Unexpected Christmas Journey

A lot has been learned the past few days. If ever I am uncomfortable in my small house, it can be smaller. If ever I feel overwhelmed, it can get busier. If my prayer life is ever scant, it can be more full.

Nicole, Woody, and I spent most of Christmas together without Natalie or my parents, even though they had driven almost 4 hours to see us. The doctor sent us on to the hospital Tuesday night with Nicole because of her labored breathing and low intake of fluids. She was very lethargic. It seemed like a bad dream at first. However, after her first breathing treatment, she looked so much better it was confirmation that we had done the right thing. Memories of the hospital time include seeing her with oxygen attached as well as an IV an oxygen sensor. It was hard to move her around for necessary things such as feedings and diaper changes. We were in a room that was smaller than her bedroom with a lot more equipment and furniture than could fit. Other memories that were slightly humorous include seeing what Woody packed for me in the time he went home to pick out clothes and supplies (we were not prepared at all). Watching Nicole move to give a smile was worth all the effort as the smiles had disappeared. It is beginning to move back into a bad dream now as she is doing better, although we still give her breathing treatments and have to aspirate her nose quite frequently still. Other than that, she is resting and playing a little again, although her breathing is not quite back to normal.

We were discharged on Christmas day mid-morning so we could go back home to open presents with Natalie and spend some of this Christmas time with her. It was even pretty enough outside to take Nicole for a walk before sunset, which she seemed to enjoy as much as her cabin fevered mother. A good Christmas meal with Mimi & Poppa was greatly appreciated.

All in all, I can't praise the Lord enough for getting us through this time. We also thank Mimi & Poppa for all they did and watching Natalie while we were away unexpectedly. Also, the support of Grandma & Grandpa as they drove back and forth spreading cheer to all.

It does get you to think, this fits with Christmas because Jesus came to earth to get us out of this sinful world with its diseases and viruses. He doesn't want to see little infants in breathing distress either.

We're continuing to pray for good feeding as well as improved breathing and less phlegm.

Nicole's Diagnosis

We just returned from the doctor's. Nicole has a type of bronchiolitis brought on by RSV. Please pray for her to breathe and feed better, as well as recover from this fully.

Sick House

Just when you are comfortable with all being well--Natalie is feeling better, but now Nicole and I are sick. Nicole has been vomiting some (praise the Lord, not since 2am this morning). I have just been chilling and stomach issues. Woody is well, so it is just us girls getting this sickness! Please pray for God to continue to heal as we've seen some of Him working already through this.

More Christmas Photos

Countdown to Christmas! Now, I think we can settle down and focus more on the true reason for Christmas. Natalie, Nicole, and I went last night to a drive through Nativity that I have not seen in the several years that I have been here, and always wanted to go. Well, last night we went. It was special and meaningful, and helped us get better focus over the gift craze.

Grandpa sent better pictures of my little angel from her two events below. Thanks, Grandpa! Thanks for coming to these special times and making the effort, Grandma & Grandpa!

What a sweet little angel!!

6 Year Celebration

Here are the bow girls together! Sunday was Woody & my anniversary. We actually celebrated our anniversary several days ago, when we took Natalie & Nicole to Grandma & Grandpa's while we went to a very quiet place on the lake. It was very quiet without the girls. Woody & I went canoeing and jogging (well, Woody jogged much further than me but I gave it a good try). We also went out to a very good dinner (and dessert, chocolate of course!). We slept later than normal but couldn't sleep too late for whatever reason.
Sunday was a bit different. Natalie awoke with a cough and a bad attitude because she felt bad. So, I stayed home with both girls while Woody went to church. It seemed like we didn't even get to spend our anniversary together! But, Woody built a nice fire and we were able to enjoy that as a family since Natalie was feeling better by the evening. And, he grilled a great dinner too. A nice memory with the fire and Christmas tree glowing.

Big Day for Natalie

It was a big day for Natalie! Not only did both sets of grandparents arrive for her class program, but she was line leader as well for the whole K3 class! She walked in first, very much focusing on doing it all right.

The next shot is a little blurry, but it still shows her standing up there during the performance. She did sing a little this time and did hand motions. There were some kids really singing their hearts out. She was more reserved, although you would never know it if you were at our house at any given time. The girl loves to sing! She sings in every room in the house at any given moment.
Nicole was really a good little girl during the whole day--the program (not a peep from her!), the class time, and the restaurant afterwards too!

Here they are getting a story with all the parents and grandparents around. Needless to say, they were a little distracted! They had a little meal afterwards (focusing on celebrating Jesus' birthday), which Natalie ate mostly ice cream. They were supposed to have a Happy Birthday Jesus cake, but I didn't see that there. I guess we'll have to wait until the 25th...

Here we are at the restaurant, where once again, Natalie receives a surprise balloon! She'll expect one each time we go here, now! The dessert treat of the day was ice cream between two cookies, which I will say I would like to have again sometime! Nicole slept through the restaurant time, or I would have gotten her in the picture too.
Then, off to Monkey Joes in the afternoon with Mimi & Papa. Woody stayed home to do some projects and Grandma & Grandpa went off to do some shopping. Natalie has a little special treat with Papa there. They have lemonade and share pretzels after they've bounced for a while! Natalie had Mommy on these inflatables too, going down slides with her. And, there was an obstacle course with one high wall that it was tough to get her and me up. I don't think I'll go do that one again--maybe Woody can do that! Nicole was busy looking around and enjoying all the activity.
Natalie slept well that night and had a great day!!

Merry Christmas

Make a Smilebox greeting

Hey Mommy...I found my toes!

What Nicole is doing now

Nicole is really doing well, and learning a lot fast. She seems to be doing things faster than Natalie did, but that may be because we are able to work with her as well as her big sister challenging her too! Right now, Nicole is:
- Rolling from back to front, but not front to back. Hopefully, she will do this soon
- Playing peek-a-boo by herself. She pulls the blanket over her head, then back down quickly and smiles or laughs
- Playing ball. She will roll the ball in a game.
- Touching face. She touches my chin, nose, mouth and giggles each time.
- Playing with any toy you give her. She loves exploring new toys.
- Trying to crawl when on her stomach.
- Wanting to eat more solids, she really loves them!
- Trying to sit up on her own
- Standing up when you hold her up on your lap
- Doing all the other movements and actions for her age

She still hates being confined in the car carrier. She doesn't like being the least bit hungry, either! As I type, she is ready to eat!