It has been quite a while since I have updated!! Man, how I like reading blogs more than I like to update ours!! ha ha
I am recovering very well.....I wasn't sure the first 2 weeks if I had made the right choice, but I am feeling more confident that I did. I guess the first 2 weeks after most surgeries are rough.....I just had no clue how rough this one would be! I think that God protected me as I was not concerned with the pain that the surgery would cause (before surgery) I was worried about the anethesia and being out of comission as a mom....the pain was the last thing on my mind. Well, the pain was the worse part......I never had children, but they tell me it is like child birth, it hurts really bad but then you forget, so you have more children....thank God I won't have to have MY surgery again!! ha
My niece got married on November 29 to a great young man Michael Smith!! I was going to upload a photo but it was taking forever, so I will try later! We had such a great time in Michigan at the wedding. They are truly a lovely young couple who love each other and love God. It will be fun to see what God has planned for their life. Kaitlyn is one special lady.....cannot believe she is married....She is so happy to have a last name of Smith and hopefully, to never have to spell it to anyone!! Brown is a nice last name too!
Emma is home for Christmas break. She doesn't go back until Feb 3!!! She has put her name in the school to help as an aide,if needed. Yesterday she worked at the pre-school that Kaylee and Kylee went to. She loved it!! She is thinking about becoming a teacher, so this is good for her. She would make a great teacher!! Kory is still searching for a job in his field. Please pray for him. Kaylee and Kylee are in heaven having both their sister and brother here!!!
I better go and get ready for the day!!
Love to you all
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Surgery.....ugh!!!
Hello:
I notice that it has already been one month since I posted.....man, how time flies!
Last Tuesday (Oct. 28) I had a Prophylatic Bi-lateral mastectomy. I did this in hopes of never having to go through breast cancer like both my sisters did, within 7 months of each other. The surgery went well and I am happy to report that the tissue that they removed, showed no signs of cancer, pre-cancer, or tumors, which is GREAT news!!
I stayed in the hospital until Friday the 31. Long story short, I have been sick since Sunday. I am beginning to feel like myself today, FINALLY! I actually put my contacts in today and put makeup on. When the girls got home from school, Kaylee told me that I look good and that I look like myself. She says when I smile, I look like me again.
I have been so blessed by family and friends with meals, notes, and even house cleaing for 3 weeks from my employer. I cannot believe how generous people are in others times of need. I need to help others more!
I want to be able to share my experience with others and possibly help others make the same decision that I have made. If you ever know of anyone who would like to talk, please send them my way.
I had reconstruction surgery on the same day, so I am actually bigger now than ever!! ha ha I will still have another surgery in about February to put the inserts in, but for now, I won't even think about another surgery!!
Love to all,
Karla
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Phone call from Haiti via Georgia!
Last night I had a message to call this lady whom I have never heard of. I do have to admit, that I thought she may have a connection to Haiti due to her accent. I called her back and she told me that the girls bio aunt, was trying to get in touch with me. The lady on the other end of the phone, was the aunts good friend in Georgia.
The girls aunt, Naomi Pierre, is a darling (beautiful) little Hatitian lady whom took the girls to the orphanage right after her sister gave birth to them as the mom left and Naomi could not care for them. The LOVE that that Aunt had/has for those baby twin girls was so obvious. I was honored to meet with her about 3 times, if I recall correctly. When Rod and I went to bring the girls home, she showed up with her darling little boy Kevin, and she wanted us to adopt him too. It is out of love that they want us to adopt them.
Naomi has never asked us for anything except to adopt her son. This call, she is asking for help due to her losses with the hurricanes. She needs food and shelter. It breaks my heart to think that she doesn't have food to eat. She gave us the greatest gift when she allowed us to adopt her twin nieces. We want to be able to help her in her time of need.
If anyone else feels led to help her, email me at rkbrown98@comcast.net and I will tell you how to send money Western Union.
Last night it was very exciting as Kaylee and Kylee were able to talk, through the friend, to their bio Aunt. I am sure that Naomi was thrilled to hear their voice. I had Kylee tell her that she was Carlande in Haiti and Naomi said that she knew that because she named them!!! I had not realized that she was the one to name them.
