Chris
Working lots of hours and trying to get things done around the house before we add another addition to the family. Some of his projects are hanging curtains, pictures, and other wall décor throughout the house. He is also refinishing the changing table, which Bradley used, for Cameron’s room. He has put together her crib, and it’s gorgeous! He has plenty of other things on his “to do” list such as painting more rooms, changing the mirror out in the downstairs bathroom to make it look more like a guest bath, and refinishing the table and chairs that were mine when I was little. Chris has also started Bradley’s new soccer season as assistant coach.
Lisa
In the road a lot with appointments for Austin and me, Bradley’s school and soccer, and other things that need to be done before our family adds another member. I was sick a couple of weeks ago, and had trouble with my sugar, but that is what happens to a diabetic when you have sinusitis and bronchitis. My body seems to be handling the pregnancy well, and I’m keeping my diabetes under control since getting better. I’m 34 weeks now, but I’m measuring 4 weeks ahead. So, I feel like I’m about 38 weeks along and wondering where an additional 4 of 5 weeks of growth will go! I just saw my OB this past week, and he is still hesitant to schedule the c-section. He said with my many issues that there is a lot involved in making that decision. I wasn’t expecting that; I thought that my case has become fairly easy since I made it this far. I just want to be a simple, “normal” patient with no issues that requires no special attention! I’ll go back for my weekly, all afternoon appointments, this Thursday when I’ll have another non stress test and ultrasound.
Bradley
Missed 2 weeks of school due to being sick, but went back last week even though he didn’t want to and tried to talk me out of it. He said he was too sick and that he had a cough, and then would start coughing after not coughing for several days. He acts like such a teenager sometimes! Soccer practice started back, and their first game was scheduled for Valentine’s Day but cancelled due to the snow. He seems to be enjoying the new soccer season despite the cold weather during the practices. His jersey is number 2, and “The Polar Bears” is their new name. We celebrated his 4th birthday party early on the 13th. His birthday is in March, but we wanted to be sure that he got to enjoy his birthday before Cameron’s arrival. I’ll blog about the party later. The party turned out really well as we had it at Flight Deck, and it was very easy on us phyically and financially! They are an awesome establishment and so family oriented. http://www.flightdeckrestaurant.net/ We’ll still celebrate his birthday on his actual birthday, but just intimately with our family and perhaps a small cake or cupcakes. Bradley has already asked for an ice cream cake; I have no idea where he saw something like that. And, he wants it to be yellow, his favorite color.
Austin
Sick too; he has had an ear infection for most last few months. So, that led us to making a trip to see the ENT. Austin is scheduled to have tubes this Thursday. His pediatrician and ENT thought about removing his adenoids, but decided not to due his age and history. The surgery should be quick and easy, and I’ve already spoken to anesthesia about Austin due to his medical history. He also has his last Synagis shot scheduled for this RSV season on Friday. Austin’s physical therapist will come this week as usual. Austin is doing well with his therapy, but she continues to work on some things such as the position of his right foot. We continuously have homework that we do on the days that she doesn’t come. Austin is also scheduled to have another feeding evaluation done at the end of this week, because he hasn’t improved at all since the speech therapist visited in November. (remember speech therapy handles feeding issues- Austin doesn’t have any speech issues at this point) His ENT said that he should definitely be doing better with his eating. His EI will be here during the evaluation too. Austin’s new tricks include blowing kisses, giving “high fives”, clapping, and signing “more” and “all done” and saying done at the same time. Sometimes instead of telling us done he just takes off his bib; he is a crazy baby!
Cameron
Doing well and has passed all of the BPP’s and non stress tests. The last time they measured her, a week ago, she was almost in the 70th percentile for size and measuring about a week ahead. She is doing her practice breathing and movements as she should, her heart looks good as well as her other organs. The amniotic fluid, which can be high in a gestational diabetic pregnancy, is in the high limits of normal. The will continue to check this, as well as everything else, every week until she is delivered. She moves so much that doing the non stress test can be difficult, because you have to follow her heartbeat with every movement and she comes off the monitor easily. I have to press a button every time she moves, because they want to make sure that she isn’t having any Brady’s (drop in heart rate). The also have a Toco monitor on me, to check for contractions, and there haven’t been any so far! Yay! Her room is coming along; we just have to get everything up and in its place. We still have a few things that we want to get to complete the room as well as plenty that we need for her. However, we know with this being our 5th child that we have everything we must have: pack-n-play, a few sleepers, blankets, diapers and wipes, and me since I plan to nurse exclusively like I did Bradley.
March of Dimes
The March for Babies will be at the end of April again, but I'm not sure it will be more than 6 weeks after my c-section. I'll probably able to walk short distances, and doing so around the neighborhood, but I don't foresee myself being able to walk 3-6 miles. However, we want to collect money for this awesome cause that has helped our family tremendously. I don't want to beg for money this year and have been trying to come up with something creative to keep me from doing so. Our latest thought is doing a baby pool for Cameron where you'd give money (that normally goes to the expectant parents to help out) to guess her birth day, height, and weight. One site we found charges $10, keeps one dollar for fees, and sends $9 to us. We would then donate all of that money to March of Dimes and are thinking of giving a $25 gift certificate to the winner. How does that sound? Please leave a comment or send me an email with some feedback or suggestions, especially if you'd be interested! Thanks, and may God bless you this week!
Monday, February 15
Saturday, January 30
New year, new things!
