Great report

Today's appt. went very well. The drs. were extremely pleased with Caed's progress. Like I stated before, our goal was to get to 120 ml on tube feeds, however his stools have definitely showed it. Greatly increased in frequency and lack of consistency. The drs. were not alarmed in the least and actually expected it. They said we have pushed his little intestines pretty hard the last 2 weeks (increasing by 20 mls), and now we just need to 'give him a break.' Allow his gut to catch its breath. They also cut 2 more hrs. off his feedings, so now he is only hooked up 18 hrs./day. That's wonderful!! We made a few adjustments on some meds, but other than that......everything looked great. Labs, weight, etc..... We also will only have to draw blood every 2 weeks for a month, and then if all looks good, will go to ONCE a month!!! yea! His next NE appt. will be early April (we're stretching it to 3 months now). Todd plans to be here for that one. Caed will have to undergo a scope and small bowel series. Lots of testing....not fun....but necessary.

Our day was a little hectic, but ended sweet. This morning and afternoon I was literally on the phone or internet continually trying to solve some Home Infusion problems. Not sure anything really worked out the way I wanted, but feel ok with it now. Caed was so patient with me while I worked, therefore I decided after I was done the 2 of us needed to 'hit the town.' We ate a great supper and then headed to the movies. It was fun just the 2 of us. Made me realize how much I need to do that more with each of the kids. We had a great date!!

Our flight leaves very early in the morning. Not looking forward to that, but know it will be worth it not having to waste the whole day traveling. Can't wait to see Reagan and Caleb again. It's kinda strange. I've only been gone 5 days, and yet I feel like it's been 5 weeks!!! I guess it's just the environment I'm in. Causing old emotions to resurface.

Better go hit the sack. Going to be a short night!!!

Thanks again David and Allison! You have been a huge blessing to us!

Snow..............

......where did you go????

We are back here in Nebraska, and Caed was so looking forward to seeing snow and going "sledding!" ha! Our nurse coordinator had been telling us of all the snow they had received, but apparently it decided to go away when we came. However....let's just say for these 2 Texans....the snow (I mean, "ice piles") along the sides of the roads and under the shade are good enough for us! We arrived here Friday night and have only been able to get out twice. Yesterday we had to stay in because of icy roads. It has definitely been a harder stay this go round: 1) cold weather 2) no big sister to play with! Fortunately, this stay will be significantly shorter than our previous (5 days compared to 11 weeks!) It has actually been fun being back and seeing familiar faces. We are staying here at the Lied again.....different floor....different room, and yet we feel as though we are back "home." Because of the exact same floor plans, it seems like we are in the same room. When we first got here, Caed immediately ran to his "toy drawer" and was a little shocked to see all his toys had disappeared. ha!

Today Caed had to endure the dreaded blood draw. This one was a little worse than the previous weeks. They needed "lots of blood" for some extensive testing. Tomorrow we will meet with the IRP team for a checkup. When we left here the end of Nov., Caed's tube feeds were at 100 ml/hr. The goal was to get him up to 120 ml by this appt. We are there! However, his output has doubled in the last week, and they are now completely liquid in form. I feel like we have taken a big step backward. I guess that's something we will discuss tomorrow. Outwardly, however...Caed is still the same. He continues to make everyone laugh and is a joy to be around. Thank you Lord for this!! We plan on flying back to Lubbock Wed., will get Reagan & Caleb (and a load or two), and start the drive home this weekend. I know Todd is sure ready to see us! He will have been alone (again) for 2 weeks. Hopefully, after this trip, we can finally settle down and just be home (and together!!).

Thank you all for your continued prayers and words of encouragement. They mean more than you'll ever know.


Caed at his favorite park here in Omaha. Looks like snow, huh? Well, the picture is deceiving. It is solid ICE!!!!!!!!!







**found out today that my Granny's husband (step-grandad) just passed away. It's only been a month since her death. Please just keep all the family in your prayers.

2008 in Review

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Party for a Princess

........and that she truly is! Alexandria Mei Everitt forever joined our family on Sept. 18, 2006. Stan and Megan (along with my parents) traveled all the way across the world (China) to bring her home. She was just 8 mos. old at the time. Wow! To look at her now. She is growing up into such a beautiful little girl.

We celebrated Xan's birthday early since the 3 of them were here for Christmas. She will officially turn 3 in January. What fun to be able to be apart of her birthday.


Megan had planned a wonderful party with other family and friends, however, due to a stomach bug that has traveled its way around my parents' house the past few days, the guest list was shortened to only those of us who had been exposed to it. Poor Mama......did all she could to get through the party.





After the cupcakes and presents, we were serenaded with a wonderful rendition of Ever After (from the movie Enchanted).

Stan, Megan, and Xan live in South Carolina, so it makes it harder for us to all get together very often. This was the 1st Christmas we have spent with them in 5 years. What a wonderful time we had all being together. Something we don't take for granted.

More Christmas fun

Christmas on Hollingsworth side:

Todd, his 2 brothers...........and families



We better find the receipt. Don't think she liked this one!



Watch out Troy Bolton!!!







Reagan sure loves her Grammy!!!

Is it better to give........

...than to receive?


Absolutely!! Christmas Eve night our family headed to ToysRUs (along with all the other procrastinators) and allowed the kids to choose a gift that he/she thought a sick child up in the hospital would like.

Our family (especially Caed) was the recipient of SO many wonderful gifts during his stay at the hospital. We were truly overwhelmed by the generosity especially from "strangers." So, we decided to go back to "Caed's hospital" this Christmas and do the same for others in need.










After the kids each chose their gift, we headed back to Idalou and got to work on the goodie bags. We wanted to give every child up in the hospital a "little something" and wish them a Merry Christmas.

Truly, this will be a Christmas to remember for our family. Sure, it's fun to receive a gift or two, but there's something absolutely fullfilling to give! Jesus was right when He said,

"It's better to give than to receive......"

We pray our children can grow in their understanding of this more each year.

Hospital pics

Seeing one of his favorite nurses!!





Caed at one of his old rooms. #310



Going door to door