March 16, 2009

Dear Friends & Family,
Kyle & I had a difficult week emotionally. The reality of the severity of the banding procedure that Kolton will endure is just slowly creeping into our heads. Mortality rates are just not something you plan on having to worry about for your children. We are reminded to just enjoy each moment and to not worry about what we do not have control over. God's plan is at work and we are trying not to question but to have faith. Fortunately, we have all of you helping us through. My HR colleagues at VK purchased a house cleaning for us! I cried when I got the phone call. Life gets so out of balance and you really do appreciate the simple things like clean toilets and kitchen floors. VK is an amazing place to work! I mean really - who does that?!? And the members of Mt.Olivet and our neighbors continue to ensure we are eating well. I have no idea when we'd find time or energy to get to the grocery store, plan meals, and cook. We are forever grateful to have all the help.
And then Aunt Natalie flew all the way from Hawaii to stay with me the next 2 weeks while Kyle is traveling for work. She is such a breathe of fresh air and has so much positive energy. And I think she even managed to bring the Hawaiian sun with her - it was 64 degrees today! Minnesotans live for that kind of weather. And of course, she's already spoiling Tavyn and Kolton.
Thankfully, Kolton is doing really great! He is up to 4lbs 13oz and has moved into an open isolette. It has much more of a crib feel. It seems actually somewhat normal to not have a "lid" over him. We can scoop him up and hold him much more easily. I am trying to teach him to nurse. And he is starting to get the hang of it. Even though he will have to re-learn this post-op, it should be easier for him to do so if he can get the hang of it beforehand.
And Congrats to Kolton's primary nurse Diana - she got engaged on Friday!!! And a huge Thank You to Mary and Rose and Deb and the many nurses (sorry I can't name you all but you are all equally important) that care for Kolton like their own child. Each time we call to check on him we get a positive, friendly, calming voice that gives us every detail - twice if we ask.
Stay tuned for new pictures.
Much love-
The Thompson Tribe