more long over due pictures

Go Mariners!!!!!!

Today katrina and I went to Safeco field to see the Mariner Moose. I know I know the game is the point...but this little lady was so excited to see him that we went into the stadium as soon as the gate was open (about 2 hrs. before the game) We got to walk all the way down to the fence and watch Ichiro warm up, we saw the field get prepped for the game, and tried out diferent seats in the stadium! We agreed that they were all great! Then the big moment hit....SHE MET THE MOOSE!!!! AND HE HUGGED HER! It was pure magic in her eyes! We did get pictures but I can't get the camera to download so you get to settle for phone pics tonight!

After the game she cried becasue she didn't want to leave we had only been there 6 hrs! On the way back to the car she stopped and had an after game hot dog, danced to the amazing street musician playing his bucket drums FOREVER and we were quite literally the last ones on the street leaving the game "alley"! I am so blessed to be able to share these times with her!

A day at the beach

As part of our mini vacation we spent a night at Ocean Shores! There is something about the ocean and water that puts my sould at ease! Katrina is learning this as well!!

Easter Visit with the Steins

Easter Morning excitement!!!!

Auntie Sarah helps find the goodies!

Still lookin.....

As a special treat we got to visit Sarah at work....AT SCHOOL!!!! Katrina was so excited to go to school and see the big kids (2nd graders)! She walked right into the room like she owned the place!

and even got to sit at a desk to do "homework" for a bit!

There are more pictures of this visit that will be posted once I get the camera downloaded but here is a glimpse!

Visit with Grandma and Grandpa Cahill

We were so fortunate to be able to stop off for a quick visit with the Cahills on our recent mini vacation.

Playing dress up

Kat goes blonde!
Alice in Wonderland

Madonna

Medusa

Fly girl...er, PILOT????

The latest, and worst hospitalization Feb-March 2010

At the end of Feb. Katrina had another asthma flare up. It ended up being the worst attack she has ever had. The cause was unknown and the treatment was swift and effective but the event was terrifying. She was admitted into the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). She was not responding to the medicines and for a brief period the doctors were afraid they were going to have to intubate her to allow her a little relief int he struggle to breathe.

Auntie Leah rocks her as she final sleeps for a few minutes in the PICU.
By the time she was moved to the floor for a couple days she was tired of her oxygen and decided it did more "good" on her nose rather than IN her nose.

Totally wired and bored!!! what to do what to do????

Create paper towel costumes of course!!!!!

Thank you to all my friends and family that came to the hospital to be with us during that time! I can not put into words how much the prayers, meals, visits, texts, and love that you offer us means in those times and the weeks/months in between.

We spend alot of time walking on pins and needles and if not for our freinds lifting us up our feet would be bloody and scarred!
THANK YOU!

Painting a birdhouse.

Final product!

Hard at work

Blank slate....where to begin?

Katrina's surgery

On Feb 3rd, 2010 Katrina had surgery. She was originally slated to just get tubes put in her ears to help alleviate some of the illnesses that have lead to her hospitalizations. When her team of doctors realized she would be put under for the procedure they jumped on the chance to do some preliminary testing and observance to get to the bottom of her health issues. In simple terms they put a camera down her throat to examine her entire airway system for defects or irregularities. They also took a sample of her cilia (hairlike things inside lungs) to test for a genetic disorder. they found nothing!

Due to the nature of the surgery and her medical history they warned us that she may be kept overnight for observation. Here she is packed and ready to head to the hospital. Such a brave and happy little trooper!!!
At the hospital

waiting in pre-op

out of order but, Grandma Joyce was here to give me some much needed support. This is in waiting area of surgery center. Just an hour before surgery and still ALL smiles and strength!

Post-op hang out! Auntie Laura was able to join us and it was clear that after surgery and the intial fear of waking up alone (yes, I was not allowed there intitally, but her screams brought me in fairly quickly) Kat made it clear that mom and grandma were chopped liver in comparison!

So glad that day went smoothly and we were able to come home the same day!

c

Katrina and I....rare, unflattering pictures

Enjoying the winter weather with a warm fire in our new apartment.
Katrina loves any excuse to get in the fridge and/or help me cook!

One of our favorite date spots.....

Medicine time.....way to much a part of our lives!

Fun at the park with Auntie Leah and Avery (ethan is around here with grandma Joyce somewhere!)

and more.......

Katrina is a natural on ice skates, at least OFF the ice!
HHer first formal tea party at Queen Mary Tea room. This was a tradition I started with Dagny when she was a toddler. So, for her 12th birthday in Jan. we went back to celebrate and introduced Katrina to our traditions!

Enjoying the horse that was taller than her!

Like her mother Kat seems to love being near the water. On this day, we went to Coulon Park and played, and spent a lng time just sitting here beside the water chatting and watching the boats.

Work starts early for Miss Cahill!

let the history begin......

Katrina, loves this soft chair and spent many days carrying it around the house at work to sit wherever I was at. Here she takes a front row seat to my lunch prepations.
Still a favorite toy!

Taking her cue from the older girl i nanny and snuggling up in her bookshelf!

SeriouSerious competition of dominoe's!

Checking out the Seattle aquarium.

We're baaaaack!

Well, I still don't have the camera of my dreams but between use of a freinds camera as well as finally finding a way to get pictures off my phone onto the blog i think I will resurect this poor blog! There is so much to catch up that i fear for a bit at least it will be full of random photos from the past year! Hope you enjoy!

Birthday Party

Happy Birthday Katrina!! Yesterday Katrina invited her friends to celebrate her golden birthday with her. We had a great time, a little chaos and lots of love!

Katrina had her friends help her open gifts!
They also helped decorate goodie bags.

and of course eat cake, or cupcakes in most cases.

I made an attempt at my first homemade birthday cake. I had a bit of help with the sugar design, but the piping was all me!!! There is hope for future years!