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Well today was a very gloomy day…it rained here most of the day and it was so foggy or as others would say smoggy that you could barely see outside your window. So of course we didn’t even attempt to go outside today so that made the day even worse. And this was true for the whole floor we all looked a little down today. We would all have to agreed that the 3rd week would definitely be the hardest and longest week. But that’s ok only 2 more days and this week is over and we are on our last week and the journey is almost over.
Since we stayed indoors today it was another same old day so I don’t have much to say again so we decided we were going to comment on some of the comments.
Hillary-Thanks for the laugh with the day we had today it really brought a smile to my face and actually made me do a little imaging. Sue will really be in for a shock when Jenna shows up with a pair of split pants on and no diaper!!! And your right I would have rather had Jenna potty trained instead of in a big girl bed:)
Sue M.- You will be proud of me I finished the book you gave me and I really enjoyed it. Actually a little too much to where I caught myself staying up later than I should have because I had a hard time putting the book down. Thanks for the update on Jenna it’s great to hear stories about her.
Mrs. Casey – We are so glad to hear that you are doing well. Devin can’t wait to have a race with you when he gets back:)
Pam – Devin wants to know how the class is doing on that book club…Have they met their goal yet?
Brenda – That is not a nice thing to do to me..trust me when I say I already have a lot of things to look forward to when I get home…like a nice long bath, a juicy T-Bone Steak with a bake potato and tall glass of cold milk. Along with every other type of food Mannies, Happy Joes, Taco’s…OK got to stop because I’m starting to drool and this really is not going to help when I go and eat my Ramon Noodles here in a minute.
Well we got side tracked on a side conversation and it’s really past our supper time so tomorrow is his 5th treatment and another spinal so please keep us in your prayers that it goes smoother than the last one.
Have a great Thursday and thanks to everyone who continues to put a smile one our faces. Also, please know that we’re sorry that were not always able to respond back to everyone but the comments mean the world to us, more than you ever could image.
Kim & Devin
March 6th, 2008
Since I’m running out of titles to think of, I asked Devin what he wanted the title to be and as clear as day he said Turkey and laughed. Since turkey seems to be his most popular word these days I wasn’t surprise this is what he wanted the title to be. Sorry Chris are not the only turkey anymore. Try explaining to his therapist why he keeps calling her a turkey!!!
Today was a sad day as Pat told me this morning that Jenna slept in her big girl bed last night and I wasn’t there to see it:( And also that Brett Farve retired!!! OK so this might not be sad news to some of you reading this (The Beschen’s and the Bautsch’s).
Devin wants to say “HI” to all his friends at school and also to everyone else.
Well unfortunately I really don’t have much to say today so have a great Wednesday.
Kim & Devin
March 5th, 2008
Well we made it through another spinal. I thought the 2nd one would be easier however I really don’t think any of them will be easy when they wheel your son away from you. Unfortunately, this time Devin was not as cooperative and he had to pay the consequence’s. The nurses here are really good with IV placement however since Devin was not cooperating it took 3 IV’s for one to work. So, you could just image how the rest of the day wen. Therefore I will not go into detail and just say we survived and as I always tell myself it could have been worse.
Today Devin woke up in a good mood which was great and that meant no complications again. He worked so hard at therapy that he needed to take a nap at lunch. After the nap we had to plan for a surprise 30th birthday party. Yes, it was for me!!!! I wish as I have come to realize I am the oldest one here (no need for additional comments on this statement). Lora from New Jersey turned 30 today so we are throwing her a surprise 30th and order pizza and getting a cake. And yes of course you know me if it’s a party your going to need beer (that saying just reminded me of “If you give a mouse a cookie”). Now Annie, that would be the kind of book I could write!!!!
Well since I wrote the above earlier I thought I would write before we went to bed and it is really late for us it is already 8:00 pm which means some of you might already be trying to read this. So I will talk fast like you already don’t know that…The party was a hit and the Chinese cake was actually pretty good if you like sponge type cake.
That’s all I have to say as I still have to give Devin his shower yet before he gets to go to bed!!!!
Happy Tuesday to you all and stay warm as I heard winter is back again. I sure will try to bring the sun and warmth back with me.
