I went to the public library to rent some DVDs. Upon check-out, I discovered a 20 dollar fine. Actually 20 dollars and 80 cents, to be exact! The very sweet circulation clerk informed me that she could not rent to me (bad credit, I guess).
Considering my fairly new membership (it's been 6 weeks), I feel the need to report of my return negligence. I have also already lost my first book. I told my friend Donna that the library should be able to offer her a raise by the end of the year (if they don't ban me, that is...).
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
No Grandpa :(
Grandpa was supposed to come for a visit this weekend. Little Carlton was very excited; he and Grandpa are great napping partners.
(These are the only pics I have of G-pa and Noah on the computer. I will have to solve this problem soon!)
So, Grandpa called last night to tell us he's been exposed to a cold that became bronchitis. Uh-oh.....no Grandpa!!
I have spoken with some other preemie parents and found the following to be pretty standard among them. Cold and flu season means quarantine for the baby. Due to an increased risk of RSV, they do not take chances by letting children, or parents of children visit. They do not take the baby out, and anyone with a sniffle, sneeze, sore throat, etc. just cannot see the baby.
Why all the big deals? It's just a cold, right?
I felt this way for awhile. Then I did some research. Turns out that RSV is one of MANY MANY viruses that can cause a common cold. However, if an adult (or healthy kid) has it, they may have "just a cold." If a preemie, or even a "healthy" newborn contracts RSV, they could become very ill (pneumonia or bronchitis), require respiratory assistance (canula, or at worst; ventilator), loose coordination when eating, become and remain hospitalized, and other "Yikes!" occurrences.
Therefore; no Grandpa. :(
(The bigger blue and clear tube is the ventilator. It's shoved down his trachea and hooked up to a big machine that breathed for Noah. He was very resistant to coming off the vent (it took almost 2 months). When he developed a serious infection, his lungs were hit and scarred pretty badly. Thank God for modern technology!!!)
(When Noah finally graduated from the vent, he moved on to the nasal canula. He had to be re-hospitalized and re-"intubated" for an eye surgery in August. The re-intubation freaked me out more than the surgery or hospitalization!!!)
Upon further research, I found out that babies usually acquire a temporary immune system (antibodies), via placenta, during the 3rd trimester. Since the eager munchkin did not stay in there till the 3rd trimester, he received no immune system from mom!! This leaves him extra susceptible. Things like church and other "crowds" become "iffy" and not recommended during the C&F season. The RSV virus can even survive on hard surfaces for hours (doorknobs, countertops, if you're still reading this, buy some hand sanitizer!).
However, by this time next year, he will be developing his very own brand new, top of the line immune system and will be much stronger!!! Oh yeah, and there are these $1,000 a pop shots called Synagis. Noah will need to get them monthly for the first 2-3 years during C&F. They will not prevent him from getting RSV, by can cut the outcome in half, in case he does. Thank goodness for Illinois AllKids Insurance!!!
I am also grateful that God has been having me read the gospels. The miraculous healings and miracles that Jesus preformed are so encouraging!! All it took was the faith of many parents, and their children were healed; even brought back to life!!!
If you are a friend or family member, and we don't come to see you this winter, I hope you understand!! Not that you're all super germ-infested, or anything!!! Or... I think we still have some of those white hospital masks...
(The Masked Maiden; a conscientious visit from A. Carra)
.JPG)
(These are the only pics I have of G-pa and Noah on the computer. I will have to solve this problem soon!)
So, Grandpa called last night to tell us he's been exposed to a cold that became bronchitis. Uh-oh.....no Grandpa!!
I have spoken with some other preemie parents and found the following to be pretty standard among them. Cold and flu season means quarantine for the baby. Due to an increased risk of RSV, they do not take chances by letting children, or parents of children visit. They do not take the baby out, and anyone with a sniffle, sneeze, sore throat, etc. just cannot see the baby.
Why all the big deals? It's just a cold, right?
I felt this way for awhile. Then I did some research. Turns out that RSV is one of MANY MANY viruses that can cause a common cold. However, if an adult (or healthy kid) has it, they may have "just a cold." If a preemie, or even a "healthy" newborn contracts RSV, they could become very ill (pneumonia or bronchitis), require respiratory assistance (canula, or at worst; ventilator), loose coordination when eating, become and remain hospitalized, and other "Yikes!" occurrences.
Therefore; no Grandpa. :(
(The bigger blue and clear tube is the ventilator. It's shoved down his trachea and hooked up to a big machine that breathed for Noah. He was very resistant to coming off the vent (it took almost 2 months). When he developed a serious infection, his lungs were hit and scarred pretty badly. Thank God for modern technology!!!)
