The Best Daddy Ever!

Happy Father's Day! Kevin is really the best husband and daddy in the world. Kevin is just incredible. He can fix anything, he can make me laugh (even when I don't want to!), he has fun in any situation, he works so hard, he's great with our girls, he's much more patient than I am (with the girls... and myself), and he makes the best sourdough bread (yes, he makes bread every week!).

We just started doing our sweat equity stuff on the house. By saying "we" I really mean Kevin. He started taping on Friday evening. He didn't come home and worked ALL NIGHT! By about 8 pm on Saturday he couldn't physically do any more - so he packed up and came home. Kevin went to bed at about 10:30 pm and didn't wake up until 3 in the afternoon today! I went by the house this afternoon to check out his work and I was so impressed. Like I said, Kevin is amazing! We love you!

Happy Birthday Laurie

Today is little Laurie's first birthday! One year ago today, Laurie came into the world at a whopping 1 lb. 11 oz. I remember being terrified when they told me that they would have to do an emergency C-section. My water broke 3 weeks earlier, and I was hoping to make it as close to my September 30th due date as possible. Laurie couldn't wait.

After she was born, Kevin went with her to the U of U NICU. After they stitched me up, they wheeled me in to see her before they took her to Primary's. The NICU neonatalogist told us that he didn't think she was stable enough to transport to Primary's, even though it is just a 5 minute walk. Thankfully, after talking with the doctors at Primary's, he decided to give the OK to transport.


As they wheeled her off, I thought I was saying goodbye to my little Laurie. I honestly didn't know if I would see her again in this life. Kevin and some of our family members followed her to Primary's and waited there for the next 6 hours (until 3 am). We called all our family members and many came to the hospital. We wanted our families to be there, in case she passed away.

She pulled through that first night. I was able to see her again at about 8 the next morning. Her tummy was starting to turn purple, she was on the oscillator, she had lines and monitors everywhere, she was beautiful. All 13 inches of her was gorgeous. Being born on Father's Day, she was destined to look like her daddy. She had reddish-blonde hair and fair skin. Anyone who knows me knows why I would be excited about this, as I'm half-Japanese!



Laurie defied all the odds time and time again. Laurie has a congenital heart defect called pulmonary stenosis. At birth, her heart condition was so severe that it was decided she needed a catheter procedure to save her life. So at 9 days old, and 1 lb. 7 oz. - she went to the cath lab. She was the smallest baby ever to undergo this heart procedure at Primary Children's Medical Center. We knew the risks were incredibly great. But our only hope for little Laurie was for her to have this surgery. Dr. Gray and Dr. Cowley performed a miracle that day. I have never prayed so fervently and sincerely as I did on June 24, 2008.

We made so many lasting friendships while at the hospital. The doctors, nurses, and medical staff became some of our best friends. I met countless other parents and saw so many miracles happen. Whenever I walk into that hospital, I feel the presence of angels. I loved attending church services there. Not only because they were only 30 minutes long :) but because of the incredible spirit that was there every Sunday without fail.

Happy Birthday sweet Laurie! She is currently just over 13 lbs. She's about 24 inches long and is as cute as ever. She loves to blow raspberries and she loves to be entertained by her big sister, Haili.


We let her have a taste of her cake and ice cream... boy, did her eyes pop! Gotta love that sugar...

Angel

Today was beautiful Piper's funeral. I can recall a few times in my life when I have truly felt the presence of heavenly beings. One was at my wedding. The feeling of peace and love completely overwhelmed me on that special day. Another was when my little Laurie came into this world. I knew there were angels there, watching over her. The latest experience was this morning during Piper's funeral. Pure love was in that room. Love radiated from Steve and Teresa, their families, and all the friends who came to celebrate the beautiful life of this precious baby girl. Angels were there - I know it. I felt it! I'm sure little Piper came, too - mainly to show her love to her sweet parents.

The experience has touched me forever. Little Piper and little Laurie shared so many similar experiences. I envisioned having many reunions in the years to come as our girls grew up. How my heart aches for Steve and Teresa - especially since Piper was taken so suddenly and unexpectedly. She had endured so much. She was truly a miracle baby. Teresa is a wonderful example to me on how to accentuate the positive, how to endure with patience and faith, and how to love.

Give your children extra hugs tonight, give a little more time to your loved ones. Cherish every moment you have with those you love the most.

Sweet Piper

Today we learned that our dear friend, Piper, went to live with our Father in Heaven. She was Laurie's roommate at Primary Children's Medical Center. Kevin and I became good friends with Piper's parents, Steve and Teresa. Ironically, I was hoping to get together with Teresa and Piper this week, as we are staying with my cousins who live in the same town.

I can't imagine the heartache parents must feel when they lose a sweet child. My heart is heavy as I think about what my dear friend Teresa is going through and what so many other mothers and fathers must endure. It reminds me to love my children more. Give more kisses, take more time... love more. What faith it must take to say goodbye to a child. To be separated from those you love, even if you know you will see them again. Teresa is such a dedicated mother. Piper required so much care and sacrifice. Teresa almost lost her own life to give the gift of life to her precious daughter Piper. Please remember my friend Teresa and her family in you prayers tonight.