Kamree Update #2

This picture was taken Friday May 23rd. As you can see, her face still looks red but it is definitely improving. Everyday we massage her face for 15 minutes with Vitamin
E oil. She actually really likes it and tries to help us. She even reminds us to do it sometimes. We saw the doctor and he said things are looking great. She still has to limit time in the sun and wear a special sunscreen and no swimming pool yet. We go back in 5 weeks so hopefully we will get the ok by then. Summer is all about the pool for us. More updates to come!

Last Day of Preschool

Friday was Parker's last day of preschool at Imagination Station. He has had such a great experience and really loved it. It has amazed me how much he has learned and grown this year. He was lucky enough to go to preschool with some of his favorite friends: Luke, Avery, Brooke, Taylor and Joshua and he made lots of new friends too. His teacher, Miss Sara, put this graduation cap on and gave each of them a certificate. As she did this she said something about each of the kids. She said Parker always answered questions and had the right answer too. That is so Parker and I was not at all surprised to hear that. Looking all grown up and happy.
Parker and his preschool class
His last chance for playtime, wearing that visors that they made that day.

Parker and his teacher Miss Sara. She was great!

On the way home Parker said "it's good that I get the summer off to spend more time with you and Kamree". I couldn't agree more even though I'm sure we'll be ready to start all over again when fall comes around.

Discovery Gateway

Last Saturday we took the kids to the Discovery Gateway Museum. We haven't been in over a year but they still talk the last time we went. Parker and Kamree have been working hard to earn their "stickers and shells" to get to go. Every night before bed they get to put stickers on their reward chart for things they did that day, ie. no time-outs, picking up toys, reading, etc. Then however many stickers they earned they get to put that many shells (pasta shapes) into a jar. When the jar gets full, they get to pick what they want to do. The museum is definitely what they wanted to do and they weren't disappointed. I also love this place and think it's great for them to learn and have so much fun at the same time. Parker pretending to be a helicopter pilot. A big highlight of the day!
Kamree had to give it a try too!
Playing in the water...another favorite thing!

Other things they liked doing where playing with the ball machines, and shopping in the pretend grocery store. It was such a fun day and the kids loved every minute of it. They have already decided that 7 Peaks in next on the list when the jar gets full. I can't wait!

Mother's Day

I know I'm a little late for Mother's day but I just wanted to post and say how much I love my kiddos! They are at such fun and active ages there is never a dull moment. I do love being a mom although I sometimes think it's the hardest job in the world. I wouldn't change a thing and I truly feel blessed for being the mom to these amazing little spirits. They teach me so much each day and I know I'm a better person for being able to be their mother. The days when I feel stressed and overwhelmed I remember how Parker was just born yesterday and now he's 4 1/2 and how I don't always take the time to be in the moment with them. The other day I heard a song by Kenny Chesney called "Don't Blink" talking about how fast time goes by so take time to enjoy it. I also want to thank my mom for all that she's taught me and her unconditional love. She is the best grandma and one of my best friends. Once you become a mom you begin to understand all your mom did for you and appreciate it on a whole new level. I love you mom!

Kamree Update

It's been so long since I've posted but I just wanted to show a few pics of Kamree and her healing process and process is definately the word to describe it. The doctor has always made sure we knew that things would look worse before they look better. This is a picture 5 days after her surgery. It looks pretty raw but that is just how it's supposed to look. Dermabrasion is similar to having sandpaper rubbed on your face.


This picture is about a week after her surgery. After is scabbed over it started changing and healing so fast. Kamree has been so good about not touching it. At this point, she was not supposed to go out in the sun and she was so cute about it. She would say "I can go in the sun when I'm all healed up, huh mom!" She has been a trooper. I think starting this whole thing at her young age has worked in our favor. We just love her and think she is beautiful. I have never really talked about my feelings through this whole thing. It was a surprise when she was born with her mole but we knew we would do what we could to get it removed and move forward. This has been quite the process but I just want for her what every mother wants for their little girl. I want her to be happy and to not be hindered by this in any way. It breaks my heart sometimes thinking that she will grow up in a world that is so hard on girls and on their self-image. Brand and I just want the best for her and hope she knows that she is so loved. I just worry sometimes but she has been blessed with an amazing spirit and personality and I know that she will have a wonderful life!