Spotlight for the week . . .

. . . Austin! I'm sure at some point along Austin's journey he has been weary. I'm sure that while in the NICU on the vent, 5 different monitors, the feeding tube, and IV's that he was exhausted. Austin came home hooked up to oxygen and his apnea monitor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and started having physical and other therapies that pushed him to the limits you know he wanted to just be left alone to rest. However, something inside of him prevailed through everything. He just turned 10 months old (adjusted age is 6.5 months), and he is developing normally as he should be. His EI said today, at his biweekly appointment, that this is not at all what they expect from a preemie born as early as Austin. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11. Only God knew and does know what the plan is for Austin. Only He knew that Austin would live and have a life full of smiles and laughter. Austin smiles and laughs so easily especially at his older brother, Bradley, and it’s absolute music to our ears. Only God knew that Austin would develop just as a baby who has had no medical setbacks does. Austin's EI said she has never experienced this in her line of work. How awesome is that? I'm certain, while Austin laid in the isolette for all of those months that God was urging him to try harder. It was God that said, "Austin, you must breathe on your own, so they can wean you from the vent." Austin surely thought that he was too worn out to breath on his own, but God did it. I wonder if Austin heard God saying things like this verse: "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" Isaiah 40:28-31. I think he did. Something brought him to where he is today, and what else would do that besides our Heavenly Father? Austin had his 9 month well check last week. His pediatrician has pretty much thrown his adjusted age out the window as far as she is concerned. He has made it on his actual age growth chart and is in the 3rd percentile for his height and weight and almost the 50th for his head. His head is so much bigger, because his brain took all the nutrients from his body while he was in the NICU so it could grow as it should. He is eating as he should, and he even did well on the developmental questionnaire for a 9 month old! We couldn't believe it. His pediatrician said he is doing as well as some of her full-term 9 month olds! How great is our God???!!!!


I hope that every person that reads this can trust in Him fully when they're going through a trial. I pray that God will remind you of Austin, and that you may use him as an inspiration. That baby boy was born 16 weeks too early at only 1lb 7 oz and 12.5 inches long. He is about 17lbs and 27 inches know! He is wearing 12 month clothes and eating 2-3 meals a day of solids. If we don't give him something to eat while we're eating, at the table, then he fusses! Every doctor, nurse, therapist, and etc that meets Austin just doesn't believe that he was born at 24 weeks. And, I just wanted to share this and rejoice with everyone about God's work in our living miracle.  May you each be blessed by this entry. Amen.

 

Acts 14:17

"Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." 

It's raining here today, and the weather forecasters are saying it will continue through the weekend. The rain comforts me as I grow older, especially after the triplet's pregnancy. I believe it's because I feel God is washing away my worries and grief as I watch him wash the earth. In Matthew 6:34 He said, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." God reassures us that worry and anxiety is not a characteristic that a follower of Christ should exhibit. And, I'm being reassured of that so much with this pregnancy. Chris and I've felt God tell us to be silent and still so much throughout this 1st trimester. When I was told that I should go on hormone support, when I was 1st pregnant, I felt God saying 'No, I brought you this far and you will trust in me". We felt led with our prior pregnancies to use the God given medical technology to allow us to have children as we felt him saying I gave you this, use it, I'll make it easy, just lean on me and I'll carry you through this trial. Now, God has used this pregnancy to prove over and over how he CAN make huge miracles happen. We've been so thankful to see what it's like being given a child with no medical intervention and wow what a miracle! This pregnancy hasn't been all easy, in the beginning it didn't seem like things were developing as they should. However, we decided to be patient and trust in His plan to give us a child. Eventually, after many ultrasounds and blood work we saw that little blessing with its beating heart. Then, due to the damage to my cervix from the previous 2 pregnancies we were told something should be done to help prevent another extremely premature delivery. So, after much prayer we felt God telling us to choose the procedure that was least complicated. Yesterday I had my cerclage, and it went well. The hardest part of the day was entering Labor and Delivery at Richland. Chris and I have what seems to be Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as that is where I spent 3 weeks in the hospital before and after the triplet's birth. There were good and bad memories on that unit, and everything came back to us as we walked through the double doors. The smells, sounds, and sights almost overwhelmed us. However, God provided yet again and calmed our fears with an awesome medical staff. We were treated wonderfully, and it was very comforting to see familiar faces. I experienced more pain than I had anticipated, with the cerclage, as my last one wasn't as involved as this one. I also experienced what seemed to be some contractions while in recovery. However, everything calmed down and I was sent home late yesterday afternoon. God was so good, and my nausea subsided for the day which was awesome especially since I wasn't allowed to eat for almost 15 hours. Normally, with this pregnancy, my fasting would have resulted in my being sick. I'm to take it easy for one week, but can resume taking care of the boys on my own on Monday. And, my doctor said I can go to Bradley's 1st soccer game this Sunday! Yay! Also, through this surgery God showed my doctor that I absolutely can't deliver this baby normally and must have a c-section. He said there is way too much scaring in the cervical and birth canal area, and to avoid my losing too much blood we should definitely opt for a c-section. I think that explains where my recent bleeding was coming from too. I was only given a spinal during the procedure and had to remain fully awake to avoid any problems with the baby. I had an awesome nurse anesthetist that continually asked if I was alright and when he realized that I wasn't completely numb quickly gave me some pain medication. So, all in all it was a good day. I go back to the doctor in one week to have an ultrasound that will check my cervical length. Oh, and they did an ultrasound before and after the surgery to check on the baby. It looked good, moving lots with a fast heartbeat in the upper 160's to 170's.


