We Will Miss You Papa!

Jim Gurnow passed Saturday, May 14, 2011. Today was the funeral and we brought the kids. I didn't want them to go to the casket, but they both wanted to, especially Cameron. Cameron has had a lot of questions and I'm sure he will have more to come. Trevor just wanted to give him a kiss and said that he was sleeping. He kept asking why nana and mommy and daddy were sad. He was very sweet and they both behaved well! Jim was a very sweet man. My children could do no wrong in his eyes. He was a man that would be outside waiting for us in the pouring rain with a huge umbrella so no one got wet on the way in. He rocked both of my babies for years. He has been thrown up on more times than I can say (my kids both had horrible reflux), but it never bothered him! He took the kids on tractor rides, down to feed the chickens, watched them play, read them stories, told them stories, gave them lots of hugs and kisses, and treated them like his very own grandchildren. We were so lucky to have known him and for our kids' to have had him in their lives. He will be deeply missed!

Easter 2011

We got theh kids a trampoline for Easter. Cameron really likes jumping and it will be good for him. They loved the egg hunt. Grandma Hoeptner was here for it and then Seth and Amanda came over as well and we all had dinner together. It was a nice day!

Fun in the Sun

Cameron's health has been improving! He now only has an occasional cough. I really think the swimming is helping tremendously! Trevor has also improved and took his last dose of his steroid today (thank goodness! We're hoping our sweet baby comes back in the next day or so). Cameron is really enjoying throwing the water football. His aim is awesome!

Trevor and Aunt Erin

The view! Beautiful golf course with mountains in the background. Picture perfect!

Feeding Koi fish this morning.

Swimming his stuffed sting ray while watching the real sting rays (Zach won the stuffed one shooting a basketball into a non-standard hoop).

Climbing around in the fun zone

Here are some additional photos from Sea World. Fun day!

Here are some pictures from our first day. We flew after the kids' bedtime, so we had them in their jammies for the flight. They only ended up sleeping about a hour during the flight. We were very worried about Cameron, but he did fine. He coughed a lot on the flight and we had several dirty looks. One older lady came over and told Zach that he had a horrible cough to fly with. Zach told her that he had CF. We spent Saturday playing at the house and getting used to the time change. Mom and I went for a pedicure, which was great! Then Mark, Rosa, and my Grandma Hoeptner came over for dinner. The kids did great.

Sunday the boys woke up bright and EARLY. We had a few hours before we were leaving for Sea World. We spent about 7 hours at Sea World. The kids loved the first show (Cameron ate 2 buckets of popcorn there). As the day went on, the boys got tired and fussy! They finally fell asleep, but not for long. Trevor woke up in a horrible mood and cried for 2 hours. We finally decided it was time to head home. The steroids both kids are on just make them so irrational and it's hard to turn it around sometimes. Plus, I think the time change is hard to get used to, along with eating right and everything else.

This morning we got up and packed for the Desert. We dropped Shelby off at the kennel and then went to my dad's work for a visit. There are many people there that have supported us with Great Strides and would like to meet Cameron, so some of them came to visit. Cameron wasn't very social, but Trevor loved giving hi-5's and telling them about what he was doing. The kids, mom, and Zach went to McDonald's and then drove to Palm Desert. I stayed with dad so he could work a couple hours, then we headed out. When I got here the kids were already in the pool (Cameron couldn't wait). Trevor was scared. I unpacked the car and headed down there and by then Trevor was ready to get in and loved it. His eyes are bright red from the chlorine. He got to the point that he'd just fall in and assume someone was going to get him. Scary! We have to really watch him! The boys love the water, I think we're going to have a lot of fun down there the next few days. Cameron was getting very cleaned out with all the water in his nose and stuff. He isn't coughing quite as much either. I think this is really good for him!

Mom and dad are grocery shopping for food for the week and then getting pizza since it's getting late. Hopefully I'll download more pics as the week goes on.

