Yesterday

Written April 29, 2015

Yesterday was harder than I want to admit. It's probably going to be a day I will always remember. Samuel struggled, and as his mom, I will admit that I struggled too. I cried out to God (and to Brian) a lot more yesterday than I have before, and I made more phone calls to doctors than I have in the past.

It seemed like a normal day when we woke yesterday. We went to the homeschool/classroom, but Samuel was moving very slowly with his blanket in tow. His eyes were dark, and it was almost as if he hadn't slept 9 hours the night before. This child of mine who loves school and learning didn't go to his green desk; instead, he went to the corner of the room, laid down in the floor, and put his blanket over his head.

The rest of the day went slowly. It involved a lot of falling asleep, waking up only to get sick, moaning, very little speaking, and falling asleep again. Yesterday... it was scary for me. I waited on phone calls from the neurologist and from our pediatrician, but I couldn't help but notice how tired and how different he seemed from just a few days before.

In God's sovereign grace and provision, He cared for Samuel yesterday when I was frightened and unsure of what to do. He seemed to lifeless to me, but God was sustaining him and knew exactly what to do when I didn't. How grateful I am for my Heavenly Father! His care is so much greater than mine for both me and the children that He's entrusted me with.

Today... oh, TODAY.

Today, Samuel is filled with laughter and smiles, and he is gladly sitting on the couch, doing his school work because he realized he missed it yesterday. I am typing this through tears of thankfulness because joy truly does come in the morning. Friends of ours are going through trials that I cannot fathom. Their children are facing battles that shouldn't be comprehended by little ones at their ages. 

Yet, I see God. I see him working it all together for good. Romans 8:28. Even through the hard, disappointing, sad, unfair situations, I see that God has a greater purpose that I cannot truly understand at this time. I have to be willing to trust His plans and know that His will is going to be done in each of them... because yesterday, oh yesterday, I had no control. God had it all.

I don't know what tomorrow holds or what next week brings, but I know God already has it planned. I want to be willing and able to trust Him whatever it looks like...

The doctors believe Samuel was having an adverse reaction to his new medication. The dosage will be lowered and monitored for a short time.

Rest for the Weary

We met with Samuel's neurologist today for the first time. She listened intently to our concerns, asked many questions, went over his MRI scans and results, and spent a great deal of time with us. She had a way of explaining things that brought rest to this weary mom.

She did not discount the fact that Samuel does have a 8 mm Chiari Malformation (CM), but she felt as though his headaches were triggered by anxiety and a sudden life change in January when they first began. At that time, Elias had a big surgery (adenoids and tonsils removed), I left my pre-K teaching job, and we began homeschooling.

After learning more about him and his history, the neurologist diagnosed Samuel with migraines. Many of his symptoms could be attributed to Chiari, but they are more so migraine-related due to stress and fear of being in pain. She said it isn't uncommon for patients with one neurological issue to end up with another, which happens to be the case for Samuel.

Right now, the neurologist believes we can treat many of his symptoms with a daily preventative. We are praying it helps and that he can both tolerate it and begin to rest well again.

We still have to meet with opthamology on May 12th to make sure his eyes are fine, but the neurologist said it shouldn't change her course of action. Until then, we will continue to monitor his symptoms, begin new medication, and wait patiently on the Lord.

Oh, but He's already here... I felt His presence today when I began to feel overwhelmed in describing all of Samuel's setbacks from fine motor skills, losing independence, and lack of sleep. I knew He was there when I began to cry explaining how difficult it had been lately to get Samuel to eat. I realized He was there when I asked if we could see Samuel's MRI scans...

and when I saw our sweet Samuel's button nose on that computer screen and the neurologist pointed to his Chiari, do you know what I saw?!

I saw the hand of God. It was so clear to me. That "malformation" was nothing like I had pictured in my mind. It's there, obviously, but it wasn't as overwhelming as I expected it to be. I felt peaceful sitting there today because I knew God was already there. I was finally ready to fall into His arms and let Him show Himself strong.

With God, All Things are Possible

When we met with Samuel's neurosurgeon a little over three weeks ago, I can honestly say I (Jenna) immediately felt as though we were facing a battle that was impossible. It felt so much bigger than us. I felt small and insignificant. I realized quickly that Samuel's diagnosis was completely out of my hands. As a mom, that was a tough realization.

