I'm sorry I've been neglecting the blog, but I've been busy just enjoying our blessings. Life is great; absolutely no complaints. I've got to do better documenting this precious season in life, because I know these memories will be so appreciated when my babies are older. What joy they bring to us. I just can't say that enough. The simple things are absolutely the best . . . an afternoon outside in the sprinklers, a picnic, giggles, and so many sweet moments are what life is all about.
The Wicker Alphabet is thriving and doing very well. I'll catch up soon, but in the meantime I think I'm going to take this blog private to protect my family. I know there are a lot of brothers and sisters in Christ, that we don't know, that read this blog and I will continue to allow that. I just want to guard against the others evil in this world and this is one way I may be able to do so. God has laid it on my heart and made me aware that the Devil is out there. So, please start emailing me if you want to be added to be allowed to read the blog. I covet all of your prayers for our family, and I want to be able to keep you all updated on our whereabouts. So, please email me: LHWicker@windstream.net You will just have to sign into google, which is free and easy, then it will allow you to have access to our site. I have some other friends that have done this and there have been no issues. You may also contact me on Facebook to gain access. (Lisa Hawkins Wicker). Thanks so much and prayers all is well with you!
Tuesday, May 22
Friday, February 24
My Austin
My Austin, my Austin . . . that kid keeps us on our toes. First he was sick as I posted last time which it took forever for him to get rid of that junk, but it's finally gone. Then, all the testing, but everything came back ok- no cystic fibrosis or kidney issues as suspected, just low protein. So, he is being referred to a nutritionist. And, there was talk about going to an endocrinologist if nothing was found with all the testing so I'm not sure about that yet.
So, the bottom line is he has to grow. To avoid a feeding tube we are praying that he grows before the doctors start to pressure us with that. So, I'm praying for 5 pounds. That would put him on the low end of average for a 3 year old. Austin has never been on the growth charts for his age for length or weight, so we'd love to see that. So, I'm asking God to specifically let Austin gain FIVE pounds. That would be huge! I believe God can do that, and if I keep feeling this need for 5 pounds then there must be a reason- God must be placing that in my heart for a reason. I'm feeding Austin all day long and anything he wants. That is what the doctors have said to do, no matter how high in sugar or fat- just get the calories anyway possible. He was a little under 25 pounds before his surgery, so 25 is the starting point. And, this week he hit 26.4 pounds- the most he has ever weighed! Yay! He needs to stay well too, because every time he gets sick he loses weight.
Tonight Austin is having another sleep study done. And, I'm asking for prayers that he does well and there are no signs of sleep apnea. We still suspect sleep apnea, but know God is in charge of this. His sleep is still off even with his tonsils being removed. He is up on and off all night and if he naps then he stays up very late at night. And, children his age should be napping still. Sometimes he just falls asleep where ever he is and he shouldn't do that. And, then he is very hard to wake.
So, I'm asking for prayers. . . for Austin to gain 5 pounds, for Austin to not show any apnea, and for Austin to stay well. Please join me in praying for my sweet Austin. We continue to be amazed by all of his accomplisments and love how happy he is. . . he is such a special child and I want him to be well. He is worth every moment of worry and anxiety that he has caused us. God conintues to give us strength and knowledge as to how to best for care for him, and we're so grateful. God's peace is one of the things I'm most grateful for . .. on the days when we get bad news about Austin or they start to talk about things that are possible wrong, I get upset, but then I go to sleep and over night God takes away all of that worry and anxiety AND the next day is better. It's amazing and something I'm so thankful for. God is good all the time!
So, the bottom line is he has to grow. To avoid a feeding tube we are praying that he grows before the doctors start to pressure us with that. So, I'm praying for 5 pounds. That would put him on the low end of average for a 3 year old. Austin has never been on the growth charts for his age for length or weight, so we'd love to see that. So, I'm asking God to specifically let Austin gain FIVE pounds. That would be huge! I believe God can do that, and if I keep feeling this need for 5 pounds then there must be a reason- God must be placing that in my heart for a reason. I'm feeding Austin all day long and anything he wants. That is what the doctors have said to do, no matter how high in sugar or fat- just get the calories anyway possible. He was a little under 25 pounds before his surgery, so 25 is the starting point. And, this week he hit 26.4 pounds- the most he has ever weighed! Yay! He needs to stay well too, because every time he gets sick he loses weight.
Tonight Austin is having another sleep study done. And, I'm asking for prayers that he does well and there are no signs of sleep apnea. We still suspect sleep apnea, but know God is in charge of this. His sleep is still off even with his tonsils being removed. He is up on and off all night and if he naps then he stays up very late at night. And, children his age should be napping still. Sometimes he just falls asleep where ever he is and he shouldn't do that. And, then he is very hard to wake.
My sweet Austin all hooked up and ready for his sleep study.