Kim & Devin
March 4th, 2008
Well today a bunch of us went site seeing. Terry, Jena & Laylah, Devin & I and Jason, Lora & Justin. We went into the city of Hangzhou which is about a 25 minute drive. And the way they drive you wish it was only 5 minutes. There is just no way to explain a ride in a vehicle around here. In the city they have a lake called West Lake with all kinds of shops around the lake. The lake was very pretty however it was a little impossible to stop and take pictures or video anything because every time you stopped you were attacked by Chinese people. I seriously am not exaggerating. They would swarm around our kids and try to touch them all over. This even happened when we would try to shop so the women would go into the shop while the guys stood around our kids to guard them and within 10 minutes we would have to leave because the men could not keep them away. So our shopping was limited because of this. It actually was pretty sad to know that we couldn’t even enjoy our shopping adventure or site seeing because of the safety of our kids. I told the rest of the group I wonder if this is what it feels like to be a famous person in the US as you are never left alone by the public. One of the persons here at the hospital told us the Chinese didn’t mean no harm it’s just they have never seen an American. I told them that was fine if they wanted to stare or take pictures but to literally attack you was not polite. So needless to say that will probably be our last adventure with very little pictures to bring home:(
We did however end the day with some fun and you will never guess where Devin got to go… In the city they have a Hooters China…that’s right Devin went to hooters but as you can image the Chinese hooters are not even close to the US hooters!!!!! I wouldn’t know as I don’t even think I have ever been to a hooters in the US but I’m sure it’s a little different. So, Devin did get his picture taken with the girls and loved every minute of that.
We can’t talk much as we spent the whole day out today and it is already 7:00pm and Devin is very tired and needs a shower tonight after the day he had today.
This week Devin has a spinal on Monday and Friday so it will be a hard week but that will make the last week easy.
Have a great Sunday.
Kim & Devin
March 2nd, 2008
Well we are finally into March so that means only 15 days to go and we will be home. It was another beautiful day today. It had to be in the upper 60′s if not lower 70′s because we were hot outside walking. And yes the Chinese babies were still dressed like little Eskimo’s. Actually the way this one little boy’s cheeks looked he had to be on fire he was dressed so warm. His checks were so red they looked like they were sun burnt. I really hope we can bring this spring weather back with us but by the sounds of it we will just have to face the fact that we will be coming home to snow on the ground.
Since we had today off the morning started off a little boring and Devin was getting a little irritated. I noticed the day after stem cells he has these mood swings one minute he’s happy and the next look out. So thank goodness for Terry, Jenna and Laylah they were going walking after lunch and invited us along. We spent most of the afternoon outside walking the streets and go through shops. It was kind of neat looking through this furniture store. This one bed room set was unbelievable. It’s being shipped next week (just kidding Pat). The last thing I need to do is spend money. Jenna told me I should by some of the stuff here from China for remembrance and I told her why when half the stuff we buy in the US is from China so what’s the difference. They just laughed and told me I had a point. It was funny though when we were at this shopping mall we ran into Devin’s therapist Kerri. Devin thought that was pretty cool.
Actually Kylee would love all the shoe stores they have here and the selection. That was where I had to use my will power. The shoes are so neat here.
Well that’s about it for our day today..We are now going to order Pizza Hut for supper tonight and of course have a Bud and then go to bed and another day down.
Happy Saturday to you all:)
Kim & Devin
March 1st, 2008
Danny we’re so sorry that we can’t be there to celebrate your official 1st birthday. We hope you have a great one and we thought about you all day. Happy 4th birthday we miss you!!!
Devin of course was another big trooper with his last IV treatment. He gave a couple of temper screams and then was fine for the rest of the treatment. He is very tired but will not go to sleep so I’m sure after we are done blogging it will be supper and then to bed. However, I would like to keep him up a little longer tonight because we have the whole weekend off so we don’t have to get up early tomorrow but if he goes to bed by 7:00 I’m sure we will be up by 6:00 at the latest.
Devin wants to say “HI” to all his friends at school and he sure does miss them all. You don’t have to worry though he continues to practice his “HI’S” with everyone here:) Including everyone in the elevator, at the store, on the streets. You know him Mr. Friendly.