Along with God teaching us not to worry, and "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" 1 Peter 5:7, he has given us another trial to lean on Him. We got a call from the genetic counselor earlier this week in regards to the 1st trimester screening. The blood work, 2 different blood tests, came back elevated. It is purely a screening, it isn't a definite saying that the baby will or will not have one of these genetic abnormalities. It screened for Trisomy 13 and 18 which results in a child having many severe abnormalities, and they generally don't make it to birth and if so pass away soon afterwards. It also screened for Down's which is where our baby shows an increased risk. So, now we just have to wait and see the outcome. We're confident in God's plan and His will. Whatever His plan, he'll give us strength and grace to persevere through any trials. The hymn, Amazing Grace, comes to mind and the first few verses reminds me that God will carry us when we are weary as He always has.

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.


'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.


Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.


The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Planet Mom

I had my 1st MOPS  (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting of the year yesterday.  I attend at St. Andrews Baptist and am blessed with a wonderful group of women.  They are amazing and we always have great discussions and time with God.  This year it's about living on Planet Mom as that is what all of our lives are centered around.  Most of us are stay at home moms, so we are with our kids 24-7.  We have great topics this year, everything from Planet God to Planet Body.  Yesterday, we were asked to say what planet we're currently living on.  I said I was living on Planet take it one thing at a time and make the most of each day.  That is where we are in our life right now, not knowing what God has in store for us but making the most of each moment.  And, I must add that I love living on Planet Mom.  It's hard, but it's the most rewarding chapter in my life. 

So, update on the kids. I'll start with the youngest this time.  I have to make sure they all get their "claim to fame" and time in the limelight.:-) I must say that it's so amazing the amount of love that I have for each of our children.  To think that you can love each one as much as the other is amazing! Baby "Daisy" is doing well.  We had our 1st trimester screening yesterday; it included meeting with a genetic counselor, bloodwork, and an ultrasound.  We'll get the results from the bloodwork early next wek.  The counselor said she didn't see any reason to be concerned, and the ultrasound looked good.  It's amazing how much ultrasound technology has improved since I was pregnant with Bradley 4 years ago.  We saw things, yesterday, that I didn't se with Bradley until 20 weeks.  They even did a brief 3D ultrasound.  Of course, it's too early to tell the sex of the baby.  The baby reminded us of Lexi with it's movements.  It was moving constantly and dancing a lot.  I'm having my cerclage placed next Thurday, the 17th.. 

