PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket

August 14, 2011

Hospital Pictures!

I was totally *that mom* who hauled a big DSLR into Texas Children's for our stay.  I don't really think there is too much wrong with that.  We are about to have HUGE days - hello second chance at life.  It needs to be documented.

But, I definitely earned the title of "crazy mom with camera glued to her face" as I pulled out my camera to document Kate's fever. 

"Mom, my temp is up to 103.  Put that camera down and take this bow off of my head.  NOW."

Kate was still pretty pitiful on Wednesday but by Thursday, she was back to her normal self - charming the nurses and smiling for momma!!

All of our nurses were wonderful during our stay!  I'm glad that the BMT unit is small because it means we will see all of them again!  I will say, I did connect with a few more than others.  We absolutely loved two of our day nurses - Alex and Heidi.  Alex even stopped by on her day off to check on Kate!  Also, we had the same night nurse 2 of our 3 nights there (I believe her name is Cynthia but, I was so out of it over night that I could be wrong) and she want also amazing!!

Kate had a lot of TV time while in the hospital.  Feel free to judge but, you try entertaining a 1 year old, that has been placed on isolation and cannot leave her room, for 4 days, in a small hospital room.  TV becomes your BFF.

Watching Mickey!


By Friday, it was nearly impossible to contain Kate!  She was such a ham and was workin it for the camera!

She enjoyed snack time while watching more TV.  Again, feel free to judge but, until you've been in my shoes, you have no clue what life in the hospital is like.

She looks so big standing up here!

My beautiful girl - totally unphased by the hospital life!  She is my inspiration! 

I'm so glad I was *that mom* and had my camera to document the past week. 

Danielle, Kate's nanny, stopped by today and said Kate looked bigger - and I agree!  She seems so much more grown up this weekend!  Crazy to think we are just a few days away from her birthday!  This year sure has flown by!

30 comments:

Kelly said...

I was that mom when my son was hospitalized. I was worried about being judged, but I didn't care. It was part of his life, and I needed it. I treasure those pictures now.

Kate is so cute, and I love how greatly accesorized she was, even in the hospital. :)

Katie @ Loves of Life said...

Gorgeous photos honey. And I don't think anyone's looked quite as cute as her while in the hospital, EVER. She gets the award :)

Josephine said...

She's such a pretty little girl and would look so much better without those ridiculous gigantic bows that make her look like a birthday present.
BTW, do you wear ribbons in your hair?

PattyAnn said...

I love her and her gigantic bows! If she is a present, send her this way because it would be the best present ever! Xoxo!

Quinn said...

Her bows look wonderful! Clearly others don't understand adorable child fashion sense!!

Abra said...

Just throwing this out there: Braeson watches TV in the afternoon because I'm tired from work and need a 10 minute break. So the fact that you were stuck IN THE HOSPITAL and let her watch tv....well... I'm pretty sure if anyone judges you for that then they're ridiculous. You're amazing. Keep it up.

Elizabeth said...

Love the big bows and the big, beautiful eyes! She has such gorgeous eyes. What lovely photos. I am amazed that you can keep her entertained all day in a hospital room. That is quite the feat! Praying for your sweet family.

claire said...

That last picture is precious. Kate is so beautiful. Still praying for you guys!

Jenn said...

Love her big bows! Glad you were able to connect with some of the nurses, I'm sure that will make your stay just a little easier. And anyone who judges you for watching tv can kick rocks.

Megan and David said...

She does look SO big in that picture standing up. She looks like a little lady!

And her bows suit her little personality perfectly.

Oh, and TV is not evil - it can be educational and keep her entertained! Nothing wrong with that!

Megan said...

Just wanted to leave a note and say we've had a few 24 hour hospital stays (no big deal- I know!) and I have gotten Elmo DVDs from the library to entertain since there are only a few hours of "appropriate" 1 year old television. The DVDs let me pop it in whenever it was needed. Not sure how the germ factor of library check-outs would translate for you- but perhaps you could purchase a few DVDs?

Good luck to you! You all are in my thoughts often!

Nicole said...

So happy to see a smiling Kate - just adorable. And so happy you've been able to connect with some amazing women who will be taking care of your girl!

Lauren said...