Today, was a Jenna day. We watched her portrait DVD several times over today until Devin told me it was enough:(
Well I really don’t have much more to tell you today and I just asked Devin what he wanted to say and he said “Good Bye” “Good Bye” as he can barely hold his head up so I guess that means it’s time to go. I don’t think he’s even going to make it through his Mac & Cheese by the way he looks.
Have a great Leap Day as we are going to bed and that means another day down and only 16 more to go!!!
Kim & Devin
February 29th, 2008
Wow, thanks for all the comments today…It really made our day…we like reading about your days just as much as you like the adventures we are having. I know your going to say your stuff is boring but not to us so Thanks.
Today was another beautiful day even though the staff here does not think so. We get in trouble for going outdoors everyday because they think it’s cold and we are going to get sick but we just ignore them and still go out because it was another sunny 50+ day. Devin had another good day and was walking up a storm tonight to where I told him he was killing me and of course he just laughed his head off. I sure do miss his walker and bike!!!
Well we tried to be adventurist again today and Devin, I and another mom (Julie) with her son Mark went to get a manicure today. OK, so I and Julie were getting the manicure and Devin and Mark were just tagging along. Well another shocker, only get a manicure in the US!!! If you have ever gotten a manicure from a Chinese place in the US don’t think it’s going to be the same here. Lets just say I did have nails before I went. That’s right there was no pampering and the guy took my hand and basically got a razor blade out and cut off all my nails and then gave a gesture that he was finished!!! It’s a good thing he didn’t know English!!! So, that was my manicure, cut off fingernails. No corners trimmed or hands rubbed with lotion and cuticles pushed back or even painted. Just my nails were cut as low as they could go…yes Brenda they are about as short as yours (just kidding). It’s a good thing it only cost me $2.00 US dollars and no I did not give a tip.
Hillary – Trust me I already thought about bringing home some of the Bud. Actually, for us there is a lot of inexpensive stuff. I bought 3 oranges the other day at the mart and all 3 of them cost me $0.55 (US $) and the 4 banana’s were $0.75(US $). It’s the American stuff that cost the same as the US. But, what is really funny is that the American stuff does not taste exactly like it as home. For example, the Lay’s potato chips are not as salty and do not taste as good just like the Pringle’s. They are better at home. The only thing that tasted really good was the BUD!!!!
Julie & Gary- Thanks for taking care of my other two at home. That dinner sure did sound good!!!
Tomorrow (Friday) Devin is going to get his last IV stem cell treatment. This means 3 down and 3 spinals to go!!!
Well time to go Devin his telling me he is hungry and he wants Ramon Noodles for supper:)
Have a great Thursday we’ll be thinking about you in our sleep:)
Kim & Devin
February 28th, 2008
Hello,
Well today was just another day. I told Devin we are starting to feel like the movie Ground Hog Day. Devin, did a really good job in therapy today because I told his therapist he does not like the noise so we went to another room where it was just us and he worked really hard. Then from therapy he stood in the stander for 30 minutes and then he was tired. He has been really tired lately and the doctors say you either get a lot of energy with the stem cells or you are really tired so he took another nap at lunch time. He then had his electrical wave therapy and then we took another walk outside. Very nice day today the sun was out and it was in the 50′s. (Sorry had to rub it in)
Some people are always wondering what time it is for us and I guess I never told you that we are 14 hours ahead of you. So, as we are writing this blog at 4:30 in the afternoon on Wednesday you are all sleeping as it is 2:30 in the morning on Wednesday.
Devin and I did order Chinese food today. We had a three vegetable (carrots, peas & broccoli) dish with white rice and actually it was really good. They gave us so much food that it is more than enough for 2 meals and it cost $11.00 RMB that means it cost me $1.70 of US money. Can you believe that!!!! Also, another thing you won’t believe it that they don’t know what fortune cookies or crab meat rangoon’s are!!!! So, when I promised some of you that I would bring you home a fortune cookie I lied. I guess I should have brought them with me to give our here.