Baby Wicker Profile

11 weeks 1 day

Baby Wicker's Heartbeat

(in the low 170's; very active baby)

Austin is doing well.  He is sitting unassisted for long periods now (and can even correct himself if he begins to fall) and even standing some, on his own, if he has a good grip on something.  When on his stomach, he is trying to pull his legs up underneath his body to get on his hand and knees.  His EI and PT had to make new goals for him today when we met with the EI.  He has met all of the goals and more since the last time they did a plan of action.  So, his new goals include getting to and from sitting on his own from lying down, crawling, pulling to standing, and cruising. They gave him 6 months to reach these goals, but said he may reach them faster than that since he is doing so well.  If so, they will rewrite his plan then.  He is approximately 16.5lbs and 27-28 inches.  He legs have gotten especially chubby lately; it's precious.  Austin enjoys eating his baby foods and seems to prefer vegetables.  He is eating solids twice a day; breakfast and supper.  We continue to give him 5 bottles a day to get in the amount of milk he needs.  I think I've finally gotten him on a schedule and most days he is taking 2 decent naps.  He does really well with the morning nap, but sometimes wakes up and fusses during his afternoon nap.  Austin is a great baby and sleeps through the night most nights; he is usually happy and smiling. 

Big Boy!

Look at that sweet face. . .

I can multitask with the best of them; playing with my toy and watching big brother play soccer.

Last, but not least, Bradley has been busy!  He started preschool this week and did so well.  He has only been 1 day so far, but is excited about going back.  The teachers said there were no tears!  Bradley was excited about playing with all the toys and his new friends that he met at orientation.  He didn't tell me much when I picked him up except that he had cheese crackers and cookies for snack.  And, he told me about a few toys that he enjoyed.  Tonight was his first soccer practice.  They practiced for almost an hour and he thoroughly enjoyed it.  Chris has volunteered to help coach as the head coach has no help.  We don't know how Chris' schedule will work with it, but he is going to try to be there as much as possible.  I know Bradley enjoyed having his Daddy on the field.  They did different drills and some scrimaging.  It was precious seeing those 3 and some 4 year olds running around.  They really impressed me as they all seemed to get the point of the game.  Bradley can't wait to go to practice next week.  His 1st game is September 20th, but we still don't know the time yet.  We're hoping for 1:30, so it won't interfere with naptime.  We don't want him passing out on the field.

Ready for his 1st day of school

Wearing his name tag and getting ready to go in the classroom

On his way to soccer practice

Aren't those little Umbro shorts precious?

We've thoroughly enjoyed Chris being on vacation.  I can't believe he has to go back to work tomorrow!  We've spent a lot of family time together, and it has been great! Now to end this long post with a short story.  Today Chris corrected Bradley about something and Bradley got very quiet.  Then he said, "Daddy you hurt my feelings, and I don't apprecitate it."  It cracked us up!  ha ha :-)

The boys

Bradley starts preschool, next week, at our church. Plus, he is going to play soccer this fall. He is thrilled about soccer. We have bought his cleats, shin guards, and started practicing some in the evenings in the backyard. We’re meeting the team and coach tonight just to get introduced and get uniforms. Then we have preschool orientation, for the parents, later this week. Friday the preschool will host Open House for the children. He seems to be a little more open to the idea of school now as I’ve tried to tell him all the wonderful positives about school. He is most receptive to the idea of making new friends.



Austin has been doing well. His E.I continues to be pleased with his progress. He is able to sit, unassisted, for quite a while if he concentrates. She is going to be surprised to discover, next week, that he can also stand without assistance if able to hold onto something for a few minutes! His favorite activity is still his exersaucer, but we continue to limit him to two 10 minute sessions a day. He often cries and fusses when we take him out of it. He had his 1st appointment, yesterday, with the pediatric ophthalmologist. We’re very thankful for another awesome blessing from God that his eyes look good. He has no lasting effects from his ROP (Retina of Prematurity). He is slightly far-sided, but this is expected in a baby of Austin’s adjusted age (5.5 months). The doctor said usually if he doesn’t have any problems now that he isn’t going to develop any from ROP. Now, this isn’t to say that he won’t develop genetic issues with his vision. Chris and I are both near-sided, mine falls into the legally blind category. So, it’s is very likely that all of our children will require corrective lenses at some point. We’ll “take that” and be so grateful as it’s easily corrected.


Chris has a vacation coming up this weekend; we’re ecstatic. We had originally planned to go on a short vacation, hoping that Austin would be allowed to travel. However, now I’m not able to travel due to the pregnancy. So, we’re just going to enjoy some family time together at home. I’ll have the first trimester screening ultrasound while he is off, and he’ll also be able to join us on Bradley’s first day of preschool. We’re praying for a preview of some gorgeous Autumn weather as we’re both especially looking forward to fall.

