Farewell 2011 .....

Wow, I can't believe that I am writing my final blog of 2011. What a crazy year this has been! There are so many things that I will remember for the rest of my life. The ones that had the biggest impact on my lifer were sitting in my brothers hospital room, and waiting for his heart to beat for the last time of his life. Second, was God giving me the most handsome healthiest baby boy. Two events that have changed my life..

With those two being huge events there are tons of other things that happened in 2011. Here are just a few to remember..


Both of my Daughters Birthday's 
Family vacation to Maryland
The amazing Gender reveal party 
The last time speaking to Andy ( October 29th) 
Kansas City Trip with Tony's parents, and Krissy
Lillian learning to ride a bike for the first time 
Kerrington being potty trained 
Taking the girls to all their swimming lessons with Lane 
Baby Shower given by Sheree
Shopping trip with my Mom after finding out the gender or Campbell 
My two hospital stays while pregnant
Learning to make my own laundry detergent ( Im still using it) 
Campbell's first Christmas 
Going to Wickman's Garden fall festival for the last time as a family of four 
Watching my brother Gregor hang pom pom's for various parties 
The birth of my best friends first child 
My nephew's first birthday
Becoming closer as a family, and a great story to be told that Andy left us with. 

These are just a few of events that were so memorable. There were much more. I am looking forward to 2012, and hoping it's a less eventful year for us. I wish the best of year to all my family and friends, and thank you all for your love and support this past year. We are truly blessed to have all of you . Happy New Year!!! Bring it on 2012... 

This picture if Property of Owens Photography, Springfield Missouri

Movie Night

A couple weeks ago Lillian's school hosted a free movie night for the showing of The Drummer Boy (veggie tales) . All of us were invited. I decided not to take Campbell with us. My Mom was kind enough to keep him while we attended the show.We carried in blankets and pillows, and headed for the gym floor. Lillian's school provided drinks, popcorn, and goldfish. When checking in for the movie the teachers handed out tickets for raffles. Unfortunately, we were not one of the lucky winners. Better luck next time. We had a great time just the four of us. It reminded me how easy it was with three kids. I found myself getting a little bored, and eating tons of popcorn. I am so glad I now have three little ones to take care of. I already can't imagine what life would be like. 

The movie was great, and the girls deserved a night out with Tony and myself. They really enjoyed all the attention without any bottles or diapers around. It was the perfect date night with my girls. 

Christmas 2011

Christmas this year was like no other year before. I had a mix of emotions the entire holiday season. I was so sad to not have my brother with me this year, but at the same time I had 6 week old healthy preemie baby at home with me. I experienced such a high and such a low at the same time. It was hard to grasp Andy not being there with us. Very weird feeling I don't know how to explain. It was a Christmas I will never forget. 


The girls had a great Christmas. They got some great gifts. Santa brought Lillian a princess guitar, and Kerrington a cars play set she wanted. We could not be with Tony's family on Christmas so they shipped their gifts to us. They will for sure be busy for a while. Campbell got lots of things he needed. Our elf stayed until the very end. I found myself getting a little sad when I had to put her up for a year. Tony and I really enjoyed placing her around the house, and surprising the girls. 

December was a pretty calm month. I am thankful that I finally got some down time this month. I hope everyone of you had a Merry Christmas. Enjoy the pictures .

 

Poppy gives girls $10.00 each

The girls were at my parents house the other day when Poppy gave the girls each $10.00. They were thrilled. We never give them money so this was a special treat for them. Tony's parents have given them money one time too. Those are the only two times I can think of that they were given money. Lilllian and my Mom were talking about the money, and it was decided that Lillian would get Poppy a Christmas present with it. She could hardly wait to get to the store to purchase my Dad something. Kerrington was also very excited to get Poppy something too. 

This morning the three of us headed out the door to Walmart. Tony stayed back with Campbell. We got to Walmart and Lillian decided she would buy something for Nana too. Lillian told me she would spend $5.00 on Nana, and $5.00 on Poppy. I got to thinking she did the math in her head. I had no idea she could do numbers that high in her head! I will not share what the girls got them, but it was very fun. I was so happy they were willing to spend money on others , and not for them. Next year I want to adopt a family. I think it would be so much fun, and such a great learning experience for the girls.Hope you enjoy the pictures of our shopping trip. 

Dear Girls

 Dear Lillian and Kerrington, 

               What a year we have had! Mommy and Daddy have turned your world around by giving you a little brother. We are so proud of how well you take care of him. The both of you have been troopers through it all. Mommy was in the hospital three times, and you both handled it well. Kerrington, you still ask me everyday if I am going back to the hospital. I love how much you care, and always want to take of Daddy and myself. You are such a sweetheart. 
Lillian, We are  so proud of you. Campbell is so lucky to have you have you as his big sister. You are such a smart girl. Thank you for always making us laugh. You are my big girl! 
Mommy and Daddy love you both more than you will ever know. You both bring more smiles and laughs then anything. Our lives would not be complete without the both of you in them. Like Daddy always tells you both, " I'll always love you no matter what."  We love you girls! 