Monday, February 13
Bad, busy blogger!
Ok, ok. I'm admitting to being a bad blogger, but we've been busy around here. I mean we do have FOUR children- cut me some slack please! :-)
We've been busy with daily life, normal things. We have spent lots of afternoons outside enjoying our very warm winter. It has been gorgeous and has given us spring fever. The kids love being outside, and we've taken many walks once Daddy gets home and often stop to play at our neighborhood park or the play set in our backyard afterwards.
I've been leading the produce co-op which has been named Third Day Harvest, because God created vegetation on Earth on the 3rd day in Genesis. We've had 2 deliveries and have had much success. There are 24 happy families involved so far. Chris and I have also been making all of our bread products- everything from hot dog and hamburger buns to cinnamon buns to loafs of bread. It's delicious! We're slowly cutting out as much processed foods as possible.It's isn't too hard, but does take up more time than normal.
The kids have been sick. Austin was taken to the emergency room a couple of weeks ago due to issues breathing and was diagnosed with viral pneumonia. Then, the crud slowly made its way around our home. Bradley shook it off like a pro while Cameron and Davis only developed sinus infections due to it- yeah, Austin always gets it worse than everyone. His immune system is just not doing as well as the doctors expected it to. He still has a cough, but no more steroids or breathing treatments thankfully. We went to see the pediatrician for a follow-up from that and to check his growth after his tonsillectomy in December. And, she wasn't happy because he still isn't growing which normally happens right away. He isn't sleeping better either. So, we will be going for another sleep study in a couple of weeks, and she scheduled him for a few tests with the diagnosis of failure to thrive. That did hit us pretty hard, because basically we don't know what else to do- BUT the bottom line is that he is happy (thank you Sarah for reminding me of that- oh yes and my dear friend, Sarah, is recovering well and found out today that she won't have to do any chemo nor radiation!!! praise God- she will have to take a medication for 5 years- so many prayers her way still and as she continues on her road to recovery and reconstruction). So, Austin is happy and for that we just can't ask much more. We found out today that he doesn't have Cystic Fibrosis which was suspected by both his pediatrician and ENT. There were some other tests run that we don't know the results of yet. So, please be praying for him. Bradley had his tonsils out in January and did great with it, and Cameron had her adenoids out last week and is recovering well so far. Bradley is also doing well in school and continues to get smiley faces everyday! He has never brought home anything less- yay! That's my boy! Austin is signed up for preschool next year . . . that brings some anxiety but trying to give it all to God! His doctors have okayed it, so lots of prayers. He will go on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-12. Cameron is talking more and more. She spends her time chasing after her brothers and loving on them. Davis is rolling everywhere, and he is fast! He is sitting up pretty well too, but he moves so much that he still can't stay up consistently. He loves all foods that we've tried, and was in the 95% for his height and 80% for his weight at his 6 month well visit (he wore an 18 month outfit today- wow!- he is just so long).
Less than 4 months to our beach trip, and we're growing more and more excited everyday. But before the beach we will have some fun celebrations. Bradley will turn 6 next month and Cameron will turn 2. Bradley's party has been very easy to plan as he wants it at the bowling center where he had it last year and wants an Angry Bird cake. He has already told me what he wants for his present as well. Can't get any easier than that. Cameron on the other hand we know exactly what to get her, but can't decide between all the cute girly themes. She loves pink and Minnie Mouse, so considering that. There are also some cute ice cream and cupcake themes as well which she gets excited about both. We did the Sweet Shoppe theme last year and used candy and cupcakes, so not sure we should do that again. We also thought last year about doing an Egg Hunt, but then Easter was late last year. Decisions, decisions! Davis will be baptized this Mothers' Day as it is a family tradition. Just to remind everyone Chris, myself, Bradley, Austin, and Cameron have all been baptized on Mother's Day. Chris was baptized when he was older, because he grew up Baptist. I was baptized as an infant and confirmed when I was 13 since I grew up in an United Methodist church.
So, just quick updates as I really don't have time for anything else these days. Between the kids, keeping the house straight and clean since it's on the market (and kinda have to do it anyway), cooking, and laundry I already stay up till midnight or later trying to maintain everything else.
We've been busy with daily life, normal things. We have spent lots of afternoons outside enjoying our very warm winter. It has been gorgeous and has given us spring fever. The kids love being outside, and we've taken many walks once Daddy gets home and often stop to play at our neighborhood park or the play set in our backyard afterwards.
I've been leading the produce co-op which has been named Third Day Harvest, because God created vegetation on Earth on the 3rd day in Genesis. We've had 2 deliveries and have had much success. There are 24 happy families involved so far. Chris and I have also been making all of our bread products- everything from hot dog and hamburger buns to cinnamon buns to loafs of bread. It's delicious! We're slowly cutting out as much processed foods as possible.It's isn't too hard, but does take up more time than normal.
