I drove up with Ellie. By the time she and I got there James and Kahlei had been settled in Canberra Hospital's ED, but hadn't been there too long. She looked shocking. And was just so flat.
Nurses came and went, checked her temperature and re-asked all the questions I had answered at home. We stayed in the ED until 2am before they moved us upto the ward. James practically hadn't eaten anything since breakfast and after being offered food and never getting it, he finally got some little sandwiches. We got settled and waited another hour before James's room at Ronald McDonald House was ready for him.
Finally, I was able to climb into the single fold out bed next to Kahlei's cot. I thought I would sleep, but Kahlei had a tough night, often trying to roll over and sleep on her belly only to find she had tubes everywhere.
Tuesday morning came all too soon. James came around but couldn't stay long, as he had a Drs appointment he couldn't skip and had to return home. Kahlei was miserable. She wanted cuddles but not for long before she wanted to go back to bed. Everytime she went back to sleep I tried to have a nap, too.
Mum, Caleb and Ellie came to see us - did I mention Mum had left work and driven to Canberra when I called her about it? No? And that Ellie was staying with them at a friends house?
Anyway, they came and Ellie was completely freaked by the tubes hanging off Kahlei and her red, swollen, flat look. She didn't want to go near her, but at the same time she wanted to make sure she was okay.
Doctors, students and nurses came and went throughout the day. Asking the same questions over and over. Mum took Caleb and Ellie shopping at rest time as Ellie had stayed long enough and needed a break. I tried to get some rest but kept getting interrupted by more doctors and students.
By the afternoon Kahlei was feeling a tad better and had excess energy and decided to explore her cot, which was good for awhile until she just wanted to go and go and go for hours! The problem was that James and I had to keep unwrapping her and stop her tangling herself up in all her cords. She went until 9.30pm, by which time she, James and I were utterly exhausted.
Another nearly sleepless night followed. Thankfully, though, Kahlei's oxygen was turned off at 10pm and her saturation was good all night. Wednesday morning Mum, Caleb and Ellie came back in to say goodbye as they were going home. As we didn't know how long Kahlei would stay in the hospital and with Ellie being so freaked we decided she would go with Nanna for a few extra days (she was going there Sunday).
After they were gone Kahlei had her nose prongs taken out and her foot monitor, so I sent Ellie a photo to show her she was going to be okay. Kahlei and I had a nap while we waited for Grandma to visit.
She got lost and eventually James went out to meet her and wouldn't you know it - doctor we'd seen most often and one of his students returned and said she could go home. He listened to her chest, said she was clear as and that she had recovered much faster than he had anticipated. I was a little nervous, as everyone I had seen before that had said that they would monitor her for 24 hours after having the oxygen turned off.
A nurse came in and took off all her bandages and removed the canular and by the time Grandma came up she was looking nothing like she had!
It took a little while to get organised and out of there but before I knew it we were on our way home.
I can't believe the last few days. Seriously. James and I are exhausted. Kahlei is happy to be home and able to play. She's still not 100% and I am glad to have a few days to concentrate on her recovery while knowing Ellie is safe and happy.
James and I would like to thank the Staff at our local ED, the NSW Ambulance Service (Justin + Mark), the NSW Air Ambulance, the ACT Ambulance Service (Gav + Taz) and the staff of Canberra Hospital for their help and support throughout this ordeal.
We would also like to thank Ronald Mcdonald House, without which the last few days would have been harder to get through.
Here are a few photos from our time - I didn't take any from when she was really ill, I was too worried, but now I kinda wish I had... Just to have a record of it.
Monday morning came around and she was breathing very fast, with the occassional struggle to get a breath in. We took her to the Dr who rang the Emergency Department so that we could get straight in. Once there she was put on a bed and just laid there, out of it while things went on around her. She was put on oxygen and when that didn't slow her breathing they decided to send her to Canberra Hospital (2 and a half hours away). They put a canula in her arm, with me holding her body, James holding her head and Kahlei screaming. He tried one arm, but no one was holding her hand so she was able to get it out, so we had to switch sides. I was literally sobbing by the end of it.
We spent 7.5 hrs there before James and Kahlei were flown to Canberra and I drove up with Ellie. By the time she and I got there James and Kahlei had been settled in Canberra Hospital's ED, but hadn't been there too long. She looked shocking. And was just so flat.
