We were praying before our lunch today. W asked if he could say the prayer.
W: "Dear God, please heal my body and punch that seizure in the face! In Jesus Name, Amen."
Growing our family and Growing them up
Monday, July 30, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
A rude awakening
We arrived home from a 12 day vacation on Sunday. That night we were all exhausted! We went to bed as usual. In the early morning hours, W (our 5 year old son), came into our room. EJ pulled him into bed with us so we could all go back to sleep. At 5:23am, I woke up to feeling W convulsing in the bed next to me. I immediately realized he was having a seizure.
I said, "EJ, turn on the light and call 911! W is having a seizure."
I laid my hand on his arm as I watched his body convulse over and over again. He was in the fetal position and his little hands were curled in, his eyes were rolled back in his head, and spit was coming out of his mouth.
EJ explained what was happening to the 911 operator and answered all the questions. EJ said the seizure lasted around 5 minutes.
When the seizure stopped, W remained unconscious. We couldn't get him to respond to us.
"Is he breathing????" EJ asked.
I pulled up his shirt and saw that his chest was rising and falling. "Yes" I said, "but it is really shallow."
EJ continued to talk to the 911 operator.
I grabbed my phone and called Pop and Grammy. Pop answered. I said, "W has had a seizure and he is unconscious. An ambulance is on the way. I don't know what I will need."
Pop responded, "We are on our way."
I threw on my robe and ran to the door to unlock it for the EMS workers to enter the house. I ran back to the bedroom and told EJ, "Get dressed. You will have to ride in the ambulance. I have to nurse Ruthie."
Ruthie was awake but laying quietly in her bassinet. B and Q stayed asleep in their room.
First an officer arrived. He came in and checked W's vitals. Soon the ambulance arrived with 2 EMTs. They started assessing W and put oxygen on him. They assured us that it was normal for him to be unresponsive after a seizure. When they put the oxygen on him, he moved his face a little so the EMT said that was good. She told us that they were going to start an IV on him in the ambulance so they could give him medicine if he had another seizure.
EJ called his folks and his Mom said she would meet him at the hospital.
I handed EJ W's Pop Bear so he could have it when he woke up.
Before they moved him onto the stretcher, I prayed over him quietly, "Father God, you have my son in the palm of your hand. Please heal him Father. Protect him Lord. We trust you. In Jesus Name, Amen." I whispered, "I love you sweetie. I will be there as quick as I can. Daddy is with you. Do not be afraid."
As I watched them take my baby to the ambulance my head was spinning. I knew EJ was with him but it was breaking my heart not to be with them. Pop and Grammy came through the door before the ambulance had even left.
"Where is he?" Pop asked
"He is in the ambulance. He is stable." I answered.
"What does that mean?" Pop asked.
"He is breathing and he has a good heart rate." I answered.
We heard Ruthie cry and Grammy went to get her. I put my clothes on and gathered up all that I would need to get Ruthie and I to the hospital. Grammy helped get some clothes for W to wear. I asked Pop to text my sisters. I fed Ruthie and then we headed out.
Pop made plans to return our RV for us. (We had rented one for our vacation)
As Ruthie and I drove to the hospital we got updates from EJ. W woke up when they put in the IV. He didn't know what was happening and he was scared. The ER doctor was going to assess him soon. I prayed as I drove. I thanked God that EJ had pulled W into bed with us last night. I thanked God for the calm I felt. I thanked God for the strong and loving father that EJ is. I thanked God for the EMS workers. I thanked God for incredible grandparents willing to step in at a moments notice. The tears flowed as I drove. My God is so big and mighty. I could feel his presence. I prayed for healing for my baby.
When we arrived at the hospital W took one look at me and started to cry. I hugged my little man careful not to disturb his IV or wires. It was such a relief to see him awake. He was glad to see his baby sister too. He talked to her a little and told her that she could hold his Pop Bear for a minute. So sweet!
