Okay, so I'm a little behind...again, or, uh, still.
We just celebrated another Christmas. I can hardly even put into words how grateful I am that God is so merciful and so loving. My heart was so full of His peace...we have 4 beautiful children to hug and to hold. They are healthy and happy.
Luke is about to have his speech evaluation and once all the paperwork clears he'll start his actual therapy. He is trying to verbalize things by copying syllables and tones and points and nods to communicate. Grateful am I...
Allie is just recovering from chicken pox and is writing cute notes and reading.
Jake is reading everything he can get his hands on and will be starting chess club soon.
Danielle continues to swim and is working hard toward some big goals. I'm surprised she isn't developing gills!
John is helping finish up many projects to get us to that coveted new normal! My hero!
As for me, among my mom and teacher duties I'm having to squeeze in my marathon training. Those shoes have worked out well. No more feet problems. The marathon is on Valentine's Day (only days before I turn 40 I might add). My training is going much better. This Saturday is 24 miles. It feels so good to be able to devote a little attention to normal (okay, I know what you're thinking...24 mile runs isn't in the realm of normal!!).
We're on Christmas break this week. Wish we could have an extra week! Merry Christmas, y'all. May He fill 2010 with blessings for each of our families. May He walk alongside us, as we know He does, during every trial...
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Shoe Crumbs
Forgot to follow up about my running shoes. Well, I signed up for a marathon running group and decided no amount of gorilla glue or duct tape was going to buy any more time with my current running shoes. You know it's bad when there is a trail of, well...shoe crumbs behind you! So the new ones feel so good. Nice and cushiony. Wonder if that explains my recent foot pain-who woulda thunk it? Beginnings of plantar fasciaitis...Being that I'm turning 40 next month, I was beginning to squirm at the idea if that's what it's going to be like. So I'll blame the shoes!
I have to say, this marathon is going to be a challenge. I'm coming back from being in less than the best shape with my life the last couple of years and it's a struggle getting back up to "speed." That's okay...going to get into a new marathon mentality!
I have to say, this marathon is going to be a challenge. I'm coming back from being in less than the best shape with my life the last couple of years and it's a struggle getting back up to "speed." That's okay...going to get into a new marathon mentality!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Our little guy crossed the finish line and is a champion!! See?! His medal is engraved with his name, Turtle Race Marathon Winner, August 2009. He's turning 2 next month. That just doesn't seem possible. Think I'm going to make him a turtle cake. Still elated about being free of the aspiration and long journey! Can you tell? 
It's raining today. After a couple of years of drought in the land and tough times in our lives, it feels soooo refreshing. God put a beautiful, bright rainbow right over our neighborhood this afternoon. The sunset colors always amaze me.
Rainbows...
School is coming along. We haven't quite gotten settled into a good routine yet, but I'm proud of all 4 kids for going with the flow and (mostly) having good attitudes. Danielle, Jake, and Allie are doing speech and Danielle is also doing debate. It's going to be a lot of work! Yikes. Luke takes his nap in my lap during that time...sweet boy. I need to take pictures of this stuff!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Just to kind of catch me up here, I'm posting my last Carepages update from Luke's carepage. I'll post pictures and updates tomorrow.
Hi friends…
I can hardly believe I’m writing what is probably one of my last posts on Carepages. I have appreciated so much having this place to ask for prayers for our son/our baby and share how he is doing. It has provided the enormous blessing of each of you walking with us on this path that I’ve come to call Luke’s turtle race marathon. You guys have rejoiced with us when it’s time to rejoice and mourned with us when it’s time to mourn. You’ve been right there every step of the way—truly Jesus with skin on. One set of footprints in the sand and I KNOW they weren’t mine. I don’t think I ever felt alone throughout the whole ordeal…amazing to me. So many memories are flooding my mind as I write this. Some make me cry and some make me laugh. I will forever be grateful for every single memory and every act of kindness and prayer. There are so many I can’t even begin to name them all and some I’m not even aware of because they were done anonymously or friends were taking care of our other kids and meals and Christmas shopping, etc. Some were friends taking care of other friends’ responsibilities so that that friend could be at the hospital with Luke and me. You cried with, stood with, ate with, prayed with…walked with us/me throughout the race. There are no words big enough to convey what’s in my heart and I thank you all with my whole heart.