Nurses came and went, checked her temperature and re-asked all the questions I had answered at home. We stayed in the ED until 2am before they moved us upto the ward. James practically hadn't eaten anything since breakfast and after being offered food and never getting it, he finally got some little sandwiches. We got settled and waited another hour before James's room at Ronald McDonald House was ready for him.
Finally, I was able to climb into the single fold out bed next to Kahlei's cot. I thought I would sleep, but Kahlei had a tough night, often trying to roll over and sleep on her belly only to find she had tubes everywhere.
Tuesday morning came all too soon. James came around but couldn't stay long, as he had a Drs appointment he couldn't skip and had to return home. Kahlei was miserable. She wanted cuddles but not for long before she wanted to go back to bed. Everytime she went back to sleep I tried to have a nap, too.
Mum, Caleb and Ellie came to see us - did I mention Mum had left work and driven to Canberra when I called her about it? No? And that Ellie was staying with them at a friends house?
Anyway, they came and Ellie was completely freaked by the tubes hanging off Kahlei and her red, swollen, flat look. She didn't want to go near her, but at the same time she wanted to make sure she was okay.
Doctors, students and nurses came and went throughout the day. Asking the same questions over and over. Mum took Caleb and Ellie shopping at rest time as Ellie had stayed long enough and needed a break. I tried to get some rest but kept getting interrupted by more doctors and students.
By the afternoon Kahlei was feeling a tad better and had excess energy and decided to explore her cot, which was good for awhile until she just wanted to go and go and go for hours! The problem was that James and I had to keep unwrapping her and stop her tangling herself up in all her cords. She went until 9.30pm, by which time she, James and I were utterly exhausted.
Another nearly sleepless night followed. Thankfully, though, Kahlei's oxygen was turned off at 10pm and her saturation was good all night. Wednesday morning Mum, Caleb and Ellie came back in to say goodbye as they were going home. As we didn't know how long Kahlei would stay in the hospital and with Ellie being so freaked we decided she would go with Nanna for a few extra days (she was going there Sunday).
After they were gone Kahlei had her nose prongs taken out and her foot monitor, so I sent Ellie a photo to show her she was going to be okay. Kahlei and I had a nap while we waited for Grandma to visit.
She got lost and eventually James went out to meet her and wouldn't you know it - doctor we'd seen most often and one of his students returned and said she could go home. He listened to her chest, said she was clear as and that she had recovered much faster than he had anticipated. I was a little nervous, as everyone I had seen before that had said that they would monitor her for 24 hours after having the oxygen turned off.
A nurse came in and took off all her bandages and removed the canular and by the time Grandma came up she was looking nothing like she had!
It took a little while to get organised and out of there but before I knew it we were on our way home.
I can't believe the last few days. Seriously. James and I are exhausted. Kahlei is happy to be home and able to play. She's still not 100% and I am glad to have a few days to concentrate on her recovery while knowing Ellie is safe and happy.
James and I would like to thank the Staff at our local ED, the NSW Ambulance Service (Justin + Mark), the NSW Air Ambulance, the ACT Ambulance Service (Gav + Taz) and the staff of Canberra Hospital for their help and support throughout this ordeal.
We would also like to thank Ronald Mcdonald House, without which the last few days would have been harder to get through.
Here are a few photos from our time - I didn't take any from when she was really ill, I was too worried, but now I kinda wish I had... Just to have a record of it.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
50% Off Sale
Digiridoo Scraps is celebrating NDSD with a 50% off sale! Making my new kit just $2.50! Grab it and you get the FREE November Mega Kit, The Dark Side of Autumn :)
Off to watch a movie with Hubs.
Oh, a link might help - Click here :)
Off to watch a movie with Hubs.
Oh, a link might help - Click here :)
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Yeah
Had stuff to say, but now it's late. Ellie's only just gone to bed. I really need her to not stay up, as this is my time... So exhausted from 5.30am starts. And I bet you anything the girls will sleep in tomorrow as it's James's day to get up...
Friday, November 6, 2009
It's Happened!!!
