In honor of my 30th birthday just 6 days ago, I wanted to compile a list of 30 things I love. Too often when I blog or scrapbook, I focus on the kids, and this time it's all about me! I learned this at a scrapbooking retreat a couple of years ago, that as one of God's perfect and beautiful creations, it is important to appreciate me, as one of God's creations!
These items are in no particular order, by the way.
I love...
1. the way Greg loves me (cheesy I know, as this is a country song.)
2. that I have a relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ and assured freedom through Him.
3. hearing Charlotte's feet pitter patter in the early morning as she runs into our bedroom.
4. Elijah's very sweet, open mouth kisses that he accents with the "smack" noise every time.
5. making Charlotte and Elijah laugh.
6. to smile, although it is giving me premature wrinkles.
7. completing puzzles with Greg.
8. enjoying a good meal, especially if it is cooked by someone else.
9. to scrapbook.
10. watching Grey's Anatomy.
11. German Chocolate Blizzards from Dairy Queen.
12. supercouponing.
13. curling up with a good book, including children's ones.
14. to sing in the shower
15. having Foster Family Dance parties.
16. playing board games.
17. to bake.
18. hanging out with friends.
19. talking with Kimberly everyday on the phone. (Remember, K, I said this list is in no particular order, so don't complain you are number 19.)
20. attending my new Bible Study and the accountability it provides in getting me into God's Word.
21. finding awesome deals, including free things.
22. great rummage sales.
23. hanging out with friends.
24. going to Village Creek Bible Camp for Family Camp.
25. watching The Amazing Race.
26. that I am turning out to be like my mother (most of the time!)
27. to teach.
28. giving birth (with an epidural of course!)
29. kisses from my husband and other, shall I say, loving activities.
30. facebooking.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
My Mobile Kids
Elijah took his first steps on Friday, September 4, right before having his procedure done at the hospital. And now he walks a lot reverting to crawling only occasionally. And Eli toddling about is the cutest thing ever!
Charlotte got a bike with training wheels for her birthday, and it would be safe to say she was petrified of it. (It's a good thing she also got a big house for the backyard which she loves for her birthday, otherwise 15 years from now she'd be seeing a shrink saying we got her an awful gift.) Anyway, our friends were also getting rid of a tricycle so I snatched that up and she was very comfortable riding that. We never pushed her to ride the bike, but occasionally we would ask her to just sit on it, which she would, and then she'd immediately get off. Not even having the kids on our block riding their bikes would entice her enough. Well, on Thursday, Charlotte got on her bike and started riding it. Just like that! And she was a natural. She didn't even have her helmet on because she just sat on the bike and I was anticipating that she'd be getting right off. While, then she started riding and I had to run and get her helmet quick to put on her head. Here she is riding up our street waiting to show Greg her new skill!
Charlotte got a bike with training wheels for her birthday, and it would be safe to say she was petrified of it. (It's a good thing she also got a big house for the backyard which she loves for her birthday, otherwise 15 years from now she'd be seeing a shrink saying we got her an awful gift.) Anyway, our friends were also getting rid of a tricycle so I snatched that up and she was very comfortable riding that. We never pushed her to ride the bike, but occasionally we would ask her to just sit on it, which she would, and then she'd immediately get off. Not even having the kids on our block riding their bikes would entice her enough. Well, on Thursday, Charlotte got on her bike and started riding it. Just like that! And she was a natural. She didn't even have her helmet on because she just sat on the bike and I was anticipating that she'd be getting right off. While, then she started riding and I had to run and get her helmet quick to put on her head. Here she is riding up our street waiting to show Greg her new skill!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A Lunch Conversation
Charlotte: I'm eating my ham mom.
Me: Well, actually it's turkey, Charlotte.
Charlotte: Turkeys live on a farm, you silly!
True, true.
I chose not to get into that whole we eat the animals that used to live on a farm conversation.
Me: Well, actually it's turkey, Charlotte.
Charlotte: Turkeys live on a farm, you silly!
True, true.
I chose not to get into that whole we eat the animals that used to live on a farm conversation.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
An Untitled Post
This post is untitled because there are so many thoughts and feelings traveling throughout my brain that I truly have no idea what to call this post.
When Elijah was born he was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's Disease. A disease that would be treated with surgery. Back then, we went through all the fears of subjecting our 6 week old to surgery. We were assured he would be all better after surgery. And we praised God that he was!!! We met with the pediatric surgeon every 3 months who gave a thumbs up every time we saw him.