It is a true blessing to be able to have contact with her, through an interpreter who speaks perfect english. I now have her address in Haiti as well as her phone number and even a phone number for a friend of hers in Haiti which must be skype as it will not be making an international call. Naomi told Kaylee that she hopes she can see her someday.
Rod asked me if it bothered me for the girls to talk to her. I told him that it does not bother me at all for a couple reasons. First, the love that she has for those nieces of hers reminds me of the love that I have for my nieces and nephews and I would never want anyone to keep me from a relationship with them. Second, I think it is wonderful for them to have contact with relatives from Haiti. I think it would be good for them to know their heritage. Not sure how we would ever go to Hatiti as Ky hates bugs and Kay cannot handle the heat, but God will work the details out when we are meant to see her again.
My heart is happy for Naomi today. I could hear in her voice how happy she was to talk to the girls. I have also emailed her a picture of the girls when they were in a wedding this summer.
Love
Karla
The girls aunt, Naomi Pierre, is a darling (beautiful) little Hatitian lady whom took the girls to the orphanage right after her sister gave birth to them as the mom left and Naomi could not care for them. The LOVE that that Aunt had/has for those baby twin girls was so obvious. I was honored to meet with her about 3 times, if I recall correctly. When Rod and I went to bring the girls home, she showed up with her darling little boy Kevin, and she wanted us to adopt him too. It is out of love that they want us to adopt them.
Naomi has never asked us for anything except to adopt her son. This call, she is asking for help due to her losses with the hurricanes. She needs food and shelter. It breaks my heart to think that she doesn't have food to eat. She gave us the greatest gift when she allowed us to adopt her twin nieces. We want to be able to help her in her time of need.
If anyone else feels led to help her, email me at rkbrown98@comcast.net and I will tell you how to send money Western Union.
Last night it was very exciting as Kaylee and Kylee were able to talk, through the friend, to their bio Aunt. I am sure that Naomi was thrilled to hear their voice. I had Kylee tell her that she was Carlande in Haiti and Naomi said that she knew that because she named them!!! I had not realized that she was the one to name them.
It is a true blessing to be able to have contact with her, through an interpreter who speaks perfect english. I now have her address in Haiti as well as her phone number and even a phone number for a friend of hers in Haiti which must be skype as it will not be making an international call. Naomi told Kaylee that she hopes she can see her someday.
Rod asked me if it bothered me for the girls to talk to her. I told him that it does not bother me at all for a couple reasons. First, the love that she has for those nieces of hers reminds me of the love that I have for my nieces and nephews and I would never want anyone to keep me from a relationship with them. Second, I think it is wonderful for them to have contact with relatives from Haiti. I think it would be good for them to know their heritage. Not sure how we would ever go to Hatiti as Ky hates bugs and Kay cannot handle the heat, but God will work the details out when we are meant to see her again.
My heart is happy for Naomi today. I could hear in her voice how happy she was to talk to the girls. I have also emailed her a picture of the girls when they were in a wedding this summer.
Love
Karla
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Asthma...the day after
I think that Kaylee is feeling better today. Not totally normal but almost! I didn't send her to school so that I could keep an eye on her. She will go back tomorrow though!
I wish that I was better at posting photos :-) I will work on that!!
Please continue to pray for Kaylee and please, please pray for Haiti. I have seen many photos lately of the devestation there........Unreal.......my heart breaks for the people there...they have so little to begin with....
Have a good night!
I wish that I was better at posting photos :-) I will work on that!!
Please continue to pray for Kaylee and please, please pray for Haiti. I have seen many photos lately of the devestation there........Unreal.......my heart breaks for the people there...they have so little to begin with....
Have a good night!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Asthma......Not a fun feeling
Today Kaylee had an asthma attack. She was having a hard time breathing so we went to her allergist. When we got there, the Dr said that she was pretty bad and we may need to go the hospital. They gave her a couple breathing treatments and some Prednisone, and she seems to be feeling a little better. She never did need an ambulance or a trip to the hospital, thank God.
That is a scary deal.......Kaylee is telling me that she can't breathe, and we are on our way to Rockford. I almost turned around but really wanted our Dr to see her, only to find out when we got there, that we really should have gone to the nearest ER. Next time I will know!!
