Thanksgiving 2008

We spent Thanksgiving Day in Logan, Utah with my Father in law and Brennen's sister Magen and her Husband. We had a fun day! Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.

We have a little peanut on our hands !!!!

Yesterday I took Kaitrynn for her 2 week weight check appointment. She has weighed 15 lbs the last 4 weeks. Her weight yesterday was 14 lbs and 14oz. She will be 11 months on the 18th of this month. She is just a little peanut. The Dr. isn't one bit worried about her weight. She is eating 4 to 6 containers of baby food a day and loves anything we give her. This week I gave her a taste of a Dill pickle. She loved it she is my kind of girl. With the Summer months and her swimming I should say kicking her feet in the water and with her being the age she is moving a lot they are happy with her progress. She says" U OOOO" now and it is so .... cute. She will say it most times on demand. It has been a real joy having her in our home.
Brooklynn starts school on the 25th of August. She is hoping for a better school year this year. She has had a fun summer playing with her sister and friends. This week she asked me "Mom how old will I be when Kaitrynn is 7 years old. " I told her she would be 14 years old. She responded "O " "I will still love her and want to play with her." These two do have a special bond and they are sisters forver.

A bucket on the head !!

Bucket on the head ! The sisters were playing together !

No news is good news these days :)

Kaitrynn had her annual weight check today. No news is good news. She weighed in at 15lbs 0 oz. She didn't gain anything from the last visit 2 weeks ago. The Dr. called this afternoon and we came up with a plan.

* eat rice cereal 3 times a day with her fruit and vegetables
* have her on the pump every other night

She said babies at this age usually slump with their weight since they are moving around and such. She is in the pool a lot kicking her feet around. Our goal is to have her at least gain 3 ounces two weeks from now. She is doing well and is so fun to have in our home.

Brooklynn is bored, I am so ready for school to be back in. I wanna spend a couple of days at the church sites in Salt Lake. I think Brook would enjoy some of those. Have a great week all!!!!!!

where's Mamma when you need her ?????

We have had an interesting 24 hours at the Harris household. I started out yesterday afternoon going down to Orem to help my younger sister Kelly. We cleaned out the garage and took a truck load of stuff to the dump. We decided that there are jobs that girls can do, but we are convinced that this is one of those jobs that are for the "BOYS". My parents have been in Germany the last 2 1/2 weeks, and Dad would be proud if he had seen what Kelly, and I had done this week at her house. Last Saturday her and I unloaded,and carried 13 bags of 2x2 of peat moss into her backyard, and then laid it all. We looked at each other that day, and said we aren't as young as we use to be.We went to Chillies that night for dinner . We got a table and sat down. I fed Kaitrynn her dinner while we all took a look at the menu. She ate really well and we all commented on her eating. Just as our food was brought to our table, Kaitrynn began vomiting everywhere. When I say everywhere I mean EVERYWHERE. Once she was done my sister and I took her into the bathroom. I never feel like a restaurant bathroom is ever that clean and sanitary, but what choice do you have in that situation. Kelly and I began to clean her up. Off came her outfit into a to go bag. Kelly was a sweet heart and cleaned up the worst in the car seat while I got Kaitrynn dressed. I was thinking the whole time that I was so grateful that Kelly was there to help me. W e had her and everything all cleaned up ready to put on the onsie. We put it over head and got ready to snap it, and OUT CAME HER BUTTON ( her feeding tube button ) on to the floor it fell. The first thing out of my mouth i s "Kelly we gotta get her to the ER". Kelly and I had eaten 2 bites of our dinner :( . We raced out to our table and explained the situation to our guests and we were off to Utah Valley Emergency Room. Once again I was at ease I had the best Nurse Practitioner in the world and we were going to the hospital that she use to work at. The urgency to get to the hospital was that if the hole in her stomach is left open anytime with out anything in it, the whole begins to close rather quickly. We walked into the ER, they take one look at her and said you will need to take her to PMCH. By this time I was feeling like a bad Mom, because I have the emergency stuff at home, but didn't think to bring it. Make a long story short they put a 8 inch french tube into the hole to keep it open for us. It was now 8:45 pm and we were off the PMCH in Salt Lake. Kelly was gracious enough to drive up there with me and be with me during this time. We get there and they get us right in and right into a room. Then the waiting begins. We wait we wait and we wait some more. They are prone to this do to the high volume of children that they see. Finally at 11:30 pm they come in to assess the situation. They determine that the hole has started to close a lot. They get a new button and try placing it. This was a unpleasant experience for us all. Brooklynn just fell apart crying when she could see and hear that her sister was in so much pain. This is the time when you need to be Strong and be strong for your girls, but the whole time I was thinking where is my Mom? Kelly had to leave before they came in to do this procedure. They determined that they couldn't get the Button back in, that I would most likely have to wait until the morning and come back and have them put it in in the office. The thought Came to me I just paid a co-pay and got now where tonight. Then I thought no it was good for them to check the site. We were discharged and home by 1:00 am this morning :0 ) . I got up bright and early this morning and called Dr. Myers office. They were in clinic today. That was a great thing :). I went in and the nurse Krissy who is an R.N. got the button back in, but not with out deadening first. They then had to dilate the area with a much bigger dilator. Thank goodness the button went in the first try. Thanks to my cousin Ann Harris for watching Brooklynn. I couldn't bring myself to take her with me and see her sister in that much pain. This experience of my Mom and Dad being in Germany had made me appreciate Mother's even more. Just to know they are there or just to know they are a phone call away. I am 34 years old and I still need my Mom at times in my life. This whole Kaitrynn experience has been a growing one. I am so grateful to my parents and my family and friends. I know I keep making mention of it, but I really couldn't have done this last 10 months with out you. Stay tuned and we shall see what the next week holds in store. We welcome Mom and Dad home on Tuesday. That will be a relief to have them home. I love you Mom and Dad !!!!!!!