We were told Samuel needed to see an opthamologist and a neurologist, but that it would be at least six weeks before we could get into neurology.

However, I followed the instructions given by the specialist, constantly journaling his symptoms, and doing my best to wait patiently on the nurse to call us with our son's next necessary appointments despite his symptoms increasing.

Days became a week. One week became two. Two weeks have now become a little over three. Yesterday, we got the call we never expected.

Samuel will be seen this Thursday, April 16th, by neurology!

So many days I have felt as though the struggle is impossible and we won't make it to the next point, but God keeps showing up and reminding me that this is completely out of my hands. It is in His. The neurosurgeon (NS) said it was unlikely to get into neurology in 6 weeks' time, but with God, it is.

God makes the impossible possible. I want to cling to that hope this week! He knows what is ahead for our Samuel, and He made a way through an impossible way to have him seen this week.

Please pray that we can get a better understanding of Samuel's diagnosis and symptoms at his appointment.

Seeing through Suffering

On Monday, March 9th, we took Samuel into Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for a sedated MRI of his brain.  He has been complaining of headaches since late January, and after experiencing other symptoms of nausea and dizziness, though these could signal a sinus infection or migraines, our pediatrician saw signs of neither.  After his exam, he felt it best that Samuel have this test done.  We were expecting the results but not as quickly as we received them.

On Tuesday, the next day, our pediatrician relayed the news that Samuel, in fact, had two abnormalities on his MRI.  We were informed of them and waited for our next call.

On Wednesday, we heard from the neurosurgeon nurse practitioner who explained the MRI results and gave more details about what we would do from this point.  We were to begin taking detailed notes of Samuel's symptoms, and he would be having an MRI of his spine two days later.  She also informed us that Samuel would meet with his neurosurgeon on Monday, March 23rd.  The seriousness of the situation began to sink in.

On Friday, Samuel had a sedated MRI of his spine.  He handled it all very well, considering how challenging it must be for a four-year-old to process.

Over the next week, we continued to journal Samuel's symptoms, and they progressively worsened. From dizziness and itching to tingling hands and numb feet, he went from what we thought was perfectly fine in December to having difficulty holding his toothbrush and using his scissors in March. There have been moments when he is unable to stand because his feet are numb and nights when he cannot sleep well because his head aches so fiercely.  He appears fine to most, but there were definite changes... and we saw them.

Do you know what we also saw?!

We saw God open doors miraculously.  We saw Him take care of our son when we felt unable at times.  We saw friends love us through calls, texts, and meals.  We saw the church pray, and we FELT it.  We saw the Word come to life.  We saw the importance of staying IN the Word and filling our hearts and minds with truth from it.  We saw how necessary it was to love each other.  We saw the need for being thankful for what we have.

It hasn't been easy, but I KNOW that God didn't make mistakes when He made this precious boy of ours.  The doctors say he has a Type 1 Chiari Malformation which is a brain defect, and he also has a cyst on his pineal gland.  Both of these are making it difficult for spinal fluid to flow freely and putting pressure on his brain.  Although we are, I know that God isn't surprised by these.  God still has a plan to receive glory through this situation with Samuel, and we are praying to that end.

We will communicate from this point forward on this blog to keep you updated and provide you with specific ways on how you can pray for our family.

Please respect that we are shepherding our children through this process and ask that you refrain from speaking about it to them.

Oh, October!

We're a whopping eleven days into this month, and it's been quite a month indeed.  Let's see.  How can I make a yucky couple of weeks sound enjoyable?

On the first day of October, my sweet boys gave to me...  the most priceless picture of my precious three.

Daddy left for a work conference in Indiana this day,

but the boys played well and I held it together.  :) 

On the second day of October, my three kids gave to me...  an awful headache with no great relief.

I worked on a few of this little pin 

while the boys were in school 

(more details to follow),

but when the boys got home

and Daddy not here,

it made for a tough night!

On the third day of October, my husband gave to me...  his return from Indiana, exciting to say the least.

Much to my surprise, though,

Brian didn't feel well.

He was burning up

and spent the night miserably.

On the fourth day of October, Tamiflu gave to me...  all three boys as precaution since my husband tested positively.

The boys spent their day at MDO

learning Fire Safety and having fun

(see Daniel's "fire" tattoos),

while I packed our bags

and picked up prescriptions.

Brian went that morning 

and tested positive for the flu.

On the fifth day of October, my husband offered me...  a home away from the flu at our Mimi's.

