CHOC called on Tuesday and Carter’s hemoglobin level has been trending downwards, so they wanted him to come in for a blood transfusion. They said it would be best to do it as late as possible before surgery on Monday, so they asked if we could come in today. Matt and Carter spent the first half of the day at the Outpatient Infusion Center. We are hopeful it was Carter’s last blood transfusion, especially considering his central IV line is coming out in 4 days!! UCLA was reluctant to agree to the blood transfusion because it introduces new antibodies into Carter’s system. However, if Carter will need to be transfused in the near future, we would rather do it now without any poking.
Many people have asked us if we are glad 2009 is coming to an end. Yes, it will be so nice to get a fresh start on life in 2010! Although, our experiences over the past year have changed us forever…and we hope for the better. We would never want Carter to have to endure what he has had to go through this year in fighting a life-threatening disease. But through this journey, we have met some remarkable people we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. And we have been so inspired by our own children to be the best parents we can be for them.
We live in the moment and appreciate life more because no matter if you eat the right foods through a pregnancy, breast-feed your children, make organic baby food for them, don’t let them play with lead paint based toys, make sure they have a well-balanced diet and get plenty of exercise and sleep, laugh and play a lot…your child can get cancer! Life is crazy and the unexpected can occur. We have each other and we power through the rough times, and we SURVIVE!
2009 will be an unforgettable year for our family, and we hope 2010 will be filled with even more laughter (and less tears) and more time together and with friends and family! As we said in our Christmas card, “Miracles come in all shapes and sizes…” We were blessed with many miracles this year! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year beloved Kipps and what a new year it is going to be. A year of transition according to my Pastors. I am praying it will be a year of transition for you as well. Transitioning from struggling to survive to one of rest & relaxation in the Father's arms. A year of ups and downs on the health roller coaster to a new year of health and your souls prospering. God's word says we will prosper as our souls prosper....so get to prospering according to God's word. Praying this year is filled more with God's presence and blessings...that there is an open heaven above you....you have only seen a crack above you this past year! Many hugs, many prayers, many blessings!!! I will still be popping in from time to time. Don't worry if there is a silence, but do know I am still around, still praying & praising before God's throne for you all.
ReplyDeletePS I just enjoyed the video of Bennett & Carter. Happy New Year you Princes of God! So cute!
Happy New Year Kipp family and make 2010 be filled with Peace, love, and joy. Love and hugs, Julie Weaver
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you guys!!! We are SOOOO excited to be neighbors and wish you a very very healthy, happy and peaceful 2010! Love to you all!
ReplyDeleteCourtney Norton
Happy New Year. I hope that 2010 is a time of joy for your family. Carter is my hero and his story has changed me forever. What you said is so true, anyone can get cancer. You have inspired me to laugh more and worry less about mess. Praying for you and can't wait to see what the new year has in store! Love, Brook
ReplyDelete2009 made us tough as nails. Let's hope 2010 is full of sunny days and belly laughs. Wishing you all the best this new year. Much love from the Christensens
ReplyDeleteYou have blessed us all! Happy New Year to you and may this one be filled with the best of everything for you especially. You have been a tremendous inspiration to us and our family. You are so right with everything you said about doing all the "right" things during pregnancy and making the best choices for your kids always and still, the worst thing can happen. We have to remember to be joyful and grateful for every day and moment because we never know what the next will bring! We love you all and keep you in our hearts always! BTW the boys look so good and cute too! Give them hugs for us.
ReplyDeleteLove, Shelley H.
Yippeee it is 2010! Great joy and health to the Kipps in this new year. You so deserve it and I know you will love your new home...fresh start! Big hugs to all the Kipps and best of luck next week.
ReplyDeletexoxo Cindy and John