One Year Later

One Year Later

Here we are one year later celebrating Kai's birth into this world and more importantly his belonging into this world. To say this past year has been a roller coaster is an understatement, it has been much more. Kai's remarkable journey has been uplifting, inspiring, unbelievable, and unforgettable.
He exemplifies what it means to be a fighter in the preemie world. His strength and courage alone were no match for his odds of survival...Kai is a true Miracle.

Born at 25 weeks and 5 days gestation, weighing 2 pounds and 4 ounces, and only 12 inches long, Kai was born a micro preemie . I find myself asking the same simple question, how did this happen? So simple yet so complex. How is a baby to survive in the womb when amniotic fluid levels have been diminishing since 18 weeks gestation and last 7 more weeks? A huge supply of nutrients are lost, growth of the baby has been inhibited, the ability to move fluidly has been lost, plus much more are all working against the chance of survival. Somehow Kai beat the odds and made it through these early obstacles only to face even more when he arrived in the NICU.

After just five days of life Adam and I were given a choice--chose to continue life support or chose to discontinue. This came about solely because of the severity of the Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) that occurred on both sides of his brain. We chose to continue without hesitation. That day I will never forget. His birth was not as intense as this day was when we were to make one of the biggest decisions on Kai’s behalf. He made it through the birth so why would we have wanted to take something away from him that he so rightfully earned? Although the doctors said what they had to say and give us statistics, probabilities, and odds, both Adam and I somehow knew that Kai was going to defy all of those and be just fine at the end of this. We knew that he belonged in this world.

Those days were so scary. Its really hard to go back to those moments and replay them in my head. Everything was on a day-by-day basis and we had no idea what Kai’s future was going to be like, we just knew that he was going to make it through all of this and come out on top.

Well, Kai conquered his NICU stay and since he has been home, he has exceeded all of our expectations. He could not be any more impressive, pulling out his NG tube, drinking from a bottle, rolling over, sitting up, crawling and much more, all before he has turned one is a big deal! There are times I feel like none of those scary days ever happened. I feel like how could they have when he is doing so well! No matter what would have happened to Kai or what may still happen to Kai, whether it be some sort of disability or what have you, Adam and I will love him no matter what and be so proud of him and his accomplishments no matter how small. But I must say, we are truly blessed and lucky. We were given one of the strongest most brave little boy we have ever met.

I also want to acknowledge all of his followers who prayed for him and supported our family. Your prayers were heard, your love was received, and your help was greatly appreciated. I don’t know what we would have done without this huge support group.Thank You.

And a Thank You is deserved to all of the doctors, nurses, and medical staff that cared for Kai. He
was very popular at the hospital during his NICU stay. All of these members of the hospital had Kai’s best interest in mind and cared for him as they would have cared for their own. He had the best of the best looking after him. I will never forget any of you and I look forward to the day Kai can meet and remember all of you as well.

At the end of his first year, I honestly feel relieved. Adam and I both feel a weight has been lifted and we can put those past struggles behind us now. Kai is a happy little boy and by all means a healthy one too. We haven't taken anything for granted and we are so thankful for his health more than anything!
We look forward to this second year with Kai and the years thereafter. We look forward to all of the things we had talked about when we decided to have a second child and all of the new memories we are going to create.

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Dear Kai,

You were nothing short of a miracle and the journey of your birth into this world is remarkable. You have changed my life forever and I am thankful for that.
I cherish these days of our first year together and I am so lucky you are my son.
Our family is complete now because of you and I am forever grateful you chose me to be your mom.

I Love You Kai!


Love,
Mom

March For Babies Walk!

Yesterday we marched for all those babies out there who were born too early! It turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day in downtown San Jose along side a mini Farmer's Market. It was fun and memorable! Thanks to everyone who showed their support. Here are a few pics from yesterday's event...

Bracelets passed out to walkers

Homemade Team Kilo Kai T's

Quilt square for annual MFB quilts

Walk Start Line

WOW!