The kids have been sick. Austin was taken to the emergency room a couple of weeks ago due to issues breathing and was diagnosed with viral pneumonia. Then, the crud slowly made its way around our home. Bradley shook it off like a pro while Cameron and Davis only developed sinus infections due to it- yeah, Austin always gets it worse than everyone. His immune system is just not doing as well as the doctors expected it to. He still has a cough, but no more steroids or breathing treatments thankfully. We went to see the pediatrician for a follow-up from that and to check his growth after his tonsillectomy in December. And, she wasn't happy because he still isn't growing which normally happens right away. He isn't sleeping better either. So, we will be going for another sleep study in a couple of weeks, and she scheduled him for a few tests with the diagnosis of failure to thrive. That did hit us pretty hard, because basically we don't know what else to do- BUT the bottom line is that he is happy (thank you Sarah for reminding me of that- oh yes and my dear friend, Sarah, is recovering well and found out today that she won't have to do any chemo nor radiation!!! praise God- she will have to take a medication for 5 years- so many prayers her way still and as she continues on her road to recovery and reconstruction). So, Austin is happy and for that we just can't ask much more. We found out today that he doesn't have Cystic Fibrosis which was suspected by both his pediatrician and ENT. There were some other tests run that we don't know the results of yet. So, please be praying for him. Bradley had his tonsils out in January and did great with it, and Cameron had her adenoids out last week and is recovering well so far. Bradley is also doing well in school and continues to get smiley faces everyday! He has never brought home anything less- yay! That's my boy! Austin is signed up for preschool next year . . . that brings some anxiety but trying to give it all to God! His doctors have okayed it, so lots of prayers. He will go on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-12. Cameron is talking more and more. She spends her time chasing after her brothers and loving on them. Davis is rolling everywhere, and he is fast! He is sitting up pretty well too, but he moves so much that he still can't stay up consistently. He loves all foods that we've tried, and was in the 95% for his height and 80% for his weight at his 6 month well visit (he wore an 18 month outfit today- wow!- he is just so long).
Less than 4 months to our beach trip, and we're growing more and more excited everyday. But before the beach we will have some fun celebrations. Bradley will turn 6 next month and Cameron will turn 2. Bradley's party has been very easy to plan as he wants it at the bowling center where he had it last year and wants an Angry Bird cake. He has already told me what he wants for his present as well. Can't get any easier than that. Cameron on the other hand we know exactly what to get her, but can't decide between all the cute girly themes. She loves pink and Minnie Mouse, so considering that. There are also some cute ice cream and cupcake themes as well which she gets excited about both. We did the Sweet Shoppe theme last year and used candy and cupcakes, so not sure we should do that again. We also thought last year about doing an Egg Hunt, but then Easter was late last year. Decisions, decisions! Davis will be baptized this Mothers' Day as it is a family tradition. Just to remind everyone Chris, myself, Bradley, Austin, and Cameron have all been baptized on Mother's Day. Chris was baptized when he was older, because he grew up Baptist. I was baptized as an infant and confirmed when I was 13 since I grew up in an United Methodist church.
So, just quick updates as I really don't have time for anything else these days. Between the kids, keeping the house straight and clean since it's on the market (and kinda have to do it anyway), cooking, and laundry I already stay up till midnight or later trying to maintain everything else.
Tuesday, January 10
A little bit of this and a little bit of that
So, I know I'm very slack with blogs these days. Life is busy! Even though we try to keep it simple, having 4 children 5 and under keeps us going.
Just going to briefly, and please excuse any grammatical errors, give quick little updates. Forgive me if I repeat myself as I can't even remember what I've posted about lately! :-) Wow, life is crazy but oh so blessed!
As you know we're constantly trying to improve ourselves in the Wicker Household. We make a huge effort to include God in every minute of every day, because that is what matters most. Then, we concentrate on our family and friends- loving others. Just before Christmas, a friend of mine, Sarah found out she had breast cancer. I have to admit I was devastated, and I think about her and pray for her EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I didn't meet Sarah until after I had Bradley, but we met through Bible Study where I also met some other great life long friends. Sarah and her husband, Chad, have 2 precious twin girls Bradley's age. One of them is in Bradley's class. Sarah has been a wonderful friend to me. We met right before I started going through fertility treatments and connected through our stories of that as she had been down that road too. She was there through the triplets pregnancy, came to see me in the hospital, and came to visit Austin throughout his NICU stay. Not all of my friends or even family could handle that hard time in my life like Sarah did. While we don't talk as often as I'd like, nor see each other much, she is still a special person in my life and I love her for always being here for my family and me. She definitely holds a special place in my heart! So, at just 36 it was hard to believe her cancer diagnosis- she is too young for this in my opinion. However, she is remaining positive and upbeat. And, I'm just amazed by her . . . by GOD! She is a believer, and says God has given her peace. She is handling this diagnosis with such strength and grace- no doubt that is God working in and through her. So, next Wednesday she is is having a double mastectomy and I want all of you to please be praying for her and her family. Pray for her surgeon and the doctors that will be working on her case. Pray for the test results, after the surgery, to come back showing that the surgery got everything. She wants to ensure with the mastectomy that she will be around for 50+ more years, so pray for her peace about that as well. Pray for her strength, for her family to cope well as she is recovering, and for God to cover them in His protection. Just pray, pray, pray in anyway that God places it on your heart to pray.