Please pray for Kaylee!
Love
Karla
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Bullet point post!!
I think I like the idea of a bulllet point post. That way, I can say a lot and say a little at the same time!! Does that make sense?? Sure hope so!
...Kory graduated from college, in Nashville, in August. We all went down and had a great time!!
...We then travled to Auburn IL and spent time with Dad and Connie. Rod, Dad and I went to the Illinois State Fair while Connie, the twins and Emma went shopping. Not sure who had the most fun!!
...We were saddeded by the loss of Connie's dad, Loren, shortly after we left. We loved to go and visit him at the nursing home as he loved Kaylee and Kylee. He was a great man who will be missed.
...We took Emma to college in late August in Ft Wayne Indiana. She is attending Taylor University. We had a great time travleing with her and seeing her new pad etc.... She is very much missed around here. (not only our house but Kerstens, Grandmas the neighbors etc...)
...The girls started 1st grade. It is going well now. Kaylee didn't want to leave me but then I bribed her, so she is fine now!! ha ha
...Rod and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary while we were in Nashville. Boy that time flew by and Kory and Emma grew up.
...The twins are VERY EXCITED to be flower girls for the 3rd time when my oldest niece, Kaitlyn, marries Michael Smith on the 29 of November!!!!! We cannot wait either. They are a great couple and we are more than thrilled for them!!
...I watched a lot of the olympics this summer due to the fact that we were on vacation during that time. I really enjoyed them!!
...I also watched both of the conventions for the election coming up. I enjoyed them too!!! Interesting is what I will say here!!
...I have been talking with the twins biological uncle lately. He lives in Florida. The aunt that dropped them off at the orphanage loves our girls and I am happy to give them updates and photos. I sure hope that they can meet someday, but Kylee hates bugs and Kaylee hates heat so I hope that she can come here!!!
...On that note, please pray for my good friends in Haiti as well as all the other people who live/serve in Haiti. It is horrible to see the damage that the hurricanes have caused there. They need our prayers.
I am sorry it takes me so long to update!!!
Love
Karla
...Kory graduated from college, in Nashville, in August. We all went down and had a great time!!
...We then travled to Auburn IL and spent time with Dad and Connie. Rod, Dad and I went to the Illinois State Fair while Connie, the twins and Emma went shopping. Not sure who had the most fun!!
...We were saddeded by the loss of Connie's dad, Loren, shortly after we left. We loved to go and visit him at the nursing home as he loved Kaylee and Kylee. He was a great man who will be missed.
...We took Emma to college in late August in Ft Wayne Indiana. She is attending Taylor University. We had a great time travleing with her and seeing her new pad etc.... She is very much missed around here. (not only our house but Kerstens, Grandmas the neighbors etc...)
...The girls started 1st grade. It is going well now. Kaylee didn't want to leave me but then I bribed her, so she is fine now!! ha ha
...Rod and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary while we were in Nashville. Boy that time flew by and Kory and Emma grew up.
...The twins are VERY EXCITED to be flower girls for the 3rd time when my oldest niece, Kaitlyn, marries Michael Smith on the 29 of November!!!!! We cannot wait either. They are a great couple and we are more than thrilled for them!!
...I watched a lot of the olympics this summer due to the fact that we were on vacation during that time. I really enjoyed them!!
...I also watched both of the conventions for the election coming up. I enjoyed them too!!! Interesting is what I will say here!!
...I have been talking with the twins biological uncle lately. He lives in Florida. The aunt that dropped them off at the orphanage loves our girls and I am happy to give them updates and photos. I sure hope that they can meet someday, but Kylee hates bugs and Kaylee hates heat so I hope that she can come here!!!
...On that note, please pray for my good friends in Haiti as well as all the other people who live/serve in Haiti. It is horrible to see the damage that the hurricanes have caused there. They need our prayers.
I am sorry it takes me so long to update!!!
Love
Karla
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Deep (or not so) deep thoughts on the Ichthyosis Conference
I promised that I would share my thoughts on the conference that we went to, the last weekend in June. It was an awesome conference. The best part was that Kaylee met Alexis who has the same skin condition that she does. They looked more like twins than Kaylee and Kylee do.