EJ's Mom took care of little Ruthie while EJ and I accompanied W to his CT scan. He did such a good job during the scan. He was calm and quiet. When the test was finished the nurse held up three different stuffed animals for him to choose one. He said, "Hmmm...this one is for B, this one is for Q and I'll take this one." I told the nurse that he has two brothers at home. She laughed and told W that his brothers didn't have to do all this so just W gets the stuffed animal. He chose a koala and hugged it tight.
The CT scan was clear, his blood work was good and he was doing well. They contacted the local pediatric neurologist and got his advice on the next step. It was decided that W would be on an anti-seizure medication until he could be assessed by the neurologist. They warned us that the medication would probably make him sleepy.
At some point, I realized that I forgot to bring shoes for W and I forgot his car seat. Arghhh! Pop brought them up to the hospital. When he arrived, W looked up from the angry birds game he was playing and hollered, "Pop!" He climbed into Pop's arms and stayed there until we got out to the car. Right before we put him in the car he looked at Pop and said, "Pop, want to hear a joke?" What a goofball!
We hugged EJ's Mom and thanked her for coming. She made plans to bring over dinner that night. Have I mentioned that I love that woman?
Pop said he would meet us back at the house so he could pick up Grammy. I said, "Um...can you leave her there? I think I am going to need her."
When we got home Grammy made pancakes for W, EJ and I. We were glad to be home and eat a yummy breakfast. B and Q were glad to have their brother back home! Pop came back by to check in before he went to get some work done. EJ headed off to work and Grammy stayed to help. I was glad she did. I had hardly taken a breath since we had arrived home from vacation. I was so grateful for the extra set of hands.
Pop came back later that day to pick Grammy up. By then, we realized that the medication was not making W sleepy. It was having the opposite effect. He sat with Pop and talked non-stop. He was practically bouncing off the walls. Apparently, some children will respond to the med by becoming hyper and irritable. Oh goody.
At this point, we have a neurology appointment scheduled for next week. They will do an EEG and then we will go from there. We don't know what caused the seizure but we do know that we can trust God completely.
Last night, we prayed together as a family. We praised God for his protection and love. EJ and I kept W in bed with us. We didn't want him to be away from us in case he had another seizure. It was more for our peace of mind than anything else. EJ and I prayed again together before we went to sleep. Our sleeping W between us. I started out and prayed for a while and then EJ began to pray. Clearly the prayer was powerful because this worried Momma drifted right off to sleep before he was done. Even when we don't have all the answers there is peace in the Lord.
I said, "EJ, turn on the light and call 911! W is having a seizure."
I laid my hand on his arm as I watched his body convulse over and over again. He was in the fetal position and his little hands were curled in, his eyes were rolled back in his head, and spit was coming out of his mouth.
EJ explained what was happening to the 911 operator and answered all the questions. EJ said the seizure lasted around 5 minutes.
When the seizure stopped, W remained unconscious. We couldn't get him to respond to us.
"Is he breathing????" EJ asked.
I pulled up his shirt and saw that his chest was rising and falling. "Yes" I said, "but it is really shallow."
EJ continued to talk to the 911 operator.
I grabbed my phone and called Pop and Grammy. Pop answered. I said, "W has had a seizure and he is unconscious. An ambulance is on the way. I don't know what I will need."
Pop responded, "We are on our way."
I threw on my robe and ran to the door to unlock it for the EMS workers to enter the house. I ran back to the bedroom and told EJ, "Get dressed. You will have to ride in the ambulance. I have to nurse Ruthie."
Ruthie was awake but laying quietly in her bassinet. B and Q stayed asleep in their room.
First an officer arrived. He came in and checked W's vitals. Soon the ambulance arrived with 2 EMTs. They started assessing W and put oxygen on him. They assured us that it was normal for him to be unresponsive after a seizure. When they put the oxygen on him, he moved his face a little so the EMT said that was good. She told us that they were going to start an IV on him in the ambulance so they could give him medicine if he had another seizure.