       Love, 
 Daddy & Mommy 

Lillian's Christmas Program

Last week Lillian's preschool hosted a Christmas program followed by an art show. The kids sang about 4 songs, and then we went into the gymnasium to look at Lillian's artwork. I was so proud of all her hard work. She was very excited to have all of us at her school to watch her. Lillian showed off her brother to all her friends and teachers. Kerrington cheered for her after each song. I came home with Campbell after the program, and Lillian went for some ice cream afterwards. I am so glad Lillian gets to go to preschool three times a week. They have a great program, and it gets her away from my Mom for a bit. Everytime I post about her school I can't help but to think I will have a Kindergartner next year! Where in the world has time gone? 

I enjoyed every second of her little program. It brought many smiles to my face. Good job Lillian! 

Campbell is one month old!!

I know I am a little late posting this, but I have just been really busy. I can't believe our little guy is over a month old now. He is doing great. On Thursday the nurse came out to our house to get his vitals, and to give him his second Synagis shot. The Synagis shot is given to all preemies 35 weeks and younger. It is to protect against the RSV virus. These shots can only be given through a home health agency due to cost of the vaccine ( $3,500 per shot). He will be given one every 28 days until the end of flu season. Thank goodness for insurance. 

Campbell now weighs 6lbs 11oz, and is 20 inches long. He is staring to go a little longer in between feedings, and is taking closer to 4oz per feeding. We are still giving him the higher calorie formula, and he is still using his special needs bottle which is for babies who have a hard time eating. I will be taking him to the speech therapists on the 19th of this month to discuss if he's ready to transition over to a regular bottle. He will be getting his next set of labs done on his kidneys the end of this month too. We are staying pretty busy! I am looking forward to less appointments, and healthy kidneys.


Sleeping? Well, what's that? I am getting some sleep. Tony is a night owl so he's stays up to do the late feeding around 11pm, and I follow with the rest. I have been trying to go to bed between 8 and 9. I look extremely forward to the weekends, because Tony is home. Today, all 3 kids took a 3 hour nap at the same time. Tony and I also got a 3 hour nap. I was very thankful for that nap. It was way overdue for the both of us. 


The girls and I went to Barnes and Noble Friday night for story time. It was The Polar Express. My Mom met us there. It was nice to get out of the house with the girls. Tonight I took them out again, and we went and looked at Christmas lights. The really wish they had lights on their house. I enjoy just looking at them. As we approach this holiday season I am looking forward to seeing my three children on Christmas Day, and celebrating my brother's first Christmas in Heaven. I can only imagine how awesome that will be for him. I am so thankful for Tony's and I families. We love them all so much, and are very lucky to have such great support. As always enjoy the pictures. 

December is Here!

December is one of my favorite months out of the year. I love all the family time. I am excited for Campbell to have his first Christmas. He will have no idea what's going on, but I know I will never forget. He will be getting presents even though he won't know. The girls will love opening presents for him. They both have asked me what Santa will be bringing him.  I will take lot's of pictures, and he will later in life appreciate what he received on his first Christmas. With December here that also means Penelope is here too. Penelope is our elf. Everyday she appears somewhere new. Sometimes she's gets into lots of things. She watches the girls everyday, and reports back to Santa. This morning the girls woke up to her dragging toilet paper clear across the bathroom. They thought it was really funny. Every night we ready a story about her.  Each night after they are asleep I will move Penelope to a new place. We started this tradition two years ago. My Aunt Sharon got all the kids started on it. It's something we all look forward to year round, and I hope my kids will do it with their kids too. 


Today, marks one month from when my brother went to his real home. I miss him so much everyday. I am very happy for him, and I know he's having the time of his life. I can't wait to be with him again someday. As I go through the month of December I plan to cherish every moment with my family and friends. I will look around my house and be thankful for the things I have, and thank God everyday for blessing us  with three wonderful children.  I will try not to shed tears, because Andy's celebrating Christmas with Jesus this year. I have a lot to be thankful for this year, but I have to say I am so ready for a new year! 


Tomorrow Tony and I will be taking Campbell to a kidney specialists in Kansas City. I am hoping for great news, and better answers. I have heard wonderful things about Children's Mercy. I had my choice between St. Louis or Kansas City. I picked Kansas City, because the drive is shorter. I will post an update when we get back. I will also try to keep up on the blogging. Here is a picture of Penelope, and Happy December!