Right before Elijah's 8 month birthday, mother's instinct alerted me to something being wrong, when Elijah would grunt and get beet red in the face every time he had a bowel movement. We visited the pediatrician and I asked for a GI specialist recommendation, considering Elijah's history with Hirschsprung's. We talked about what was going on, I showed her a video of Eli's straining, a sample of his stool. Why not, back to the surgeon though, she asked? He gives the impression that surgery is done, everything surgically looks good, that's it and all that matters-a surgeon mentality I called it. I need a second opinion. Sure thing, our pediatrician said and then we were off to see a GI specialist who put Elijah on a laxative to see how things go. Initially, things went great. Eli stopped straining so much and we saw some really big poops. Had another appointment with the pedaitric surgeon-everything great, he said. At that appointment he said to bring Elijah back when he was 1, but probably not to him, since he would be retiring. GI specialist also said to bring Eli back when he was 1, after pediatric surgeon appointment. Colon probably needs to mature. At 1 we'll see how things go, and can hopefully start tapering down the laxative dosage.
This past week, we saw Elijah in a lot of pain every time he stooled even being on the laxative.
We're going to the pediatric surgeon on Friday, I kept telling myself. We'll get a lot of answers then. Prayed for answers. Got answers.
Elijah has Hirschsprung's Disease. Surgery is a treatment, not a cure. What I didn't know, what the first surgeon didn't tell me, what our own pediatrician or GI specialist didn't tell us, is that although the part of the colon with no ganglia cells is removed, then internal sphincter also has no ganglia cells and can't be removed, thus why Hirschsprung's is a lifelong disease. And thus why of late, Elijah has been constipated.
New surgeon told us there is no reason why a 1 year old with Hirschsprung's should be on a laxative. Also said that she constantly talks with Hirschsprung's patients throughout their life-unlike our previous appointments with the surgeon who gave the internal exam and said everything was fine; looking good; great. No communication.
Now what?
Either irrigations in other cases, but not for Elijah, or dilation surgery. Maybe once a year, twice a year, up to 10 times a year potentially.
Room spun. I cried. Got answers, although not exactly what I was hoping for.
I AM relieved. We have a doctor who explained EVERYTHING to me.
I am also angry. Anger at doctors for not helping me to fully understand this disease.
I AM thankful God gives maternal instincts (Holy Spirit) to guide us and make me jump to action.
Now what?
Lots of prayer this weekend.
Lots of communication with three doctors-pediatrician, GI specialist, pediatric surgeon, making sure they are all on the same page regarding Eli's care.
And lots of thankfulness. For my beautiful family, for the smiles that light up our life from 2 great, strong, fun, adorable, kids. For maternal instinct. For doctors who care. For Elijah (and Charlotte) being perfectly and wonderfully made.
When Elijah was born he was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's Disease. A disease that would be treated with surgery. Back then, we went through all the fears of subjecting our 6 week old to surgery. We were assured he would be all better after surgery. And we praised God that he was!!! We met with the pediatric surgeon every 3 months who gave a thumbs up every time we saw him.
Right before Elijah's 8 month birthday, mother's instinct alerted me to something being wrong, when Elijah would grunt and get beet red in the face every time he had a bowel movement. We visited the pediatrician and I asked for a GI specialist recommendation, considering Elijah's history with Hirschsprung's. We talked about what was going on, I showed her a video of Eli's straining, a sample of his stool. Why not, back to the surgeon though, she asked? He gives the impression that surgery is done, everything surgically looks good, that's it and all that matters-a surgeon mentality I called it. I need a second opinion. Sure thing, our pediatrician said and then we were off to see a GI specialist who put Elijah on a laxative to see how things go. Initially, things went great. Eli stopped straining so much and we saw some really big poops. Had another appointment with the pedaitric surgeon-everything great, he said. At that appointment he said to bring Elijah back when he was 1, but probably not to him, since he would be retiring. GI specialist also said to bring Eli back when he was 1, after pediatric surgeon appointment. Colon probably needs to mature. At 1 we'll see how things go, and can hopefully start tapering down the laxative dosage.
This past week, we saw Elijah in a lot of pain every time he stooled even being on the laxative.
We're going to the pediatric surgeon on Friday, I kept telling myself. We'll get a lot of answers then. Prayed for answers. Got answers.
Elijah has Hirschsprung's Disease. Surgery is a treatment, not a cure. What I didn't know, what the first surgeon didn't tell me, what our own pediatrician or GI specialist didn't tell us, is that although the part of the colon with no ganglia cells is removed, then internal sphincter also has no ganglia cells and can't be removed, thus why Hirschsprung's is a lifelong disease. And thus why of late, Elijah has been constipated.