Since Luke crossed that finish line, things have been going really well. It really doesn’t seem possible still sometimes. I’m still grinning ear to ear when I think about it. Luke is now able to play in the pool and have water poured over his head at bath time. He has been adapting to a more normal toddler diet and shoves way too much food in sometimes…I gave Luke his first haircut, though I couldn’t bring myself to cut those adorable blonde curls off. So he’s still sporting long hair and I think he’s adorable. I actually took Luke to the nursery at church on a quiet day and got to worship un-interrupted. Though he was pretty teary at first, he had a great time and was even comforting another little girl by bringing her toys and sitting down next to her. He did later end up with the sniffles, but it wasn’t cause for worry! John and I even went to New York for a few days to see John’s family and left all of the kids with their Nonnie. I’ve never been away from them like that and never could have been away from Luke without crossing that finish line. He’s been going to the park and playing like a normal toddler. We couldn’t do that before with the germs. He’s even had a few tantrums and has taken to screaming sometimes when he gets frustrated. I treasure that screaming and vividly remember when he was on the vent in ICU and we didn’t know if he would make it at all or if he would have voice damage and not be able to scream. That’s not to say we’re not training him to use other methods of communication…ahem. He’s into EVERYthing, too. It actually makes me laugh-well, most of the time. He just wants to explore everything and is so sweet and curious. He has climbed out of his crib and made my heart skip a beat when I heard the thud. He throws his short little arms around our necks and gives the best squeeze hugs. Danielle, Jake, and Allie are forever hugging and kissing on him, too. Luke is such a smart, compassionate, sensitive (in a boyish, manly way) little guy.
Right now, we’re watching Luke to see where we are with the reflux. He has been completely weaned from his medicine and is having some reflux. It is expected just because of how the medicine works, though. I’m hoping to see it taper off and go away. I think it is slowing down, but it’s hard to tell sometimes. (update—I think the reflux is gone!) I can also see that he is still somewhat wobbly on his feet and he doesn’t say many words. Some developmental delays were expected and I’m not really worried, but it does give me pause sometimes. He is a great communicator, though. He gets his message across in very creative ways and definitely understands what we’re saying to him and what’s going on around him. He imitates lots of things we do. He even cooperated with me for some long photo sessions and would go and sit on his little stool…I was very impressed. I’m avoiding doing a speech evaluation for now because I just want some time off. We’ll see how things go for just a little bit.
I had to do something to mark the crossing of the finish line, so I bought Luke a medal and had engraved on the back his name, Turtle Race Marathon Winner, August 2009. I had a lump in my throat when I picked it up…I got pictures today with him wearing it. I’ll post them and a picture of the back of it.
We’re finally going to celebrate this weekend and get away and relax and just play. Fun in the sun at the beach…here we come! I can’t wait to dig my toes in the sand and just enjoy our time. It’s been such a long road. Okay—just got back and it was a little rainy some of the time, but it was great. We saw 3 rainbows, 2 of which were a complete rainbow over our condo. It was almost as if God was reminding us of His promises. It was really good. Good closure, very emotional for me. You can't really have the rainbows without the rain.
Speaking of marathons—I’m officially training for the Austin marathon. I’m turning 40 a couple of days after the race and I’ve been wanting to get back to it for a while. This race has a lot of meaning for me. Marathon mentality…yep. Here comes that lump in the throat again. I’m in pathetic shape with all that’s happened these last couple of years, but I'm getting there and I’m finishing this race! Most of my training will be with Luke in the jogger pointing at doggies and birds and saying hello to his Nonnie on his toy phone…I can’t think of a better way to train for this.
Realizing how much I love being able to go back and look at updates and pictures and see so many answered prayers, I started a personal blog. It’s just a place where I can continue to post our happenings and pictures. It will be really neat to go back and read later with the kids. It’s very simple—really just quick updates and pictures, nothing professional--, just for our family and any family and friends who are interested. I haven't put up stuff from New York or the beach yet...catching up. The address is: www.blessingsandblips.blogspot.com
I had to share this. On Sunday at church I was talking with a friend who has been praying for Luke all this time, too. We were talking about the miracle of his laryngeal cleft not being there in Cincinnati and how this whole road has been so amazing. She got teary-eyed and, no surprise!, so did I. It was another reminder of how you all shared this burden with us. Truly, I KNOW I could not have gotten through this all without you, without Jesus. I get chills when I think about everything. God has brought so much good out of it all, like He says He will. I wonder what plans He has for “our baby.” I don’t know what they are, but I think they’re big.