EJ called his folks and his Mom said she would meet him at the hospital.
I handed EJ W's Pop Bear so he could have it when he woke up.
Before they moved him onto the stretcher, I prayed over him quietly, "Father God, you have my son in the palm of your hand. Please heal him Father. Protect him Lord. We trust you. In Jesus Name, Amen." I whispered, "I love you sweetie. I will be there as quick as I can. Daddy is with you. Do not be afraid."
As I watched them take my baby to the ambulance my head was spinning. I knew EJ was with him but it was breaking my heart not to be with them. Pop and Grammy came through the door before the ambulance had even left.
"Where is he?" Pop asked
"He is in the ambulance. He is stable." I answered.
"What does that mean?" Pop asked.
"He is breathing and he has a good heart rate." I answered.
We heard Ruthie cry and Grammy went to get her. I put my clothes on and gathered up all that I would need to get Ruthie and I to the hospital. Grammy helped get some clothes for W to wear. I asked Pop to text my sisters. I fed Ruthie and then we headed out.
Pop made plans to return our RV for us. (We had rented one for our vacation)
As Ruthie and I drove to the hospital we got updates from EJ. W woke up when they put in the IV. He didn't know what was happening and he was scared. The ER doctor was going to assess him soon. I prayed as I drove. I thanked God that EJ had pulled W into bed with us last night. I thanked God for the calm I felt. I thanked God for the strong and loving father that EJ is. I thanked God for the EMS workers. I thanked God for incredible grandparents willing to step in at a moments notice. The tears flowed as I drove. My God is so big and mighty. I could feel his presence. I prayed for healing for my baby.
When we arrived at the hospital W took one look at me and started to cry. I hugged my little man careful not to disturb his IV or wires. It was such a relief to see him awake. He was glad to see his baby sister too. He talked to her a little and told her that she could hold his Pop Bear for a minute. So sweet!
(big yawn...he is not yelling but it looks like he is!)
EJ's Mom took care of little Ruthie while EJ and I accompanied W to his CT scan. He did such a good job during the scan. He was calm and quiet. When the test was finished the nurse held up three different stuffed animals for him to choose one. He said, "Hmmm...this one is for B, this one is for Q and I'll take this one." I told the nurse that he has two brothers at home. She laughed and told W that his brothers didn't have to do all this so just W gets the stuffed animal. He chose a koala and hugged it tight.
The CT scan was clear, his blood work was good and he was doing well. They contacted the local pediatric neurologist and got his advice on the next step. It was decided that W would be on an anti-seizure medication until he could be assessed by the neurologist. They warned us that the medication would probably make him sleepy.
(Playing angry birds with his Grandma)
At some point, I realized that I forgot to bring shoes for W and I forgot his car seat. Arghhh! Pop brought them up to the hospital. When he arrived, W looked up from the angry birds game he was playing and hollered, "Pop!" He climbed into Pop's arms and stayed there until we got out to the car. Right before we put him in the car he looked at Pop and said, "Pop, want to hear a joke?" What a goofball!
We hugged EJ's Mom and thanked her for coming. She made plans to bring over dinner that night. Have I mentioned that I love that woman?
Pop said he would meet us back at the house so he could pick up Grammy. I said, "Um...can you leave her there? I think I am going to need her."
When we got home Grammy made pancakes for W, EJ and I. We were glad to be home and eat a yummy breakfast. B and Q were glad to have their brother back home! Pop came back by to check in before he went to get some work done. EJ headed off to work and Grammy stayed to help. I was glad she did. I had hardly taken a breath since we had arrived home from vacation. I was so grateful for the extra set of hands.
Pop came back later that day to pick Grammy up. By then, we realized that the medication was not making W sleepy. It was having the opposite effect. He sat with Pop and talked non-stop. He was practically bouncing off the walls. Apparently, some children will respond to the med by becoming hyper and irritable. Oh goody.