I thought it'd be nice to update the blog background and etc for a fresh start to the New Year. On our agenda lately we've been trying to do some decorating to the house. We've been here 2 years and haven't done much since we've been a little busy. So, we've done some painting and moving things around. And, we've been doing a lot of organizing- which I love so much- I'm being serious about that too! It's a good feeling to know that everything has a place, and it makes keeping a straight house so much easier. I think I could make a career out of organizing as I enjoy it that much. I want to start taking pictures of the before and after to mainly see the finished rooms, so maybe I’ll start to post those. We’ve finally finished the 1st room in the house, and it’s Austin’s room. It would be good to have pictures of his nursery one day when the room is different and he is grown.
We’ve all been fighting a cold this week, and after another long sleepless night Wed. night we took the boys to the doctor. Bradley an ear and sinus infection and was put on oral antibiotics. Austin had a bad double ear and sinus infection. His doctor decided to give him 2 shots of Rocephin, a script for oral antibiotics, and refer him to the ENT for tubes. She said the ENT may decide to remove his adenoids too. We go see the ENT on February 8th. Bradley had tube at 10 months, and it was an easy outpatient procedure. We weren’t concerned at all, but Austin is a different story due to his medical history. So, please pray that his lung issues don’t complicate things and we don’t wind up in the PICU again overnight. In the next month Austin has several big appointments coming up in addition to the ENT. He’ll have an ECHO done to see if his PFO has closed. Patent Foramen Ovale is an opening in the heart that should close at birth, but Austin’s didn’t due to his prematurity. He had it last checked at 6 months old. He has an ophthalmology appointment scheduled, follow up from summer, to see how his eyes are doing since he had ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity). We’ll have his last Synagis shot, of the season, for RSV. And, in addition to his weekly physical therapy and biweekly early intervention appointment the speech therapist will come out to see why he hasn’t improved with his feeding issues. Speech therapy not only follows speech problems, but any oral issues such as feeding. Austin is talking more and more everyday, so his speech isn’t a problem at all. His vocabulary is up to about 15 words now; it’s just amazing!
Bradley’s soccer season will be starting up in the next couple of weeks. Chris is helping coach again, and there are a lot of the same players on the team as this past fall. Bradley is excited. Practice will start week after next, and the 1st game is on Valentine’s Day. His jersey is white with black, the opposite of last season. And, we’re celebrating Bradley’s birthday early this year to make sure he has a party before Cameron is born. So, that is the 13th and he is super excited about it as he says. He wants a Diego party, because he saw a Diego cake with a compass . . . and that is the whole reason for that theme! Ha ha He also has named off tons of things he wants for his birthday; it’s a little ridiculous considering how much stuff he just got for Christmas.
Every thing continues to go well with Cameron and the pregnancy. My weekly appointments start this Thursday; every Thursday afternoon will be spent that the doctor’s office until Cameron arrives. Still on insulin and doing well with it; slowly having to go up on the dose but that is expected as she and the placenta grow. The kick counts are going well too. I have a ‘Big E’ antibody in my blood, so my titers are drawn once a month to make sure that Cameron doesn’t need a transfusion while in utero. I acquired this by carrying Chris’ child during one of my previous pregnancies; it could have been a live birth or a miscarriage. The titer starts out at 1:1 (it doubles, such as right now it’s 1:2 but next time it could be 1:4) and if it gets to 1:16 you have to have the transfusion or deliver the baby. When I received my transfusions when delivering the triplets they not only had to make sure that I was getting A + blood but it has to have the big ‘E’ too. So, it’s low right now and that is a blessing. We’ve already found out I’m Group B positive, but that hopefully won’t be an issue to due a planned c-section. I’m still taking my weekly progesterone shots (given by Chris in my hip and I swear doctors DO NOT give the best shots! ha ha) to help avoid preterm labor and keep my uterus calm. So, all in all things are definitely going well. I measured 35 weeks, at the appointment this week, so that is 4 weeks ahead since I was only 31 weeks. I’ll be 32 weeks Monday! YAY!!! Bradley continues to talk to Cameron, kiss my belly, and loves to feel and watch her move. He is an awesome big brother! We’ve received Cameron’s bedding, pictures for her wall, her rocking chair, and curtains. We’re waiting for the lamp we ordered and are ordering letters for her room as well. We love the way the room is turning out; it’s bright and cheery!
We’re hoping for some winter weather this weekend. We are going to stay home, snuggle up, and try to all get better! It’s a new year, and it’s going to be great as we add a new addition to our family. We pray the boys continue to grow and thrive. We will assume that our family is complete (unless God leads us in a different direction down the road); we can just sit back and enjoy life, and find our new normal. We even scheduled our 1st family vacation since Bradley was a baby for this summer in Hilton Head. We’re looking forward to picnics, trips to the park and zoo, and the everyday fun of life that we’ve been missing. I want to find a new hobby too, because my current hobby of baby birthing is probably over. Anyone have any ideas? I’m interested in learning to sew, continuing to organize things, love to cook and bake, and open to any suggestions. And, of course we’re anxious to get back to church and hoping that Austin’s restrictions will start to ease up this spring. I want my children to grow up active in all the church activities as I did too. So, stay tuned to the whereabouts of the Wickers!