For those of you wanting to offer your tips/opinions while Lindsey and her family at stuck in isolation, so that Kate can stay healthy enough to get her second chance of life, i.e. transplant: if you haven't walked in her shoes, you don't know. And if an adorable bow keeps Kate in routine and "dressed", it's not in your kid's head, so get over it. And if TV time occupies her and keeps her happy while in isolation, be grateful that she is having happy moments. And, just to clarify, "TV" just mean that she was watching something on the television, whether it be DVD, show, etc.
And if your great aunt's, cousin's, baby's daddy twice removed has walked a similar journey, please remember all journeys are different, as are treatment plans, and level of physician expertise.

Jennifer said...

Adorable! She's such a pretty girl. I'm sure hospital stays are tough when it comes to keeping kids entertained. We don't do TV either, but we sure did when we had to take Corbe.n to the ER (nothing serious). There is nothing to do in those small rooms and anything that distracts Kate from what's going on is a blessing. Try not to worry about what horrible people have to say. You're a great mom!

Anonymous said...

http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/BONE_MARROW_DONOR_08-03-11_UGPE2FK_v30.3f521.html

Hope this brightens your day.

Melissa said...

I know what you mean about the "hospital life"!! We were a month in the NICU and then when my daughter was 1 she had 2 more surgeries. My most hated part was the nurses coming in every 2 hours or so to check her stats which would wake her up.

She looks like she is doing great! Praying for you and Kate!!

kim said...

Awesome pics. She is so precious, and SO loved and prayed for!

Unknown said...

Kate is just adorable. I'm glad your brought your camera to the hospital. . . I would have done the same thing. Kate is in our prayers.

Shana said...

She is so gorgeous! I love all her bows. And people would be crazy to judge you for turning on the tv, you do what you got to do! You're a great momma, praying for you guys!

Lindsay said...

My god she is getting so BIG! Where did the last year go? REally where did the last 1 and 9 months go because I remember how excited I was for you when you got your BFP! Time flies. Saying lots of prayers for you all.

Ps. I LOVE the bows ;-)

Alyssa said...

I'm totally that mom, dragging my camera to the hospital for all 3 of my kids' surgeries. Not judging about the tv- been there, done that! Praying for little Kate and her 2nd chance at life! I have a Kate of my own and she's pretty special, too.

Jessica said...

She is so beautiful-sick or not! Hey, I totally understand the TV thing. When my sister was at St. Jude, I would come sit & watch movies with her for hours. It's about the only thing a confined toddler can/will do! Still praying for y'all!

Erin said...

It's OK to be that mom!! That's just what us moms do best! Kate is looking good! Lots of prayers for you all!

negrilbride07 said...

Hey L,

I'm so sorry you guys are having to go through this. My prayers are with you for continued strength and patience.

Elle (negrilbride07)

Andrea @ The Dawley Fam said...

What a trooper she is! I'm so glad she she is adjusting well! Continuing to keep y'all in my prayers!

Annie said...

your little lady could not be cuter!!! i am totally loving all the photos!!! so glad she is doing better and i would SO be that mom!! you have every right to be!!
p.s. i'm a newer follower. do you have a nanny because your hubs and yourself both work full time? is she a live in nanny? just curious for my families future. thanks for any words. we wouldn't have a nanny anytime soon but future wise. thank you! if i have a crossed a personal line do not feel obligated to answer.

Julie, an official blogger... said...

dear kate-
my mommy lets me watch alot of tv too...the days are long, theres not much else to do. thinking of you always, you are so pretty :)
love, ava

Unknown said...

Continuing to pray for Kate and your family.

Stay strong and lean on God, remember it is ok to cry.

Peace be with you

Unknown said...

I totally get the "watching TV!" I'm a pediatric RN and being cooped up in a hospital room all day with a toddler can drive you and her a little stir crazy :)
And I would SO be that mom that documented every temp, surgery, etc.
Praying for comfort and peace for your family and Kate!

BTW I LOVE that 2nd picture of her. She's just adorable :)

Anonymous said...

Kate is so adorable and perfectly styled. I can't believe someone bothered to comment on an apparel preference. Those balloon pictures are incredible. As for the tv, you do what you can to make it easier for the two of you because you both deserve it.

Blogging tips