As for me, I know He will be using these experiences for His good, like He promises. I really see me going back toward the medical field. Maybe as a PICU nurse, maybe as some sort of support or advocacy for parents; maybe I’ll get to photograph the blessings from above……I don’t know exactly. I have a new compassion for my own kids, for sick kids, for parents of sick kids…All I know for sure is I am forever changed and, while I don’t think I’d choose to walk it again, I’m thankful for it. For the first time in about 3+ years, we’re looking forward to a new normal this school year. One free of therapies, procedures, dr appts, surgeries, medicines, shots, swallow studies, battles with insurance companies…
So here we are on the other side--With un-expressably (is that a word?) huge thanks and gratitude in my heart and soul…Love,TammyHi friends…
I can hardly believe I’m writing what is probably one of my last posts on Carepages. I have appreciated so much having this place to ask for prayers for our son/our baby and share how he is doing. It has provided the enormous blessing of each of you walking with us on this path that I’ve come to call Luke’s turtle race marathon. You guys have rejoiced with us when it’s time to rejoice and mourned with us when it’s time to mourn. You’ve been right there every step of the way—truly Jesus with skin on. One set of footprints in the sand and I KNOW they weren’t mine. I don’t think I ever felt alone throughout the whole ordeal…amazing to me. So many memories are flooding my mind as I write this. Some make me cry and some make me laugh. I will forever be grateful for every single memory and every act of kindness and prayer. There are so many I can’t even begin to name them all and some I’m not even aware of because they were done anonymously or friends were taking care of our other kids and meals and Christmas shopping, etc. Some were friends taking care of other friends’ responsibilities so that that friend could be at the hospital with Luke and me. You cried with, stood with, ate with, prayed with…walked with us/me throughout the race. There are no words big enough to convey what’s in my heart and I thank you all with my whole heart.
Since Luke crossed that finish line, things have been going really well. It really doesn’t seem possible still sometimes. I’m still grinning ear to ear when I think about it. Luke is now able to play in the pool and have water poured over his head at bath time. He has been adapting to a more normal toddler diet and shoves way too much food in sometimes…I gave Luke his first haircut, though I couldn’t bring myself to cut those adorable blonde curls off. So he’s still sporting long hair and I think he’s adorable. I actually took Luke to the nursery at church on a quiet day and got to worship un-interrupted. Though he was pretty teary at first, he had a great time and was even comforting another little girl by bringing her toys and sitting down next to her. He did later end up with the sniffles, but it wasn’t cause for worry! John and I even went to New York for a few days to see John’s family and left all of the kids with their Nonnie. I’ve never been away from them like that and never could have been away from Luke without crossing that finish line. He’s been going to the park and playing like a normal toddler. We couldn’t do that before with the germs. He’s even had a few tantrums and has taken to screaming sometimes when he gets frustrated. I treasure that screaming and vividly remember when he was on the vent in ICU and we didn’t know if he would make it at all or if he would have voice damage and not be able to scream. That’s not to say we’re not training him to use other methods of communication…ahem. He’s into EVERYthing, too. It actually makes me laugh-well, most of the time. He just wants to explore everything and is so sweet and curious. He has climbed out of his crib and made my heart skip a beat when I heard the thud. He throws his short little arms around our necks and gives the best squeeze hugs. Danielle, Jake, and Allie are forever hugging and kissing on him, too. Luke is such a smart, compassionate, sensitive (in a boyish, manly way) little guy.
Right now, we’re watching Luke to see where we are with the reflux. He has been completely weaned from his medicine and is having some reflux. It is expected just because of how the medicine works, though. I’m hoping to see it taper off and go away. I think it is slowing down, but it’s hard to tell sometimes. (update—I think the reflux is gone!) I can also see that he is still somewhat wobbly on his feet and he doesn’t say many words. Some developmental delays were expected and I’m not really worried, but it does give me pause sometimes. He is a great communicator, though. He gets his message across in very creative ways and definitely understands what we’re saying to him and what’s going on around him. He imitates lots of things we do. He even cooperated with me for some long photo sessions and would go and sit on his little stool…I was very impressed. I’m avoiding doing a speech evaluation for now because I just want some time off. We’ll see how things go for just a little bit.
I had to do something to mark the crossing of the finish line, so I bought Luke a medal and had engraved on the back his name, Turtle Race Marathon Winner, August 2009. I had a lump in my throat when I picked it up…I got pictures today with him wearing it. I’ll post them and a picture of the back of it.
We’re finally going to celebrate this weekend and get away and relax and just play. Fun in the sun at the beach…here we come! I can’t wait to dig my toes in the sand and just enjoy our time. It’s been such a long road. Okay—just got back and it was a little rainy some of the time, but it was great. We saw 3 rainbows, 2 of which were a complete rainbow over our condo. It was almost as if God was reminding us of His promises. It was really good. Good closure, very emotional for me. You can't really have the rainbows without the rain.