Here is Kai at some 2 to 3 pounds last year...

Here he is today wearing same preemie "outfit" from last year...

 

Back to Back Appointments

Kai had two appointments today--Cardiologist and Ophthalmologist.

His PDA is still open and very small. Since it is still not affecting him at this time (by growth, development, or illness) the doctor thinks its best to just keep watching it until he is 2-years-old and hopefully it will have closed by then. If it has not closed by two, she recommends a procedure through a main artery to close the hole. This procedure is elective though.

EKG followed by sonogram 

Today was his first eye exam. They dilated his eyes and checked for near sighted (which he is not!) and for cross-eyes (which he is not!). So not glasses at this time, but he does want to keep his eye exams every six months until he is 4-years-old. He told me that he is simply at risk for needing glasses at any time and may go cross-eyed any time now until around age three or so. 

Almost dilated all the way and I don't think his right eye is 'crossed'...I was three inches away from his face...I'm sure I would crossed my eyes!

Now that he is crawling, he is well on his way to walking....?? Probably not anytime soon, but he loves to pull himself up on anything!

11 Month Update

I could not wait 4 more days to update...

Once again another month has flown by and Kai is 11 months! Since the last update, he has been doing extremely well. He really hasn't had any doctors appointments surprisingly, besides when I took him in for his rash on his cheeks and hands which ended up being Slap Cheek or Fifth Disease. Not a huge deal, just ended up being really uncomfortable for Kai and all we can do is apply oils, ointments, creams, lotions etc. to relieve the itchiness and discomfort.

He has turned into quit the thumb-sucker as well! Its actually very cute, but takes a bit of a toll on his delicate skin on his hands with all that saliva! Speaking of saliva, he is off is Prilosec! It's definitely a good thing, however his saliva may be slightly acidic because he still has a bit of acid reflux, but not nearly as bad as before. He is still eating about the same amount of solid foods (3 times a day) and same amount of formula and seems to be growing well! He's around 19 pounds and not sure how many ounces and last time he measured in at 28 inches long!

With RSV season coming to an end, we've been taking Kai out more with us for simple errands and family activities! We recently went bowling and while it seemed loud and overwhelming for Kai, it was still nice to be out as a whole family and have a good time with each other. Here are a few shap shots...

There is no doubt Kai has been and will continue to develop as any other baby should. He's picked up clapping and will clap while you sing "If You're Happy and You Know It..." or just in random spurts. He loves to play the Bongo drum as well.

Also, I am happy to say he can officially crawl! At 11 months nearly 8 months adjusted, he's crawling! We are truly so proud of Kai. He is such a strong little dude!

1st attempt...

Almost there...

Got it down...

Here he is playing with his cousin Sadie...

 And Kirra...

And Bath Time...

That will be it for now! As you can see he has been super happy and progressing in so many ways! Thanks again everyone for all your love and support!

10 month update

Kai is nearly 10 months! (March 8th) It's amazing how time flies. He has been doing really well since recovering from Brochiolitis. He has gained back his weight and then some making him 17 pounds 9 ounces. He was checked out by his pediatrician to confirm that he is doing much better but to keep him on the Pulmicort breathing treatments twice daily then starting in April once daily. He also gave us a back prescription of Albuterol if this happens again as well as a liquid steroid to use for extra emergencies. He had his final RSV shot on Friday until next year! So we should be safe to go out of our isolation more in late April/May!

As far as eating goes, he still drinks the same amount of formula 5-6 ounces 4-5 times a day with about 5-6 ounces of solids 3 times a day. He does so well with eating from a spoon, it's awesome!

He can still sit unassisted and roll and pivot around 360degrees, but no crawling yet. He rocks on his knees so I believe he will be able to crawl without a doubt!

He's been babbling a bunch lately too. Cooing and doing those raspberries (as they call it) with his tongue. He's basically acting like a typical baby!

Here are a few pictures of what Kai has been up to lately...

1st Beach Day