Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Happy Birthday Sweet Kate!!!

It was a beautiful, HOT July morning exactly 2 years ago from today. The excitement and enthusiasm we felt for our sweet little angel to arrive was overwhelming. After timing contractions for a couple of hours, we knew it was time to pack our bags and head to American Fork Hospital. Still 2 ½ weeks away from my due date, we felt confident that I would deliver a healthy, happy baby girl. Upon arriving at the hospital, my contractions were 3 minutes apart and I was in PAIN!!! I thought for sure I was dilated to a 10 at that point, but was disappointed when they told me I was only dilated to a 3. “Someone, please give me an epidural,” was all I could say! We had attended weeks of Lamaze class and prepared for a non-medicated birth….what was I thinking??? They were planning on sending me home and letting me progress further there. However, they monitored the baby’s heart rate and with every contraction, her heart rate would drop significantly. At that point, they felt it was best to admit me and just watch her heart rate for a few hours. I was given an epidural (best decision I’ve ever made) and we waited. Around 8:00 am, Dr. Jones (Dr. Lawrence was on vacation and Dr. Jones was the doctor on call) came in and talked with us about the option of doing a C-section. He was worried that as my contractions progressed, it would really put the baby under a lot of stress. He felt that we could try a natural birth, however, he felt that it would result in a C-section anyway. Bryan and I discussed this option and while we weren’t 100% convinced that this was the way to go, we didn’t want to take any chances and opted to have the C-section.

At approximately 9:28 am on July 15, 2006 our sweet angel, Kate, was born weighing 4 lbs. 2 oz. and 15 ½ inches long. She was beautiful. She was very petite and had a head full of thick, dark curly hair. She didn’t cry much at first, just made a small “meow” sound. As they took Kate over to clean and assess her, I overheard the nurse say that she has a cleft palate (which was a total shock). As they checked her heart, they noticed that she had a significant heart murmur and immediately took her to a special unit of the nursery for further testing. As they were leaving, I was able to get a quick glance at Kate and she was perfect to me. Everything happened so fast and it didn’t hit me until I was told that Kate had to be transported up to Primary Children’s Medical Center. This was such devastating news. Before she was transported, they wheeled her into my hospital room in a incubator and Bryan and his dad were able to give her a blessing. As a first-time mom, I had expected to deliver my baby and hold and love her. The hardest part was to let her go. Bryan rode in the ambulance and was with her the entire time.

Kate spent the first 7 weeks of her life at Primary Children’s Medical Center in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. After weeks of testing they determined that Kate has a very rare genetic syndrome. Along with that, she has a heart condition called Tetrology of Fallot, which was later diagnosed as DORV (Double Outlet Right Ventricle). Kate was released from the hospital on September 5, 2006. This was such a joyous day for us!




It was very overwhelming dealing with oxygen, a feeding tube and several medications, but we made it work and in my opinion, we became “pros” at juggling all of Kate’s medical devices. Kate was a miracle and our pride and joy. Bryan and I were determined to help Kate to live as normal of a life as possible. We took her shopping, swimming, to church, trips to the zoo and to the park.

We also maintained her keen sense of fashion making sure she was well dressed and her hair always done. Last year for Kate’s birthday, we wanted to throw her a great big birthday party. What a celebration it was!! We did a poodle theme where we had a poodle piƱata and poodle cake. Grandpa Roper even brought his cotton candy and snow cone machine. It was fun having all of Kate’s family and friends there to celebrate. There was so much excitment that Kate slept almost the entire time : ) Looking back, we are so grateful we did it because it ended up being Kate’s first and only birthday here on this earth.



Kate endured many physical challenges including: open-heart surgery, Nissen surgery, a tracheostomy, and spent close to 8 months of her life in the hospital. She was a little fighter and even though she had an imperfect little body, she had a perfect spirit. We prayed so hard for a miracle.....a miracle that Kate would eventually heal and live a healthy life. Looking back, we did get our miracle…..a miracle that she is ours and that we were able to spend 21 of the most challenging yet rewarding months of our lives with this God given angel. Kate touched the lives of so many that knew her and many who didn’t know her. Today we celebrate the life of Kate and the blessing she has been in our lives. Happy Birthday sweet Kater Bugs. We love you so much!!!

27 comments:

Marie Holmes said...

I needed to read this tribute today. What a beautiful way you put it to words! Kate was perfect and as a mom I could relate when you said that no matter what the dr.'s and nurses were saying about her physical condition, she looked perfect to you. I can't imagine all of those struggles you went through, but I do have a glimpse of the blessings you received and are receiving with your beautiful daughters! Kate's spirit sure runs strong doesn't it!?! Happy Birthday little Kate!
Love, Marie

Kent said...

Thanks so much for sharing all about Kate. She definately touched a lot of lives in her short stay here.

Anonymous said...

Oh marcae, I wish I could reach through my computer screen and give you a big hug. What a sweet tribute to little Kate. So much has happened in a year it seems like forever ago since that fun party at the park. Hope you are doing well. I'm sure Kate is partying it up for a swimming party or something fun. Love you Marcae. Good luck getting through today and this week. Loves.

Lindsay said...

Oh, this post just made me cry. You have had such a mix of emotions over the past 24 months. We thought about Kate all day. You are so right . . . her little body held a perfect spirit. Every time I look at her picture I am overwhelmed at how beautiful Kate is. Kate is VERY lucky to have wonderful parents like you guys. We love you.

sweet pickles said...

