Kaylee celebrated her 10th birthday on February 24th, and it was unlike any other birthday we've celebrated. My kids had the day off from school on February 21st, so Kaylee decided it would be a good day to have a small party. She only wanted to invite three friends. All morning she was so excited. She helped decorate, she helped get the food ready, she baked her own cake, and she wanted to decorate her cake by herself. By the time her friends arrived the house was decked out in a My Little Pony theme, and she was ready to party.
About five minutes into the party, we were all standing around our kitchen table, when Kaylee collapsed, hitting her face on the table as she fell to the floor. She had passed out. I rolled her over onto my lap only to see a vacant expression on her sweet face. I asked her if she knew where she was. She didn't. I called 911. Fortunately the mom of one of her guests was still there, so she was able to shuffle the rest of the kiddos into our living room. By the time the fire department arrived she was becoming more lucid. By the time the paramedics arrived she was starting to look a little overwhelmed. They checked her vitals and sat with her for awhile. Once they had her standing the fire fighters grabbed all the kids and took them out to their fire truck while I talked to the paramedics about whether or not they should take Kaylee to the ER. Because Kaylee has fainted several times before and has already been diagnosed with Vasovagal Syncope, we decided she didn't need a trip to the ER. They told me symptoms to watch out for throughout the rest of the day and then they were on their way. You'd never guess Kaylee was the reason they were even there!
Before I move on to the actual party, I just want to say how impressed I was with the fire fighters and paramedics. They were incredibly good with Kaylee and spent a lot of time with her. They even joked about wanting to stay for cake, which I would have gladly shared with them if they wouldn't have had to get back to work. I'm still a little shaken up about the whole ordeal. It had been over a year since her last episode, and this happened in very different circumstances than her previous episodes. She actually went in for a well check yesterday, and her doctor decided to do a cardiogram just to make sure her heart isn't responsible for these episodes. Fortunately it is not her heart.
Once everything was settled down the party went on. They decorated unicorn horns, ate My Little Pony themed food, made rainbow tutus, and had a good time. I talked with another mom a few days after the party. She told me that when her daughter was telling her dad about it she didn't even mention the fire department and paramedics. It's nice that it didn't seem to phase Kaylee's friends. They just enjoyed the party!
On her actual birthday, we celebrated that evening with a fried chicken dinner, ice cream pie and presents. She still loves American Girl, and received a talent show set and a bunch of medical supplies for her doll. How appropriate!
Happy 10th birthday Kaylee! We love you more than all the Oreo cream fillings ever to be made!