Speaking of marathons—I’m officially training for the Austin marathon. I’m turning 40 a couple of days after the race and I’ve been wanting to get back to it for a while. This race has a lot of meaning for me. Marathon mentality…yep. Here comes that lump in the throat again. I’m in pathetic shape with all that’s happened these last couple of years, but I'm getting there and I’m finishing this race! Most of my training will be with Luke in the jogger pointing at doggies and birds and saying hello to his Nonnie on his toy phone…I can’t think of a better way to train for this.
Realizing how much I love being able to go back and look at updates and pictures and see so many answered prayers, I started a personal blog. It’s just a place where I can continue to post our happenings and pictures. It will be really neat to go back and read later with the kids. It’s very simple—really just quick updates and pictures, nothing professional--, just for our family and any family and friends who are interested. I haven't put up stuff from New York or the beach yet...catching up. The address is: www.blessingsandblips.blogspot.com
I had to share this. On Sunday at church I was talking with a friend who has been praying for Luke all this time, too. We were talking about the miracle of his laryngeal cleft not being there in Cincinnati and how this whole road has been so amazing. She got teary-eyed and, no surprise!, so did I. It was another reminder of how you all shared this burden with us. Truly, I KNOW I could not have gotten through this all without you, without Jesus. I get chills when I think about everything. God has brought so much good out of it all, like He says He will. I wonder what plans He has for “our baby.” I don’t know what they are, but I think they’re big.
As for me, I know He will be using these experiences for His good, like He promises. I really see me going back toward the medical field. Maybe as a PICU nurse, maybe as some sort of support or advocacy for parents; maybe I’ll get to photograph the blessings from above……I don’t know exactly. I have a new compassion for my own kids, for sick kids, for parents of sick kids…All I know for sure is I am forever changed and, while I don’t think I’d choose to walk it again, I’m thankful for it. For the first time in about 3+ years, we’re looking forward to a new normal this school year. One free of therapies, procedures, dr appts, surgeries, medicines, shots, swallow studies, battles with insurance companies…
So here we are on the other side--With un-expressably (is that a word?) huge thanks and gratitude in my heart and soul…Love,Tammy
I can hardly believe I’m writing what is probably one of my last posts on Carepages. I have appreciated so much having this place to ask for prayers for our son/our baby and share how he is doing. It has provided the enormous blessing of each of you walking with us on this path that I’ve come to call Luke’s turtle race marathon. You guys have rejoiced with us when it’s time to rejoice and mourned with us when it’s time to mourn. You’ve been right there every step of the way—truly Jesus with skin on. One set of footprints in the sand and I KNOW they weren’t mine. I don’t think I ever felt alone throughout the whole ordeal…amazing to me. So many memories are flooding my mind as I write this. Some make me cry and some make me laugh. I will forever be grateful for every single memory and every act of kindness and prayer. There are so many I can’t even begin to name them all and some I’m not even aware of because they were done anonymously or friends were taking care of our other kids and meals and Christmas shopping, etc. Some were friends taking care of other friends’ responsibilities so that that friend could be at the hospital with Luke and me. You cried with, stood with, ate with, prayed with…walked with us/me throughout the race. There are no words big enough to convey what’s in my heart and I thank you all with my whole heart.
Since Luke crossed that finish line, things have been going really well. It really doesn’t seem possible still sometimes. I’m still grinning ear to ear when I think about it. Luke is now able to play in the pool and have water poured over his head at bath time. He has been adapting to a more normal toddler diet and shoves way too much food in sometimes…I gave Luke his first haircut, though I couldn’t bring myself to cut those adorable blonde curls off. So he’s still sporting long hair and I think he’s adorable. I actually took Luke to the nursery at church on a quiet day and got to worship un-interrupted. Though he was pretty teary at first, he had a great time and was even comforting another little girl by bringing her toys and sitting down next to her. He did later end up with the sniffles, but it wasn’t cause for worry! John and I even went to New York for a few days to see John’s family and left all of the kids with their Nonnie. I’ve never been away from them like that and never could have been away from Luke without crossing that finish line. He’s been going to the park and playing like a normal toddler. We couldn’t do that before with the germs. He’s even had a few tantrums and has taken to screaming sometimes when he gets frustrated. I treasure that screaming and vividly remember when he was on the vent in ICU and we didn’t know if he would make it at all or if he would have voice damage and not be able to scream. That’s not to say we’re not training him to use other methods of communication…ahem. He’s into EVERYthing, too. It actually makes me laugh-well, most of the time. He just wants to explore everything and is so sweet and curious. He has climbed out of his crib and made my heart skip a beat when I heard the thud. He throws his short little arms around our necks and gives the best squeeze hugs. Danielle, Jake, and Allie are forever hugging and kissing on him, too. Luke is such a smart, compassionate, sensitive (in a boyish, manly way) little guy.