I promised some exciting news and finally it has happened!! My first full kit is in (wait for it) my store at Digiridoo Scraps! Blessed is the result of a color pallette which reminded me of all the amazing, wonderful things I have in my life.
I am oh so very excited! It's awesome to see it in the store :)
To celebrate, I have a freebie mini kit for you guys.
You can grab Bright Side of Life here. I hope you like it! And don't forget to check out Scrappy Bits 'n Pieces by Becky (and buy my kit ;)
Here are some LOs using Blessed
by Jane
by Mumeroo
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Acting Like a Baby
We are having a frustrating issue with Ellie presently. She has started crawling around the house, babbling like a baby and copying Kahlei. She doesn't crawl and babble constantly, so that's not too much of a big deal. It's when Kahlei is doing something wrong and I am trying to tell her no that there's a problem. I will get Kahlei to stop and then Ellie will do the exact thing I've stopped her sister doing, even though she knows it's naughty. Then Kahlei thinks it's alright to continue as Ellie's just done it.
It is seriously starting to get on my nerves. I have spoken to Ellie, trying to convey the point that she is the older sister and needs to model appropriate behaviour for Kahlei instead of encouraging things we don't want her doing. Unfortunately, she doesn't seem to think I have a point.
I am at a point where I just want to pull my hair out! I am unsure about exactly what I should do. I am hoping my continued discussions with her about this will help... though, I am skeptical.
Maybe it is just a phase and it will pass without any repercussions... I just don't want Kahlei to pick up behaviours that we will struggle to correct!
If you guys have had any experiences with this type of thing I would love to hear your stories/comments/suggestions!
It is seriously starting to get on my nerves. I have spoken to Ellie, trying to convey the point that she is the older sister and needs to model appropriate behaviour for Kahlei instead of encouraging things we don't want her doing. Unfortunately, she doesn't seem to think I have a point.
I am at a point where I just want to pull my hair out! I am unsure about exactly what I should do. I am hoping my continued discussions with her about this will help... though, I am skeptical.
Maybe it is just a phase and it will pass without any repercussions... I just don't want Kahlei to pick up behaviours that we will struggle to correct!
If you guys have had any experiences with this type of thing I would love to hear your stories/comments/suggestions!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
...
Today was seriously stinking hot!!!
I might have some exciting news soon! Check back later in the week :) (No, I am not pregnant)
Tomorrow I will actually write a decent post. Promise.
I might have some exciting news soon! Check back later in the week :) (No, I am not pregnant)
Tomorrow I will actually write a decent post. Promise.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Soo
Here I am writing for day 2 of November! Woohoo, gooo me.
Ellie seems to be picking up, she's still a little under the weather but she's no longer miserable. I am feeling a little bleh, so maybe I've got it now.
Anyway, just wanted to check in! I know you're all pretty excited about that ;)
Ellie seems to be picking up, she's still a little under the weather but she's no longer miserable. I am feeling a little bleh, so maybe I've got it now.
Anyway, just wanted to check in! I know you're all pretty excited about that ;)
Monday, November 2, 2009
Happy November!
I can't believe it's November already!!! This year is simply shooting by.
I have decided to try and write everyday of November. Even if it's just a little thought or whatever...
Ellie is quite unwell at the moment. She's got red puffy eyes, a cough, runny nose and has had a temperature. Poor little love is not at all herself. This morning she fell asleep on the couch after not being up long at all.
The weather is warming up and it's shaping up to be one scorching summer. I've started filling a bucket with colored water and the girls have been loving that. Today Kahlei started filling up a container and drinking it. Or wearing it. And then she started eating watermelon with one hand and drinking from the other.
Okay, well, I have some scrapping to do :) If you want to check out my October Pixie LOs click here :)
I have decided to try and write everyday of November. Even if it's just a little thought or whatever...
Ellie is quite unwell at the moment. She's got red puffy eyes, a cough, runny nose and has had a temperature. Poor little love is not at all herself. This morning she fell asleep on the couch after not being up long at all.
The weather is warming up and it's shaping up to be one scorching summer. I've started filling a bucket with colored water and the girls have been loving that. Today Kahlei started filling up a container and drinking it. Or wearing it. And then she started eating watermelon with one hand and drinking from the other.
Okay, well, I have some scrapping to do :) If you want to check out my October Pixie LOs click here :)
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