Kaitrynn is 15lbs

Kaitrynn had her weekly weight check today, and as you can see it went well. She gained 6 oz this week. We have graduated to going for weight checks every 2 weeks now. Hooray for Miss Kate. Mommy is so proud of you. She is officially Sitting Up!!! She is still a little wobbly at times , but she can sit.

Mom has been playing with her camera again and took these photos of Kaitrynn for her 9 month photos. Whatcha all think?

"Our little Miracle"

Grandpa and Grandma Wosnik have been gone to Germany for two weeks now. Kaitrynn has done, so much in the time they have been gone! Will they even know who she is when they come home. We miss them so much, but are glad that they are having the time of their lives.

Mom's Favorite Photo

We have hit a huge Milestone today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kaitrynn had her annual weekly weight check today. She has started teething this week, so I didn't think that she would have gained as much as she did. It looks like she is getting her 2 bottom teeth. It is at the early stages, but the wonderful signs are there. The scale said she weighed

14 lbs 10 0z she gained 10 oz this week. Way to go Kaitrynn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brooklynn is enjoying her summer playing outside and swimming. She is also enjoying staying up late and sleeping in each day. I have had fun this week connecting with old friends and family on the Facebook. My friend and I are starting to teach water aerobics to the older ladies in my condos tonight. That should be a lot of fun. Have a great week all ! We love you !!!!!!!

4th Of July 2008

4Th Of July Parade Provo, Utah











Brennen and Brooklynn hanging out at the
Provo parade. Brooklynn is looking a little
scared here do to the cannons. She made it
through that and enjoyed the parade.










Kaitrynn is our 14lbs girl sitting on her aunt Kelly's
lap at the parade. Kelly and I were both kind of worried
that she may cry at all the noise. She sat there the entire
time and enjoyed the show. She didn't even cry one time.
She liked the big balloons. The ones you see on the Macy's
day parade. They had 3 of them in the parade. Brooklynn's
favorite thing was able to give Governor John Huntsman a
"HIGH" FIVE" . When she was done she turned to my sister
Kelly and said, "did I just hit the Presidents hand"? She knew
he was an important person.

Before we ended our day in Provo we did some fireworks at my sisters house. Thanks Kelly for letting us come and have a sleep over and play with you. We all had a real great time. Kelly has a wonderful home with one sweet "Buddy" her dog. We had homemade ice cream and watermelon and had an old fashion water balloon toss. We all walked away laughing and wet. Thanks again Kelly we love you!!!!!!!





Brooklynn and Dad having a water balloon toss. I wonder who will win this one?

Happy 4TH of July To YOU ALL !!!

Kaitrynn's 9 Month Check Up

Wow I cannot believe that we are at 9 months. Okay in some ways I take that back. It has been a long.... nine months. I am so grateful for these two amazing girls. They each have such a sweet spirit about then and are both great girls. I know I always say this, but Brooklynn is the Best Big Sister in the world. She just gets in there and just does things to help out with Kaitrynn. She has changed many many poopie diapers with out me even knowing about it. She does a great job at it too. She loves to go to the Dr. with me and she the progress her sister is making. She is always concerned for her well being. She loves that Kaitrynn gets to be her roommate and sleep with her.



Kaitrynn got a great review this last week. We love our "LISA". She is our Nurse Practitioner at Dr. Coombs office. Kaitrynn likes to go and see her. I can always tell she enjoys being there by her smile and her body language. Here are the details of our visit. She has made some great progress.