 

Campbell Update

Wow, where does time go? It has been so long since I have last blogged. Time really gets away from me. I hope I can get back into the grind of things soon. 

Campbell had his first checkup yesterday since leaving the intensive care at St. Johns. He now weighs 5lbs 5oz, and is 20 inches long. He is eating 3oz every 3hrs. He is taking soy formula, because his Doctors were concerned about a possible milk allergy. I think he's liking the soy. I will say it makes his bowel movements smell horribly. He does not seem to mind though. Campbell is still taking his medication for his kidneys. In addition to the medication he is on an iron supplement, and multivitamin. The pediatrician is referring us to a Nephrologists ( kidney specialists) at Children's Mercy in Kansas City. Springfield does not have one. We should be finding out this week when our appointment is set for. I'm crossing my fingers hoping everything turns out well. He is still not sleeping the greatest. I keep telling myself that this does not last forever, and soon he will be a two year old running around. I will soon miss the nights of endless rocking. 

I will be the first to tell you I am horrible at changing his diapers. I am just not use to having a boy yet. I usually end up getting peed or pooped on every time. In time I am sure ill be a pro. I really am enjoying having a little boy. I can already tell how different it is. 

The girls love him so much. Lillian just wants to sit and hold him all the time. She is always running to him when he cries. Kerrington is also very sweet to him. We had a great Thanksgiving, and it was so nice having all three of our children under the same roof. We are truly blessed, and really do have so much to be Thankful for this year. Thank you to everyone who has kept us in their prayers, and are continuing to keep us in your prayers through this holiday season.  We love you all! 

Thankful for days 12-13

These two days I am really thankful for getting a night out with my Mom. Saturday night  we went to Campbell's 5:00 feeding. After his feeding we went to dinner at Millie's, and to then to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. It was hands down the best concert I have ever been to. All the lights they use during their show are amazing. I felt like I was at a rock concert. We had amazing seats really close to the stage. 

It was really nice to get away from the hospital, and do something fun. Thank you Tony for the tickets. I really had a great time. I hope to go again next year. 

Thankful for day 10-11

Wow, it's so hard to keep up with blogging right now. The NICU has taken all of my time. I am so thankful for my two beautiful girls. Nothing makes me happier then to come home, and hug and kiss on them. I feel so lucky to be their Mom. I can't believe how big they have gotten. No matter what kind of day I am having I can always count on them to put a smile on my face. There has been so much that has gone on these past couple of months, and they have handled it like troopers. I can't wait for normalcy. I also can't wait to see them with their little brother. 

Lillian has become quit the big sister. Sometimes I have to get on to her, because she is trying to play the parent role. She is so good with Kerrington. Her intelligence continues to amaze me. She is my little firecracker. 

Kerrington is my mellow girl. She will sit on the couch, and cuddle for a long time. She really can't wait for us to bring Campbell home. In past couple months she has wanted so bad to take care of me. Kerrington is my little sweetheart that never wants to pick up her toys. 

I love my girls very much, and can't picture my life without them. They have definitely changed my life, and make me one proud Momma. Love you girls. 

Thankful for day #7-9

Wow, what a great couple days we have had. I am so thankful for my sweet little man. Campbell Kwangdae Lee was born November 7th, 2011 at 9:10pm. He weighed 5lbs 5oz, and 19". I am so happy he's here. Although I am at home, and he's in the NICU. We don't know at this point for how long. I am just so happy he's here, and doing well. I can't wait to bring him home to his sisters. Campbell, are you ready?

Thankful for Day #6

So, most people find one thing to be thankful for on each day of November.  Since it is November 6th, most of you are on day 6, but I'm starting today.

I am so thankful for so many things right now. It's hard just to name one. Today I am going to start off with Tony. We have been through a lot this past month, and he has been so supportive. He's left in the middle of patients when I needed him the most. He was by my side at the hospital with my brother. He helped me stay strong. When I was upset, he brought me up. He's been having to do extra work at home too. I am looking forward to a much calmer month. We could both use some rest before Campbell's arrival. If he does decide to come early, we are ready. Thank you Tony for all your support. We are very lucky to have you.

Trick or Treat

I am so happy that my girls got to go trick or treating. I was not sure it was going to pan out with my brother being in the hospital, but it did. Since I am am on bed rest, I knew I would not get out much. Lillian changed into several of her dresses before deciding on Minnie Mouse. Kerrington was Nemo.

I did manage to go to a couple of houses on our street with them. Mallori came over and helped Tony take the girls out while I relaxed at home. They had so much fun. Lillian was a great big sister. She walked Kerrington up to each door and walked back with her. It was so sweet to watch.

The girls were out for a while when I received a call from Tony saying he thought Kerrington was way too tired to walk home. I left to pick them up, and we came home to pass out candy. Thank you Mallori for coming over. 

