My Mom's Surgery

Below is a copy of an email my Step Dad sent me concerning my Mom's Lung Surgery. Keep her in your prayers.

Hi all,

Kay's surgery went well and from a technical perspective followed the path's expected by the physicians. The tumor and some nodes were removed in the region of the lower left lobe of the left lung. The surgeon feels things followed his expectations. Operation took 3.5 hours. Kay right now is in recovery. She'll have a room early this afternoon. The lower lobe itself was also removed. It'll take several days to fully analyze the tumor itself. Typically, these appear benign. A lower bronchial passage was resected and then reconnected. The team here will be watching that bit to make sure there are no excessive air leaks, so to speak. Some air leaking is OK. And we're told not to worry about it. The body itself seals around such bronchial passage surgeries. Surgeons will watch things over several days to determine if this has healed on its own. We're on guard against infections, with requirements for hand washing and bacterial cleansing for anyone near. Mary Ann is here today. We've been visited by a number of folks from the church, including Steven and Laurie Koski. We do feel in very good hands here. This is a terrific hospital. More as we have it.

Our Love,
Boyd and Kay

Holding AJ

Having a new cousin has been very exciting for Nika. This is the first time Nika has been able to hold one of her cousins, since all the rest are older than her.

Healing Frozen Panda

Thought I would share this little part of our daily life. When Nika was born we got this cute little Panda you put into the Freezer to soothe bumps and other hurts. But everytime Matt uses it to soothe the kids he animates Panda, doing funny things. I don't do that. I don't know if it is lack of new inspiration or what. But the other day I used it to soothe a hurt finger and Nika broke out of her cry to show me how Panda is supposed to act. As soon as I followed her lead the hurt went away. It was a miracle Healing Frozen Panda.

No More Monkeys Jumping on the Couch

Lately the girls have just been crazy about tearing the couch apart and jumping on it. They needed little encouragement to pose for these pictures.

First Zoo Visit

Katie went to the Zoo with us with little 3 week old Alexander Joshua (AJ). It worked out well. Most of the time Katie pushed the Boyz in the stroller while I had the girls in thier Monkey and Puppy Packs (Leashes). AJ did great. He fussed a bit, but calmed down. I think Mom and Baby did wonderful for their longest trip and quite possibly thier first public appearance.

Monkeys

We went to the Zoo yesterday and found this monkey vine swing. Kiley picked up on it quick, but Nika was a bit timid.

Chocolate Pudding

Thought the bunch of you might enjoy this picture of my neice. She had just finished a piece of Chocolate Pudding Pie and purposely spread it all over her face. I thought it was funny how she choose to pose too. I like it! It brings some variety to the photo shot.

Summer Fun

The day that Alex was born, I had Kenny in addition to Kiley, Nika, and Christian so we broke out the sprinkler. Above you see Kenny doing a cartwheel through the sprinkler and below those daredevil preschoolers Kiley and Nika braving the cold water.

Time to warm up on the beach towels. They looked just like little tweens.

Lessons in Parenting

Here you see me reading up in one of my James Dobson books on how to Parent. I have been really hitting the books lately; Reading Parenting Books, watching Supernanny, and looking on the internet. Right now I am trying to Homeschool Preschool, Potty train, Teach vocab (to christian), introduce foods to the pickie Preschooler Diet, and firm up sleeping schedules for those kids trying to push the limits. Your prayers and advice are encouraged.

Laundry

Christian really got into helping me with the Laundry the other day. I don't think it was really the desire to help, but the light in the machine that got him into the job.

Not Twins - Cousins

I got in real trouble the other day when I went out and got Kiley and Nika four matching outfits. Today when I went to get the girls dressed they expressed their desire to not match. They are so cute. They have so much fun playing and dressing up together. My mom has commited to making them matching "Princess Dresses."

Grandma West

Here you see Grandma west with four of her six grandkids

Ain't it Great to Be Loved

The girls are very much in love with their new nephew. At times it is hard to keep them away from him

Five in the Family!

Our Neice Kiley is now living with us. Last night all the kids decided it would be fun to hang out on the couch with thier blankies. There are the three who are bring so much joy to out lives. Kiley is two months older than Nika and the daughter of Matt's oldest sister. Her brother Kenny was living with us earlier this year. We are unsure how long Kiley will be living with us, but I am having a lot of fun with another girl to play with. Getting out of the house hasn't been perfected yet, but with time I am sure I will master it.

Alexander Joshua Zuniga

Well come to the newest member of the family! My newest nephew was born a week ago. We love him so much. He fits well in the family, he is a cuddler. The stats on this future futball (or Football) player are Weight: 7 lbs 13.5 oz Length: 20.5 inches.

Tree Placement

Well we did plant the tree for those of you who have been wondering. Apparently is not possible to plant it in the Spot where most of you voted (Choice #1) so we had to compromise. It is now placed to the left of the window. Thank you for all of those who participated.