At this point, we have a neurology appointment scheduled for next week. They will do an EEG and then we will go from there. We don't know what caused the seizure but we do know that we can trust God completely.
Last night, we prayed together as a family. We praised God for his protection and love. EJ and I kept W in bed with us. We didn't want him to be away from us in case he had another seizure. It was more for our peace of mind than anything else. EJ and I prayed again together before we went to sleep. Our sleeping W between us. I started out and prayed for a while and then EJ began to pray. Clearly the prayer was powerful because this worried Momma drifted right off to sleep before he was done. Even when we don't have all the answers there is peace in the Lord.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
They don't even work!
When Bubba was born I did all the right things to have a successful nursing relationship. Unfortunately, I would quickly learn that my tiny baby wasn't getting enough milk. He was skinny and he was hungry. Cue the mommy guilt.
Turns out that I am one of the unlucky women who has a chronic low milk supply. I make just enough to be dangerous. My babies latch well and they eat. They just don't get enough. They burn all the calories they take in while they nurse.
I mean, seriously, I've lugged these things around all these years and finally when it's their time to shine...they don't even work!
Nursing wisdom says that it is a simple case of supply and demand. I drove myself crazy trying to up my milk supply. I would feed Bubba, then give him a bottle, then pump. Then I would do it all over again. It was miserable. I managed to nurse him as well as supplement for 3 months.
When Wubba came (just 16 1/2 months later), I was ready. I knew I probably wouldn't be able to exclusively nurse him but I tried my hardest. I was armed with a hospital grade pump, a baby scale and lots of knowledge. We did our best and we made it 6 months. Of course, we supplemented with formula but I was prepared for that.
I knew that some women nursed their adopted children. Mr. Q came so quickly that I didn't even have time to consider it. Not to mention, I couldn't make enough milk for the babies I grew. Looking back, I think it would have been a neat bonding experience for us. However, I can definitely say that Q's infant hood was so much fun without the stress of breast feeding!
This time around I had high hopes that things would be different. I learned that women with my particular hormonal disorder (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) have had good luck staying on the medication we take to balance out our hormones. In the past, I have gone off the medication in order to breast feed. Now they tell us to stay on it and it might help.
Nope.
I was watching lil' Ruthie like a hawk. She was having the right number of wet and dirty diapers and she seemed satisfied. However, I recognized the skinny baby look. My fears were confirmed when we realized that she had only gained 2 1/2 ounces in one week. Breastfed babies should gain 4-7 ounces a week. I immediately started offering her formula after she nursed. Now she is gaining well.
I consulted with a couple of different lactation consultants and finally had one come to the house. She was a wealth of information. I loved having someone come here instead of having to drag my newborn out and about. She weighed Ruthie before and after I nursed her. Sure enough, only 1/3 to 1/2 of what she needed.
She helped me come up with a plan to keep Ruthie nursing while also saving my sanity. I began taking a medication to help with my low prolactin levels. That has increased my supply some but it is still not enough. Now I nurse her with a supplemental nursing system so that she gets to breast feed and supplement all in the same step. Here is what it looks like...
It is a life saver and a pain in the fanny all at the same time. You have to be sure the tube is placed perfectly in order for the milk to flow. It is a little tricky to latch a baby on the breast as well as place the tube. Some days I love this thing and some days I want to throw it across the room. Overall, it is a fantastic tool to keep Ruthie and I nursing as long as possible.
I am sad that I cannot exclusively breastfeed my baby. I have cried a lot of tears about this issue. It stinks when your body doesn't work like it is supposed to. Nursing is supposed to be a simple case of supply and demand. I don't know why it doesn't work that way for me.
Here is what I do know...
I am blessed beyond measure to have the privilege of parenting. I have four beautiful children on this earth and three in heaven. I have had the opportunity to carry babies in my body as well as adopt my precious Q at birth.
I will choose joy in this situation. I will cherish nursing Ruthie even if I need a little help along the way. She is healthy, happy and growing right on track.