We’ve all been fighting a cold this week, and after another long sleepless night Wed. night we took the boys to the doctor. Bradley an ear and sinus infection and was put on oral antibiotics. Austin had a bad double ear and sinus infection. His doctor decided to give him 2 shots of Rocephin, a script for oral antibiotics, and refer him to the ENT for tubes. She said the ENT may decide to remove his adenoids too. We go see the ENT on February 8th. Bradley had tube at 10 months, and it was an easy outpatient procedure. We weren’t concerned at all, but Austin is a different story due to his medical history. So, please pray that his lung issues don’t complicate things and we don’t wind up in the PICU again overnight. In the next month Austin has several big appointments coming up in addition to the ENT. He’ll have an ECHO done to see if his PFO has closed. Patent Foramen Ovale is an opening in the heart that should close at birth, but Austin’s didn’t due to his prematurity. He had it last checked at 6 months old. He has an ophthalmology appointment scheduled, follow up from summer, to see how his eyes are doing since he had ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity). We’ll have his last Synagis shot, of the season, for RSV. And, in addition to his weekly physical therapy and biweekly early intervention appointment the speech therapist will come out to see why he hasn’t improved with his feeding issues. Speech therapy not only follows speech problems, but any oral issues such as feeding. Austin is talking more and more everyday, so his speech isn’t a problem at all. His vocabulary is up to about 15 words now; it’s just amazing!
Bradley’s soccer season will be starting up in the next couple of weeks. Chris is helping coach again, and there are a lot of the same players on the team as this past fall. Bradley is excited. Practice will start week after next, and the 1st game is on Valentine’s Day. His jersey is white with black, the opposite of last season. And, we’re celebrating Bradley’s birthday early this year to make sure he has a party before Cameron is born. So, that is the 13th and he is super excited about it as he says. He wants a Diego party, because he saw a Diego cake with a compass . . . and that is the whole reason for that theme! Ha ha He also has named off tons of things he wants for his birthday; it’s a little ridiculous considering how much stuff he just got for Christmas.
Every thing continues to go well with Cameron and the pregnancy. My weekly appointments start this Thursday; every Thursday afternoon will be spent that the doctor’s office until Cameron arrives. Still on insulin and doing well with it; slowly having to go up on the dose but that is expected as she and the placenta grow. The kick counts are going well too. I have a ‘Big E’ antibody in my blood, so my titers are drawn once a month to make sure that Cameron doesn’t need a transfusion while in utero. I acquired this by carrying Chris’ child during one of my previous pregnancies; it could have been a live birth or a miscarriage. The titer starts out at 1:1 (it doubles, such as right now it’s 1:2 but next time it could be 1:4) and if it gets to 1:16 you have to have the transfusion or deliver the baby. When I received my transfusions when delivering the triplets they not only had to make sure that I was getting A + blood but it has to have the big ‘E’ too. So, it’s low right now and that is a blessing. We’ve already found out I’m Group B positive, but that hopefully won’t be an issue to due a planned c-section. I’m still taking my weekly progesterone shots (given by Chris in my hip and I swear doctors DO NOT give the best shots! ha ha) to help avoid preterm labor and keep my uterus calm. So, all in all things are definitely going well. I measured 35 weeks, at the appointment this week, so that is 4 weeks ahead since I was only 31 weeks. I’ll be 32 weeks Monday! YAY!!! Bradley continues to talk to Cameron, kiss my belly, and loves to feel and watch her move. He is an awesome big brother! We’ve received Cameron’s bedding, pictures for her wall, her rocking chair, and curtains. We’re waiting for the lamp we ordered and are ordering letters for her room as well. We love the way the room is turning out; it’s bright and cheery!
We’re hoping for some winter weather this weekend. We are going to stay home, snuggle up, and try to all get better! It’s a new year, and it’s going to be great as we add a new addition to our family. We pray the boys continue to grow and thrive. We will assume that our family is complete (unless God leads us in a different direction down the road); we can just sit back and enjoy life, and find our new normal. We even scheduled our 1st family vacation since Bradley was a baby for this summer in Hilton Head. We’re looking forward to picnics, trips to the park and zoo, and the everyday fun of life that we’ve been missing. I want to find a new hobby too, because my current hobby of baby birthing is probably over. Anyone have any ideas? I’m interested in learning to sew, continuing to organize things, love to cook and bake, and open to any suggestions. And, of course we’re anxious to get back to church and hoping that Austin’s restrictions will start to ease up this spring. I want my children to grow up active in all the church activities as I did too. So, stay tuned to the whereabouts of the Wickers!
Friday, January 22
Austin is ONE!
We celebrated Austin's 1st birthday a little late since he was born so premature. How much fun would an 8 month old have at a 1st birthday party? We wanted to make sure he would enjoy the celebration. So, after all the holidays were over we had a small get together; keeping it small helped ensure that Austin wouldn't get sick. We had some yummy food, a delicious cake and ice cream, opened the many presents, and enjoyed some time with loved ones. Austin really seemed to enjoy the special attention and although he couldn't handle any chunks of cake he loved the icing and small smashed pieces. He was able to eat some vanilla ice cream too.
Christmas 2009
We spent Christmas Eve at home, just our family of 4 (almost 5 :-) ). It was very relaxing and a new tradition that we'd love to start. It was cold and damp, so we cooked this awesome new italian dish. We enjoyed some time by the fire. The boys exchanged presents between the 2 of them. Then, it was off to bed for the boys.