To keep the boys well,

they and I headed to Mimi's house

while Brian was sick at home.

Their favorite part at Mimi's?

Her fall decorations...

Especially Scarecrow.

On the sixth day of October, the pediatrician gave to me...  bronchialitis diagnosis for two of my babies.

The boys were so sick throughout the night.

I took them to the pediatrician.

Samuel and Elias both had bronchialitis.

Breathing treatments.  Yay.

On the seventh day of October, the changing weather gave to me...  a fever that made me want to sleep.

I felt terrible when I woke Sunday morning.

I was so cold.

We went home from Mimi's after church.

On the eighth day of October, the Little Clinic gave news to me...  my husband had given the flu to me.

I knew I didn't feel good, 

But the flu?!

Thanks, honey, for sharing. 

Brian stayed home with the boys. 

On the ninth day of October, the day welcomed me...  husband home again and boy's nose very bloody.

Brian took the boys to MDO,

then watched Elias for me

while I slept.

When he went to pick the boys up,

they begged to go to the park.

That's when Samuel fell somehow

on the curly slide.

Busted his nose.  Bloodied his shirt.

(see Samuel's nose above)

On the tenth day of October, the boys gave to me...  lots of exhaustion and Blue Mountain Mystery.

Being sick is rough when you're a mom.

However, you make it work.

Like with lots of t.v., snacks, and "sure"s.

We also got a free dvd code to the Redbox.

That's when we found 

the new Thomas movie was available!

On the eleventh day of October, the good Lord gave to me...  mother's day out, fever free, and my sanity.

We've all got some major congestion,

but the boys are at MDO 

and I'm staring down at this sweet face.

On the twelfth day of October, I'll tell you what I'll do for me...  relax, enjoy, and drink some sweet tea.

Happy Fall, Y'all!

January Always Leaves a Memory

It was five years ago this week that Brian and I realized God wanted us to marry.  Literally, it all happened in one quick week.  In 8 short days in January 2007, I celebrated my 24th birthday then went from single to engaged, and just two months later, I was married.  Seriously, I cannot put into words how thankful I am for that January.  It was one of the greatest months of my life, and it is still one I cherish.  I don't think Brian and I could have EVER imagined how much we would be handed in the years that followed.

I'll spare the details of our past five years, but this January has become one I'll never forget.  Just a week ago, when Brian and I were discussing what I'd like to do for my 29th birthday, our 20-month-old became a bit sick.  He was coughing and breathing heavily.  I took him to the pediatrician on a Thursay, just 4 days before my birthday.  The outcome wasn't one to celebrate.  In fact, the doctor believed he was in the beginning stages of pneumonia and quite possibly had strep throat.  Samuel was so hysterical in the office that she decided not to swab him.  He was put on a strong, 10-day antibiotic. 

Just two days later, my breathing became shallow, difficult, and burned.  I feared that I too, 23 weeks pregnant, had gotten pneumonia as well.  We landed in the ER on Saturday, January 21st, the day before my birthday.  After bloodwork, respiratory bloodwork, an EKG, breathing treatment, and a breathing treatment, I was diagnosed with bronchitis.  I was sent home with a 5-day antiobiotic, inhaler, and cough medicine.  Needless to say, I missed my own birthday.  :)  I slept at home on the couch while the boys went to Mimi's house and Brian went to church. 

At my follow-up appointment on Tuesday, I knew I hadn't improved.  My breathing was still awful, and I couldn't quit coughing.  Sure enough, it had worsened into an asthmatic breathing.  SO, I was going home on daily breathing treatments, up to 4 times a day. 

That afternoon, when I picked the boys up from Mother's Day Out, Daniel's teacher told me he had coughed all through the day.  I, suspecting the worse, immediately called the pediatrician and Mimi, and we headed to the office.  Thankfully, it was only a cold.  However, the next day, I realized Daniel was worse.  He was coughing uncontrollably.  He just couldn't stop.  I gave him his inhaler and a breathing treatment.  I even gave him some Tylenol when I loaded him in the van to head to church.  He kept saying, "I can't not breath.  Please take care of me, Mommy."  I guessed he was so whiny due to no nap that Wednesday afternoon.