All is well.
P.S. She is already 7 weeks old! Time sure does fly when you are sleep deprived. Hee Hee.
Turns out that I am one of the unlucky women who has a chronic low milk supply. I make just enough to be dangerous. My babies latch well and they eat. They just don't get enough. They burn all the calories they take in while they nurse.
I mean, seriously, I've lugged these things around all these years and finally when it's their time to shine...they don't even work!
Nursing wisdom says that it is a simple case of supply and demand. I drove myself crazy trying to up my milk supply. I would feed Bubba, then give him a bottle, then pump. Then I would do it all over again. It was miserable. I managed to nurse him as well as supplement for 3 months.
When Wubba came (just 16 1/2 months later), I was ready. I knew I probably wouldn't be able to exclusively nurse him but I tried my hardest. I was armed with a hospital grade pump, a baby scale and lots of knowledge. We did our best and we made it 6 months. Of course, we supplemented with formula but I was prepared for that.
I knew that some women nursed their adopted children. Mr. Q came so quickly that I didn't even have time to consider it. Not to mention, I couldn't make enough milk for the babies I grew. Looking back, I think it would have been a neat bonding experience for us. However, I can definitely say that Q's infant hood was so much fun without the stress of breast feeding!
This time around I had high hopes that things would be different. I learned that women with my particular hormonal disorder (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) have had good luck staying on the medication we take to balance out our hormones. In the past, I have gone off the medication in order to breast feed. Now they tell us to stay on it and it might help.
Nope.
I was watching lil' Ruthie like a hawk. She was having the right number of wet and dirty diapers and she seemed satisfied. However, I recognized the skinny baby look. My fears were confirmed when we realized that she had only gained 2 1/2 ounces in one week. Breastfed babies should gain 4-7 ounces a week. I immediately started offering her formula after she nursed. Now she is gaining well.
I consulted with a couple of different lactation consultants and finally had one come to the house. She was a wealth of information. I loved having someone come here instead of having to drag my newborn out and about. She weighed Ruthie before and after I nursed her. Sure enough, only 1/3 to 1/2 of what she needed.
She helped me come up with a plan to keep Ruthie nursing while also saving my sanity. I began taking a medication to help with my low prolactin levels. That has increased my supply some but it is still not enough. Now I nurse her with a supplemental nursing system so that she gets to breast feed and supplement all in the same step. Here is what it looks like...
It is a life saver and a pain in the fanny all at the same time. You have to be sure the tube is placed perfectly in order for the milk to flow. It is a little tricky to latch a baby on the breast as well as place the tube. Some days I love this thing and some days I want to throw it across the room. Overall, it is a fantastic tool to keep Ruthie and I nursing as long as possible.
I am sad that I cannot exclusively breastfeed my baby. I have cried a lot of tears about this issue. It stinks when your body doesn't work like it is supposed to. Nursing is supposed to be a simple case of supply and demand. I don't know why it doesn't work that way for me.
Here is what I do know...
I am blessed beyond measure to have the privilege of parenting. I have four beautiful children on this earth and three in heaven. I have had the opportunity to carry babies in my body as well as adopt my precious Q at birth.
I will choose joy in this situation. I will cherish nursing Ruthie even if I need a little help along the way. She is healthy, happy and growing right on track.
All is well.
P.S. She is already 7 weeks old! Time sure does fly when you are sleep deprived. Hee Hee.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Grammy Rocks!
There are no words to say how thankful I am for my Momma (aka Grammy). When a new grand baby arrives she comes and she stays. She spends two weeks ministering to the family with the new little blessing. She has done it 13 times so far and I know she will be there for number 14 and so on. I must also say how thankful I am to have a Dad (aka Pop) who generously shares his wife. She couldn't do this for us if Pop wasn't on board. As Grammy says, "Pop loves fiercely." I am blessed to be the recipient of that love.