Hospital Admission

Cameron went for his check-up before our trip to see if we should switch antibiotics and was told he needed to be admitted and put on IV antibiotics. So, we've been here since yesterday. I got no sleep last night, someone came in every 30 minutes at least. Cameron didn't get great sleep. Then we spent a frustrating morning waiting on meds and breakfast. He was so hungry he scooped the butter right out of the container with his finger and ate it once he was done with his bacon and pancakes. The nurse laughed. I didn't even care, I was glad he was getting fat. He is doing CPT every 4 hours here and has been using a vest for the first time. He laughs when it's on because his voice sounds funny from all the shaking. He sometimes complains it's too tight, I think he's just not used to the feeling. It's pretty neat though, I think it knocks a lot around in there. His Uncle Seth and girlfriend Amanda came to visit, which was a nice break. They brought him McDonald's (thank goodness because he didn't like one single thing on his lunch tray from the hospital). He only had about a half hour nap until he was woke up for something else. However, while he was sleeping, he had a surprise delivery. Grandma and Grandpa Hoeptner sent a bouquet of balloons. He LOVES them. He hides in them and likes to carry them around the room. People always say you can't have enough balloons in a hospital room and I guess it's true, he thinks they are pretty cool. He keeps asking people which is their favorite. Then, Aunt Erin sent a gift with 3 zoo lovies in it. Cameron picked his favorite and then sorted all of his lovies by size and where they needed to go around him for him to sleep. Silly boy! He even said he thinks he's going to give one to Trevor. How nice of him. One of the teachers on my team came out and brought Cameron some treats I thought he'd like and then we went to dinner so I could get a good meal and get out of the room for a little bit. Zach came after work to be with Cameron. Nana was nice and kept Trevor late tonight. Zach got him after I got back from dinner. I miss Trevor! I wish he was closer so that he could visit easily. Maybe tomorrow or Friday. I'm having Trevor withdrawal. It's hard with him here though because he likes to push buttons, open and close things, etc. He thinks it's a fun, new place. He was very good the other night though and tucked in with Cameron to watch a show. If he could do that more of the time here he could hang out a little longer. We'll see. Tomorrow morning some time Cameron will do his PFTs. The results from that will determine whether we need to cancel our trip for sure and how long he will need to be here. So, we're hoping for a miracle.

Right now he's finally asleep. He's calling things out in his sleep, tossing and turning, calling my name and seeming frustrated, but asleep so not making much sense! His face is bright red and it's cold in here. Ahhhhhhh!! I hate hospitals!!!

Spring Sickness

Well, spring has sprung and everyone in our house is sick! Cameron has been sick since last Sunday. His cough sounds worse than I've ever heard. He sounds like a dog barking. He's finally able to sleep, even with the coughing at night, but he hasn't really been improving yet. We went to the children's hospital and had a bunch of tests run as well as a chest x-ray. All looked okay, with the exception that he has an infection. We are waiting on his throat culture. Once we get that, we're hoping we can provide him with a specific antibiotic to help kick this more quickly. Trevor started coughing just at night a couple nights ago and is now sounding pretty bad. So, we will be going to the Sunday sick care at our pediatrician. He's pretty cranky as well. I know a lot of this is sparked by allergies! Zach got up today and said that his throat has a lot of drainage now as well and it's bothering his ears. We are going on our trip in just 6 days, I need this household well!!!! I'm mostly concerned for Cameron because this type of thing is hard for his little body to kick and there's always the risk that he's going to have breathing troubles. I really don't want that happening when we are away from our doctors!
I'm trying to get some new jewelry done so I can try to raise some money for our CF team. We are only half way to our goal so far and we have about a month to go!

Last week we went roller-skating. My school does a PTA fundraiser once a month. Cameron and I have been going. He is getting really good. He can now slide when he skates, rather than just stepping all the time. Zach was able to come for the first time, but he couldn't skate because he was still in his foot boot. So, I took Trevor out there. He wanted to do it so bad, but he was scared to death and wanted me to hold him out there, so he ended up just watching.

Today we went to a birthday party at a bouncy place. The kids jumped and ran around non-stop for a hour and a half. Zach and I were also able to participate as they needed our help at times. Plus, the boys got a kick out of us doing it too. I personally thought the tall slide was fun! They took good naps, then we were able to play outside for a while. It's a beautiful day. Zach and I worked on the yard a bit and the kids played in the mud. They are in the bath as we speak!

Proud of his metal.

Cameron writing his name on the sidewalk.

On the way to the Celebrity Dinner Party.

As usual, life has been busy! It's been a while since I've updated. February was filled. Cameron had basketball every Saturday. He loved it. He would smile with his tongue out running back and forth on the court, making sure to check that we were watching. He was one of the top shooters and got much better at dribbling.

