Author: Hendrix Kunze

Since I’ve spent my entire life in the OC, I figured it was time for a little upgrade…I think I deserve it! 😊 I was debating between peck implants and a baby booty lift. I thought I had my mind made up, but my parents convinced me to get a new forehead. The positives…well, I’m going to look awesome, and now my brain can grow without restriction. The negative side is that I will have to wear a helmet for up to a year. But hey, that just means I can kick start my bike riding career early! 🚴

Earlier this morning, I officially took the plunge and had my forehead surgery. I swear I can feel my brain growing already! (or maybe that’s the swelling 😕) The neurosurgeon told my parents it went really well after the PICC team used their ultrasound machine to start my IV. I think they originally thought I was a dartboard though. After 19 pokes, they finally hit a bullseye.

I am now peacefully recovering while my medical team is closely monitoring my breathing and swelling. I’m looking forward to getting out of here and researching my stylish helmet design options! 👷👲👳👮👼🎩👒🎓👑

Thank you for all of your extra thoughts and prayers!

Love,
Hendrix (and family)

P.S. Check out my war paint below!

I’ve been a very busy little man! Over the past week I was finally able to complete my wish of being able to stay on every floor at CHOC. Last Thursday my parents took me to the ER for new abnormal breathing episodes. I was admitted and under went several different tests and scans. Ultimately, they diagnosed me with seizures and put me on a new medication. I’m so happy the doctors were able to figure out a piece of my puzzle and that my episodes have not come back since. This only happened so quickly since my mommy and daddy advocated for me to have an overnight combined EEG and sleep study (we found out this combo is still up and coming in the medical world). As of now, I’m enjoying a few days at home for my first Christmas and my skull surgery is still a go for this coming Tuesday. Thank you in advance for your continued prayers, love, and support!

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!

Love,
Hendrix (5 months, 13.5lbs)

P.S. Our Christmas card is below. My parents have been just a little busy this year. 😉

My first holiday season is in full swing and has been filled with lots of quality family time. 😍 This has included two different Thanksgiving dinners and my first boat ride for Mimi’s birthday!

To help digest all the delicious holiday food, I finally got my new feeding tube on 12/2/16. The procedure went well, but we ended up having a family sleepover at CHOC since my airway was swollen from the procedure’s breathing tube. My parents now have more information on how to best advocate for me during my skull surgery on 12/27/16. They decided on a less invasive procedure with a local neurosurgeon they trust. The cool part is that I’ll get to wear a stylish helmet. I’m still deciding on how to decorate my first one…suggestions are welcome!

I recently started hand therapy as well and got my first hand splint. So far, I like wearing it on my right hand and will hopefully get one for the left too.

Also, today I turned 5 months and it was Mommy’s first day back at work. I was extra good and slept most of the day for Daddy and my grandparents. Thank you Mimi and Papa for taking such good care of me!

Thank you for all your love and support this year! Wishing everyone a wonderful and love filled holiday season. XO

Love Always,
Hendrix

…It’s time to play the Feud!

We’ve polled 100 people asking them, “What is on Hendrix’s mind in the picture below?”

The top four survey answers were:

4.) Dreaming of my toasty bed next to a fire on a rainy winter night. (12)

3.) What you can’t see in this picture, is my mommy tickling my twelve toes. (19)

2.) I am leaving a nice surprise downstairs for my daddy to find when he gets home from work. (31)

1.) I’m dreaming of what is really important in life: all my family, friends, and the love we share, which makes me smile! (38)

The polling majority really got it right this time!

🏃Quick Update:
Last week I made it to 11lbs! If I keep this up, I will weigh enough to get my upgraded feeding on 12/2. Thank you to everyone (especially Auntie Ken and the Kendra Scott team) who helped me shine through the Fashion Island Kendra Scott event! The store said it was one of their best “give back” turnouts so far.

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with those you love. I’m truly thankful for each and every one of you. Your continuous love and support can be felt no matter how near and far. 💗

Love Always,
Hendrix