I can't believe that next Halloween, I will have three little ones to take trick or treating. I hope my Mom does not have any plans. Enjoy the pictures.

Love and Support

My brother Andy went to be with the lord on November 1st at 4:28pm. I will never forget standing by his bed, and watching him take his last breath. I was surrounded by My parents, Tony, three brothers, and their significant others. It was really hard to grasp. I know that he is in a much better place, and for that we are rejoicing. We have had so much support. There is no way to thank all of you individually. All the flowers, cards, phone calls, text, and emails have been greatly appreciated. In the past week I have learned three really great things:

1. We have an amazing God
2. My Mother is an amazing strong Woman
3. We have truly been blessed with a great family


Yes, I do miss my brother very much. I am so happy for him, because he's in a great place. I can't wait to share stories about him with my three children. What great memories he has created. Thank you again for all your support. I really have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. 

Broken Heart

After posting about my great Birthday weekend I never knew I would be facing something so terrible the next morning. It was 6:15am on Sunday October, 30. Tony's phone rang ( mine was on silent) .  I knew the minute he picked it up that it was my Mother. I could hear her voice. She told Tony that we needed to get to the emergency room asap, because my brother Andy was in the hospital not doing well. I quickly got dressed and was with my Mother in 20 minutes. We were the first ones to arrive. My Dad was out of town. I could not get a hold of Gregor. We finally got in contact with him by getting a hold of his roommate. Right after I got there my Aunt Carol and Jennifer were there shortly after followed by Josh, Cheri, and Rachelle. They finally let us go back and see Andy after waiting for an hour. This is when it finally hit me. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I could not keep it together. I stood with my Mom looking at him, and telling him how much I loved him. He was hooked up to so many machines,his eyes were wide open. I was unable to stay a long time, because I was worried about myself. The patient coordinator helped me walk myself back to the waiting room,and other family members took their turn. Tony at this point was at home with the girls until Sheree got to our house to pick them up. 

We have been told by two Docotors and several nurses that Andy won't make it through this. At this point it's just become a waiting game. My Mother continues to amaze me through this. She has been the strongest one for everyone. She has such a strong faith, and I know we will get through this as a family. We will have good days, and I know we will have really bad days. My emotions have taken over me entirely. Being pregnant is not helping either. I spent all day at the hospital with Andy until I was forced to go home and rest at 7pm. I know I need to rest, and still follow bed rest guidelines. I really don't need Campbell to make his appearance at this time. 

My brother Andy aka "Bub" means the world to me. He is one of the most caring people I know. Llillian and Kerrington also love him so much. Another battle I don't want to face is telling the girls. This will be so hard for me . At this point they don't know anything. Andy has been so good to the girls. I am lucky he has spent so much time with them filling in at a my Moms daycare as she has been attending to me.

I hope Andy continues to rest well at the hospital until the Lord decides it's his turn to go. I will keep those updated as things change.Please continue to pray for my family as we go through this difficult time. 

I love you Andy!

My Birthday Weekend

Thank you all so much for all the Birthday wishes. I had a great Birthday. I spent all day Friday relaxing at home by myself. Friday night I went to my parents house for a steak dinner cooked for me. My Mom also purchased my favorite cake ( Dairy Queen). I finished off the night by opening presents and watching the Cardinals win the World Series. What an awesome game. My girls sang Happy Birthday to me several times. It really was a great day. 

Saturday was jam packed, and I am one tired girl. We relaxed at home in the morning, and picked up a couple of pumpkins before going to lunch at  Haruno's with Josh and Cheri. After lunch the girls had a Birthday party to go to at Springfield Gymnastics.  They had a great time at the party, and burned lots of energy. After the party we came home, had dinner, and carved two pumpkins. I also surprised Lillian with putting pink in her hair. The color will wash out as soon as she takes a bath. I was fixing her hair, and told her I was putting hairspray in it. When we were all finished she wanted to look in the mirror. When looking into the mirror her mouth was wide open, and she was speechless for about 30 secs. She loves her pink hair, and looks in the mirror about every 5 minutes. I asked Kerrington if she wanted pink hair, and she's scared to death of it.  We had a much needed great Saturday.


October is coming to an end very soon. It has been a really rough month for me physically and emotionally. There were so many things I was looking forward to doing with the girls. I wanted to take them to the pumpkin patch, fall festivals, and trick or treat. They will still go trick or treat, but without me. It has been really hard not just reach over, and pick them up. I really miss that the most. On the bright side I still have Campbell growing, and becoming stronger everyday. I hope November goes a little smoother. I am very thankful to still be pregnant, and at home with my family. Bring it on Novemeber we are ready! Happy Halloween to everyone.