(When Noah finally graduated from the vent, he moved on to the nasal canula. He had to be re-hospitalized and re-"intubated" for an eye surgery in August. The re-intubation freaked me out more than the surgery or hospitalization!!!)
Upon further research, I found out that babies usually acquire a temporary immune system (antibodies), via placenta, during the 3rd trimester. Since the eager munchkin did not stay in there till the 3rd trimester, he received no immune system from mom!! This leaves him extra susceptible. Things like church and other "crowds" become "iffy" and not recommended during the C&F season. The RSV virus can even survive on hard surfaces for hours (doorknobs, countertops, if you're still reading this, buy some hand sanitizer!).
However, by this time next year, he will be developing his very own brand new, top of the line immune system and will be much stronger!!! Oh yeah, and there are these $1,000 a pop shots called Synagis. Noah will need to get them monthly for the first 2-3 years during C&F. They will not prevent him from getting RSV, by can cut the outcome in half, in case he does. Thank goodness for Illinois AllKids Insurance!!!
I am also grateful that God has been having me read the gospels. The miraculous healings and miracles that Jesus preformed are so encouraging!! All it took was the faith of many parents, and their children were healed; even brought back to life!!!
If you are a friend or family member, and we don't come to see you this winter, I hope you understand!! Not that you're all super germ-infested, or anything!!! Or... I think we still have some of those white hospital masks...
(The Masked Maiden; a conscientious visit from A. Carra)
.JPG)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Ahhhh Fellowship!!
Let me say that again; "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" That was a long, drawn out, relaxed ahh, not the frightened, or in pain ahhh!
Our awesome brother and sister came to spend time with us last night. It was extrordinary. I never used to understand why people called each other brother and sister. Now I get it, for we are truely kin.
Whenever we spend time with them, God's presence just FILLS my heart. I'm certain that His light shines (I'm talking BROAD daylight) anytime there is fellowship like that. What a blessing.
Tom and Britney are true servants of God. Carlton and I were talking about how easy it is to talk a good solid walk. These two walk it, clearly. At dinner, the presence of God touched our server (Britney's words and Tom's prayer were magnificent to share in). They would never boast, as ALL their glory goes to Jesus. Anyone who knows them will be blessed to experience God's love.
We love you, guys!! It was AWESOME to see you!
"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin."
-1 John 1:7
Our awesome brother and sister came to spend time with us last night. It was extrordinary. I never used to understand why people called each other brother and sister. Now I get it, for we are truely kin.
Whenever we spend time with them, God's presence just FILLS my heart. I'm certain that His light shines (I'm talking BROAD daylight) anytime there is fellowship like that. What a blessing.
Tom and Britney are true servants of God. Carlton and I were talking about how easy it is to talk a good solid walk. These two walk it, clearly. At dinner, the presence of God touched our server (Britney's words and Tom's prayer were magnificent to share in). They would never boast, as ALL their glory goes to Jesus. Anyone who knows them will be blessed to experience God's love.
We love you, guys!! It was AWESOME to see you!
"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin."
-1 John 1:7
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
NoahsLine
When Noah was in the hospital this summer, we had to quit our jobs (which also meant leaving our home-cuz that's where we worked) to be able to see him. Carlton has had an awesome business idea for years, and God decided June was time for him to go through with it.
We got an Official Business License, email, PO Box, Tax Id Number and all this other stuff you need to have a business. It was such a new experience!! We also began to accumulate customers and interest in the strangest of situations...
Since we do not have our website up, here is a taste of what you will (hopefully) see SOON at www.noahsline.com:
Welcome!!!
NoaHsLine is a line of clothing dedicated to the Almighty God and our Lord, Jesus Christ. The PURPOSE of the line is to encourage God’s children to read their Bibles, or re-read, as the case may be.
PS We are ALL called to be God’s children!!
“And when He had called all the people unto Him, he said unto them ‘Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand.’”
-Mark 7:14
Why “ NoaHsLine?”
2 Reasons:
#1: Our son, Noah, who is a true miracle. Born 4 months early, he is a testament to the Living God. Each day is truly a gift from the Lord, Jesus Christ.
#2: In times of great unrighteousness, Noah had a direct line to God. God led him to salvation with the guidance of His words.