New surgeon told us there is no reason why a 1 year old with Hirschsprung's should be on a laxative. Also said that she constantly talks with Hirschsprung's patients throughout their life-unlike our previous appointments with the surgeon who gave the internal exam and said everything was fine; looking good; great. No communication.
Now what?
Either irrigations in other cases, but not for Elijah, or dilation surgery. Maybe once a year, twice a year, up to 10 times a year potentially.
Room spun. I cried. Got answers, although not exactly what I was hoping for.
I AM relieved. We have a doctor who explained EVERYTHING to me.
I am also angry. Anger at doctors for not helping me to fully understand this disease.
I AM thankful God gives maternal instincts (Holy Spirit) to guide us and make me jump to action.
Now what?
Lots of prayer this weekend.
Lots of communication with three doctors-pediatrician, GI specialist, pediatric surgeon, making sure they are all on the same page regarding Eli's care.
And lots of thankfulness. For my beautiful family, for the smiles that light up our life from 2 great, strong, fun, adorable, kids. For maternal instinct. For doctors who care. For Elijah (and Charlotte) being perfectly and wonderfully made.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Growing Up!
Today I sent my firstborn off to preschool. To full day preschool. With a backpack and lunchbox. And new shoes. And a new "first day of school" outfit.
And she did fine.
So much so, that she ran right into the fire truck she could drive and the baby dolls she could care for. So much so, that I got nary a hug or a kiss. I was stunned! I could have snuck out without her even noticing. I could have stayed there all day hiding in a corner, too, without her noticing.
I did give her a kiss, but had to pull her away from her babies to do it. And even then, I couldn't say goodbye fast enough, as I was keeping her away from fun and her 3 year old duty.
This is my baby. The one we made sure was buckled safe and secure when we brought her home from the hospital. Greg driving like 25 miles per hour the whole way home and mad at himself for picking the route that had him going over train tracks.
Now, she buckles herself into her car seat and even pointed out when I forgot to completely buckle Elijah into his seat (that only happened once!)
I'm fine, really I am.
This is my baby. The one I used to dress in clothes multiple times a day because of the massive amount of spitting up she did. Now she dresses herself multiple times a day just because she feels like it.
Man, why is the computer screen all blurry?
This is my baby. The one who I used to supply nourishment to, from my body. Today, Greg made her lunch (peanut butter and jelly, yogurt, string cheese, honey wheat Pringles sticks, and a Special K chocolate and raspberry bar.)
OK, I better go now and look at scrapbooks from Charlotte's first year.
And she did fine.
So much so, that she ran right into the fire truck she could drive and the baby dolls she could care for. So much so, that I got nary a hug or a kiss. I was stunned! I could have snuck out without her even noticing. I could have stayed there all day hiding in a corner, too, without her noticing.
I did give her a kiss, but had to pull her away from her babies to do it. And even then, I couldn't say goodbye fast enough, as I was keeping her away from fun and her 3 year old duty.
This is my baby. The one we made sure was buckled safe and secure when we brought her home from the hospital. Greg driving like 25 miles per hour the whole way home and mad at himself for picking the route that had him going over train tracks.
Now, she buckles herself into her car seat and even pointed out when I forgot to completely buckle Elijah into his seat (that only happened once!)
I'm fine, really I am.
This is my baby. The one I used to dress in clothes multiple times a day because of the massive amount of spitting up she did. Now she dresses herself multiple times a day just because she feels like it.
Man, why is the computer screen all blurry?
This is my baby. The one who I used to supply nourishment to, from my body. Today, Greg made her lunch (peanut butter and jelly, yogurt, string cheese, honey wheat Pringles sticks, and a Special K chocolate and raspberry bar.)
OK, I better go now and look at scrapbooks from Charlotte's first year.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Family Camp 3
I wanted to come up with a top ten list for our vacation to Village Creek Bible Camp, to attend Family Camp 3, but really that list would be WAYYYYYYYYYYYY longer than 10 items! So here's a glimpse into some of the fun things we did, and just know that next year, you'll have to join us!
Since we take the trip multiple times a year, we decided to mix it up and go the more scenic route thru Galena, IL, Dubuque, IA and up the Great River Road. We stopped at Chestnut Mountain Ridge to go down their unbelievably fast alpine slide!
Lots of family time!
Elijah's first pony ride
Pony rides everyday!
Kayaking down the Mississippi. (This photo is of almost all of the adults that actually were a part of our group at camp. Our group made up 7 of the 16 families who attended VCBC. Next year, we want to fill the camp!)
Bungee trampoline. Ranked right up there as one of my favorite activities at camp. The other was this.