When we arrived at church, I realized it was inevitable.  Either Daniel's asthma was REALLY working against him or he was really sick.  His body was hot.  I gave him Motrin, hoping it would take care of the heat, but when Daniel wasn't willing to play in the nursery and clinged to me, I knew it was sickness.  Throughout the night, his temperature continued to rise, and despite doses of Tylenol and Motrin, the fever would not go below 102.  Thursday, we headed to the pediatrician.  He had not eaten since lunch on Wednesday, and it was very little.  Getting him to drink had also become difficult.  His cough was awful and his fever was high. 

They tested for flu, which came back negative, and they also tested for RSV, which was positive.  He was given a breathing treatment, but the wheezing continued on his right side.  Daniel and I were sent to get a chest x-ray, fearing pneumonia.  However, the results were clear, and he was prescribed steroids, breathing treatments 4 times a day, and Tylenol.  With RSV, we can only treat symptoms; the virus itself has to run its course. 

January 2012 has proved itself fairly memorable.  I haven't had my Red Robin birthday burger yet, but I imagine that won't be what I'll remember about this month.  It will be the precious, quiet and scary moments with my sick self and children.  More importantly, I'll know I was blessed five years ago with the beginning of this beautiful life I've been given despite its sicknesses and sorrows.

In Fearful Awe

I've been blessed to have taken our two boys to the Emergency Room on Monday.  Although that sounds much like an oxymoron, today, I feel it is tremendously true.  As I watch them run around in their pajamas on this cold December Friday, I realize how blessed I am to have them after the scare we had on Monday.

My husband called at 10:46 a.m., asking me to look in the office for his yellow notebook as he had written some important information in it and had left it at home.  Four minutes later, I walked into the living room to find the boys in the floor with one of our red cups.  I immediately grabbed the cup out of Daniel's hands and smacked his leg, as he is quite aware that he is not allowed to drink from a cup in the living room.  However, to my surprise and fear, I realized that the liquid in the cup was not a drink my kids should have been drinking.

A few days earlier, I had been diagnosed with bronchitis, and on top of an antibiotic, I was prescribed a cough syrup with hydrocodone in it.  I was to take the syrup, a 5 mL dosage, nightly before bed to help ease the cough I'd been "plagued" with.  This, of course, did not need to be in the reach of my children, and yet this is what I found in the red cup I'd pulled from Daniel's grip.

My heart sank.  I knew that a small amount could be very dangerous in my two toddlers' bodies, so I emptied the remaining syrup from the cup back into the prescribed bottle and crying, called the pharmacist.  While she was very calm, the immensity of the whole situation was alarming to me, and I could not stop crying.  She felt that the boys had drank approximately 40 mL of the syrup and that I should very closely observe them and not allow them to sleep more than thirty minutes at a time.  I was also told to call the pediatrician to make them aware of the situation.

When I called the pediatrician, the situation became much scarier.  I was to call Poison Control immediately...

I imagine that at this point I should explain how I believe Daniel and Samuel got the medicine to begin with.  It was on top of the kitchen counter in the pharmacy bottle.  Daniel used his Sit-N-Spin to climb the counter, grab the medicine bottle, somehow get the childproof top opened, pick a cup out of the sink, pour the cough syrup into the cup, then climb back down and share with his brother.  I am still in awe of my two and a half year old's actions that day.

Upon speaking with Poison Control, I became quite hysterical.  I was to get in the car, drive to the ER, and make certain that neither child fell asleep.  IF one were to fall asleep, I needed to call 9-1-1, as the hydrocodone could keep the boys from breathing.  Somewhere in these quick minutes, I had called my sister, who had sped over to help.  She was able to keep Samuel awake in the van while on our way to the ER.  Thankfully, Daniel never even acted phased.  He was his typical energetic, humorous self.  He was actually explaining to Aunt Ca what he had done.  "I got Mommy's med-cine.  It was yucky.  Yes, I share with Samuel.  He can't not like it.  He spit it out.  It nasty." 

I'll spare the details of our 5 hour observation in the Emergency Room, as it was just that.  Five hours with two toddlers in an emergency room with no television and in their pajamas.  The best parts of that adventure were the graham cracker snacks with peanut butter, Daniel's pee-ing in the urine bag :), and receiving red popsicles once we learned that the tests were negative and the boys were okay.

The ER physician believes that either Daniel's body handled the medication well or that the bottle of medicine didn't have the correct amount of liquid in it when it was prescribed to me.  Either way, he was laughing at how adventurous my life must be on a daily basis.  I was finally able to laugh too...