The two weeks post baby are overwhelming for sure. In my case, I am recovering from a surgery while trying to meet the needs of my new little nursling. My hormones are all messed up and the tears come easily. My brain is on overload and my body is in pain.
Grammy loves on me by encouraging me, listening to me, praying over me, affirming me, feeding me and just being with me during this tender time.
Grammy loves on my hubby by washing our clothes, doing the dishes, keeping the house clean, encouraging him in his role as daddy and taking care of his hormonal wife.
Grammy loves on my boys by playing games with them, snuggling with them, watching them ride their bikes, taking them to the farm to run free, listening to their stories and silly jokes, meeting all their needs and teaching them about unconditional love by example.
Grammy loves on my new baby by changing diapers, changing outfits, rocking her to sleep, bathing her and whispering sweet words of love in her ear.
Mom,
You are precious to me! I thank God for giving me you as my mother. For the past two weeks I have been wrapped up in a blanket of love. I know that you can love me like that because of our God who is love. As I begin the journey as a mother to a daughter I am overwhelmed with the beauty of my relationship with you. It is my prayer that I will be able to bless my baby girl like you have blessed me. When it is my turn to rock my grand babies while I encourage my children I will know how. You have taught me well.
I love you so much!
The two weeks post baby are overwhelming for sure. In my case, I am recovering from a surgery while trying to meet the needs of my new little nursling. My hormones are all messed up and the tears come easily. My brain is on overload and my body is in pain.
Grammy loves on me by encouraging me, listening to me, praying over me, affirming me, feeding me and just being with me during this tender time.
Grammy loves on my hubby by washing our clothes, doing the dishes, keeping the house clean, encouraging him in his role as daddy and taking care of his hormonal wife.
Grammy loves on my boys by playing games with them, snuggling with them, watching them ride their bikes, taking them to the farm to run free, listening to their stories and silly jokes, meeting all their needs and teaching them about unconditional love by example.
Grammy loves on my new baby by changing diapers, changing outfits, rocking her to sleep, bathing her and whispering sweet words of love in her ear.
Mom,
You are precious to me! I thank God for giving me you as my mother. For the past two weeks I have been wrapped up in a blanket of love. I know that you can love me like that because of our God who is love. As I begin the journey as a mother to a daughter I am overwhelmed with the beauty of my relationship with you. It is my prayer that I will be able to bless my baby girl like you have blessed me. When it is my turn to rock my grand babies while I encourage my children I will know how. You have taught me well.
I love you so much!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Good eating at our house!
We have been so spoiled with food!
EJ's folks fed us for four nights in a row when we returned home from the hospital. It was delicious!
Next, the girlfriends started bringing food. We have had a hot meal delivered each night for the past 9 days and we have 2 more meals coming in the next two days.
We have three more meals coming in the next couple of weeks.
We are so grateful!
To each of the precious women who have prepared a meal for us. We love you!!!
You have allowed this happy Momma the freedom to snuggle a baby instead of cook meals. I promise you that when it is your turn I'll be the first to sign up to bring you a meal. :)
EJ's folks fed us for four nights in a row when we returned home from the hospital. It was delicious!
Next, the girlfriends started bringing food. We have had a hot meal delivered each night for the past 9 days and we have 2 more meals coming in the next two days.
We have three more meals coming in the next couple of weeks.
We are so grateful!
To each of the precious women who have prepared a meal for us. We love you!!!
You have allowed this happy Momma the freedom to snuggle a baby instead of cook meals. I promise you that when it is your turn I'll be the first to sign up to bring you a meal. :)
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Baby Sister is Here!
All the dreaming.
All the praying.
All the waiting.
Was over...
just like that.
Hello beautiful baby girl!
Her Daddy and I are so proud of her.
Daddy is more than a little smitten.
Holding our daughter for the first time.
Our sweet baby girl...
Lil Ruthie
6lbs 14oz
19 inches long
born Tuesday, April 3rd 2012
Praise to the Lord!
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