So, Sarah doesn't have any risk factors, no family history, eats healthy, and doesn't have any bad habits. It just blows my mind. This has led me to think about each little thing that my family consumes and other things we can do to try to be as healthy as possible. Thus leading to me start up a produce co-op. I've been interested in starting one for awhile and even participated in one last spring and summer- and it was great. This one will be through a local produce company, Senn Brothers, based out at the Farmer's Market. I've found 17 other families to participate. I will order the produce every other week and it will be delivered on Fridays biweekly. Then, I will sort the items and everyone will come pick them up in the next day. We will be getting good quality items for cheaper prices than the grocery stores offer. I'm very excited about it. I'm also trying to decrease the amount of processed foods we consume and eat more fruits, veggies, and healthy proteins. I'm hoping this will help us stay healthy, fit, and be good on the pocketbook too. I'm also thinking about making my own laundry and dish detergent as well. It's pretty interesting how God is planting these seeds, because at the same time as all of these thoughts to keep my family healthy were going through my mind a friend posted recipes to the detergents on Facebook. Crazy huh?!?! The more simple life is the more we can focus on THE word of the Lord right? Another friend is checking into buying meat in bulk too to see if we can get a better price on lean meats.
We do have our house on the market, but we are just taking that one day at a time. The end result to be in a very family oriented neighborhood with lots to do as a family makes any aggravation more bearable as well as getting into a house that better suites our family and doesn't have wasted space. Obviously this isn't a busy time of the year in real estate, so we know it may take a few months for things to pickup. We have had a few people come and see the house and have gotten great feedback so far.
Bradley is having his tonsils and adenoids removed this Friday as I posted before, so please keep him in your prayers.
We've planned a family vacation this summer to Isle of Palms and are so excited. We're going with Chris' sister and her family, so I'm sure that will make it extra fun to have others to hangout with- we all like to do the same things and eat lots of good while on vacation. The countdown is on . . .less than 5 months! Yay! That also means I've got less than 5 months to get this body in shape- what a work in progress after birthing 6 kids, but I'll keep working at it. Exercise makes me a better person all around especially a better wife and mom.
Also, please be praying for us as we plan to return to church after RSV season (mid March). The doctors have given Austin the ok to go into church nursery as well as register him for preschool next year. They said it's ok to see how he does and try it. Pray for God to grant us peace and keep Austin well as well as the whole family! I'm very excited about this too, and I'm going to be starting a 4 week Bible Study tomorrow too. My 1st group study since I got pregnant with the triplets. It's about learning how to teach others about God which is very cool.
So, sorry this is so quick and all over the place- BUT the main reason for the post was to ask for prayers for Sarah. Thank you all so much!
Just going to briefly, and please excuse any grammatical errors, give quick little updates. Forgive me if I repeat myself as I can't even remember what I've posted about lately! :-) Wow, life is crazy but oh so blessed!
As you know we're constantly trying to improve ourselves in the Wicker Household. We make a huge effort to include God in every minute of every day, because that is what matters most. Then, we concentrate on our family and friends- loving others. Just before Christmas, a friend of mine, Sarah found out she had breast cancer. I have to admit I was devastated, and I think about her and pray for her EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I didn't meet Sarah until after I had Bradley, but we met through Bible Study where I also met some other great life long friends. Sarah and her husband, Chad, have 2 precious twin girls Bradley's age. One of them is in Bradley's class. Sarah has been a wonderful friend to me. We met right before I started going through fertility treatments and connected through our stories of that as she had been down that road too. She was there through the triplets pregnancy, came to see me in the hospital, and came to visit Austin throughout his NICU stay. Not all of my friends or even family could handle that hard time in my life like Sarah did. While we don't talk as often as I'd like, nor see each other much, she is still a special person in my life and I love her for always being here for my family and me. She definitely holds a special place in my heart! So, at just 36 it was hard to believe her cancer diagnosis- she is too young for this in my opinion. However, she is remaining positive and upbeat. And, I'm just amazed by her . . . by GOD! She is a believer, and says God has given her peace. She is handling this diagnosis with such strength and grace- no doubt that is God working in and through her. So, next Wednesday she is is having a double mastectomy and I want all of you to please be praying for her and her family. Pray for her surgeon and the doctors that will be working on her case. Pray for the test results, after the surgery, to come back showing that the surgery got everything. She wants to ensure with the mastectomy that she will be around for 50+ more years, so pray for her peace about that as well. Pray for her strength, for her family to cope well as she is recovering, and for God to cover them in His protection. Just pray, pray, pray in anyway that God places it on your heart to pray.
