My thoughts for 2010!

Acceptance

As 2010 approaches, the year in which I turn 30 I think I'm closer to... "acceptance."

Acceptance that...

The years keep getting faster, my son is growing up quicker, and the time isn't enough.

Acceptance that...

Things seldom come out as planned, I'm not near as organized as I thought I would be, and perfection is impossible.

Acceptance that...

I will always have housework, laundry, and dishes. My van seems to be a "catch all" for everything.

Acceptance that...

Bills will always be in the mail, money will always be tight, and working is inevitable.

Acceptance that...

God has a plan even if that means only having one child and supporting a kidney transplant.

Acceptance that...

No matter what I do I'm forgiven so it's time to forgive myself.

Acceptance that...

In the end, all that really matters is the time shared with those you love!

Love and Peace for 2010!!!

~Chandell

Pirate Party!

Gunnar had a pirate party on Saturday for his 5th Birthday! He is growing up WAY to fast!
Treasure chest cake!






Piñata!

Treasure Hunt!

Pin the Patch on the Pirate!

Opening Gifts!

Through the Years!

Happy 5th Birthday Gunnar Wayne Oleson!!!!

Gunnar's Christmas Program

Gunnar had his Christmas Preschool Program on Sunday. He did so well, we are so proud of him. Grammy Tammy was able to make it down to watch too. He's getting to be such a "little man". He loves the girls too! Especially Ashlynn who is in the second to the last picture, he just adores her, if you can't tell by the smile on his face!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Thanksgiving

We hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year. This was the first time ever doing so and the first time I ever cooked a turkey. I will cherish the memory of having my mom show me all the tricks FOREVER, we sure had fun. Nate's mom and step-father made it down and we had some clients enjoy turkey too! We played games, watched football (BRONCO'S beat the Giants!), and ate WAY to much!

Pilgrim Hats

I was able to go to Gunnar's daycare and make pilgrim hats with the kids before Thanksgiving.

WOWZERS! :)

What does a Transplant Coordinator, Medical Social Worker, Financial Coordinator, Surgeon, Nurse Practitioner, Nephrologist (Kidney Doctor), 13 tubes of blood, a EKG, and chest X-Ray all have in common?

A well organized appointment with the University of Colorado Hospital Transplant Team. :)

Nate had his first appointment with the Transplant Center yesterday and we were given a wealth of information. So much it's hard to put into words, so I will just some-up main points.

The purpose for this appointment was to determine if Nate is a good candidate for a transplant and if so get him final approval to be put on the transplant waiting list.

* From everything that was presented to us things went well to move forward for approval. Nate's EKG looked good and blood work and X-ray results will be coming soon.

* The average time on the waiting list is 2-5 years.

* They leave the old kidneys in (unless they are causing problems with space as PKD causes the kidneys to swell) and put the new kidney in the groin area and connect to arteries in the leg. It's protected by the hip and muscle.

* A kidney donated by a deceased donor lasts on average 10-12 years. A kidney donated by a live donor lasts on average 12-15 years. (This news was a bit disappointing for us, as we thought "once he has a new kidney it's all done." However, because of Nate's age and health his new kidney could last much longer)

* Once final approval has been made live donors can be tested. You must have the same blood type (O) and some other restrictions apply.

We will leave you with this information for right now. The appointment went very well and we continue to expect positive results.

A "REAL" Haircut!

Our HANDSOME little Man! Yesterday, I took him to my hair dresser to get a "real" haircut. How cute he is!!!!

ACP Conference

Our agency sends staff to the ACP conference each year. This year it was in Grand Island. I haven't been since before Gunnar was born. My mom came down to watch him this year so I could go. We had a blast but got snowed in for an extra day. Thank goodness we were able to leave on Halloween to get back to our kiddos.

Pumpkin Patch/Halloween

I don't know how well you can see it but Gunnar was a Buffalo this year for Halloween and boy was he a cutie!Every year we go to Hazel's Pumpking Patch. I love it soooo much! I think we've started a tradition with my mother coming along too. This is the second year in a row we've put something funny on our face and took pictures. We have so much fun!

Update on Nate!

Nate had his second appointment today with the kidney specialist. It went very well and the doctor is very positive and optimistic. Nate's current kidney level is at 23%. If you remember from the previous post, Nate can be put on the transplant list when his kidney function is at 20% or lower and dialysis and/or transplant will start after his kidney function is at 10% or lower. We are going to meet with the transplant center in Denver within the next couple of months to get things started and line-up possible donor options. It's important to remember that a transplant could be years away we are just making preparations. Nate's other lab levels were "perfect" according to the doctor. Nate is anemic which is normal with PKD and we may need to treat that soon. We again feel very positive and will take each step as it comes. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Family Camp 2009

Every year we take a trip to Wyoming for Family Camp. This year was special because the Hawaii crew was able to make it. Fun times as always!

Bronco Games!

I had the opportunity to attend 2 pre-season Bronco games this year. One with Nate and one for work. All I can say is I LOVE football! Can't wait to do it again!