Update on dates for Mary-Elizabeth

We have a date for the next sonogram on Mary-Elizabeth's brain. Thus far, we have it scheduled for next Monday. I am a bit bummed about the situation, but realize that God has our best interest in His plan. Mark already has the day off on Monday. Thus, we will have all day to digest the good news and be a family together.


Trusting in the Lord and not leaning on my own understanding,

Super Momma

Expectations

I expect too much.

Recently, I have been given some insight by God about my expectations. I expect my house to stay clean. I expect my yard not to have weeds. I expect to sleep soundly every night for about 8 hours. I expect my husband to be everything I want and to do what I want at all times--not really but just maybe. I expect to have my four healthy boys remain healthy and be extremely successful in life. I expect to have a healthy baby girl who nurses like a champ and looks awesome in her bows and pink outfits. I expect my perfect life to be filled with perfection in all areas.


Well, my my expectations often lead to imperfect ways, which are not God's perfect ways. God has a specific plan for my life. He also has His own plan for my incredible husband's life too! God has a plan for each of my children. God expects me to help my lovely husband and my wonderful children full fill God's plan and not my own. So, I must embrace the changes that come and help my God given family to overcome the obstacles of doubt, fear, selfishness, etc. So, my only real expectation should be to please my God in all my thoughts and actions.


So, why all the sudden an awakening to something I should already know. Well, once again God has asked Mark and I to walk out of the boat on rocky water and trust Him for all things. Today I had an ultrasound to check on Mary-Elizabeth's growth. Her growth is phenomenal. She weighs approximately 6 pounds and is measuring as a 36 week baby. She also has HAIR! It will be perfect for little bows! Unfortunately, the sonogram showed a cyst on her brain. The test in not conclusive, but is alarming. Thus, we go again to a specialist and see if the findings were a blip on the screen or in actuality a cyst. I don't know much more than that. I have no future plans. I rest in God's hands and pray for wisdom and strength to be the Mother that Mary-Elizabeth needs. I trust that God has worked out the details and will let His will be known. I believe that God is on His throne. I believe that my God is mighty to save and will move mountains as needed.

So, today and probably tomorrow, I will trust in the Lord my God and will not lean on my own understanding but in all my ways I WILL acknowledge God as my Lord and Savior. And I will continue to remind myself that the only thing perfect in this life is God's plan.


Trusting and Praying,

Super Momma

Mary-Elizabeth Update

Mary-Elizabeth is growing well or at least I am. I measure 2 weeks ahead of schedule. Last week, I started the non-stress test on her. She doesn't always cooperate. Normally, I should be done in 20 min., but it takes an hour to meet the requirements. However, it is fun to hear the pitter patter of her heart beat. Thus far she has passed both tests. Yesterday she gave us a scare. Her heart dipped down into the 90's several times in a roll. The nurse and I were a bit concerned, but she responded well and her heart rate would go back up. They also did a sonogram last Friday and my amniotic fluid is high-average! Nothing new there. That is why she can flip around! Yep, she is still in her favorite position--sideways.

I go Friday for 3 appts. I have a growth scan on Mary-Elizabeth, non-stress test and doctor appointment. So, for this period of time in my life, I am enjoying the quietness of my appointments and embracing her movements! Not to mention snuggling with my other four not-so small anymore children. Mark and I are truly blessed to be parents to our four boys and now our little girl!

My blood pressure evened out when we went to Texas. So, taking my blood pressure meds made my blood pressure bottom out. Thus, I was very sick! Now, I am off my meds and doing well.

I will update when I can....

To all things God be glorified!

Super Momma

Doctor Updates

Well, I must apologize for not blogging in such a long time. I wish I had a good excuse, but in reality I am just a bit busy with growing a new little baby. She loves to sit on my lap and make my legs go numb. She even tickles me at times at the far corners of my placenta. It is hard not to jump out of my chair for those split moments. Mary-Elizabeth is doing very well and is growing and moving everyday. In fact, God has so blessed me that I am able to partake in my bro in laws wedding. We leave in just over a week!

So, we have to get outfits for the wedding, tires for the car, and ear plugs! The boys are beyond estatic about the trip to Texas. I must admit that Mark is a bit excited too! Me well I need some good tex-mex food called Rosas! We will be stopping in Amarillo for Rosas regardless of the hunger level of our family. We can't wait to see our family and to 'officially' add Shannon! She is precious and loves us unconditionally--she makes my boys smile and laugh. What else could a sister want?

Alright updates.....

Kaleb recovered from his leg surgery very well. He spent two days on the couch and decided that was enough! We are constantly reminding him to settle down because a broken leg is no fun in the summer! He is extremely excited about having complete freedom in his leg! Mark and I were so proud of him during the ordeal. He was such a trooper!