So, Sarah doesn't have any risk factors, no family history, eats healthy, and doesn't have any bad habits. It just blows my mind. This has led me to think about each little thing that my family consumes and other things we can do to try to be as healthy as possible. Thus leading to me start up a produce co-op. I've been interested in starting one for awhile and even participated in one last spring and summer- and it was great. This one will be through a local produce company, Senn Brothers, based out at the Farmer's Market. I've found 17 other families to participate. I will order the produce every other week and it will be delivered on Fridays biweekly. Then, I will sort the items and everyone will come pick them up in the next day. We will be getting good quality items for cheaper prices than the grocery stores offer. I'm very excited about it. I'm also trying to decrease the amount of processed foods we consume and eat more fruits, veggies, and healthy proteins. I'm hoping this will help us stay healthy, fit, and be good on the pocketbook too. I'm also thinking about making my own laundry and dish detergent as well. It's pretty interesting how God is planting these seeds, because at the same time as all of these thoughts to keep my family healthy were going through my mind a friend posted recipes to the detergents on Facebook. Crazy huh?!?! The more simple life is the more we can focus on THE word of the Lord right? Another friend is checking into buying meat in bulk too to see if we can get a better price on lean meats.
We do have our house on the market, but we are just taking that one day at a time. The end result to be in a very family oriented neighborhood with lots to do as a family makes any aggravation more bearable as well as getting into a house that better suites our family and doesn't have wasted space. Obviously this isn't a busy time of the year in real estate, so we know it may take a few months for things to pickup. We have had a few people come and see the house and have gotten great feedback so far.
Bradley is having his tonsils and adenoids removed this Friday as I posted before, so please keep him in your prayers.
We've planned a family vacation this summer to Isle of Palms and are so excited. We're going with Chris' sister and her family, so I'm sure that will make it extra fun to have others to hangout with- we all like to do the same things and eat lots of good while on vacation. The countdown is on . . .less than 5 months! Yay! That also means I've got less than 5 months to get this body in shape- what a work in progress after birthing 6 kids, but I'll keep working at it. Exercise makes me a better person all around especially a better wife and mom.
Also, please be praying for us as we plan to return to church after RSV season (mid March). The doctors have given Austin the ok to go into church nursery as well as register him for preschool next year. They said it's ok to see how he does and try it. Pray for God to grant us peace and keep Austin well as well as the whole family! I'm very excited about this too, and I'm going to be starting a 4 week Bible Study tomorrow too. My 1st group study since I got pregnant with the triplets. It's about learning how to teach others about God which is very cool.
So, sorry this is so quick and all over the place- BUT the main reason for the post was to ask for prayers for Sarah. Thank you all so much!
Thursday, December 29
Frequent flyer miles at the ENT????
Austin came through well with his tonsillectomy (and adenoidectomy). He is almost 3 weeks out from surgery, so we are past the most critical point. Praise God! He did have trouble with his SATS immediately after surgery, but they just kept him a few hours longer and he evened out as the anesthesia wore off. He has always done that. He had his follow-up with the ENT last week, and the ENT said that his sleep should have already improved. Unfortunately it really hasn't. He gave Austin 2 months to recover and if no better then we'll repeat the sleep study to see if he is still having apnea. If so, then I'm not sure what that means or what next. Praying that he starts to improve a lot now. God can make miracles happen as we know, so please be praying that his sleep improves drastically, that he begins to eat and grows great, and stays well! Austin is old enough that he should really start to catch up in all aspects of his life, so we want to see this happen for him. We want Austin to be the best Austin possible, so please be praying!
All 4 kids were actually seen at the ENT last week . . . we need frequent flyer miles there or something! Bradley was seen, because the ENT had asked about the other kids at one point and we had told him that Bradley snores and sleeps a lot. So, he said that he needed to be seen suspecting some sleep apnea. He asked some questions about Bradley's sleep and examined him and said that his tonsils and adenoids need to be removed. They're huge, so we're going to do that on January 13th. I'm hopeful that Bradley sleeps so restlessly that he is bothering Austin, and that we'll see an improvement in both big boys after Bradley's surgery. Bradley will be out of school 7-10 days. Then, Cameron was seen because she is having recurring sinus infections. It's constant, but she is refluxing out of her nose again (she did this as a younger baby when they ruled out that she had a cleft palate after having a procedure done in the office). So, the doctor said we need to get the reflux under control for a couple of months before we consider removing her adenoids. She just keeps a yucky runny nose and always rubs her eyes and face like they hurt. And, last Davis had his hearing checked and a follow-up from having tubes. And, all looked great with him. He hasn't been on antibiotics in 3 weeks- yay. He stayed on them from 3 months until his tubes were placed 3 weeks ago. Tubes are amazing.