Christmas was busy as usual, but we did manage to enjoy Christmas morning just the 4 of us. After the boys checked out their presents from Santa we feasted on Dunkin Donuts which is a tradition that Chris and I have always enjoyed. Afterwards, the boys opened presents from us and even Cameron had some things too. Then, after Austin's morning nap the Hawkins side joined us for lunch. We enjoyed Hudson's BBQ http://www.hudsonssmokehouse.com/ and hash, and it was so yummy. After exchanging presents, the boys went down for their afternoon nap while Chris and I got ready for the next crowd, the Broome side. We had Beaufort Stew with them and then exchanged presents yet again. We celebrated with the Wicker side a few nights later . Too many presents! We're still trying to figure out what to do with all the new stuff!
Christmas was busy as usual, but we did manage to enjoy Christmas morning just the 4 of us. After the boys checked out their presents from Santa we feasted on Dunkin Donuts which is a tradition that Chris and I have always enjoyed. Afterwards, the boys opened presents from us and even Cameron had some things too. Then, after Austin's morning nap the Hawkins side joined us for lunch. We enjoyed Hudson's BBQ http://www.hudsonssmokehouse.com/ and hash, and it was so yummy. After exchanging presents, the boys went down for their afternoon nap while Chris and I got ready for the next crowd, the Broome side. We had Beaufort Stew with them and then exchanged presents yet again. We celebrated with the Wicker side a few nights later . Too many presents! We're still trying to figure out what to do with all the new stuff!
Christmas Eve
The stockings were all hung by the chimney with care . . .
Christmas morning
Presents from Santa
The boys were excited to see the special things waiting on them
My boys on Christmas
Austin's 1st Christmas at home
Bradley was too busy playing with his new toys for a pictures
The Wicker Family
Wednesday, January 20
The favorite “senses” of Motherhood
Bradley learned about the 5 senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch) last month at preschool, so we’ve been talking about those some at home. I realized that most of the time when I explain one of them to him that I list my favorite things. Who wouldn’t want to think about their favorite senses instead of least favorite ones? My least favorite ones, in my day to day life of being a full time mom, certainly include: smelly diapers, crying children, and sticky messes. However, my favorites greatly outweigh my dislikes.
Sight: My children smiling and happy, watching the boys play together and watching them grow are definitely some of my favorite sights of being a mom. I love being able to see them all day, everyday. Seeing Cameron move inside my stomach and during the ultrasounds has been a favorite too as they have with all 5 of our children. (See below to read an update on my pregnancy) Another sight I love is watching the boys reach developmental milestones, especially Austin since we didn’t know what to expect when he was discharged from the hospital. He is doing so well with them; he is pulling up, cruising, crawling and creeping, and just all over the place. He has even stood a few seconds on his own. He seems very cautious, so I think he could do more than he shows us. Bradley was very cautious too. Bradley’s big things he is doing, is driving the Gator that they received for Christmas like a pro. He weaves in and out of things with only one hand on the wheel nonetheless. He can run, jump, stand on one foot, and throw and catch balls well too. Also love riding his bicycle (with training wheels) and little Hot wheel.
Hearing: Austin’s vocabulary has really started to grow. He is saying about 10 words; Ma ma, Da da, done, hey, no no, uh oh, and something for Bradley are just a few. We never know what he is going to say next! Bradley speaks in full paragraphs now and carries on complete conversations with us. I certainly love hearing him tell me that he loves me, and he often tells us when he wakes up that he missed us. Bradley tells us the craziest things; he always makes us laugh. The sound of Bradley and Austin’s laughter certainly warms my heart too, especially when they are laughing with each other.
Taste: Cookies and other food cooked with Bradley taste so much better than other foods. Slobbery kisses given by both Austin and Bradley are awesome. Austin will give us open mouth wet kisses when we ask and he is willing.
Smell: Freshly bathed children rate among the top of my favorite smells. Then, them all “lotioned up” and in clean clothes is great too. We love being outdoors as a family, so the smell of fresh air is a favorite scent of motherhood too.
Touch: Holding and cuddling my children has to be my favorite “touch”. I love holding their hands too. I cherish that I have my children with me 24-7, so I love being able to have them close to cuddle anytime of the day.
Pregnancy/Cameron Update: I’m 30 weeks along in this pregnancy! Since I’m insulin dependent now (gestational diabetes) my doctor is thinking of pushing out the c-section date. The original plan was to take her between 36-37 weeks. A side effect of the insulin is that Cameron’s lungs may not be as mature as a baby whose mother doesn’t have to have insulin. So, she may have another 9 weeks or so to grow if all goes as my doctor is hoping. We just have to see how big she gets; if she reaches close to 4 kilos (8.8lbs) he’ll take her. I’ll get to see her lots, starting in a few weeks, as I’ll have weekly BPP’s and nonstress test. A BPP is an ultrasound that measures the baby's heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing, and the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby. A nonstress test checks the baby’s heart rate to see how it handles the baby’s movement. Both of these tests are done when insulin dependent to ensure that the baby is healthy to avoid complications related to diabetes. My last ultrasound was 2 weeks ago, and everything looked good. They checked my cervix, which was doing well, for the last time as after 28 weeks all women begin to have changes and there is no way to gauge what they mean. Cameron weighed in at almost 3lbs and measured about 1 week ahead of her due date. I’m doing nightly “kick counts” as per my OB’s request since I’m high risk. I must feel her move 10 separate time in less than 2 hours. She usually gets them all in about 30 minutes; she is a very active little girl!