Head: was 17 1/8 inches = 50 percent on the growth charts.
Her length: was 26 1/2 inches. She was 24 3/4 at her 6 months check up. She definitely has gotten longer.

Her weight : Now this is a different story? She still goes each week for a weight check. I took her last week Tuesday. She was 14lbs 1 oz. That was great she had gained 6 oz that last week. When we went back 3 days later on Friday, she was 13 lbs 15 oz. Needless to say she is not even on the growth charts yet for weight. She will get their some kids just put on the weight really slowly. She has been back on her feeding tube a week now to try to get some more weight on her little cute body.

I am enjoying the summer at our pool. That is the biggest perk living here. We love the pool and wait all year for the chance to use it. I am also enjoying the Facebook website. It's been fun to connect with old friends. Brennen continues to work hard to be the provider. We are grateful for him. As we end this week with the 4Th of July Think of those that have sacrificed for our freedom or those that are out there now. I am grateful for this time of year and for our FREEDOM. We are lucky to live in America. Have a wonderful 4Th of July Ya all !!!!!!!!!

Anyone heard of using Canola Oil to Power Pack???

POWER PACKING STARTS TODAY !!!!!

I took Kaitrynn to the Dr. today for our annual weight check. She is still 13lbs 9 oz, she has been this much for 2 weeks now. We have been given specific directions on canola oil. I am to put 1/2 tsp of oil in her formula and food each day. She is back to survival mode. She is back to gaining weight to live, not to grow like she needs to be. The thought behind the oil is to put a little fat on her bones. I am thinking that she will not like this one bit. I tried it this afternoon with putting it in her food. It went well for the first time. We will give it a week and see where she is then. Tobey what is the trick? What am I doing wrong here : ) . I know I am doing great!!!

This Is Therapy Week For Kaitrynn

This Is Roxann, Kaitrynn's great Occupational Therapist. I don't know where I would be with out her. When Kaitrynn was having some issues back in January, my Dr. referred her to us. Wow!! Kaitrynn has improved, so much thanks to Roxann, and for all of her hard work. She is amazing what she can do with these little ones, and what she can turn them into. Thanks Roxann!!!! Kaitrynn only has to wear her THUMB SPLINTS at night now :). She is making great progress with grasping things that she is strengthening her muscles as she plays. Good job Kate on all of your hard work.















I took my camera to therapy today. I take Kaitrynn to the Primary Children's Rehabilitation her in Bountiful. I take her once a month now. They help her with her mobility skills along with eating also. Roxann was real impressed here with Kaitrynn. She is holding her leg up. By her doing this she is building her muscles and using great strength. Way to go Kaitrynn.
















Kaitrynn is being encouraged to get the ball.















She is almost there .
















She got it. Good girl Kaitrynn! The ball is a great thing for her to get her thumbs around.















Kaitrynn was trying some Gerber snacks that melt in your mouth. This was a tomato basil one. As you can see this is not what she wanted or liked to say the least.

Therapy we didn't like today

Today was in home therapy hour. As you can see Kaitrynn didn't like it to well. She is doing better with "Tummy Time", but sometimes it just doesn't feel right like on this therapy ball. Why the therapy ball? The Occupational Therapist can see if she has improved her trunk muscles or not. Kaitrynn keeps getting stronger and stronger. I am grateful for all the help we receive from or Occupational therapists. They both rock thanks you two, so much. I also took her today to the Dr. for her weekly weight check. she only gained 1 oz this week. That's better than going down. She is now 13lbs 7 oz. The GI Dr. mentioned to my Dr. that just because we switched her to Soy doesn't mean that the weight is going to come on fast. It will still come on pretty slow. The Dr. will keep watching her and make sure that she is getting the proper nutrition for growth. She needs some FAT added to her diet. I keep telling her I have plenty for her, but she doesn't seem to want any of mine :) .

Brooklynn is enjoying the first week out of school. I am so glad to have her home and have another "Buddy" during the day. We have been living up these warm afternoons in our pool. We are so grateful to have this blessing in our mites. She is a fish in the water. Kaitrynn has enjoyed sitting on her stroller watching Brook swim. As long as Kaitrynn has her button, she will not be able to swim. I am hoping next summer she can. Have a great week all !! We love you!!!!!

Look at my Ponytail :)

Mommy was able to put a little ponytail in
my hair today. Kaitrynn is begining to like
Tummy time and is starting to move her
legs when she is on her tummy. This is
Brooklynn's last day of 1st grade today.
This morning when I picked up Eric for
car pool, he said to Brook can you believe
this is our last day of school. She said "Yeah
this year has flown". We are both glad to have
this school year behind us. I can't believe I will
have a big second grader next year.