We were there a loooonng time, and I wasn't sure I was going to make it- BUT we did only by the grace of God. I'm working on Christmas pictures now. We got some great ones, and I'm so excited. It isn't an easy task with 4 kids, and they may not all be smiling, but as long as no one is crying that is pretty impressive. Hope that post will follow soon!
All 4 kids were actually seen at the ENT last week . . . we need frequent flyer miles there or something! Bradley was seen, because the ENT had asked about the other kids at one point and we had told him that Bradley snores and sleeps a lot. So, he said that he needed to be seen suspecting some sleep apnea. He asked some questions about Bradley's sleep and examined him and said that his tonsils and adenoids need to be removed. They're huge, so we're going to do that on January 13th. I'm hopeful that Bradley sleeps so restlessly that he is bothering Austin, and that we'll see an improvement in both big boys after Bradley's surgery. Bradley will be out of school 7-10 days. Then, Cameron was seen because she is having recurring sinus infections. It's constant, but she is refluxing out of her nose again (she did this as a younger baby when they ruled out that she had a cleft palate after having a procedure done in the office). So, the doctor said we need to get the reflux under control for a couple of months before we consider removing her adenoids. She just keeps a yucky runny nose and always rubs her eyes and face like they hurt. And, last Davis had his hearing checked and a follow-up from having tubes. And, all looked great with him. He hasn't been on antibiotics in 3 weeks- yay. He stayed on them from 3 months until his tubes were placed 3 weeks ago. Tubes are amazing.
We were there a loooonng time, and I wasn't sure I was going to make it- BUT we did only by the grace of God. I'm working on Christmas pictures now. We got some great ones, and I'm so excited. It isn't an easy task with 4 kids, and they may not all be smiling, but as long as no one is crying that is pretty impressive. Hope that post will follow soon!
Monday, December 5
Awesome Austin
So, as many of you know our Austin turned 3 last month. I still can't believe it! Wow! Of course it makes it harder to believe since he is so small. He is truly a perpetual baby. I believe most people think he is 1 since they think him and Cameron are twins. I don't mind it though, because one day he WILL grow up and I'll miss this so much- although I'm sure in my eyes he will always be our special miracle baby. How can you possibly forget all that he has overcome?
So, there is one more thing that Austin has to overcome. We've been waiting for him to turn 3, because for a LONG time his tonsils have been causing major issues. He continues to develop tonsillitis, a throat infection, that requires antibiotics all the time. His huge tonsil may also attribute to his small size as they have caused him to gag often which sometimes leads to vomiting. It can also curve his appetite and make him not want to eat. However, the ENT refused to think about removing them until he turned 3 and then said he must have a sleep study before he thought of doing anything about it. The surgery can be risky and carries a risk of bleeding for about 2 weeks afterwards - and of course just Austin being small and his history carries risks in itself. . . there aren't a whole lot of 23 pound three year olds! So, I've been a little unsure of the surgery, but knew that we had to do the sleep study as enlarged tonsils can cause obstructive sleep apnea. I prayed that he'd be fine and not have any apnea, however his sleep has been awful for as long as we remember and has grown increasingly worse. So, the doctors suspected that apnea was causing the issues. Austin may get up anywhere from 3 to 10 times a night! So, he had his sleep study a couple of weeks ago and it came back showing that he has severe sleep apnea. He has 15+ episodes an hour, and in 7 hours of his sleep study he had 115 events. So, there is no choice but to take out his tonsils (and they will remove his adenoids as well). His surgery is this Friday morning, the 9th. He is scheduled to have it as outpatient at LMC, and if there are issues then he can be transferred to Richland to stay overnight. He has just finished a round of antibiotics, in the last week, for another infection. And, over the last few days his gagging has grown worse and he is vomiting again- so we KNOW that he really need this surgery for multiple reasons.
So, I'm asking that everyone pray hard that there are no issues with anything involving the surgery. The last time Austin was put on the ventilator, for a surgery, he had some issues and had to stay in the PICU overnight. BUT, he was much younger. Pray that he can eat enough to not loose weight during the first couple of weeks after surgery when he will be especially uncomfortable- he can't spare any weight loss. Pray that there are no issues with bleeding. Pray that Chris and I have peace about this and that God works in and through the wonderful doctor. This doctor removed Chris' tonsils and has also done tubes on Austin and Bradley, so we know him well- AND Davis is going to him for tubes soon as well. Pray that Austin's lung disease causes no issues as well. So, just pray for our baby, pray anyway God leads you, and we'll let everyone know as soon as we can how he does.