Sight: My children smiling and happy, watching the boys play together and watching them grow are definitely some of my favorite sights of being a mom. I love being able to see them all day, everyday. Seeing Cameron move inside my stomach and during the ultrasounds has been a favorite too as they have with all 5 of our children. (See below to read an update on my pregnancy) Another sight I love is watching the boys reach developmental milestones, especially Austin since we didn’t know what to expect when he was discharged from the hospital. He is doing so well with them; he is pulling up, cruising, crawling and creeping, and just all over the place. He has even stood a few seconds on his own. He seems very cautious, so I think he could do more than he shows us. Bradley was very cautious too. Bradley’s big things he is doing, is driving the Gator that they received for Christmas like a pro. He weaves in and out of things with only one hand on the wheel nonetheless. He can run, jump, stand on one foot, and throw and catch balls well too. Also love riding his bicycle (with training wheels) and little Hot wheel.
Hearing: Austin’s vocabulary has really started to grow. He is saying about 10 words; Ma ma, Da da, done, hey, no no, uh oh, and something for Bradley are just a few. We never know what he is going to say next! Bradley speaks in full paragraphs now and carries on complete conversations with us. I certainly love hearing him tell me that he loves me, and he often tells us when he wakes up that he missed us. Bradley tells us the craziest things; he always makes us laugh. The sound of Bradley and Austin’s laughter certainly warms my heart too, especially when they are laughing with each other.
Taste: Cookies and other food cooked with Bradley taste so much better than other foods. Slobbery kisses given by both Austin and Bradley are awesome. Austin will give us open mouth wet kisses when we ask and he is willing.
Smell: Freshly bathed children rate among the top of my favorite smells. Then, them all “lotioned up” and in clean clothes is great too. We love being outdoors as a family, so the smell of fresh air is a favorite scent of motherhood too.
Touch: Holding and cuddling my children has to be my favorite “touch”. I love holding their hands too. I cherish that I have my children with me 24-7, so I love being able to have them close to cuddle anytime of the day.
Pregnancy/Cameron Update: I’m 30 weeks along in this pregnancy! Since I’m insulin dependent now (gestational diabetes) my doctor is thinking of pushing out the c-section date. The original plan was to take her between 36-37 weeks. A side effect of the insulin is that Cameron’s lungs may not be as mature as a baby whose mother doesn’t have to have insulin. So, she may have another 9 weeks or so to grow if all goes as my doctor is hoping. We just have to see how big she gets; if she reaches close to 4 kilos (8.8lbs) he’ll take her. I’ll get to see her lots, starting in a few weeks, as I’ll have weekly BPP’s and nonstress test. A BPP is an ultrasound that measures the baby's heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing, and the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby. A nonstress test checks the baby’s heart rate to see how it handles the baby’s movement. Both of these tests are done when insulin dependent to ensure that the baby is healthy to avoid complications related to diabetes. My last ultrasound was 2 weeks ago, and everything looked good. They checked my cervix, which was doing well, for the last time as after 28 weeks all women begin to have changes and there is no way to gauge what they mean. Cameron weighed in at almost 3lbs and measured about 1 week ahead of her due date. I’m doing nightly “kick counts” as per my OB’s request since I’m high risk. I must feel her move 10 separate time in less than 2 hours. She usually gets them all in about 30 minutes; she is a very active little girl!
Thursday, December 17
Rocking around the Christmas tree
Have you ever seen the little Santa that plays Rocking Around the Christmas Tree and dances? Bradley loves it, and it has always been one of my favorites. We’ve been thoroughly enjoying this Christmas season and just life in general. There is so much to be thankful for; God continues to bless our family in many ways. This Christmas is particularly special to us as last year we were too consumed with all that was going on, in our life, to really enjoy the season. So, this year we’ve enjoyed every little moment probably as much as a child does. All the shopping is finished and everything wrapped; the house is decorated; and we’ve gone on a lot of drives to see Christmas lights. We’re still hoping to have a chance to go to Saluda Shoals sometime over the next week. The Christmas tree lights are on whenever we’re at home, and I love to have Christmas music playing as well. The boys especially love the Christmas music and often dance to the music. Yes, Austin does pretty well keeping the beat. It’s adorable! We’ve been to a couple of Christmas parties too.
We’ve been busy organizing the house to make room for Cameron. Some might say I’m nesting, but I’ve always liked to organize. And, I’ve spoiled Chris by keeping such an orderly house. We’ve turned our spare bedroom into a bonus room that hosts a multitude of things. It is upstairs, so we have some of the kid’s toys, my scrapbooking and picture items, Chris’ game system, and some other odds and ends you expect to find in a bonus room. We are ready to paint Cameron’s room after getting it cleaned out and have her crib. We have to have 2 cribs with our youngest children so close together! :-o We’ve painted some other rooms too. We have been in our house for 2 years this month, but life has been too crazy to personalize it. Life is still a little crazy, but it’s a good crazy now. So, we’re slowly going room by room and finishing things.
Cameron is over 25 weeks gestation now, so my restrictions must be working. She is growing well and moves all the time. Girls seem to move so much more than boys in utero. I have developed gestational diabetes again as expected. For now, I’m not on insulin and controlling it well with just my diet. However, it’s early and this will probably change as she and the placenta grow. I check my sugar 4 times a day and have certain ranges that it must stay in. If it doesn’t, then I have to call my doctor and he’ll start me on either an oral medication or insulin. We’re still hoping she’ll make it to 36/37 weeks when the doctor will take her via c-section to avoid further complications. So far so good!
