See you in 3

Photo of Kellyn taken by her sister Evie

Rolled up to the Rock (Rochester) yesterday for Kellyn's follow up cardiology appointment. Always a pretty anxiety filled trip. She was weighed (whopping 16lbs. 6 oz.), oxygen sats were taken (100%) and EKG was read. Her cardiologist Dr. Gaum listened to her, investigated her incision and asked us about a few things then declared her to be looking really good. So good that she could stop taking her diaretic and would not have to return to his office for 3 months. Beauty thing. Her heart will never sound or function as a normal heart - as with Evie's - though that is to be expected with the type of surgery she had.

So all is really, really great. We are soaking up the fall in Ithaca - I don't think there is a better spot to be in the world in autumn than the Finger Lakes (except perhaps #1 Oregon).

4 Weeks / 4 Years

This week marks 4 weeks from Kellyn's surgery and she's doing fantastic. She is sleeping a bit more consistantly, her incision looks fantastic and her spirits are high. We had her in for her 4 month appoinment last week and we found out that she is the same height as Evie was at 4 mos., but is packing an added 2 lbs! Hats off again to Ruth and Kellyn for their solid feeding schedule it really has helped with Kellyn's recovery. She continues to impress. The next step will be a follow up with her cardiolgist in Rochester next Monday.

This week also marks a whopping 4 years from the surgical date for sweet Evie. What a striking reminder of the great results that can come from pediatric surgery. She continues to have no limitations, seems to be the fastest and sharpest kid in her class (keep in mind I'm a bit biased). She inspires me daily. We celebrated by going out and ordering the largest sundae we could find. She is beautiful and bound for greatness and no better a big sister could you find.

Glimmers of Normal

As I've noted earlier, things will never again be normal for our family post major cardiac surgery on two children in their first months of life, but the aspects of the wonderful day to day are beiginning to resurface. Sleep is getting a bit better, we can sit down to eat as a family (thanks to the killer meals from the County Planning Department and others), we take walks together, Evie is back in Pre-K...good routines are coming back together. We've even managed some good trips out for hikes, apple picking and trips downtown. Its great to get the girls out together. Settling back in, embracing the fall and seizing the day.


Apple Picking at Littletree Orchards, Newfield, NY



Evie along Sixmile Creek at the base of falls she has labeled "Angry Falls"



Kellyn livid after her Ducks fell behind 21-3 to Stanford on Saturday night. Rest assured Kellyn slept "like a baby" after being informed the Ducks stormed back to beat the Cardinal by 30. Go Ducks!

Sleepless in Ithaca

Photo compliments of Mr. William Kay.

Days back in Ithaca have been wet, but great. Little Kellyn is overall very cheerful. However, at night, Dr. Jekyll arrives. She is having a heck of a time getting back into sleeping on her own - and as a result so are we. Sweet Evie does her best, but she is rocked awake with some regularity. Kellyn is tired as all get up, but is peeved off to be on her own. So, that is taking some work. Pediatrian confirmed that there is nothing related to the surgery that seems to be affecting this. So, come 7PM we get our paramilitary gear on and go head to head with her to help get her, and the rest of the family some sleep.

Looking forward to a restful weekend. I have a date with Kellyn at 10AM for ESPN's College Gameday from our west coast home of Eugene were our Oregon Ducks host the Stanford Cardinal tomorrow night. Huge game. Evie and I are planning to, delay the bedtime a bit and cook up some popcorn and watch the Ducks at 8PM. Feels like a good weekend on tap with this, fall foliage, and Ithaca Apple Festival - and some more restful nights!

I wanted to take a brief moment to send an open letter of thanks to our friends and family as well as medical staff that have assisted us along the path to recovery.

-Dan and Diane Doyle (Mom and Dad) along with Rose Merle (Mom) have been so helpful before and after surgery with places to stay, care for Evie and all sorts of support - thank you.

-Our extended family members - both Doyles and Merles. Thank you for all your thoughtfulness.

-The staff at the Strong Golisano Hospital includlng cardiac surgeons Dr. George Alfieris and Dr. Francisco Gensini along with Gina Cable. Dr. Eaton and Matt. PICU staff Dr. Karen Powers, Dr. Eugene, nurses Adrienne, Kate, Jerry, Sarah, Ginny, Beth, Stacey, Kristen, Sharon, Christine and Stephanie. The outstanding nursing staff of 4-1600 where we spent the bulk of our time including Gina S., Amy, Nancy, Patti, Holly and Maureen. All of the Patient Care Techs including Ada and Petronia as well ass the Environmental Service and Dining staff were really helpful as well. Thank you all - and the many others - we will never forget your help.

-The Ronald McDonald House staff especially Carolyn and Carol Anne. The ability to get a few hours of rest within a quick shot of Kellyn's bedside was so critical.

-Our workplaces - Tompkins County and Cornell University and many other friends who have dropped off food to help as we transition back to Ithaca - thank you.

-The many fine folks who have sent a message or note of support, or made a donation to the International Children's Heart Foundation on our behalf. Thank you.

And many, many others whom I likely am overlooking - we have been humbled by your generosity.

Thank you.