He is so absolutely precious, as all of our children are, and I just thank God that we've been allowed to have him here for this long. I'm convinced that God has big things planned for that little boy(what big plans he has already had for him in his 3 short years) and that we will get to see him grow into a fine young man.
Thank you all for our prayers in advance and hope everyone has a truly blessed week!
So, there is one more thing that Austin has to overcome. We've been waiting for him to turn 3, because for a LONG time his tonsils have been causing major issues. He continues to develop tonsillitis, a throat infection, that requires antibiotics all the time. His huge tonsil may also attribute to his small size as they have caused him to gag often which sometimes leads to vomiting. It can also curve his appetite and make him not want to eat. However, the ENT refused to think about removing them until he turned 3 and then said he must have a sleep study before he thought of doing anything about it. The surgery can be risky and carries a risk of bleeding for about 2 weeks afterwards - and of course just Austin being small and his history carries risks in itself. . . there aren't a whole lot of 23 pound three year olds! So, I've been a little unsure of the surgery, but knew that we had to do the sleep study as enlarged tonsils can cause obstructive sleep apnea. I prayed that he'd be fine and not have any apnea, however his sleep has been awful for as long as we remember and has grown increasingly worse. So, the doctors suspected that apnea was causing the issues. Austin may get up anywhere from 3 to 10 times a night! So, he had his sleep study a couple of weeks ago and it came back showing that he has severe sleep apnea. He has 15+ episodes an hour, and in 7 hours of his sleep study he had 115 events. So, there is no choice but to take out his tonsils (and they will remove his adenoids as well). His surgery is this Friday morning, the 9th. He is scheduled to have it as outpatient at LMC, and if there are issues then he can be transferred to Richland to stay overnight. He has just finished a round of antibiotics, in the last week, for another infection. And, over the last few days his gagging has grown worse and he is vomiting again- so we KNOW that he really need this surgery for multiple reasons.
So, I'm asking that everyone pray hard that there are no issues with anything involving the surgery. The last time Austin was put on the ventilator, for a surgery, he had some issues and had to stay in the PICU overnight. BUT, he was much younger. Pray that he can eat enough to not loose weight during the first couple of weeks after surgery when he will be especially uncomfortable- he can't spare any weight loss. Pray that there are no issues with bleeding. Pray that Chris and I have peace about this and that God works in and through the wonderful doctor. This doctor removed Chris' tonsils and has also done tubes on Austin and Bradley, so we know him well- AND Davis is going to him for tubes soon as well. Pray that Austin's lung disease causes no issues as well. So, just pray for our baby, pray anyway God leads you, and we'll let everyone know as soon as we can how he does.
He is so absolutely precious, as all of our children are, and I just thank God that we've been allowed to have him here for this long. I'm convinced that God has big things planned for that little boy(what big plans he has already had for him in his 3 short years) and that we will get to see him grow into a fine young man.
Thank you all for our prayers in advance and hope everyone has a truly blessed week!
Thursday, November 10
November
It's November. It has been 3 years, some days 3 LONG years and some days it seems as though it was only yesterday. When I think about how long it has been since those 3 sweet babies were inside of me, alive and well, it doesn't even seem real. . . kinda wondered if I dreamed it all? Were we really expecting triplets? Did God bless us with 3 children all at once?
Thank God one of those precious miracle is still with us to love on each and every second of every day- and I do mean every second because he doesn't sleep - it's really weird- but nevertheless I can't help but be grateful that I can love on him 24-7. He often comes to our bed during the night and we find him sleeping soundly between us, and it's so hard to take him back to his bed sometimes. I always seem to quickly be able to remember those raw emotions of his time in the NICU and just praying that he'd make it and live. We'd see that he was doing truly remarkable for his gestational age despite the daily too often scares, but it was so hard to believe that we'd actually get to watch him grow up. And, now we're doing just that. Austin needs to grow a little better (he was only 22 pounds 14 ounces at the dr a few weeks ago), but we just can't help to be grateful that he is here, his tiny self and all.
November is a time when others remember what they're grateful for as they celebrate the holiday Thanksgiving. We are truly grateful for our life as a family. Our 6 children mean more to my husband and me than we will ever be able to put into words. I could spend everyday stating something else that I'm thankful for when it comes to mothering these 4 babies. I'd be lying though if I didn't say that at the same time my heart yearns to mother my other 2 children. I will always and forever be a mother to six children: Bradley, Austin, Brayden, Alexis, Cameron, and Davis. I sometimes daydream what it'd be like to have all 6 here. Life would be crazy but oh so blessed.