Austin is doing well. He is pulling up and slowly cruising along the furniture and his toys. He is also doing an army crawl. Austin enjoys dancing; he bounces right along to the beat of the music. And, he has been playing peek-a-boo too. He uses his arm and only covers half of his face, but it’s precious. He still enjoys saying “Dada,” and even called his name the other night when he couldn’t open a toy. Austin has biweekly appointments with his EI, sessions once a week with his PT, and sees the speech therapist once a month just to make sure he is on the right track with his feeding issues. We also are getting Synagis once a month to help in case he was to develop RSV. Synagis doesn’t prevent RSV, but helps it not be so bad on children with lung issues. Austin goes tomorrow for his 12 month well check, so we’ll see then how big he much he has grown lately. We’ve been planning his 1st birthday party; it will be after the holidays. I know it’s late, but it makes sense for our family and with Austin being such an early preemie. He’ll be old enough to hopefully enjoy cake and ice cream!
Bradley is doing well too. Tomorrow is his last day of preschool before Christmas break which makes him happy since he still prefers staying home. They had a small program, during school, last week for just parents. My little star shined with the songs and motions; we were very impressed as he did everything with no stage fright! We enjoyed homemade cookies decorated by Bradley afterwards. Bradley is ready for Christmas, but NOT Santa. He has never liked Santa which we don’t really mind and think it will actually help teach him the true meaning of Christmas. Bradley does enjoy Christmas decorations especially the lights though. He helped us take some toys to donate to Toys for Tots and handled that very well. There was no fussing or tears as he seemed to understand it was for other children that might not get other presents. Bradley will be 4 in March and is talking about his birthday a lot these days. We think we’ll celebrate it in February hopefully before Cameron arrives. He tells people that Cameron is coming for his birthday!
We’re just trucking along, enjoying the ride, and making the most of each day. Life is fairly simple, and we are enjoying it so much. We’re looking forward to Christmas at home with our children. God is so good, and we continue to be amazed by His plan. We pray that everyone is having a wonderful Christmas season!
We’ve been busy organizing the house to make room for Cameron. Some might say I’m nesting, but I’ve always liked to organize. And, I’ve spoiled Chris by keeping such an orderly house. We’ve turned our spare bedroom into a bonus room that hosts a multitude of things. It is upstairs, so we have some of the kid’s toys, my scrapbooking and picture items, Chris’ game system, and some other odds and ends you expect to find in a bonus room. We are ready to paint Cameron’s room after getting it cleaned out and have her crib. We have to have 2 cribs with our youngest children so close together! :-o We’ve painted some other rooms too. We have been in our house for 2 years this month, but life has been too crazy to personalize it. Life is still a little crazy, but it’s a good crazy now. So, we’re slowly going room by room and finishing things.
Cameron is over 25 weeks gestation now, so my restrictions must be working. She is growing well and moves all the time. Girls seem to move so much more than boys in utero. I have developed gestational diabetes again as expected. For now, I’m not on insulin and controlling it well with just my diet. However, it’s early and this will probably change as she and the placenta grow. I check my sugar 4 times a day and have certain ranges that it must stay in. If it doesn’t, then I have to call my doctor and he’ll start me on either an oral medication or insulin. We’re still hoping she’ll make it to 36/37 weeks when the doctor will take her via c-section to avoid further complications. So far so good!
Austin is doing well. He is pulling up and slowly cruising along the furniture and his toys. He is also doing an army crawl. Austin enjoys dancing; he bounces right along to the beat of the music. And, he has been playing peek-a-boo too. He uses his arm and only covers half of his face, but it’s precious. He still enjoys saying “Dada,” and even called his name the other night when he couldn’t open a toy. Austin has biweekly appointments with his EI, sessions once a week with his PT, and sees the speech therapist once a month just to make sure he is on the right track with his feeding issues. We also are getting Synagis once a month to help in case he was to develop RSV. Synagis doesn’t prevent RSV, but helps it not be so bad on children with lung issues. Austin goes tomorrow for his 12 month well check, so we’ll see then how big he much he has grown lately. We’ve been planning his 1st birthday party; it will be after the holidays. I know it’s late, but it makes sense for our family and with Austin being such an early preemie. He’ll be old enough to hopefully enjoy cake and ice cream!
Bradley is doing well too. Tomorrow is his last day of preschool before Christmas break which makes him happy since he still prefers staying home. They had a small program, during school, last week for just parents. My little star shined with the songs and motions; we were very impressed as he did everything with no stage fright! We enjoyed homemade cookies decorated by Bradley afterwards. Bradley is ready for Christmas, but NOT Santa. He has never liked Santa which we don’t really mind and think it will actually help teach him the true meaning of Christmas. Bradley does enjoy Christmas decorations especially the lights though. He helped us take some toys to donate to Toys for Tots and handled that very well. There was no fussing or tears as he seemed to understand it was for other children that might not get other presents. Bradley will be 4 in March and is talking about his birthday a lot these days. We think we’ll celebrate it in February hopefully before Cameron arrives. He tells people that Cameron is coming for his birthday!
We’re just trucking along, enjoying the ride, and making the most of each day. Life is fairly simple, and we are enjoying it so much. We’re looking forward to Christmas at home with our children. God is so good, and we continue to be amazed by His plan. We pray that everyone is having a wonderful Christmas season!