Baby Wicker Update

I've seen my OB twice since my last post. We discussed, at great lengths, about what my cervix should look like and what it actually does last Friday. He asked that Chris and I both come to talk to him as Chris doesn't usually get to go to my appointments. He drew a diagram, for me, in order to explain everything without question outlining the different procedures. He included the pros and cons for both. We have our choices between a very invasive abdominal cerclage which he'd prefer to cut me vertically down my stomach in order to get the best view. Basically this surgery would involve wrapping and tightening a band around the bottom of my uterus. The other procedure is a Shirodkar cerclage where they will wrap and tighten a band around the top of cervix, the closest part to the uterus. It will involve some internal cutting, but it will be very minimal. Obviously, the Shirodkar isn't as invasive and will involve very little recovery time compared to the abdominal one. We took a week to pray about our two option and asked God to give us the knowledge in order to make the best decision for our family. Friday, I went back for Dr. Gregg and his partner, Dr. Brown, to examine me again to make sure the Shirodkar was still and option. Both of them are maternal/fetal specialists, they and Dr. Smythe (who followed me most of the triplet pregnancy) are the only ones in town. So, after this appointment and much prayer we decided on the Shirodkar. It's the least invasive and involved. This pregnancy has come just by the grace of God, and we want to continue to rely on Him fully to get a healthy baby here. In the very beginning of the pregnancy, as I was having problems, our first instinct was to go on my normal hormone therapy that I've been on with all my other pregnancies. However, we felt God's peace and Him telling us to be silent. We trusted in Him, are now at 9 weeks and the baby is doing well. We also know that God gives us the knowledge and technology for medical intervention. We are full aware that no matter what God is in FULL control. My OB told us that this is going to be tricky with so much damage to my cervix, but he thinks he can get the results we went with the Shirodkar. If, in the event, it can't be done they will immediately switch over to the abdominal cerclage. So, I'll be having a 1st trimester screening ultrasound after Labor Day to check for any abnormalities. My doctor likes to do this before the cerclage to ensure that there is no chance that the baby may be very sick and miscarry on it's own as with a cerclage that can be complicated. The ultrasound is very similar to that at the 20 week mark where they'll measure the back of the neck, check the heart, and etc. Then, the surgery is scheduled for Sept. 17th. Chris will be off until the following Monday which is when my OB expects me to be able to resume normal activity. I've been through a cerclage before, so I know that I will have to remain awake due to not being able to undergo anesthesia during pregnancy. The anesthesiologist will give me a spinal, and I should be able to go home the same day. Please pray that we will get good results with the scan in a few weeks. Pray that God will keep the baby and myself safe during and after the surgery, that Bradley and Austin will do fine,the day of the surgery without us, and that God will give Chris peace and strength during the surgery and my recovery to run the house by himself. We're confident in God's plan and know that whatever that may be will be awesome. Our God is great and awesome. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8

What's going on

Mama's Sweet Boys

Austin is going to be as big as Bradley soon!

Thanks Aunt Bonnie for the precious outfit; it fits perfectly!

Sending you lots of kisses, Muah! You think Bradley likes chocolate?

Sitting so big!

Bradley loves this swing!

Austin loves the exersaucer! Don't worry Paula (Austin's physical therapist)- we limit him to about 10 mins a day, so he doesn't develop the preemie tip toes. :-)

And, introducing our newest addition . . .

See the baby? It's the litttle, white area in the middle of the picture.

Mesuring the heartrate . . . doing well at 150!