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”
-Genesis 6:8
NoaHsLine offers a variety of apparel including:
Women's tank tops
White T-shirts
Colored T-shirts
Hooded sweatshirts (Zip and pullover)
NoahsLine hopes…
Busy schedules in these present times lead us to forget God’s Word. Whether you purchase a shirt, or not, we hope that you take a few extra minutes to slow down and remember your Creator. Let His Word change your life!!!
“Being confident of this one thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
-Philippians 1:6
The Logo...
symbolizes Jesus speaking the Word "NoaHsLine." For those of you who don't know, Jesus is referred to as the "...the Lion of the tribe of Judah..." -Revelation 5:5
Order Info
For questions, comments, or to place an order; email us at noahsline@yahoo.com!
“…Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
-Colossians 1:2
WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK??!!
We got an Official Business License, email, PO Box, Tax Id Number and all this other stuff you need to have a business. It was such a new experience!! We also began to accumulate customers and interest in the strangest of situations...
Since we do not have our website up, here is a taste of what you will (hopefully) see SOON at www.noahsline.com:
Welcome!!!
NoaHsLine is a line of clothing dedicated to the Almighty God and our Lord, Jesus Christ. The PURPOSE of the line is to encourage God’s children to read their Bibles, or re-read, as the case may be.
PS We are ALL called to be God’s children!!
“And when He had called all the people unto Him, he said unto them ‘Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand.’”
-Mark 7:14
Why “ NoaHsLine?”
2 Reasons:
#1: Our son, Noah, who is a true miracle. Born 4 months early, he is a testament to the Living God. Each day is truly a gift from the Lord, Jesus Christ.
#2: In times of great unrighteousness, Noah had a direct line to God. God led him to salvation with the guidance of His words.
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”
-Genesis 6:8
NoaHsLine offers a variety of apparel including:
Women's tank tops
White T-shirts
Colored T-shirts
Hooded sweatshirts (Zip and pullover)
NoahsLine hopes…
Busy schedules in these present times lead us to forget God’s Word. Whether you purchase a shirt, or not, we hope that you take a few extra minutes to slow down and remember your Creator. Let His Word change your life!!!
“Being confident of this one thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
-Philippians 1:6
The Logo...
symbolizes Jesus speaking the Word "NoaHsLine." For those of you who don't know, Jesus is referred to as the "...the Lion of the tribe of Judah..." -Revelation 5:5
Order Info
For questions, comments, or to place an order; email us at noahsline@yahoo.com!
“…Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
-Colossians 1:2
WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK??!!
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Parable of the wheat and the tares
Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the tares in Matthew Ch.13. A farmer planted seeds. His servants came in to report that the enemy had scattered tares among the seeds. They asked if the tares should be removed. The farmer replied that removal of the tares could kill the seeds- “let them grow together until the harvest.”
Let me tell you about my wheat and tare…
My fibroid was brought to my attention two years ago. I was told that if I became pregnant, the fibroid could become a problem. “A problem” meaning big, painful, a nuisance, a large addition to an already rounded pregnant belly, a possible threat to my baby, etc.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that can develop in various locations in and around the uterus. Many women have them and never even know it. Researchers are still unsure what causes them, but they have found that increased estrogen (aka: pregnancy) can encourage rapid growth.
So, fibroids can grow inside the uterus; which means that they can wrestle a baby for space and blood supply. Some also grow within the uterine wall- leading to nutritional deficiencies and (I’m guessing) way too much pressure on the uterine wall, rupturing, internal bleeding, and severe pain??? I really can’t even imagine.
My fibroid was on the outside of my uterus. Noah was actually complete opposite of the massive pain in my butt, and did not have to compete for blood or space.
Thankfully, the Lord had been persistent in calling me back to Him. He and I had been developing a new relationship for about a year when I found out that I was pregnant. When my mean old faithless doctor told me she’d “keep my fingers crossed. First baby, fibroid that big…(head shaking as she walked away)” it fazed me, but not for too long.
I called my husband, and I was reminded to pray. If you have yet to experience God's incredible peace, I highly recommend that you read Philippians 4:6-7. Even if you're familiar, it's an awesome and powerful scripture.
As I became increasingly pregnant, the fibroid began to grow and grow and grow (and grow some more). It took over the right side of my belly, and Noah hung out on the left. EVERYONE asked if I was carrying twins. I didn’t want to go into it so I’d just smile and say; “Nope, I don’t think so.”
At times I would feel a sharp stabbing pain as the darn thing ripped through my (no longer) Abs of Steel. However, the pain was truly minimal. I was mainly just aggravated by the size and presence of it. Irritated that I spent more time rubbing it than my baby- who was not as easily located. I continued to marvel, in annoyance, at the size of it. I also wondered if they could remove the monstrosity. My husband shared Matthew 13 with me- he’s ever encouraging with his knowledge of God’s Word.