I'm rambling. I'm sorry. There is so much I want to say, and I can't type fast enough to keep up with my thoughts. This blog is such a source of healing for me, because not everyone can handle talking about it. I love when someone can handle it though, because it helps so much. Grief is something that I don't wish on anyone and yet know that everyone will experience it on some level in their life. I pray though that no one has to experience the grief of losing a child. We just aren't built for this. One person described our journey as being "thrown a curve ball." And, that frustrates me because until you experience the loss of a child you truly have no idea.. . I really try to remind myself that people sometimes just don't think things through before they say them and sometimes make absent minded comments. I describe it more like the pitcher hitting the batter. That is probably the best analogy to describe the hurt and emotions that we've experienced if you stick to the baseball analogies. I say we aren't built for it- but what we are built for is to lean on God and we've done just that. We've leaned, cried, screamed, been carried, etc over the last 3 years. And, perhaps this was God's will because he wanted us to learn to FULLY rely on Him. I'm not sure I'll ever know what the reason is for all this- maybe in Heaven, but maybe in Heaven it won't matter. Perhaps we will be so busy worshipping God and fully enjoying that- that all hurt will be erased forever from our minds.
So, it's November. An absolutely beautiful time of year. I love the fall. So much to do and you get to see God's beauty everyday during autumn. .. . ~ deep blue skies ~ gorgeous autumn leaves in hues of orange, yellow, and red ~the cool breeze is so refreshing. Then, there are all the wonderful things like warm fires and hot chocolate that warm our souls as we prepare for the holiday season. A special time to make memories with family picking apples, the SC State Fair, picking pumpkins, trick-or-treating, college football, and just enjoying the nice weather as a family fills our calendar every year during fall. So, we're always assured that God will fill our heart with many good thoughts before, during, and after this hard month. God is so good! I'm so thankful for our awesome God who made the ultimate sacrifice for us, my wonderful husband and life partner in every way, and my six beautiful children.What do you have to be thankful for?
Thank God one of those precious miracle is still with us to love on each and every second of every day- and I do mean every second because he doesn't sleep - it's really weird- but nevertheless I can't help but be grateful that I can love on him 24-7. He often comes to our bed during the night and we find him sleeping soundly between us, and it's so hard to take him back to his bed sometimes. I always seem to quickly be able to remember those raw emotions of his time in the NICU and just praying that he'd make it and live. We'd see that he was doing truly remarkable for his gestational age despite the daily too often scares, but it was so hard to believe that we'd actually get to watch him grow up. And, now we're doing just that. Austin needs to grow a little better (he was only 22 pounds 14 ounces at the dr a few weeks ago), but we just can't help to be grateful that he is here, his tiny self and all.
November is a time when others remember what they're grateful for as they celebrate the holiday Thanksgiving. We are truly grateful for our life as a family. Our 6 children mean more to my husband and me than we will ever be able to put into words. I could spend everyday stating something else that I'm thankful for when it comes to mothering these 4 babies. I'd be lying though if I didn't say that at the same time my heart yearns to mother my other 2 children. I will always and forever be a mother to six children: Bradley, Austin, Brayden, Alexis, Cameron, and Davis. I sometimes daydream what it'd be like to have all 6 here. Life would be crazy but oh so blessed.
I'm rambling. I'm sorry. There is so much I want to say, and I can't type fast enough to keep up with my thoughts. This blog is such a source of healing for me, because not everyone can handle talking about it. I love when someone can handle it though, because it helps so much. Grief is something that I don't wish on anyone and yet know that everyone will experience it on some level in their life. I pray though that no one has to experience the grief of losing a child. We just aren't built for this. One person described our journey as being "thrown a curve ball." And, that frustrates me because until you experience the loss of a child you truly have no idea.. . I really try to remind myself that people sometimes just don't think things through before they say them and sometimes make absent minded comments. I describe it more like the pitcher hitting the batter. That is probably the best analogy to describe the hurt and emotions that we've experienced if you stick to the baseball analogies. I say we aren't built for it- but what we are built for is to lean on God and we've done just that. We've leaned, cried, screamed, been carried, etc over the last 3 years. And, perhaps this was God's will because he wanted us to learn to FULLY rely on Him. I'm not sure I'll ever know what the reason is for all this- maybe in Heaven, but maybe in Heaven it won't matter. Perhaps we will be so busy worshipping God and fully enjoying that- that all hurt will be erased forever from our minds.
So, it's November. An absolutely beautiful time of year. I love the fall. So much to do and you get to see God's beauty everyday during autumn. .. . ~ deep blue skies ~ gorgeous autumn leaves in hues of orange, yellow, and red ~the cool breeze is so refreshing. Then, there are all the wonderful things like warm fires and hot chocolate that warm our souls as we prepare for the holiday season. A special time to make memories with family picking apples, the SC State Fair, picking pumpkins, trick-or-treating, college football, and just enjoying the nice weather as a family fills our calendar every year during fall. So, we're always assured that God will fill our heart with many good thoughts before, during, and after this hard month. God is so good! I'm so thankful for our awesome God who made the ultimate sacrifice for us, my wonderful husband and life partner in every way, and my six beautiful children.What do you have to be thankful for?
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