Right now, we’re watching Luke to see where we are with the reflux. He has been completely weaned from his medicine and is having some reflux. It is expected just because of how the medicine works, though. I’m hoping to see it taper off and go away. I think it is slowing down, but it’s hard to tell sometimes. (update—I think the reflux is gone!) I can also see that he is still somewhat wobbly on his feet and he doesn’t say many words. Some developmental delays were expected and I’m not really worried, but it does give me pause sometimes. He is a great communicator, though. He gets his message across in very creative ways and definitely understands what we’re saying to him and what’s going on around him. He imitates lots of things we do. He even cooperated with me for some long photo sessions and would go and sit on his little stool…I was very impressed. I’m avoiding doing a speech evaluation for now because I just want some time off. We’ll see how things go for just a little bit.
I had to do something to mark the crossing of the finish line, so I bought Luke a medal and had engraved on the back his name, Turtle Race Marathon Winner, August 2009. I had a lump in my throat when I picked it up…I got pictures today with him wearing it. I’ll post them and a picture of the back of it.
We’re finally going to celebrate this weekend and get away and relax and just play. Fun in the sun at the beach…here we come! I can’t wait to dig my toes in the sand and just enjoy our time. It’s been such a long road. Okay—just got back and it was a little rainy some of the time, but it was great. We saw 3 rainbows, 2 of which were a complete rainbow over our condo. It was almost as if God was reminding us of His promises. It was really good. Good closure, very emotional for me. You can't really have the rainbows without the rain.
Speaking of marathons—I’m officially training for the Austin marathon. I’m turning 40 a couple of days after the race and I’ve been wanting to get back to it for a while. This race has a lot of meaning for me. Marathon mentality…yep. Here comes that lump in the throat again. I’m in pathetic shape with all that’s happened these last couple of years, but I'm getting there and I’m finishing this race! Most of my training will be with Luke in the jogger pointing at doggies and birds and saying hello to his Nonnie on his toy phone…I can’t think of a better way to train for this.
Realizing how much I love being able to go back and look at updates and pictures and see so many answered prayers, I started a personal blog. It’s just a place where I can continue to post our happenings and pictures. It will be really neat to go back and read later with the kids. It’s very simple—really just quick updates and pictures, nothing professional--, just for our family and any family and friends who are interested. I haven't put up stuff from New York or the beach yet...catching up. The address is: www.blessingsandblips.blogspot.com
I had to share this. On Sunday at church I was talking with a friend who has been praying for Luke all this time, too. We were talking about the miracle of his laryngeal cleft not being there in Cincinnati and how this whole road has been so amazing. She got teary-eyed and, no surprise!, so did I. It was another reminder of how you all shared this burden with us. Truly, I KNOW I could not have gotten through this all without you, without Jesus. I get chills when I think about everything. God has brought so much good out of it all, like He says He will. I wonder what plans He has for “our baby.” I don’t know what they are, but I think they’re big.
As for me, I know He will be using these experiences for His good, like He promises. I really see me going back toward the medical field. Maybe as a PICU nurse, maybe as some sort of support or advocacy for parents; maybe I’ll get to photograph the blessings from above……I don’t know exactly. I have a new compassion for my own kids, for sick kids, for parents of sick kids…All I know for sure is I am forever changed and, while I don’t think I’d choose to walk it again, I’m thankful for it. For the first time in about 3+ years, we’re looking forward to a new normal this school year. One free of therapies, procedures, dr appts, surgeries, medicines, shots, swallow studies, battles with insurance companies…
So here we are on the other side--With un-expressably (is that a word?) huge thanks and gratitude in my heart and soul…Love,TammyHi friends…
I can hardly believe I’m writing what is probably one of my last posts on Carepages. I have appreciated so much having this place to ask for prayers for our son/our baby and share how he is doing. It has provided the enormous blessing of each of you walking with us on this path that I’ve come to call Luke’s turtle race marathon. You guys have rejoiced with us when it’s time to rejoice and mourned with us when it’s time to mourn. You’ve been right there every step of the way—truly Jesus with skin on. One set of footprints in the sand and I KNOW they weren’t mine. I don’t think I ever felt alone throughout the whole ordeal…amazing to me. So many memories are flooding my mind as I write this. Some make me cry and some make me laugh. I will forever be grateful for every single memory and every act of kindness and prayer. There are so many I can’t even begin to name them all and some I’m not even aware of because they were done anonymously or friends were taking care of our other kids and meals and Christmas shopping, etc. Some were friends taking care of other friends’ responsibilities so that that friend could be at the hospital with Luke and me. You cried with, stood with, ate with, prayed with…walked with us/me throughout the race. There are no words big enough to convey what’s in my heart and I thank you all with my whole heart.