Daddy & Bradley decorating the tree
Austin waving hello
Austin smiles for the camera on his own now
Bradley relaxing in his new bean bag
Wicker Family on Thanksgiving
Brothers on Thanksgiving
Bradley on Thanksgiving
Clemson Boys
Austin knows he's cute!
Sunday, November 22
One year ago
One year ago today my husband and I welcomed 3 little blessings into our family. God blessed us with 2 sons and 1 daughter all within 10 minutes.
Children are a heritage from the Lord, a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is a man whose quiver is full of them. Psalms 127: 3-5
Austin Michael entered the world at 7:55am, Christopher Brayden at 8:02am, and Alexis Faith at 8:05am. Austin didn’t make a peep, I didn’t expect that a 24 week baby was able to cry, but Brayden and Lexi surprised us and cried when delivered. Each baby was shown quickly to me after the doctor delivered them, and I was amazed at how small but perfect they seemed.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Jeremiah 1:5
Lexi was whisked across the hall to another room as there wasn’t enough room in my delivery room for everyone including her NICU team. The delivery room was full, I was actually in one of the rooms used for c-sections and other OB related surgeries in case of any unforeseen circumstance. The OB that delivered the babies quickly found out why they delivered when she saw that my uterus had ruptured in the lower back segment. She quickly worked to repair it as I received 3 units of blood. I had lost a lot of blood during the pregnancy, over time, and especially while in the hospital on bed rest in labor for over 2 weeks.
“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds," says the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17
I was wheeled to recovery where I enjoyed several cans of regular Coke and cookies. I’d had gestational diabetes during the pregnancy and was on insulin during my hospital stay, so these little snacks tasted like Heaven to me. I’ve never, nor do I think I will ever, have a Coke taste so delicious. Anyone that saw me or spoke to me in those hours after the delivery, before I was taken to the NICU to see the babies, can verify that I was extremely calm. I had this endless peace in my heart. God was there holding our family who was unaware of what the next year would bring.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
In the coming days and weeks our world was turned upside down. The life that we’d imagined with our 4 children didn’t exist. We buried our 2 youngest children by the time Austin was 2 weeks old. While lost and in this complete darkness God was there. We felt Him talking to us as we never have. We told him, after burying Lexi, that we couldn’t take anymore when Brayden took a turn for the worse. However, we heard Him saying that we could and we were going to do it. And, we did it. We got up each day and dealt with life as best as we could while having a 2 year old at home and a sick baby in the NICU. God provided wonderful doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists to care for Austin to the best of their ability. We met some wonderful healthcare professionals in the NICU that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. God provided people to care for our family, to cook meals for us, to care for Bradley, and to pray and give support to us. I still meet people that tell me that they’ve followed our story and still pray for us! How amazing. Oh how I wish I could thank everyone as much as I’d like in a proper way, but that task will take the rest of my life. In the meantime, I can promise I’ll never forget how each one of them showed us God’s love with their endless love for us.
We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Our family, friends, and complete strangers cried and rejoiced with us as Austin met important milestones in his journey to come home. We eventually came out of the fog that had rested on us for several months and realized that we had made it through something very large in our life. It changed us, and we’re so grateful, for the rest of our life. We never imagined that we’d continue to breathe or exist in anyway after suffering such grief.
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46: 3-4
After Austin spent 108 days in the NICU he came home and began to grow so quickly. He entered the world at 1lb 7 oz, came home at 5lbs 10oz, and is now 18lbs at one year. He was off the oxygen and apnea monitor after 4 months of being home and started to thrive in all aspects. Austin has developed as you’d expect a completely normal child according to his adjusted age or due date, which was March 13th. He had a follow-up appointment at the NICU follow-up clinic this past week and they, like all healthcare providers, were amazed with his progress. He has normal vision and hearing. His chronic lung disease is still present, but he stays well and has had no complications from it in 5 months or so. A twenty-four week triplet, as he will always be known in the medical world, doesn’t do this well. In fact, we’re told it’s unheard of and a complete miracle. We know it’s a God given miracle. God knew Austin’s story when he made him and placed him in my womb. He knew that on Austin’s first birthday that he would be strong and thriving.
"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
So today, as we celebrate Austin being with us a year, we are amazed by the journey and trials God has taken us on this past year. It is well with our soul, it is well, just like the old church hymn. After coming out of our "fog", when Austin was 6 weeks old or so, we weren’t sure he would make it a year. However, he did and we’re so grateful that God has given us this year with our sweet angel on earth. It has been amazing to watch him grow and become a part of our family. Austin and Bradley have an incredible bond, and Austin has turned into quite a snuggle bug with us. He laughs and smiles most of the time, and I’m continually amazed by the new things he is doing. God is so good, no matter what his plan for us on earth is, and loves us so much. I can’t imagine, knowing that He loves me more than I love my children, how enormous His love is for us. Happy Birthday to our precious Austin, Brayden, and Lexi! One day we’ll celebrate in heaven, with our gracious God, and Brayden and Lexi where the missed birthdays won’t matter anymore. While here, I'm so grateful for the endless blessings and miracles that God has given us in Austin. We can’t wait to see God’s plan unfold for Austin’s life as it has been amazing so far. Happy 1st Birthday Austin! We look forward to seeing you grow in your relationship with the Lord and pray that you will use your strong testimony to bring others closer to Jesus.