It was wonderful to meet people who go through the same issues daily as we do. The baths, lotions, ointments, oral meds, eye drops, etc.....etc......etc....Maybe doesn't sound like that big of a deal but day after day after day...well....I think you see what I mean. Sometimes, I just wish that Kaylee "looked" identical to Kylee and we wouldn't have to go through this day after day after day...but, that was not God's plan for Kaylee and I really am ok with that. But wonder, why does this little girl have to suffer.........What do I say when she asks...Why did God make me this way...or I hate myself and I just want to die. She is only 6 years old. I always tell her how special she is and maybe someday she will be a skin Dr and help others with skin like hers.
Kaylee is a very confident little girl and Kylee is shy compared to Kaylee. Kaylee will just tell people "I have a skin condition" if they ask about her skin or her hair. She is quite the girl. We noticed at the conference that many of the people with Ichthyosis have great personalities. God has blessed them in spite of their conditions with their skin.
We met 5 other people with Netherton Syndrome. There were 3 girls and 3 boys of all different ages. Alexis has an older sister who also has NS. I am sure that their family will be a huge resource for us. I just loved her mom, Gail. I know that we would be good friends if they lived in Rochelle :-)
We saw so many children with so much worse skin issues than Kaylee has. One little girl with NS, is 3 and doesn't walk yet. She also has a feeding tube. Makes us realize how much worse it could be....so I vacilate (sp??) between, this is so hard AND it could be so much worse and probably feel both of those emotions in each and every day.
Then, there is the whole summer thing........Kaylee cannot handle being out in the sun/heat for long periods of time or even short periods of time. The sun and heat hurt her skin. If we are swimming, she is fine, until we are done. She wants to get that wet suit off as quick as she can. Right now, I can't even put into words the pain that I feel for Kaylee each time that she has to come in from playing with all the neighbor kids, cause she can't stand the heat or how at VBS this week, it is too hot for her, so she will have to go inside and cool off etc.....Just all the ways that she differs from the rest of the kids. Some how, I am feeling sentimental today.........
I feel like I have rambled here but thanks for listening!!
Please remember us in your prayers.
It was wonderful to meet people who go through the same issues daily as we do. The baths, lotions, ointments, oral meds, eye drops, etc.....etc......etc....Maybe doesn't sound like that big of a deal but day after day after day...well....I think you see what I mean. Sometimes, I just wish that Kaylee "looked" identical to Kylee and we wouldn't have to go through this day after day after day...but, that was not God's plan for Kaylee and I really am ok with that. But wonder, why does this little girl have to suffer.........What do I say when she asks...Why did God make me this way...or I hate myself and I just want to die. She is only 6 years old. I always tell her how special she is and maybe someday she will be a skin Dr and help others with skin like hers.
Kaylee is a very confident little girl and Kylee is shy compared to Kaylee. Kaylee will just tell people "I have a skin condition" if they ask about her skin or her hair. She is quite the girl. We noticed at the conference that many of the people with Ichthyosis have great personalities. God has blessed them in spite of their conditions with their skin.
We met 5 other people with Netherton Syndrome. There were 3 girls and 3 boys of all different ages. Alexis has an older sister who also has NS. I am sure that their family will be a huge resource for us. I just loved her mom, Gail. I know that we would be good friends if they lived in Rochelle :-)
We saw so many children with so much worse skin issues than Kaylee has. One little girl with NS, is 3 and doesn't walk yet. She also has a feeding tube. Makes us realize how much worse it could be....so I vacilate (sp??) between, this is so hard AND it could be so much worse and probably feel both of those emotions in each and every day.
Then, there is the whole summer thing........Kaylee cannot handle being out in the sun/heat for long periods of time or even short periods of time. The sun and heat hurt her skin. If we are swimming, she is fine, until we are done. She wants to get that wet suit off as quick as she can. Right now, I can't even put into words the pain that I feel for Kaylee each time that she has to come in from playing with all the neighbor kids, cause she can't stand the heat or how at VBS this week, it is too hot for her, so she will have to go inside and cool off etc.....Just all the ways that she differs from the rest of the kids. Some how, I am feeling sentimental today.........
I feel like I have rambled here but thanks for listening!!
Please remember us in your prayers.
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