Since Luke crossed that finish line, things have been going really well. It really doesn’t seem possible still sometimes. I’m still grinning ear to ear when I think about it. Luke is now able to play in the pool and have water poured over his head at bath time. He has been adapting to a more normal toddler diet and shoves way too much food in sometimes…I gave Luke his first haircut, though I couldn’t bring myself to cut those adorable blonde curls off. So he’s still sporting long hair and I think he’s adorable. I actually took Luke to the nursery at church on a quiet day and got to worship un-interrupted. Though he was pretty teary at first, he had a great time and was even comforting another little girl by bringing her toys and sitting down next to her. He did later end up with the sniffles, but it wasn’t cause for worry! John and I even went to New York for a few days to see John’s family and left all of the kids with their Nonnie. I’ve never been away from them like that and never could have been away from Luke without crossing that finish line. He’s been going to the park and playing like a normal toddler. We couldn’t do that before with the germs. He’s even had a few tantrums and has taken to screaming sometimes when he gets frustrated. I treasure that screaming and vividly remember when he was on the vent in ICU and we didn’t know if he would make it at all or if he would have voice damage and not be able to scream. That’s not to say we’re not training him to use other methods of communication…ahem. He’s into EVERYthing, too. It actually makes me laugh-well, most of the time. He just wants to explore everything and is so sweet and curious. He has climbed out of his crib and made my heart skip a beat when I heard the thud. He throws his short little arms around our necks and gives the best squeeze hugs. Danielle, Jake, and Allie are forever hugging and kissing on him, too. Luke is such a smart, compassionate, sensitive (in a boyish, manly way) little guy.
Right now, we’re watching Luke to see where we are with the reflux. He has been completely weaned from his medicine and is having some reflux. It is expected just because of how the medicine works, though. I’m hoping to see it taper off and go away. I think it is slowing down, but it’s hard to tell sometimes. (update—I think the reflux is gone!) I can also see that he is still somewhat wobbly on his feet and he doesn’t say many words. Some developmental delays were expected and I’m not really worried, but it does give me pause sometimes. He is a great communicator, though. He gets his message across in very creative ways and definitely understands what we’re saying to him and what’s going on around him. He imitates lots of things we do. He even cooperated with me for some long photo sessions and would go and sit on his little stool…I was very impressed. I’m avoiding doing a speech evaluation for now because I just want some time off. We’ll see how things go for just a little bit.
I had to do something to mark the crossing of the finish line, so I bought Luke a medal and had engraved on the back his name, Turtle Race Marathon Winner, August 2009. I had a lump in my throat when I picked it up…I got pictures today with him wearing it. I’ll post them and a picture of the back of it.
We’re finally going to celebrate this weekend and get away and relax and just play. Fun in the sun at the beach…here we come! I can’t wait to dig my toes in the sand and just enjoy our time. It’s been such a long road. Okay—just got back and it was a little rainy some of the time, but it was great. We saw 3 rainbows, 2 of which were a complete rainbow over our condo. It was almost as if God was reminding us of His promises. It was really good. Good closure, very emotional for me. You can't really have the rainbows without the rain.
Speaking of marathons—I’m officially training for the Austin marathon. I’m turning 40 a couple of days after the race and I’ve been wanting to get back to it for a while. This race has a lot of meaning for me. Marathon mentality…yep. Here comes that lump in the throat again. I’m in pathetic shape with all that’s happened these last couple of years, but I'm getting there and I’m finishing this race! Most of my training will be with Luke in the jogger pointing at doggies and birds and saying hello to his Nonnie on his toy phone…I can’t think of a better way to train for this.