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. Psalm 145: 1-13
I'll post pictures of Austin from 12 months later after I take some new ones today! May you all be blessed with the scripture that God led me to share!
Children are a heritage from the Lord, a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is a man whose quiver is full of them. Psalms 127: 3-5
Austin Michael entered the world at 7:55am, Christopher Brayden at 8:02am, and Alexis Faith at 8:05am. Austin didn’t make a peep, I didn’t expect that a 24 week baby was able to cry, but Brayden and Lexi surprised us and cried when delivered. Each baby was shown quickly to me after the doctor delivered them, and I was amazed at how small but perfect they seemed.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Jeremiah 1:5
Lexi was whisked across the hall to another room as there wasn’t enough room in my delivery room for everyone including her NICU team. The delivery room was full, I was actually in one of the rooms used for c-sections and other OB related surgeries in case of any unforeseen circumstance. The OB that delivered the babies quickly found out why they delivered when she saw that my uterus had ruptured in the lower back segment. She quickly worked to repair it as I received 3 units of blood. I had lost a lot of blood during the pregnancy, over time, and especially while in the hospital on bed rest in labor for over 2 weeks.
“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds," says the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17
I was wheeled to recovery where I enjoyed several cans of regular Coke and cookies. I’d had gestational diabetes during the pregnancy and was on insulin during my hospital stay, so these little snacks tasted like Heaven to me. I’ve never, nor do I think I will ever, have a Coke taste so delicious. Anyone that saw me or spoke to me in those hours after the delivery, before I was taken to the NICU to see the babies, can verify that I was extremely calm. I had this endless peace in my heart. God was there holding our family who was unaware of what the next year would bring.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
In the coming days and weeks our world was turned upside down. The life that we’d imagined with our 4 children didn’t exist. We buried our 2 youngest children by the time Austin was 2 weeks old. While lost and in this complete darkness God was there. We felt Him talking to us as we never have. We told him, after burying Lexi, that we couldn’t take anymore when Brayden took a turn for the worse. However, we heard Him saying that we could and we were going to do it. And, we did it. We got up each day and dealt with life as best as we could while having a 2 year old at home and a sick baby in the NICU. God provided wonderful doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists to care for Austin to the best of their ability. We met some wonderful healthcare professionals in the NICU that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. God provided people to care for our family, to cook meals for us, to care for Bradley, and to pray and give support to us. I still meet people that tell me that they’ve followed our story and still pray for us! How amazing. Oh how I wish I could thank everyone as much as I’d like in a proper way, but that task will take the rest of my life. In the meantime, I can promise I’ll never forget how each one of them showed us God’s love with their endless love for us.
We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Our family, friends, and complete strangers cried and rejoiced with us as Austin met important milestones in his journey to come home. We eventually came out of the fog that had rested on us for several months and realized that we had made it through something very large in our life. It changed us, and we’re so grateful, for the rest of our life. We never imagined that we’d continue to breathe or exist in anyway after suffering such grief.
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46: 3-4
After Austin spent 108 days in the NICU he came home and began to grow so quickly. He entered the world at 1lb 7 oz, came home at 5lbs 10oz, and is now 18lbs at one year. He was off the oxygen and apnea monitor after 4 months of being home and started to thrive in all aspects. Austin has developed as you’d expect a completely normal child according to his adjusted age or due date, which was March 13th. He had a follow-up appointment at the NICU follow-up clinic this past week and they, like all healthcare providers, were amazed with his progress. He has normal vision and hearing. His chronic lung disease is still present, but he stays well and has had no complications from it in 5 months or so. A twenty-four week triplet, as he will always be known in the medical world, doesn’t do this well. In fact, we’re told it’s unheard of and a complete miracle. We know it’s a God given miracle. God knew Austin’s story when he made him and placed him in my womb. He knew that on Austin’s first birthday that he would be strong and thriving.
"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
So today, as we celebrate Austin being with us a year, we are amazed by the journey and trials God has taken us on this past year. It is well with our soul, it is well, just like the old church hymn. After coming out of our "fog", when Austin was 6 weeks old or so, we weren’t sure he would make it a year. However, he did and we’re so grateful that God has given us this year with our sweet angel on earth. It has been amazing to watch him grow and become a part of our family. Austin and Bradley have an incredible bond, and Austin has turned into quite a snuggle bug with us. He laughs and smiles most of the time, and I’m continually amazed by the new things he is doing. God is so good, no matter what his plan for us on earth is, and loves us so much. I can’t imagine, knowing that He loves me more than I love my children, how enormous His love is for us. Happy Birthday to our precious Austin, Brayden, and Lexi! One day we’ll celebrate in heaven, with our gracious God, and Brayden and Lexi where the missed birthdays won’t matter anymore. While here, I'm so grateful for the endless blessings and miracles that God has given us in Austin. We can’t wait to see God’s plan unfold for Austin’s life as it has been amazing so far. Happy 1st Birthday Austin! We look forward to seeing you grow in your relationship with the Lord and pray that you will use your strong testimony to bring others closer to Jesus.
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. Psalm 145: 1-13
Austin's 1st Year
1day old
1 month old
2 months old
3 months old
3 1/2 months old
Going Home after 108 days in the NICU
4 months old
5 months old
6 months old
7 months old
8 months old
9 months old
10 months old
11 months old
I'll post pictures of Austin from 12 months later after I take some new ones today! May you all be blessed with the scripture that God led me to share!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)