It was on the following day that I broke.  I dropped the boys off at Mother's Day Out, and Daniel cried for me not to leave.  Oh, how my heart was filled with such relief that he and Samuel were okay!  No one knew how scared I'd been the day before, how guilty I felt, and how close I'd come to having some very sick children.  The tears continued to fall the entire five hours the boys were at school.  I couldn't believe how God had taken this terrible situation and caused my heart to ache for my children.  I really wanted to see them.  I didn't like them being away from me.  I had learned to appreciate their sweet faces and actions and how to NOT take them forgranted in one short day.  Holding them that afternoon after school was one of the best feelings I've ever had.  I'm in awe of how good God is.

Dear Daniel

Dear Daniel,

For four weeks, you have had a cough.  It didn't seem to bother you that much.  In fact, you have been more active than ever!  You have been screaming and throwing terrible tantrums, but you have been the happiest boy.  It became somewhat bothersome at times when you would play and get really worked up, but you hadn't had any other symptoms...  no fever or runny nose.  Nothing out of the ordinary until I noticed some white bumps on the inside of your mouth.  That is when I decided to call your pediatrician.

You waited so patiently in the pediatrician's office this afternoon.  You played for two whole hours with the sink and trashcan in the room.  You were restless when the doctor would come and go, and he came and went quite a bit today.  When he first came in, he just looked in your ears and listened to you breathe.  He made a face when he placed his stethoscope on your back and heard what must have been wheezing.  He left only to come back with a sweet nurse who held a large instrument in her hand.  She put it into both of your ears until it beeped; you sat so very still while all of this was taking place.  We waited for the results. 

What seemed like hours passed until the doctor returned with your results.  There was so much fluid behind both of your ears that you failed the pressure test they had given you.  The doctor claimed that this explained your moods and fits as of late but didn't have anything to do with your persistant cough.  He began listening to your chest again.  You laughed when he tickled your belly with his stethoscope, and you really liked looking at his red bow tie.  However, the news we received about you didn't make us laugh.  To be honest, it was overwhelming and frightening. 

I left with three prescriptions and one tired little boy.  You said, "Shoe!" when I got you into the van, indicating you wanted me to take off your tennis shoes.  I worried the whole way home.  I remember watching my Dad have coughing fits and always wondered if he was going to stop breathing.  He'd pull out his inhaler, and all would be normal again.  I couldn't help but feel scared of losing him but was always thankful for that blue tool that made him well.

Yours is red.  It fits into a barreled chamber that has a small face mask on it.  I am to put the inhaler into the top of the chamber and put the end with the mask over your face.  You will get two pumps four times a day.  This, my son, explains your cough and what will hopefully make it easier for you to bear. 

I'm fearful of what this may mean for your future, I must admit, but I was reminded tonight as I rocked you to sleep that I will carry you for the rest of my life.  I'll carry your burdens and hurt when you do.  I'll cry when you're upset and laugh when you make me.  I'll protect you when I can and take care of you always.  Sweet Daniel, there will be times when I can't, though; I'm just not big enough or capable of doing so.  Just like I mentioned tonight as I prayed over you, only God can carry us both, and God knows what your future holds.

I'm so thankful for you, Daniel.  You've made me a stronger person, and you've taught me what it means to parent.  You've shown me how to laugh and how to love whole-heartedly.  You've made my worst days more incredible than I could have ever imagined, and you've brought more joy to my life than I can put into words.  I love who you are and the amazing personality you possess.  You take everything in stride.  You stand right back up when you fall.  You laugh when you don't get your way.  You take the first breaths from your inhaler with pride, and you never flinch.  You just smile... You were so proud of yourself, and baby boy, I was too.  There has never been a time when I've been more honored to be your mom.  I thank God that He's given me you. 

With ALL of my heart,
Mommy

What I've Learned Most about Parenting in 24 Hours

Just when I thought we had learned all we could about parenting, we find ourselves in the Emergency Room yet again for the fifth time in six months.  Of course, I am a whopping 37 and a half weeks pregnant, so if you see me anywhere, you'll think I'm in labor, as the nurse did last night.

...except we weren't in the E.R. for me or for labor or delivery.  We were there with Daniel.