Realizing how much I love being able to go back and look at updates and pictures and see so many answered prayers, I started a personal blog. It’s just a place where I can continue to post our happenings and pictures. It will be really neat to go back and read later with the kids. It’s very simple—really just quick updates and pictures, nothing professional--, just for our family and any family and friends who are interested. I haven't put up stuff from New York or the beach yet...catching up. The address is: www.blessingsandblips.blogspot.com
I had to share this. On Sunday at church I was talking with a friend who has been praying for Luke all this time, too. We were talking about the miracle of his laryngeal cleft not being there in Cincinnati and how this whole road has been so amazing. She got teary-eyed and, no surprise!, so did I. It was another reminder of how you all shared this burden with us. Truly, I KNOW I could not have gotten through this all without you, without Jesus. I get chills when I think about everything. God has brought so much good out of it all, like He says He will. I wonder what plans He has for “our baby.” I don’t know what they are, but I think they’re big.
As for me, I know He will be using these experiences for His good, like He promises. I really see me going back toward the medical field. Maybe as a PICU nurse, maybe as some sort of support or advocacy for parents; maybe I’ll get to photograph the blessings from above……I don’t know exactly. I have a new compassion for my own kids, for sick kids, for parents of sick kids…All I know for sure is I am forever changed and, while I don’t think I’d choose to walk it again, I’m thankful for it. For the first time in about 3+ years, we’re looking forward to a new normal this school year. One free of therapies, procedures, dr appts, surgeries, medicines, shots, swallow studies, battles with insurance companies…
So here we are on the other side--With un-expressably (is that a word?) huge thanks and gratitude in my heart and soul…Love,Tammy
Friday, August 14, 2009
Bright Ideas
Me and my bright ideas. Our homeschool group is delivering supplies to the Children's Hospital today. That place being near and dear to my heart, I thought I'd take a bunch out there with them and go on the tour. I have to leave in a little bit and I'm realizing it might be a little emotional. Not that that will kill me, but I think I'd rather not. Can't get in touch with anyone, so I guess I'm headed out there. I'll take pictures and post later. At least it's a trip out there for something other than Luke's health!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Flappers and Gorilla Glue
So I'm turning 40 in February. Fun. I don't feel like that could be even remotely possible. So why not run my 2nd marathon?! A triathlon probably just isn't realistic training-wise right now, so I'm going for the marathon. It's 4 days before my birthday. That's good because the day of my birthday I'll be able to eat my birthday-er...frosting. The cake part just isn't worth the calories. So just gimme my bowl of very chocolatey frosting and a spoon and I'll be happy.
So I head out on my run this morning before it's over 100 degrees-again! I take my first few steps and hear a funny flapping noise. Grr...it's my shoe! New running shoes are just not in the budget, so maybe some gorilla glue?! Duct tape? Hmmm...endless possibilities. They do make duct tape in all kinds of colors these days. Bet I could find some to match my shoe. I'll post photo documentation when I figure it out.
My husband's tennies fell apart and he actually did duct tape them! Pretty bad, though, when you have trails of tennis shoe behind you!
Packing for a short trip to cooler weather with John soon.
So I head out on my run this morning before it's over 100 degrees-again! I take my first few steps and hear a funny flapping noise. Grr...it's my shoe! New running shoes are just not in the budget, so maybe some gorilla glue?! Duct tape? Hmmm...endless possibilities. They do make duct tape in all kinds of colors these days. Bet I could find some to match my shoe. I'll post photo documentation when I figure it out.
My husband's tennies fell apart and he actually did duct tape them! Pretty bad, though, when you have trails of tennis shoe behind you!
Packing for a short trip to cooler weather with John soon.
First Haircut
Our long & curly-haired little man got his first haircut on Saturday. See? Isn't he cute? Let me tell you, it isn't easy cutting the hair of a moving target without injuring him, my own fingers, or risking doing a terrible job.
This sweet angel face is hiding the terrible toddler tantrum that he has shown us a few times lately. At the pool the day before this picture (Friday), I once again undressed him outside of our home to get the wet clothes off (you'd think I'd learn already). He had a MONSTER meltdown and didn't stop until we were most of the way home. Whew. Tiring. Thank goodness for the older 3 children pitching in to unload the stroller while I tackled the carseat.
We made homemade cinnamon rolls that afternoon. Yum! I mean dough rising, rolling pin requiring, rolling up the dough and all. It was deelish!
This sweet angel face is hiding the terrible toddler tantrum that he has shown us a few times lately. At the pool the day before this picture (Friday), I once again undressed him outside of our home to get the wet clothes off (you'd think I'd learn already). He had a MONSTER meltdown and didn't stop until we were most of the way home. Whew. Tiring. Thank goodness for the older 3 children pitching in to unload the stroller while I tackled the carseat.We made homemade cinnamon rolls that afternoon. Yum! I mean dough rising, rolling pin requiring, rolling up the dough and all. It was deelish!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Gag Me
Got my braces off last week. What was supposed to be 6 weeks turned into 10, but it's completely worth it. And now...the retainer. Let's just say I have a tremendous gag reflex. I thought I was going to gag every time I spoke with my tongue hitting the retainer and roof of my mouth. So the simple solution would be to just not talk. Riiiight. I have 4 kids-remember? I just wanted to find more ways to keep it interesting.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Seeing is Believing
Look who got glasses last week! Our shaggy-headed, handsome Jake. You can't see the color super well, but the frame is a muted metallic green-Jake's fav color.