The docs told me that the placement of the fibroid was a blessing and that we wouldn’t touch it- as long as I was not in severe pain. They also told me that the amount of blood flowing to my uterus would not allow them to remove the fibroid during the birth of Noah. Basically, odds were that I would bleed to death if they tried. Therefore, I would need to schedule for its removal 6 months after delivery. Oh, the pineapple within. I tried to learn to love it, really, I did!
When they took me in for a C-Section, the fibroid was right in the way of getting to Noah. The “half hour procedure” was taking FOREVER and I began to squirm and have trouble breathing. The doctor apologized “Sorry, Kelly, this fibroid is giving me some trouble.” Turns out, she tried to cut through it, thinking it was my uterus. Eventually, she had to remove it to get to the baby. Remember the odds of “bleeding to death” or looking forward to another surgery in six months? When God has other plans, astounding things happen…
There was barely any blood flowing to the four-pound mass. They took it out, took pictures, named it, and then my husband asked to keep it (we didn’t, they did). Noah weighed less than half of the “tare.” As you all know, he is stronger every day and healthy. He defied all odds to come home with us. Talk about a harvest!!!
I did not include a picture of the fibroid here. If you would like to see it (think a cow heart, or something similar), I can email it to you… Just let me know and I will accommodate.
"I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
-Psalm 34:1
Let me tell you about my wheat and tare…
My fibroid was brought to my attention two years ago. I was told that if I became pregnant, the fibroid could become a problem. “A problem” meaning big, painful, a nuisance, a large addition to an already rounded pregnant belly, a possible threat to my baby, etc.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that can develop in various locations in and around the uterus. Many women have them and never even know it. Researchers are still unsure what causes them, but they have found that increased estrogen (aka: pregnancy) can encourage rapid growth.
So, fibroids can grow inside the uterus; which means that they can wrestle a baby for space and blood supply. Some also grow within the uterine wall- leading to nutritional deficiencies and (I’m guessing) way too much pressure on the uterine wall, rupturing, internal bleeding, and severe pain??? I really can’t even imagine.
My fibroid was on the outside of my uterus. Noah was actually complete opposite of the massive pain in my butt, and did not have to compete for blood or space.
Thankfully, the Lord had been persistent in calling me back to Him. He and I had been developing a new relationship for about a year when I found out that I was pregnant. When my mean old faithless doctor told me she’d “keep my fingers crossed. First baby, fibroid that big…(head shaking as she walked away)” it fazed me, but not for too long.
I called my husband, and I was reminded to pray. If you have yet to experience God's incredible peace, I highly recommend that you read Philippians 4:6-7. Even if you're familiar, it's an awesome and powerful scripture.
As I became increasingly pregnant, the fibroid began to grow and grow and grow (and grow some more). It took over the right side of my belly, and Noah hung out on the left. EVERYONE asked if I was carrying twins. I didn’t want to go into it so I’d just smile and say; “Nope, I don’t think so.”
At times I would feel a sharp stabbing pain as the darn thing ripped through my (no longer) Abs of Steel. However, the pain was truly minimal. I was mainly just aggravated by the size and presence of it. Irritated that I spent more time rubbing it than my baby- who was not as easily located. I continued to marvel, in annoyance, at the size of it. I also wondered if they could remove the monstrosity. My husband shared Matthew 13 with me- he’s ever encouraging with his knowledge of God’s Word.
The docs told me that the placement of the fibroid was a blessing and that we wouldn’t touch it- as long as I was not in severe pain. They also told me that the amount of blood flowing to my uterus would not allow them to remove the fibroid during the birth of Noah. Basically, odds were that I would bleed to death if they tried. Therefore, I would need to schedule for its removal 6 months after delivery. Oh, the pineapple within. I tried to learn to love it, really, I did!
When they took me in for a C-Section, the fibroid was right in the way of getting to Noah. The “half hour procedure” was taking FOREVER and I began to squirm and have trouble breathing. The doctor apologized “Sorry, Kelly, this fibroid is giving me some trouble.” Turns out, she tried to cut through it, thinking it was my uterus. Eventually, she had to remove it to get to the baby. Remember the odds of “bleeding to death” or looking forward to another surgery in six months? When God has other plans, astounding things happen…
There was barely any blood flowing to the four-pound mass. They took it out, took pictures, named it, and then my husband asked to keep it (we didn’t, they did). Noah weighed less than half of the “tare.” As you all know, he is stronger every day and healthy. He defied all odds to come home with us. Talk about a harvest!!!