What a sweet birthday tribute to Kate.

Fritzsche's said...

I loved hearing about the day Kate was born again and everything you wrote touched me so much. What a sweet girl. We love and miss her. Every time I donate something for Primary Childrens or diabetes research or anything that I can put a name on, I donate it in Kate Rosenvall's name. It just makes me feel so good. I will always hold her dear to my heart. Happy Birthday Sweet Kate!
Love you,
Gina

The Dumas Family said...

I know Mia will enjoy hearing about her big sister's arrival to this earth as much as I do. Thank you for sharing that and the pictures. I hope you're enjoying your week away and are able to feel Kate giving you loves. We love you Bryan, Marcae, Kate and Mia. Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Lisa said...

What a neat tribute to Kate. What a sweet little girl and such loving and great parents. I am sure that this is a hard time for you, but I know that you guys are so strong and can make it through anything.

Jayci said...

You're Kate must be such a special spirit for the Lord to want her back so quickly. We're so blessed to know that this is not the end and that you'll be with her again one day. I so glad I'm able to read your blog. I can see that you're such a strong person and good example to those around you. Take Care!

Nick Scott Family said...

Wow what a tribute to Kate. Marcae you are an amazing person - I can't believe how always always positive you and Bryan are. She was truly meant to go to such wonderful parents. She'll always be remembered! Happy Birthday little Kate.

Holli Slack said...

Marcae, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy getting on here and reading your blogs. I look up to you for the great example that you are and think that you are such a strong person for all that you have been through.

McKinlay Family said...

We love you. My thoughts are with you this week. I have dates with Davis that bring it all back, good, bad and more.

Nelson said...

Kate's birthday party was by far the best b-day party I've ever been to. I am so glad you went all out!
It was so touching to read the details of her birth and your emotions during that time.
I love you Kate. Happy b-day sweetie.
I love you Marc. You're the best.

Jimi said...

Marcae, you don't know me, I'm from Oak City and I'm friends with Brittni-I've been following your blog for a very long time now. You have truly touched my heart. I have recently found another blog that you might want to check out. This other family has recently lost their little girl also, and she has links to other families who have also lost children. It is so amazing to read their feelings and testimonies. Their blog is jacksonparkcity.blogspot.com it is very sweet. Hang in there, there are more people thinking about you than you will ever know.

The Lapuaho's said...

What a sweet tribute to little Kater Bugs. Marcae you are such a good example not only to me but to so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you this week as you celebrate Kate's birthday. I love you guys!

Marrdy said...

Happy Birthday to Kate! You are a great mom to two lucky little girls.

The Hawaiian Howells said...

We love you Kate and will always remeber the sweet spirit you brought to our lives love the Howells. I love you guys so much and I think this was the perfect way to show how much kate meant to everyone. Hope to talk to you soon love meg

Maddy and Amber said...

We thought about you all day on Tuesday. We were getting on the tram ride there at Snowbird and Jess said I wish Kater Bugs was here so we could take her a birthday present. We miss her so much. We still feel her spirit though and talk about her often. She really was perfect in so many ways. I love the pictures of her first birthday party. What a great day that was for you. You are wonderful and I draw so much strength from your testimony. Thanks for being the best example to us all! We love you!!

Matt and Amber said...

Happy Birthday Kater-bug! How amazing that families are forever! Oh gosh Marcae, what an angel she is. It's crazy... Still to this day I think about her and dream about her all the time. But all my dreams now are of her playing with her cute little curls and cheeks bouncing. Thank you for letting me be a part of her life. I really won't ever be the same. Kate touched us all who were lucky enough to know her.

Brynnly and Alan said...

Happy Birthday to Kate! You are such a great mom! Kate and Mia are so lucky to have you as their mom. Your blog continues to inspire me! P.s. Love the poodle cake. So cute and creative!

Lynne said...

I don't know you at all, but I've come across your blog and have read it a few times. It's very inspirational. I admire your positive thoughts; they're even touching strangers out here in the midwest! (my husband is Viki Aragon's cousin)

The Faddis Family said...

I'm sure this was a super hard day for you... but that was truly a beautiful tribute to Kate... She couldn't have picked two more loving, caring, and devoted parents than you and Bryan. Thanks for sharing her beginning...

Jen said...

I'm a little late in responding but Happy Birthday Kate!!!! :)

Kaydee said...

Marcae!! I do not even think I can put into words the admiration and love of have you and Kate. I realize I never met her, but because of your williness to share she has touched me and I know that heavenly father sent her to the right parents on this earth. I love you and Happy Birthday Kate!!

Tara said...

I hope you don't mind me looking at your blog. I don't even remember how I came upon it, but I am amazed at the stregnth that you have and your positive outlook on life. I am thankful to have read about your cute little Kate. I too have a Kate with a strong spirit, she is only 7 months. You seem to be an excellent mother. Your daughters are lucky girls.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet Kate. I loved reading the story of how she came to this world. It has been such a blessing to read your words of strength and love.

I could say it a million times--thank you, Marcae for being such an amazing person and example to me.

Anonymous said...

Marcae & family:
You have been a source of inspiration to me this past year. Words can never express all that you have gone through...I am grateful for the lessons you have taught us all about being a celestial family in this life.
May God continue to bestow his richest blessings upon your household.....
Love,
Cathy Hairup