It has been, by far, the most exhausting 24 hours of my life, and I just now find time to actually think about what happened, could have happened, and what I'm feeling now.  Honestly, the tears are finally beginning to flow.  Seeing my first born in such a miserable state is the hardest thing I've ever felt.  Car wrecks are bad.  Falling out of a cheerleading stunt on my head was rough.  Labor was excruciating.  However, seeing the tears of my child, who cannot be consoled, literally have broken my heart.

Saturday seemed normal.  Daniel woke up crying, as he always does, and he felt a bit warm.  We gave him Tylenol, and all was well.  We went to a birthday party where he played, walked around, and had a ball with balloons.  However, when we got home, things began changing with Daniel.  We all took a nap, but were startled awake by Daniel's crying and sweat pouring off of him.  His temperature was 102.2.  I don't know if I've ever had a fever that high!  So we gave him another dose of Tylenol, but when the fever began to rise, just hours later, we gave him Motrin.  We also called the pediatrician who said to bathe him, as the lukewarm water would help break the fever, and if his fever ever exceeded 103 to get him to the E.R.

Not long after, Daniel got really irritable and tired, would NOT let us put him down, and fell asleep in my arms.  An hour and a half later, he woke in his crib, screaming, sweating, and as hot as I'd ever felt.  His temperature had risen to 103.5.  We immediately prepare for the E.R.

Long story short, Daniel was diagnosed with an ear infection.  That's it.  But he's battled a high temperature all day today as well.  He's been so needy and unable to sleep, my reaction as a parent was to stay calm and help him in any way I could.  That's all we have been able to do...  Care for him.  His fever finally broke late this afternoon, even though he still is at 99, but his not eating or drinking or willingness to take meds is really starting to kick in tonight.  He won't sleep.  He will fall asleep, but cannot stay asleep.  He's crying now as I type...

What I've learned though is that I am SO NOT in control.  I had this picture in my mind when I was pregnant with Daniel that I'd have it all together.  I'd be organized, and he'd always be dressed adorably.  He'd never get dirty, and I'd always be the perfect parent.  I was SO wrong.  The pictures in my mind now are ones of my Heavenly Father.  I try to think about how it'd be to parent Jesus, and I even try to fathom how God felt when His Son was dying on the cross.  Yet I can't.  I can't imagine how hard it must have been to watch your child die...  because my child simply has a fever and an ear infection and I'm in pieces.

I've had to rely on medications and antibiotics to heal Daniel for me.  All of my hugs and kisses and consoling haven't been much help to him in the way of "fixing" him.  Yet, I've been reminded all day long that I cannot control life.  I cannot keep Daniel away from sickness.  I can't even stop sin from stealing his innocence.  It's all completely out of my hands.

However, I'm so thankful that I have a Father who can.  He can break this fever.  He can heal Daniel's ear.  He can calm every storm.  He can even spare lives from hell.  That's what my God can do.  And though I've always known these things, I've become more aware of how grateful I am to know that my children are actually His.  God created each of them, and He knit them together in my womb.  He is there for them when I cannot be, and He'll be the one to give them life everlasting through faith in Jesus Christ.  No matter what kind of parent I wanted to be or ever will be, God is the real parent.  He's in charge and in control of their lives.  What better hands could Daniel be in?!

He Gets It from His Momma...

Daniel hasn't been feeling the best the past few days...  His silly Mom decided she wanted absolutely needed to go to the YMCA early in the week, and poor Daniel caught a cold.  He has been snotty, coughy, and low-grade feverish ever since. 

Great decision, Momma.

Anyway, since Mom knew Daniel wasn't feeling all that well (and because it was practically her fault), she felt it necessary to give Daniel a little treat yesterday afternoon after he ate all of his lunch.  Most kids would get a new toy or try something outside-of-the-box, but not when your Momma is a pregnant, Jenna Johnson...

A child after his Mom's own heart eating habits.


He Gets It from His Momma from Jenna Johnson on Vimeo.

He seemed to really enjoy simply playing with the empty container...  

 

Did I mention there was one Oreo left?!

(We need not mention where all the others went.)

Momma, I need it ALL in there...  Stuff it in, like this.

 

And, just like Momma, when they are all gone...

You just can't help but cry...

Daniel is Tired of Being Sick and Tired

Well, it has been the month of all things LONG. Long sickness, long baby, and long time since our last post.