Kaleb also had a routine renal ultrasound done last week. Periodically we have to test Kaleb's urine for potential calcium stones and an ultrasound is done as well. We received the results on Friday. Basically, the ultrasound was normal except the artery to his kidney is showing mild elevated resistance. We don't know what that means except that we get to go to another specialist. I am not extremely concerned because I know that God is in complete control regardless of the situation. I also know that Kaleb is not in any pain right now. Just thought you could pray that the appt. could be sooner than later due to having a sweet little girl in less than 9 weeks!

Joshua, Stephen and Micah stepped up to the plate these last few weeks with Kaleb down and loved on him in many special ways. It was great to see the compassion from the smallest to the oldest.

My pregnancy is going very well. I am on meds every other day to keep the pulse and blood pressure under control! It doesn't look like bed rest is in my immediate future so I am very pleased!

Kaleb's Surgery

First and foremost, I am thankful that Kaleb came through the surgery without any serious complications. That is a gift from God and I am most grateful!



Now for the run down of the exciting day. Of course we couldn't sleep well so we were all up and ready to go by 6:30 to drive to Denver. We were blessed to have a babysitter for the three younger children. We left the house around 7:00 and headed to Denver in an uneventful ride. Once we arrived on the scene of the children's surgery center, we found out that they were running late--very late. Kaleb was scheduled for surgery at 9:45, but he did not get in until 11:15. We were all very anxious and ready to be done with the process.



Once in pre-op, the doctors came and talked with us and we felt very calm about the process. The anesthesiologist was awesome. He listened to us completely about Kaleb's sickness after surgery. He came up with some great ideas to keep Kaleb well during his recovery. He rocked our world. God blessed us greatly.



So, when they took Kaleb back to the OR, Mark and I were able to go back with him. I have never seen an operating room awake. I was amazed. They allowed us to stay back until Kaleb was asleep. It was hard to release my son, but peace came over me as I set out to the waiting room to wait and wait and wait. After waiting an hour, the doctor came and assured us that Kaleb was an awesome patient and that all things worked out well. We praised God and waited for them to come and get us shortly....



Well, 35 min. later they came and got us from the waiting room. I think there are holes in their carpet from me pacing. 35 min. did not feel short to me. When we saw Kaleb he was quite emotional and ready to be done with the wires. After getting his pain under control, he woke up a bit more and did great.



We were finally able to leave the hospital at 2:15 and high tail it home to relieve the babysitter. We were 2 hours later due to the delay at the surgery center. Kaleb's ride home was good, but he did not like the bumps in the road or any turns.



Kaleb was welcomed home by a slew of get well cards by his brothers and friends. He was so amazed! He continued to say thank you into this morning. He felt extreme love for his family and friends.



He slept well last night and now he is resting on the couch watching all his favorite movies. His pain is up a little, but I feel confident that tomorrow will be a better day.



Thanks for your prayers and love.



In Adoration,



Super Momma

Prayer request--Kaleb

I am requesting prayer for Kaleb as tomorrow he goes in for surgery. At the age of 3, he broke his femur. His leg healed so well that he grew an inch taller on that side. To level him out and help out his back, we had plates and pins put in his left leg to restrict growth. Well, 13 months later they are being removed.

We go in tomorrow and should be home after lunch. I am asking for specific prayers for nausea mgmt and pain mgmt.

I will post again when we get home. Thanks for your prayers!

In Adoration,

Super Momma

The envelope please....

Last night was our annual award night for the boys in the Awana program. It has become a regular event for us in the past 7 years. We are huge Awana supporters and choose our churches based upon the Awana program. We believe in its solid Bible based program of teaching Scripture to our children.

Last night was our awards and we knew that all three boys would receive their end of the year participation award and their book reward. We were all very pleased with their accomplishments. Getting through a book is tough stuff and takes some dedication and hard work.

What we didn't anticipate was an award that this particular club gives out. They select from the Sparky group and the T&T group special 'Clubbers of the Year.' The award is based upon participation, finishing your required books and overall attitude. Joshua won the 'Clubber of the Year' for the 1st grade Sparky group and Kaleb won for his group in T&T. I was shocked and never expected such a praise for our children. We have only been at our present church since January.


The boys have received their 'Clubber of the Year' awards.

The boys are joyful and pleased!

For Mark and I, the awards was once again God confirming the calling He has given us. He called us to be parents that teach the word of God as a living and active part of our life. For the boys, he affirmed both of them in some tough decisions they had to make this year in being set apart for God. It was a great feeling and a tangible gift to us all. I am so proud of my boys...

In Adoration,

Super Momma