A Hard Week

Well after we decided to send Kolton to Fredericksburg for a few days so that I could rest and Dustin could get a much needed break, I seemed to have a rough couple days. By Tuesday evening we decided I needed to go to the ER for some more fluids. After a 2 hour wait, I finally got back to a room and my IV started. Long story short, we sat in the ER for nearly 6 hours I only got 2 liters of fluids due to the doctors not writing orders for more and a staff that refused to listen to me, we finally called my doctor and asked that I be admitted since I was unable to get the treatment I needed in the ER. So off to what they call the "short stay" unit. At this point I am regretting the decision to come to the hospital at all. The room they put me in was the size of a closet, with a shared bathroom, and a curtian for the door. After 24 hours in that room, I FINALLY got moved to a private room with nurses that were eager to do whatever it took to get me back home. So here we are on Friday, my doctor has set me up with home health care and as of last night, I have a zofran pump. This is a device much like an insulin pump, that stays in 24 hours a day administering small doses of zofran continously all day/night long. I am to get to come home tonight, or Saturday morning at the latest. Even more then that, I am looking forward to Kolton coming home. I can't wait to see his beautiful smile, and to hug him as tight and as long as he will let me. We are saying lots of prayers that this will be our last hospital stay, at least until this little one makes his or her big debut into the world.

Thank you again to everyone for their continued support and prayers. We are still very excited about the newest addition to our family, we just pray for healthier days ahead.

With Love,
Dustin, Jamie, & Kolton....and baby #2

A bit of news

Well for those of you that don't know, I am pregnant. After some long talks of "Are we sure we can do this again?" we decided that we didn't want Kolton to be an only child, and he deserved to know that special bond that only siblings have. As most of our loved ones know, pregnancy is NOT kind to us. During my pregnancy with Kolton, we discovered that I suffer from a VERY rare pregnancy related disease called Hyperemesis Gravidarum, which translated pretty much means SEVERE and CONSTANT vomiting throughout the entire pregnancy. With Kolton, it took several weeks to even get a diagnosis, but fortunatly this time around we knew what medicnes worked and to have a protocol in place. So as soon as we found out, we called our doctor who began doing weekley lab work, and prescribed my medications to hopefully get a head start on this. Weeks 4 and 5 went pretty well, with me just feeling tired and hungry at all times. But then week 6 comes along and things began to go down hill. After changing some medications around and uping the doses on others, I was still unable to keep any food or liquids down. So on Tuesday Feb. 10th we were off to our first visit to the hospital for a round of IV fluids. After 6 liters of fluids, and 24 hours in the hospital, we felt that I would be able to maintain things from home, which I was for a little while. After a couple of days, I began the vicious cycle again, so on Friday Feburary 13th, we are off to the ER for more fluids. This time, I was lucky enough to get 2 liters and come home, no overnight stays. After getting home, I was able to eat some toast and jello and manage to keep it down. So here we are Valentine's day morning, and so far I am having a pretty good day. We are 8 weeks along today and very excited we have made it this far. We are saying a prayer daily that things don't get much worse then what they have been but the next month may very well be the worst, as with Kolton, weeks 8-13 were the hardest. We have such an amazing support system in our family and friends, we know we can make it through this, no matter how hard it gets. I just want to take a minute to thank those of you that have been here for us and for Kolton. We would be lost without you all and it means the world to us to know we have so many great friends and family that are willing to help us in this difficult time. Our biggest concern with having another baby was how it would affect Kolton while I was unable to care for him, and you all have made this an easy transition for him. To those of you who have brought dinners for Dustin and Kolton, THANK YOU, you will never know how much your generosity means to us. We can't wait to welcome this new little miracle into our lives, and introduce Kolton to his new baby brother or sister. As I am sure he will be the BEST big brother. Our due date is September 26, which seems like so far away right now, but well worth all the struggle and strife getting there. Thank you again to everyone in advance for your prayers and support through what can be very trying at times, we are able to do this again because of your support.

If anyone would like more information on Hyperemesis Gravidarum you can visit the website www.helpher.org

Love to all,
The Kramer's

Playing with Cousins

This past weekend, we took a trip to Dallas to visit Kolton's Great Granny, and see some extended family. We were able to spend some great time with my cousin, whom I have not seen in about 8 years or so, and her husband and 6 month old little boy KJ. Considering we had 4 adults and two 2 year olds in one hotel room, the boys did great. Kolton and Lucas love playing together. Friday night, Jamie (my sister in law) and I were stuck with the boys, who had not napped all day, been stuck in the car for 4 hours, and were both tired and hungry. We thought taking them to Rainforest Cafe would keep them entertained...boy were we wrong. The noises and animals were a bit much for them, so after trying to calm them down enough to pay for our drinks we didnt even touch, we hauled tail out of there. An hour later we finally wound up getting everyone fed and happy. What a day...luckily the boys were pretty exhausted and we had no problems getting them bathed and to bed.
On Sunday, we were fortunate enough to spend most of the day with some family we don't have the chance to see too often. My cousin Ashlely and her husband Keala and thier 6 month old son KJ, My 2 Aunts, dad, and Granny. Although, granny doesn't talk much, I know her heart was warm having all of us there with her. And even more so, all 3 of her Great grandkids. We tried to get some pictures of as all with her, but with 2 toddlers and a hungry baby, we got the best we could.