Zach and I went to the CF Celebrity Dinner Party. My support group made the center pieces. They were themed wind chimes. We put a lot of effort into making them special in hopes of raising a lot of money. We raised over $5000 for the foundation! Well worth the effort.

Just this last weekend, we were given free VIP tickets to the Broadway show, "Madagascar." We were only given 2 tickets for 2 different show times. So, Zach took Trevor while I went to basketball with Cameron. Then, Cameron and I went later that night. The kids loved it. I think Trevor was even more entertained than Cameron. It was a neat experience for them and they did very good during the show. There were tons of other kids, all asking questions during the show (not as quietly as they should), so our kids were not out of place. :)

Trevor and I got sick Sunday and have not been great since, but are doing better. Luckily Cameron and Zach have been in the clear so far. We are hoping and praying Cameron will be completely healthy for our trip to California in a few weeks. I am scared to let him go on a plane if he is having any chest issues.

A big change for me is that I just started my Scentsy business. I had my kick-off party and am now looking for people that want to host a party. If you have never used one of these wickless candles, it is the time to try! You can order at any time from my website: www.courtneycurecf.scentsy.com. I am using half of the money for our own medical related bills and the other portion towards our Great Strides team. First I have to make profit!! So, I've been busy trying to get that going and then trying to get fundraising going and people to join our team for Great Strides. It's been a slow start this year, it's making me a bit nervous. Zach is putting on a duathalon this summer, but that will not be until August and will go towards next years fundraising. So, if you're local, be sure to join our team. If you're not and want to walk, let me know and I can tell you what to do. Hope everyone is doing well!

Basketball Season Begins

This has been a great weekend! We started with Cameron's first basketball game of the season. His team name is the Nuggets. We were nervous about him playing on the 4-5 year old team because that would mean there would be kids almost 6 and he's pretty little. However, he fits in fine and seems to be one of the better shooters. They all look like they're having so much fun and that's what it's about. He was pretty proud of himself for making all the baskets and he was a good listener for his coaches. I was proud of him. Grandma Hoeptner came to watch the game and then took both boys to McDonalds and then to the cabin for the night. Zach and I got some cleaning done around the house and worked out (which feels like work to me, but Zach loves!). Then we went out with a friend of mine and her husband. We had dinner and then went to the Comedy Caravan to see Etta Mae, it was lots of fun and my face hurt from smiling and laughing so much! Good for the soul! This morning we woke up, cleaned some more, went to church, then Zach worked out and I found a dress for the CF Celebrity Dinner party and then met mom to get the kids. Tomorrow we're going to just have a family day at home. Play some games with the kids, listen to some music, watch tv, make some snacks....I'm looking forward to it. This will only be a 3 day week for me. Zach and I are going to Gatlinburg for a couple nights and my mom is watching the kids. We were given the place to stay by a dear friend of mine, a fellow CF mom, so we were very excited to be able to take this opportunity!

Snow Day

I've already had 3 snow days! We had one this last week. It was actually a really fun day. I stayed home with the boys and we played all day. When they got up from their nap, we bundled up and went outside to play in the snow. Cameron wanted to pull Trevor on the sled, but we were going up the driveway and it was pretty hard for him. My strong-willed little boy did not want to give up though! He finally let me 'help.' They played in the backyard for about a hour, going on the slide, making snow angels, and mowing the lawn. So cute! I had fun watching them!

Santa Safari

Trevor asked for a Choo-Choo-Train

Cameron asked for Emily, one of the characters of Thomas

We went to the Santa Safari again this year because Cameron thinks that's the only way he can ask for something from Santa and actually get it. We weren't nearly as impressed this year, so I think we will find something new next year. Maybe Zach will have to dress up :)

This year they didn't have many snacks and they closed down a couple of the animal areas before we could get there. However, Trevor really enjoyed himself! He touched a little dragon, a snake, a rabbit, ferret, and saw some different birds as well as a penguin. He loved running from place to place to see the animals. He also loved seeing Santa!! He kept wanting to go see him over and over, only it wasn't his turn. He kept pointing at Frosty and the Penguin that was there. He was a little scared when he was up close with them, but he liked telling us where they were the WHOLE time! It was neat to see the kids enjoying themselves. Cameron wasn't in the best mood. He liked coloring and then telling Santa what he wanted, but he had no interest in anything else this time.