I did not include a picture of the fibroid here. If you would like to see it (think a cow heart, or something similar), I can email it to you… Just let me know and I will accommodate.
"I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
-Psalm 34:1
Monday, October 6, 2008
Can it be?
Yes, it's true! Almost six months have passed (on the 10th). Noah is tube free and "acting like a real baby" (according to his speech therapist). He still has to wear wires for a bradycardia monitor (fancy talk for a breathing and pulse monitor). It's very fun when he squirms out of the leads at 3 am. The alarm is SUPER loud!!!
He's still on a few medications, but most have been weaned. The latest was his caffeine, and I couldn't be happier about it!!
Since his adjusted age is 2 months old, his development is all over the place. His fine motor skills are closer to 2 months, but his strength is closer to 6. He is eating cereal (like a 6 monther), but sleeps as much as a 2 monther (thanks to no more caffeine).
He meets with a physical therapist every week. Development and speech come bi-monthly. His Drs. appointments are no longer daily. I think we have 3 weeks until the next one!!! He will get a monthly special shot to protect him from RSV as soon as the hospital gets them. Still no day care, his immune system needs more time...
Hope you enjoyed the update and the pictures!!
Mommy's favorite picture! (Quilt cmpliments of the talented Erika Thornton)
Gearing up to go...
Stronger every day!
Pouty face!
The shirt says "Speedy's Delivery Service." (Sense of humor in dire times, compliments of Jessica Markell)
I thought he'd NEVER fit in it!!! Actually, I think THIS one's my favorite...
Hey there!
CHUBBY CHEEKS!
"Hey! I thought you said 'just one more'!!"
No, wait!! THIS is my favorite!!!
One of our many "chats"
A smile with mama
"Yikes, Mama!"
He's still on a few medications, but most have been weaned. The latest was his caffeine, and I couldn't be happier about it!!
Since his adjusted age is 2 months old, his development is all over the place. His fine motor skills are closer to 2 months, but his strength is closer to 6. He is eating cereal (like a 6 monther), but sleeps as much as a 2 monther (thanks to no more caffeine).
He meets with a physical therapist every week. Development and speech come bi-monthly. His Drs. appointments are no longer daily. I think we have 3 weeks until the next one!!! He will get a monthly special shot to protect him from RSV as soon as the hospital gets them. Still no day care, his immune system needs more time...
Hope you enjoyed the update and the pictures!!
Mommy's favorite picture! (Quilt cmpliments of the talented Erika Thornton)
Gearing up to go...
Stronger every day!
Pouty face!
The shirt says "Speedy's Delivery Service." (Sense of humor in dire times, compliments of Jessica Markell)
I thought he'd NEVER fit in it!!! Actually, I think THIS one's my favorite...
Hey there!
CHUBBY CHEEKS!
"Hey! I thought you said 'just one more'!!"
No, wait!! THIS is my favorite!!!
One of our many "chats"
A smile with mama
"Yikes, Mama!"
Friday, October 3, 2008
Cereal City
Since Noah is almost six months old, he is allowed to eat cereal. The docs said it has nothing to do with "adjusted age," which is 6 weeks for him. Most babies are pretty cute and funny with the cereal intro. Let's see if the video works...
It sure didn't !! Oh, well I can tell you what happened. He was STARVING because mommy was having a hard time kicking out some visitors. When they finally left, Grandma and Mommy sat him down with the super deluxe towel bib (compliments of Great Grandma Roedel). He took in the spoon, checked it out, and started to wail. Not realizing he had ACTUAL FOOD in his mouth, he was more content to scarf down his bottle.
It sure didn't !! Oh, well I can tell you what happened. He was STARVING because mommy was having a hard time kicking out some visitors. When they finally left, Grandma and Mommy sat him down with the super deluxe towel bib (compliments of Great Grandma Roedel). He took in the spoon, checked it out, and started to wail. Not realizing he had ACTUAL FOOD in his mouth, he was more content to scarf down his bottle.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
GRANDMA!!!
Grandma came to town last night and "Little Carlton" was all smiles!!
He was very happy to see her, so were his parents.
Mommys and Daddys start looking verrrrrry sleeeeepy, if you know what I mean...
He was very happy to see her, so were his parents.
Mommys and Daddys start looking verrrrrry sleeeeepy, if you know what I mean...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