The only funny story I have today and you have to picture it. Every time we go for a walk we also find humor in the what we see. Today there was a man on his bike with a little wire basket on his handle bars and inside the basket was this little baby sitting in it with her mom running beside the bike. It’s just one of those things that you would just have to see to image and I tried to get a picture but by the time I got the camera they were to far away (maybe next time).
Also, will one of you that is reading this blog please let Mrs. Casey know that we are thinking about her and hope she is doing well. Devin also told me that he really misses all of his friends at school and he says “HI” to everyone and he can’t wait to get back to school. Also, when I mentioned school he kept repeating Turkey so yes Chris I guess he misses you too and then when I mentioned Pam he let out a big YEAH!!!
That’s it for the day have a great Wednesday as ours is just about over and we only have 18 days to go:)
Kim & Devin
February 27th, 2008
Hello,
Well we survived!!!! The procedure itself went well. Devin left his room at 2:30 and he was back in his room at 3:15 wide awake. I was hoping he would have still been a little sleepy but not a chance. They only sedate him long enough for the procedure therefore it made the 6 hours very challenging to say the least but we made it through.
Today his spirits were good and no side effects so that was great except at therapy he really didn’t want to work to hard and seemed a little tired. But then again being in the therapy room today you needed a calgon moment. Image being in a room where there was a little Romania girl who had a good set of lungs on here (screaming the whole session), the mother yelling at her in Romania, the Chinese speaking Chinese and then us speaking English. No wonder why Devin went into lock down. I was about ready to scream myself!!!! So after therapy he did take a 1 hour nap and then he had his electrical wave therapy and then we went outside for a walk for about an hour. It was a little chilly and windy today we lost our 60′s weather:(
Well, that’s all I have to report today. I wish I had some news to give you however, with Devin’s condition it will take up to 2 weeks to 2 months before we see change and we will be home by then.
I sure hope all that snow gets out of its system before we get home.
Thanks for all the prayers and comments. Devin gets a kick out of me reading them to him.
Have fun in the snow:)
Kim & Devin
February 26th, 2008
The pizza party last night was a nice time. Although we only had 4 families we enjoyed listening to each others stories. Also, you know me it’s not a pizza party without beer!!! We went to the mart and the only selection I had was Chinese beer, Heineken or Budweiser. I played it safe and got the Budweiser. The only problem is you would think being around two you couples I could at least get one of the guys to have a beer but NO neither one drinks!!! So, luckily the new family from Florida Mom, son named Trey and her mom and dad showed up with beer so the four of us had a cocktail or two. Me I only had one because the Budweiser can was 24 ounces and I wasn’t going to take any chances. The can of beer cost me $5.90 RMB’s which is around $0.70 cents of US money. It broke me but it was worth it. (HA HA) We all called it quites about 8:00 and I’ll tell you what I think I’m going to have a beer a night because we both went to sleep at 8:30 and did not move until 4:30 and then woke about 6:30. I felt like a new person with that kind of sleep.
Today, was a pretty slow day a lot of people went out site seeing but I took it safe and stayed back today since tomorrow is Devin’s 1st spinal I didn’t want to take any chances. The last thing I need is to get Devin sick and the people outside like to get in your space and also like to get touchy with your kids so I didn’t want that today. Plus, we have 3 more weekends to sight see!!
Please keep us in your prayers Sunday night that all goes well with Devin on his spinal. They don’t schedule stem cell treatments until the afternoon so if your child is scheduled for spinal then that means they can’t eat or drink anything 6 hours before the treatment (so nothing after 8:00 am/treatment at 2:00) and six hours after the treatment. Plus the hardest part is that Devin has to lay flat for 6 hours after the spinal and they only have him sedated during the procedure. So it is up to me to keep him flat the next 6 hours. He can lay on his back or side but he can not raise his head. So, please keep your fingers crossed that all goes well. I think I will be needing a beer that night. Good thing I bought a six pack!!!
Since our afternoon and night will be busy I will not be able to post to tell you how it went until the next day. Therefore, there will be no posting on Monday morning for you. Sorry, you have to go a day without your soap opera (One Day at a Time in China):)
Talk to you soon,
Kim & Devin
February 24th, 2008
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