Kolton & me, Ashley, Granny & KJ, and Jamie & Lucas















KJ and Me Such a sweetie















Kolton showing KJ his Thomas Computer















And sharing it with Granny, he kept telling her to wake up,
and look at the computer.

Time for some FUN

After all the excitement with family and gifts, Kolton had the chance to relax and be a 2 year old. Fortunately, the weather was perfect and we got to enjoy some fresh air and let him play outside. It was nice to just sit back and watch him interact with his great grandparents and uncles. I am enjoying this stage so much, I love watching him explore and learn new things. My baby is growing up so fast, he is the center of our world, and I hope he always knows how much he is loved. My goal for the new year is to not take one moment for granted and to cherish every moment and take full advantage of the opportunity to make new memories with loved ones.

Opie, Cullen, Nom (Tom), Mimi, Dustin & Kolton















Kolton and his "Great" grandparents, Opie & Omie...
he wasn't too happy about the picture















Opie helping Kolton ride his new tricycle



















Our "little Horn"
jersey courtesy of Uncle Cullen....Thank You!!



















Uncle Cullen and Kolton playing soccer...















Shakin' it















Kolton was completely impressed with this snowglobe...there was a train that went around inside it. I believe he sat there for nearly 30 minutes trying to figure it out.

Christmas Travels

Well after traveling to Huntsville for Christmas Eve with my family, Nana, Papa, Uncles Brad, Brandon, and Carl and Aunt Jodie, Jamie and Tara, and can't forget cousin Lucas, we came back home for Christmas Eve with the Kramer's, Opa, Uncle Sheldon & Aunt Trish, and Uncle Chance. So much family, so much love... and toys. It's a shame Kolton doesn't have any love...
Afterwards we were off to the midnight Christmas Eve service at church, a tradition Dustin and I started the year we met. I was really hoping after a late nap, and a full tummy, that Kolton would sit during the service without a problem, (we have taken him into a regular service on Sunday, without a hitch). Everything started off so great, he LOVED the singing and all the trees and lights so much so that he yelled out "candles, fire mommy daddy look" several times. The first time it was funny but when he wouldn't quit, we had to get up and walk out. I then tried to come back in for more of the singing, this time staying in the back, again it started off great then went to terrible quickly. During the solo, Kolton was clapping and yelling, "Yea!! Yea!!" again cute, the FIRST time. Trying to not ruin the service for everyone there, Kolton and I enjoyed the rest of the service in the cry room of the church. It wasn't quite how I was hoping to enjoy it, but better then nothing. We did manage to sneak back in just in time for the candle lighting which did keep his attention. Fortunately, the family sitting behind us went out of their way to let us know it didn't bother them, it was great to know some people still had the Christmas Spirit.

We had Christmas morning at home, as always. This year my dad was here to celebrate with us. Kolton had so many gifts under the tree it took him nearly 3 hours to get through them all. He would open one, play with it for a bit then move on to the next. He played Santa to himself, went right to the tree and started pulling out gifts left and right. After lunch here, we headed out to Fredericksburg to have yet one more Christmas with Dustin's moms side of the family, Mimi, Nom, Uncles Cullen and Bryson, great grandparents MaryFay (GG) Omie, & Opie. Although we are tired from our travels and visits, we feel blessed to have so many loved ones to share these times with.

We are looking forward to 2009 and can't wait to see what it has in store for us. We wish you all happiness in the New Year.

Here are some pictures of Kolton openeing gifts, something he has become a pro at over the last few weeks between his birthday and Christmas.















Helping daddy put his "Cars" stepping stool together















This is Kolton and MaryFay his "Great" grandmother aka GG















This is Dustin, Cullen, Bryson, and Kolton...all of Mimi's boys

Santa's Wonderland

We loaded up the family and drove to College Station to see the Christmas lights and enjoy some Christmas festivities. It was nice and cold out which made it feel more like winter time. They had snow machines, music playing, a petting zoo and pony rides. Kolton had his first taste of hot chocolate, needless to say I didn't really get to enjoy mine because he loved it so much. We hope to make it a yearly trip now that Kolton is getting to the age of really enjoying those things. Uncle Josh, Cousin Lucas, Uncle Brad, Aunt Jamie, and Nana & Papa all went along. Kolton loved getting to feed the goats, and rabbits, riding the pony, but wasn't too sure what to think of the pigs. They had a huge wall with lights decorated to look like the Texas flag, of course we had to take some pictures with it.
Those aggies may not be too good at football, but they sure now how to hang Christmas lights....Hook Em' Horns!!!!!

Kolton's 2nd Birthday Party

We had Kolton's 2nd birthday party on Saturday the 13th. Being that he loves Melmo (Elmo) so much, we decided to go with that theme. We invited several of his friends over to play, what fun they had. So many little ones running around and playing, I don't think Kolton realized it was all for him but he played his little heart out. When it came time to sing and eat cake, he wasn't to sure what to think about everyone singing to him, but knew just what to do when it was time to blow out the candle. I feel so grateful that Kolton has so many friends that were able to come and celebrate with him. I see many friendships lasting through the years. Thanks to everyone who came and shared this special day with us, you made it even more memorable by being here. I posted random pictures from the party, some of the birthday boy and his cake, a few of him and his friends, and some of Kolton enjoying the tissue paper more then whats in the bag...figures. Enjoy!!!