We're all doing well. Chris is busy, busy at work as usual. A doctor's day never seems as though it's done. I'm doing well, sick but good. I've been pregnant enough that I know that being sick, even if all day, is a good sign for me at least. I can handle it; the end product will be so well worth it. If this new baby brings me just a little of the joy that my 2 boys bring everyday my heart my burst! I had some issues, so I went to the doctor this morning for an ultrasound. There was a healthy baby in there with a strong heartbeat of 150! I'm about 7.5 weeks along, so I found out I was pregnant very early. The baby is due March 29th, what a popular month in our family! Chris and I are going tomorrow morning to talk to my OB (high risk, Dr. Gregg) about what cerclage will be best for me and the baby. There has been a lot of damage done to my cervix with my pregnancies in the past, so something must be done in hopes of preventing another very early baby. Bradley is doing well and has recovered wonderfully from his surgery. He starts preschool the week after Labor Day. He says he doesn't want to go, and that he is staying home with Mama and Austin. :-) He'll just go Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-12, so we know he'll be just fine! We've also signed him up to play soccer with the Lexington County League. The first games will be September 20th and run into November. He is especially excited about it as he has talked about it since he was old enough to say ball! Austin is doing great. He is sitting beside me, right now, protesting at the top of his lungs that I'm not paying him as much attention as he'd like. He seems as though he just want to be a "big kid". He sequels, while standing with our assistance, as he watches Bradley play with other children. He laughs at the smallest things now, especially his big brother. Austin's EI (early interventionist) came yesterday, and she said he is doing great. She said he is right on target for his adjusted age and somethings he is even ahead. For example, he plays this game with us where he nuzzles up to our neck and makes grunting noises and we do it back and forth over and over- that is a 6 month milestone. Austin is only 5 months adjusted as of today. Austin is off his apnea monitor at night now as of last Friday. His pulmonologist was pleased with his progress, and we'll go back this fall for his monthly RSV vaccine (Synagis) . It doesn't prevent RSV, instead it's supposed to help him fight the virus. Since Austin was so premature and small he is at high risk for developing severe RSV with his lung issues. Hopefully he would be able to better fight this disease since he is much bigger than last winter. Austin is over 15lbs, and about 27 inches long! He is getting so big! Every nurse or doctor that comes in contact with Austin is absolutely amazed that he is a 24-weeker!

God is good. There have been some amazing miracles in our life over the last year. We know it's God working in our lives, and we hope that others will see His love through us. We've been leaning on God's word and all of His wonderful promises to us. There have been some Bible versus lately that have really spoken to me, so I'm going to finish this post with them! Enjoy!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ ” (Philippians 4:6-7)

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)

"He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken" (Psalm 62:2,)

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29, NIV)

Finally . . .

Finally everyone is fixed, and life can slow down! Sort of except . . . get ready for it, you may want to sit down . . . We're expecting again! Wow! What a shock to us. It's a miracle! This is our 5th pregnancy, and this is the 1st time we haven't had any fertility treatments. I'm only about 5-6 weeks, so we haven't been able to confirm by ultrasound that all is good. However, my HCG level (hormone present in pregnancy) is great and so is my progesterone. The doctor is comfortable that everything will be fine, but we just have to pray and have faith that it will be. We decide to fully rely on God in hopes of more children, so he brought us this far and we're going to continue to trust in His will. It's such a miracle, we just can't say that enough. We want to give all of the glory to God for this AMAZING blessing. Please pray for Baby Wicker; he/she is due mid to late March. Another March baby for the family! (Bradley's birthday, Austin's due date- so his adjusted age dates back to March, and Lisa's birthday all fall in March- not to mention both of Lisa's parents, the boy's Aunt Beth and Aunt Melissa too!) So, now that is finally out! Bradley and Austin are recovering nicely. Bradley is doing great except for when he goes to the bathroom and his ointment has to be applied. It has been amazing the difference in him since his surgery and no accidents! Yay! Bradley did so well at the hospital. He climbed in a little wagon and off he went with the nurse- no tears at all! It was such a blessing. Mama on the other hand had a few tears, but I think it was mostly because I saw just how old he is getting! He didn't even look back, but they did rush out to get me after he woke up from anesthesia. He was crying for his Mama; so sweet! Once I got back back to him he was fine. Praise the Lord for allowing everything to go well for Bradley. Austin is doing well too. His arm is healing nicely along with his private area too. :-) There is a lot of swelling down there, but we think that is expected. Austin's pain seems better and the clear bandage is starting to come off his arm. He is finally getting back on schedule and seeming happier everyday. Another amazing miracle in our life. God is so good! I go to my high risk OB on Monday for my first prenatal, all the bloodwork and exam. Then, Austin's EI is coming on Wednesday. His physical therapist may be coming too, and he should have a followup with his surgeon in the next week. Thank you all for your prayers!