What do I mean? Daniel's been sick his whole fifth month, and he's been to the doctor three times. He's getting so long; he was a whopping 26 inches at one of the three appointments (seriously, they all are running together now). It's been so hectic around here that I've failed to post all of his major accomplishments like his first time sitting on his own, first time to crawl, first of two ear infections (in two weeks), first time taking two rounds of antibiotics, first time missing two weeks of church, first millionth time to NOT sleep through the night... But, he's as cute, feisty, and active as ever!

Only the bath makes him happy these days!

He found his toes...

Mimi came to play with Daniel.

The "thinker" pose

When he's in deep thought (or confusion), this is what he does!

Crawling towards Pop's keys...

Guess Who Is...

Daniel Benjamin is! He is one month old today, and I cannot tell you how much he has changed. It is such a blessing watching him grow, seeing his facial expressions, and hearing his sweet little voice. Here are just a few of the things that happened in Daniel's first month:

In Daniel's 1st week:
He spent two days in the hospital.
He lost a few ounces there.
He slept... a lot.
He was visited by many friends and family.
He finished the week by gaining his birth weight back.

In Daniel's 2nd week:
He weighed in at 9 lbs. and 6 1/2 ounces.
He had an ultrasound of his kidney.
He was cleared of any abnormalities!
He cried... a lot.
He began smiling in his sleep.

In Daniel's 3rd week:
He had his first church visit and got his Bible.
He took his first trip to Walmart.
He met his cousins for the first time.
He went to the playground with them.
He started crying/screaming after every feeding.
It was determined he has reflux and started Zantac.
He would not sleep through the night.
He weighed 9 lbs. and 11 ounces.
He had his newborn pictures taken.

In Daniel's 4th week:
He would smile while on the changing table.
He had his first Cracker Barrel visit.
He grew out of his newborn clothes.
He started blowing out diapers...
and messing over whoever was holding him.
He laughed and giggled in his sleep.
He slept three hours at a time.

Fits and Fusses

You wouldn't know about these if you've seen Daniel out in public yet. See, our little boy has learned how to impress people and get your attention at a mere 4-weeks-old. He is the best baby when he's around all of you, but as soon as we are by ourselves, he lets us have it.

Just yesterday, as we ate lunch with family and friends at the Cracker Barrel, Daniel slept through the whole thing... We get in the car, and on comes the tears. Saturday, Grandpa stopped by to see his perfect little grandson, and not ten minutes after he left, Daniel started screaming to no end.

It's become a joke with us... We wait to see how long it takes after people leave or we get alone before Daniel brings on the crocodile tears. It's almost like he knows he has everyone's attention, and then he also knows when he doesn't - thus the crying fits.

Everyone seems to ask how Daniel is doing, if he's sleeping through the night, and if we are getting any sleep. We always reply that he is growing quickly (a whopping 9.11 pounds as of 3 days ago), has his days and nights mixed up, and that sleep is a thing of the past.

Just last week, Daniel spent two days screaming after his 11:00 feedings. Both a.m. and p.m. might I add. He would scream for 3 hours until his next bottle. We were so afraid of colic, we took him to Dr. Cormier on Friday. Turns out Daniel has some reflux and he is now on Zantac, rice cereal, and sitting upright after feedings. It's amazing that you can be thankful for reflux, but we are.

Daniel will be a month old in 2 days... I have a lot in store for you then. Check back later this week!

Things are Good, But Mommy is Sick...

I should tell you that I have my Mimi hooked. She's wrapped around all of my little fingers. She had her first sleepover with me last night, and Mimi took great care of me. Every three hours, she was up giving me my bottle and making sure I had my pacifier. She talked to me and loved on me all night long. She's still here at my house. Mimi's here a lot, and that's really good for me. She just hugs me and never wants to put me down. You should see her face when she holds me; she's the happiest Mimi in the whole world, I think.

I guess you want to know why my Mimi stayed the night with me, at my house. Well, my Mommy is sick. She didn't feel very good early last night; she kept saying she was cold, but everyone, including me, knew it was really hot in our house. So, my Daddy took her temperature, and Mommy had a fever. Daddy was exhausted from working yesterday, so Mimi stayed so Mommy and Daddy could rest. That's all Mommy has done today... Sleep, sleep, sleep. She and I are more alike than we thought.

I'm being taken good care of, you don't have to worry at all. Even now, I'm falling asleep in my Mimi's arms, and Mimi is smiling ear to ear. Life for me is good.


My Mimi after Feeding Me


Mimi Loves Holding Me