Softball!
Hayrack ride to trail breakfast and heart attack toast!
Getting ready to do the multi-vine challenge on the high ropes course.
Since we take the trip multiple times a year, we decided to mix it up and go the more scenic route thru Galena, IL, Dubuque, IA and up the Great River Road. We stopped at Chestnut Mountain Ridge to go down their unbelievably fast alpine slide!
Lots of family time!
Elijah's first pony ride
Pony rides everyday!
Kayaking down the Mississippi. (This photo is of almost all of the adults that actually were a part of our group at camp. Our group made up 7 of the 16 families who attended VCBC. Next year, we want to fill the camp!)
Bungee trampoline. Ranked right up there as one of my favorite activities at camp. The other was this.
Softball!
Hayrack ride to trail breakfast and heart attack toast!
Getting ready to do the multi-vine challenge on the high ropes course.
That's Sick!
I really should be blogging about our restful, fun-filled, family and friend-filled vacation, but instead here's a glimpse into our afternoon and evening.
We had a great time at a friend's birthday party this afternoon and were heading to a second birthday party in the car on the Dan Ryan on a Sunday evening. For those from Chicago, you know that this equals bad traffic. Our bad dream quickly turned into a nightmare as Charlotte was squirming in her car seat saying her tummy didn't feel well. Not many options existed as 1. we were stuck in traffic and 2. if we could get off the expressway, who knew where to take her because we were on the south side (some not safe neighborhoods) and why doesn't Chicago have those nice blue signs that tell you which way fast food restaurants and gas stations are? I, however, like to think of myself as a quick thinker and told her to let me know when she had to absolutely, without a doubt had to go potty, and then we would put one of Eli's diapers on her. And then Charlotte feel asleep-the calm before the storm. And I guess I'll say now that I'm not a quick thinker because I wasn't really prepared for what came next as Charlotte vommited all over herself, her car seat, and the back of Greg's seat. Why, oh why did I assume that the bodily function would come out the other end?!?!
So, now Charlotte is sitting covered in pink, chunky vomit, in the middle of the very packed Dan Ryan Expressway, Eli is mimicking her by blowing lots and lots of raspberries (why do boys do that, make fun of girls at their lowest points?), I'm panicking because we have nothing in the car to clean her up with except today's paper, which I really didn't think would be too effective, when our own personal superhero AKA Dad takes off his shirt to remove his undershirt to give to Charlotte. Whew, what quick thinking!!!! Wow, I love that guy. He totally kept his cool and didn't think anything about giving up his shirt. (of course, I would have given up my shirt, but ahem, not very appropriate!) Then an hour later and one more throw-up episode later, we are home. Charlotte was bathed, car seat and car was scrubbed, laundry is in the washer, and I really should be showering, but don't you all really want to hear about our vacation?
We had a great time at a friend's birthday party this afternoon and were heading to a second birthday party in the car on the Dan Ryan on a Sunday evening. For those from Chicago, you know that this equals bad traffic. Our bad dream quickly turned into a nightmare as Charlotte was squirming in her car seat saying her tummy didn't feel well. Not many options existed as 1. we were stuck in traffic and 2. if we could get off the expressway, who knew where to take her because we were on the south side (some not safe neighborhoods) and why doesn't Chicago have those nice blue signs that tell you which way fast food restaurants and gas stations are? I, however, like to think of myself as a quick thinker and told her to let me know when she had to absolutely, without a doubt had to go potty, and then we would put one of Eli's diapers on her. And then Charlotte feel asleep-the calm before the storm. And I guess I'll say now that I'm not a quick thinker because I wasn't really prepared for what came next as Charlotte vommited all over herself, her car seat, and the back of Greg's seat. Why, oh why did I assume that the bodily function would come out the other end?!?!
So, now Charlotte is sitting covered in pink, chunky vomit, in the middle of the very packed Dan Ryan Expressway, Eli is mimicking her by blowing lots and lots of raspberries (why do boys do that, make fun of girls at their lowest points?), I'm panicking because we have nothing in the car to clean her up with except today's paper, which I really didn't think would be too effective, when our own personal superhero AKA Dad takes off his shirt to remove his undershirt to give to Charlotte. Whew, what quick thinking!!!! Wow, I love that guy. He totally kept his cool and didn't think anything about giving up his shirt. (of course, I would have given up my shirt, but ahem, not very appropriate!) Then an hour later and one more throw-up episode later, we are home. Charlotte was bathed, car seat and car was scrubbed, laundry is in the washer, and I really should be showering, but don't you all really want to hear about our vacation?
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