I got my braces off today! Wahoo!
So my big blip for today and lesson well-learned? NEVER gulp a giant glass of cold, refreshing milk without first looking at the expiration date and smelling it! Oh yeah...I did and it was DISgusting. By the time I realized it tasted awful and smelled worse that first gulp was hitting my belly...I'll spare you further details. Trust me--check your expiration dates. Never a dull moment...
Have to start getting school planning done for the school year which is fast approaching. Yikes!
Blessings: I'm incredibly aware of just how blessed we are with our children and health. Rocking Luke, I just took in his sweet-smelling hair and held him as he wrapped his arms around me as far as he could reach. He giggled as he gave me Eskimo kisses and tried to tickle me with that little mischievous grin. I am so thankful for each of our children and the blessing they each are in our lives. I am forever changed and am oh so grateful.
New Normal
Where in the world do I start? We are coming up for air from a long, hard season in our lives. 2006 was a year filled with miscarriages and challenge. 2007 we had a high risk pregnancy with sweet baby Luke being added to our overjoyed family in October. He became sick at 3 weeks of age and thus began 21 months of hospitalizations, surgeries, procedures, therapies, feeding tubes, medicines, complications, and miracles...you get the idea. During that time in 2008, John was laid off for 6 months. We were on our knees. We struggled to continue daily life.
Fast forward in time to July 2009...We found out last week that Luke is no longer aspirating!! Great news!! It's what we've been waiting for for a very long while. So he/we graduated from occupational therapy (OT) Friday and he is now weaning from reflux meds. This is the first week we've had with no therapy, no upcoming procedures/surgeries/tests in a long time! I think it's only now beginning to sink in, a week later, that we can begin to move on.
Before I can really turn my full attention to what's before us, I have to look in the rearview mirror and process some. I'm so thankful to our Heavenly Father that He has carried us through these trials. He has provided for every need every step of the way. Back in our hospital days we said that we were bodysurfing as the hands of those praying for us were holding us up as Jesus with skin on. I know that's true today, looking back. It was and is definitely God who carried us through. There is absolutely no other way.
So today, we look forward to a school year in which we can focus. Focus on all the things we've been wishing to focus on. God, spouse, family, school, activities...I'm looking forward to a new beginning. We've had many, many new normals. This one is a welcome new normal!!!
Danielle is our sweet 13 year old who loves swimming. Jake is our 10 year old who loves bugs and inventing. Allie is our 5 year old who loves pretending and you never know what she's going to come up with. Luke is our 21 month old who is full of humor. We are richly blessed with family, friends, and health.
This is the nutshell version of where we are today. I am so excited about this cyber scrapbooking adventure!
Love and Blessings,
Tammy
Fast forward in time to July 2009...We found out last week that Luke is no longer aspirating!! Great news!! It's what we've been waiting for for a very long while. So he/we graduated from occupational therapy (OT) Friday and he is now weaning from reflux meds. This is the first week we've had with no therapy, no upcoming procedures/surgeries/tests in a long time! I think it's only now beginning to sink in, a week later, that we can begin to move on.
Before I can really turn my full attention to what's before us, I have to look in the rearview mirror and process some. I'm so thankful to our Heavenly Father that He has carried us through these trials. He has provided for every need every step of the way. Back in our hospital days we said that we were bodysurfing as the hands of those praying for us were holding us up as Jesus with skin on. I know that's true today, looking back. It was and is definitely God who carried us through. There is absolutely no other way.
So today, we look forward to a school year in which we can focus. Focus on all the things we've been wishing to focus on. God, spouse, family, school, activities...I'm looking forward to a new beginning. We've had many, many new normals. This one is a welcome new normal!!!
Danielle is our sweet 13 year old who loves swimming. Jake is our 10 year old who loves bugs and inventing. Allie is our 5 year old who loves pretending and you never know what she's going to come up with. Luke is our 21 month old who is full of humor. We are richly blessed with family, friends, and health.
This is the nutshell version of where we are today. I am so excited about this cyber scrapbooking adventure!
Love and Blessings,
Tammy
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