I took Kaitrynn to the Dr. this week for her weight check. It is always an exciting moment to see the scale going up. The only time in your life that you are happy to see the scale going up :) . This week she has gained 6 oz. She weighs 13lbs and 6 oz. Way to go "Sweet Baby Kate". The Soy formula seems to be helping. I can tell that she is feeling much better. She is starting to eat 2 baby food containers a day now. She gets so excited to eat. She doesn't really care at all for Veggies, but hey we take what we can get. She'll eat anything with bananas in it. Keep up the good work little one.

Harris Reunion 2008

Brooklynn Harris with her Harris Cousins. These
are Tyler and Ann Harris cute kids. Another photo
below.

Memorial Day 2008 Harris Reunion

We are starting off our week with a Harris Reunion 2008. I had the idea some months back and mentioned it to Brennen. He said yes to my idea of planning the party. We pulled it off. This is family here left to right Kurt Harris, Brennen Harris, Magen Harris Desapain ( Brennen's Sister), and Curtis Despain. We had about 40 family members come to our ward Bowery. We had a roaring fire going and had a lot of fun visiting. Brooklynn has waited a long time for this party. She was really excited to see all of her cousins. Especially Kurt Harris who just came home from Iraq. It was a great wet day and we are grateful to each of our family members.

The Cardiologist Findings

On Wednesday we took Kaitrynn to the Cardiologist. We love her heart Dr. Dr. Petco at Primary Children's. He is always happy to see her and happy to give us great news. She had an Echo exam once again. This is her 3rd one in her short little life. We put her on the table and the tech started to do his magic. She started to cry, she didn't want anyone messing with her. I told her that there would be no "pokes". I was able to calm her down and he was able to get the photos he needed. Her heart looks great. There is a # between 20 -60. The closer it is to 60 she would need something done. This echo showed her # to be 26. That is awesome. The Dr. was very pleased. He said he loves to see visits like this. This is pretty close to normal. As close to normal as it can be with a heart defect. We are glad that things are going well in this area. She has been on Soy formula a week today. She seems to be tolerating it really well. She gets excited for the bottle now and moves her arms and legs for it. She had two feeding of baby food yesterday. She may just be feeling really good now and is ready to eat. Thank goodness for modern technology. I just love my peanut so much. She has been through so ..... much and has been a real trooper through it all.

Weve hit the 13lbs mark at 8 months of age :)

I took Kaitrynn for her weekly weight check today. She has finally reached the 13lbs 0 oz mark. I just wanted to have a party right in the Dr.s office. She weighed 12 lbs 3 oz on March 19, 2008. It has taken her 2 months to gain a pound. She is healthy and happy today at the Dr's office she was Miss Smiley to all the staff there. They just love her and think she is a fashion statement every time she goes in there. Thanks to all those that have made that possible. I was thinking this week that Brooklynn is the Best Big SISTER ever. She has been a real trooper through this all and loves Kaitrynn, so much. She goes above and beyond to help me with her. My favorite thing is on Saturday mornings. The girls wake up around 8 am and I would like to lay there for another hour or so. Brooklynn comes and gets her out of her bed and takes her in the living room. They sit and watch Saturday morning cartoons together. It is the best thing ever. I am so grateful for the both of them. They are true true sisters and you can tell in Kate's eyes that she loves her sister so much.
Brooklynn is out of school on the 30th of May. She is so ready for summer, and Mom is too. I am ready to have them both home, so we can play.

Biopsy results are back :)

Kaitrynn got her biopsy results back today. She is Lactose intolerant and has acid reflux ( which we already new). She is to go on a Soy formula and Lactose free diet. I raced out and bought her soy formula. She took 2 bottles today! Now it's dinner time and she is turning her nose up at it :) Lovely. She is on the medicine Pepcid for the reflux and if all goes well this will heal on it's own and she will not have to have surgery. We have tried the soy formula and this medication when she was first sick in December. I am not getting my hopes up that the soy formula will work, but I guess we try try again. If this is the answer maybe she will be able to gain weight too. I am hopeful that this will do the trick. Stay tuned and we shall see.

Endoscopy Day

Kaitrynn had her Endoscopy today. Thanks for all
the prayers and thoughts. It went well. The areas
look Awesome. They did biopsy 3 of the areas. Those
tests will be back Friday Morning. Everything came back
normal from the camera aspect. I love this picture of the
girls. Brooklynn was a big support and helper to her sister.
I am so grateful for all my blessings. I am so grateful for my
family and friends. I will update on Friday what the results
are.